On the morning of January 23, 2026, Preah Sihanouk provincial council chairman Vong Phanat opened the administration's work-review conference. He said that despite obstacles in 2025, Cambodia had achieved much across sectors in implementing the government's political programme and Pentagonal Strategy Phase One under Prime Minister Hun Manet's commitment. He credited firm protection of sovereignty and territorial integrity to rigorous implementation of positive peaceful coexistence and effective international mechanisms, aimed at preserving peace for the nation and its people.
Governor Mang Sineth, provincial councillors, representatives of units across the province and the private sector attended.
The chairman added that although the province had successfully overcome crises and challenges in 2025, an assessment of continuing tensions and complexities pointed to economic, social and security challenges ahead. Concerns included cross-border crime, technology-related offences and other crimes, particularly those affecting social psychology, drugs, human trafficking, the sex trade and traffic accidents. Authorities and security forces needed to monitor regional and international developments and strengthen provincial management to devise effective policies and measures for security, public order and social safety during Chinese New Year, Khmer New Year and other events. Under the programme, after summaries of 2025 results and 2026 directions by the provincial administration and government local working group, reports on the 2025 safe village–commune–sangkat policy competition and implementation of the province's 2025 special investment-promotion programme, the conference would feature interventions on seven key themes and joint discussions. These would promote good governance, public services and local economic development, meet essential needs and address priority local challenges effectively, improving livelihoods and reducing poverty with efficiency, inclusion and social equity.
The chairman further said that, in line with the national strategic development plan and Pentagonal Strategy Phase One of the government during the National Assembly's seventh legislature under Hun Manet, the provincial unified command had worked to prevent, stop and suppress all forms of crime, illegal online gambling, technology-related fraud and activities attempting to create disorder in the province.
The provincial unified command consistently promoted the safe village–commune–sangkat policy and disseminated it through various means to civil servants, staff, male and female workers and residents throughout Preah Sihanouk.
By: Pai Sokhim.
