Sihanoukville, once a quiet coastal city in Cambodia, has been at the centre of contrasting narratives – some portraying it as a city mired in crime and controversy, while others celebrate it as a burgeoning hub of development and economic promise. 

Mang Sineth, governor of Preah Sihanouk Province, paints an alternative picture of progress and safety, challenging the bleak portrayals often found in certain media outlets.

According to Sineth, the strategic importance of the region has never been clearer. With a trifecta of transportation infrastructure – air, land and water – the province is poised to become a hub for both domestic and international commerce, he explains.

Sineth highlighted the region’s improved security as a key element in its growth story.

“Preah Sihanouk Province is not only safe for tourists and investors but also for our citizens,” he said, in a recent interview with over 30 media organisations. 

The province is bolstered by a robust security infrastructure, including the Provincial Police Commissioner, Military Headquarters and dedicated staff in every commune and district, ensuring safety and order, he added.

Sihanoukville has recently been the subject of high-profile chilling crimes, including the case of a Chinese man who claimed he was held as a “blood slave” by an online fraud gang, where he was repeatedly drained of blood and tortured after refusing to join their scams​. 

Another incident involved the abduction and murder of a Chinese victim, whose body was found in a canal, leading to the arrest of seven suspects​. 

A crew member secures a fast ferry at one of the many piers serving Koh Rong Island. Sihanoukville is a major departure point for the province’s many pristine islands. Hong Raksmey

These crimes highlight the narrative of the dark underbelly of the region’s post-gambling ban transition to scam networks, with reports of human trafficking, forced labour and extreme exploitation becoming alarmingly frequent​.

“A small number of media outlets have reported inaccurately about the province. The Chinese fabricated the fake news of a ‘blood slave’. In reality, the individual was an illegal immigrant with chronic haemophilia who was unemployed and seeking to earn money for treatment,” said Sineth. 

The governor has addressed additional allegations of organ harvesting, specifically a fabricated story involving a Thai woman and Chinese individuals. 

He said the National Police, in collaboration with Thai authorities, successfully apprehended the woman responsible for creating the false claims. 

She will face legal consequences for her actions, which were aimed at misleading the public and inciting fear​.

Sineth clarified reports about business owners restricting workers within their premises, explaining that these measures originated during the Covid-19 crisis. 

At that time, businesses enforced lockdowns to ensure the safety of employees and guests, requiring workers to remain on-site for both work and accommodation. 

Preah Sihanouk provincial governor recently met with the media to challenge certain negative reporting about the province, which he says is seeing remarkable development and public order. Hong Raksmey

He noted that this practice persisted until the end of the pandemic and the subsequent reopening of the country.

However, through efforts by the provincial administration, most businesses eventually granted their workers the freedom to move freely and leave their workplaces, he added.

In response to security, the province has invested heavily in technology to monitor and enhance public safety. 

“With 533 road safety cameras installed across 433 locations, Sihanoukville stands as a model of modern urban security,” said Sineth.  

A hotline system, designed to receive complaints from both domestic and international visitors, further demonstrates the province's commitment to transparency and responsiveness.

Sineth proudly pointed out that Preah Sihanouk has been recognized for its achievements in maintaining public order. 

It has received the government’s “Safe Villages, Communes/Sangkats” award multiple times, clinching first place 8 times, second place 15 times and third place 6 times, showcasing a notable decline in crime over the years.

The Bay of Lights mixed-use development, in ‘Kampong Saom City’, is a centrepiece of the province’s progress. Supplied

Navigating the shadow of fake news

However, alongside this progress, Sihanoukville has also found itself battling misinformation, particularly from sensationalised stories circulating on social media. 

These stories, many of which were fabricated and amplified by foreign media outlets, have painted a distorted picture of Sihanoukville town in particular, explained the governor. 

“Some foreigners ask, if Sihanoukville develops successfully, what do they gain from it? We believe some don’t want to see our progress, but we will continue to grow and prove them wrong,” he remarked.

An economic vision for the future

Despite the distractions of misinformation, the reality of Sihanoukville's development remains focused on long-term goals, according to the governor. 

The provincial government is committed to transforming Sihanoukville into a world-class commercial and industrial centre. 

Tourists enjoy one of the province’s many unique attractions – a sculpture park in the town of Sihanoukville. Hong Raksmey

“The plan includes the development of a deep-water port capable of handling vessels up to 160,000 tonnes by 2029, setting the stage for international trade and global connectivity,” he said. 

Sineth also pointed to the creation of the Bay of Lights development in “Kampong Saom City”, envisioned as both a commercial metropolis and an international financial hub. 

In addition, the government aims to develop the surrounding islands into premier tourist destinations, drawing international visitors while creating jobs and fostering economic growth for the local population.

The development of the special economic zone is not just about infrastructure, however. It also focuses on creating a sustainable environment for businesses, investors and tourists. 

The development vision includes a focus on diverse industries, ranging from manufacturing to technology, tourism, and finance aiming to create a thriving ecosystem where all sectors can benefit, Sineth continued.