Authorities in Cambodia’s Preah Sihanouk province say nearly one‑third of stalled investment projects have resumed, marking a cautious revival for the coastal city long scarred by abandoned high‑rises.

A June survey identified 428 projects involving 468 unfinished structures, mostly hotels, apartments and casinos left vacant after the 2019 online gambling ban, the pandemic and the departure of Chinese investors. Officials report that 128 projects—around 34%—are now back under construction or reopened.

Im Sokthy, head of the provincial investment working group, credited incentives such as property tax exemptions extended until 2028 and regular dialogue with developers. Since 2024, more than 490 projects worth $8.4 billion have been approved, expected to create over 60,000 jobs.

Security remains central to the recovery. Governor Mang Sineth stressed that authorities are dismantling online scam operations, once notorious in Sihanoukville. Large compounds have been shut down, though smaller networks persist in rental houses and disguised businesses. “We are determined to eradicate them,” he said, adding that daily life in the province remains stable.

The government hopes the clean‑up will reassure investors and tourists, particularly from China, as Cambodia promotes its Green Season campaign. A two‑day tourism forum in Sihanoukville this week sought to highlight the province’s potential as a safe and attractive destination.

For a city once synonymous with unfinished towers and illicit activity, the revival of projects signals progress. Whether momentum can be sustained will depend on investor confidence and the success of efforts to eliminate cybercrime.

-2026-07-30

23 hours ago, geovalin said:

A June survey identified 428 projects involving 468 unfinished structures, mostly hotels, apartments and casinos left vacant after the 2019 online gambling ban, the pandemic and the departure of Chinese investors. Officials report that 128 projects—around 34%—are now back under construction or reopened.

Without gambling, Chinese gangsters, and scam compounds, what possible demand exists for so many huge buildings in a small beach town?