Tourism Minister Thong Khon yesterday requested that Phnom Penh City Governor Pa Socheatvong consider closing Sisowath Quay – the road that runs along the capital’s riverside – from Wat Phnom to the Royal Palace on Saturday and Sunday evenings to better accommodate tourists.

Khon suggested closing that stretch of the road from 5pm to 2am, but stressed it was just a request, and it would be up to Socheatvong “to do it or not”.

“We cannot force them,” he said.

It would also be up to Phnom Penh City Hall to formulate a plan on how to deal with traffic congestion as a result of the closure, he said.

City Hall spokesman Mean Chanyada said Khon had not made a formal request, but city officials believed the idea would be good for tourists.

Once they receive the official request, city officials will meet with ministry officials to discuss what benefits they would see and whether public parking would be needed.

“We need to do it step-by-step,” he said. “When we receive the request . . . we will discuss about it.”