Background
The Office of the Council of Ministers (OCM) dispatched a royal government working group to Kampong Thom as part of provincial coordination and development follow-up. More than 200 trainees completed hospitality, culinary, housekeeping and front-office courses at Kampong Thom Multi-Technical Institute and received certificates presented by the Deputy Prime Minister on 6 June 2026.
The provincial tourism development plan for 2026–2030 identifies three strategic poles to guide investment and infrastructure: a cultural-heritage corridor around Sambor Prei Kuk, Santuk Mountain positioned for religious and wellness tourism, and a Stung Sen urban night-tourism zone. Provincial authorities have requested that ministries and agencies prioritise project implementation and supporting infrastructure for tourism-linked investments in Kampong Thom.
Key Developments
On 6 June 2026 the Deputy Prime Minister, acting as head of the government working group to Kampong Thom, presided over a certificate ceremony at Kampong Thom Multi-Technical Institute for graduates of short vocational courses in tourism services. The event brought together central government representatives, provincial officials and private-sector participants to mark completion of training in food and beverage service, cookery, housekeeping and front-office skills.
Institutional Role
The OCM-led provincial working group is functioning as a coordination mechanism to align central ministries with provincial planning and project delivery. The Ministry of Tourism has formally announced the Kampong Thom 2026–2030 plan and provincial leaders have called for sustained ministry and agency support to translate the plan into projects, subprojects and related infrastructure works.
Market Impact
The Kampong Thom plan explicitly links tourism development with opportunities for agriculture, agro-industry and commerce by promoting integrated product and service offerings such as agri-tourism, market-linked tourism products and eco-tourism. Provincial proposals include improving connectivity with neighbouring provinces such as Siem Reap and Preah Vihear to form a broader tourism ecosystem that can support local value chains.
