Phnom Penh has officially banned all forms of smoking and tobacco use on the city’s popular Chaktomuk Pedestrian Street, also known as Walk Street. The move, announced by the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration, aims to create a cleaner, greener, and healthier environment for the thousands of locals and tourists who visit the street every weekend.
Details of the Ban
The new directive prohibits smoking of any kind—including traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapes, heated tobacco products, and shisha—within the designated pedestrian zone. This includes public areas, streets, parks, and even the areas in front of restaurants and shops during the street’s operational hours (from 6 PM to 1 AM every weekend).
Businesses located along Walk Street are now required to display “No Smoking” signs clearly and in sufficient numbers. The advertising and display of any tobacco products are also strictly forbidden.
Promoting a Healthier Environment
The initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce the health, social, economic, and environmental impacts of tobacco smoke. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that tobacco use is a significant health crisis, claiming over eight million lives annually worldwide. In Cambodia, tobacco use leads to approximately 15,000 deaths each year. This new ban is a proactive step by the city to protect public health and reduce exposure to secondhand smoke.
Officials from the Daun Penh District Administration and commune officials have been tasked with publicizing the ban and ensuring compliance among business owners and visitors. The community response has been largely positive, with business owners and residents expressing support for the measure, citing a desire for a cleaner and more pleasant environment for everyone.