The original report describes reduced customer traffic in some Chinese business districts in Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and elsewhere since the start of 2026, against the backdrop of Cambodia’s continuing anti-scam operations. Some Chinese restaurants, karaoke venues and associated businesses reportedly saw slower trade, with individual operators suspending business or offering premises for sublease. The report links these changes to departures of certain groups and shrinking consumption, among other factors.
It quotes several operators as saying consumers had become more cautious, while instability in payment systems and rising costs for logistics, gas, imported ingredients, seasonings and equipment were squeezing restaurant margins. These are observations attributed to the operators described, rather than statistical findings covering every city or the entire industry.
Some operators also said sustained action against scams and illegal industries could gradually improve the business environment. They hoped tourism recovery, progress on visa-exemption policies and additional legitimate investment would support restaurants and other physical businesses. These are expectations, not confirmation that the policies had already taken effect or recovery had occurred.
