"PM Calls for Higher Construction Standards Amid Earthquake Fears", 7 April 2025

In the wake of a deadly 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, which also caused devastation in neighboring Thailand, Prime Minister Hun Manet called on authorities and developers to strengthen construction quality in Cambodia, particularly high-rise and older buildings, to prevent risks of natural disasters and climate change.

… He called on construction companies to consider safety standards and not compromise on quality. Although they have to ”compete to make money quickly”, they must be responsible for residents’ safety.

If the contractor knows that the work is technically incorrect and still does it, it is illegal according to the law.

So, he requested the private sector to join the state and diligently observe construction standards. It must be strictly implemented to protect people and prevent misfortunes from happening.

… The earthquake in central Myanmar caused significant damage and fatalities. According to the BBC, the death toll had risen to 3,000, with 4,715 people injured and hundreds more missing.

The effect of the earthquake was also felt in Thailand where a 30-storey building under construction in Bangkok collapsed resulting in loss of lives, including a Cambodian migrant worker from Malai district, Banteay Meanchey. A few more Cambodians are thought to be buried still in the debris.

Leung Sophon of Cambodian labor rights NGO CENTRAL, told … that Hun Manet’s call to improve the quality of construction in Cambodia was necessary and those involved in the sector should pay close attention. In other words, he said, if constructions in Cambodia do not meet technical standards, it will affect human lives and the tourism sector…