According to a voice message and statement from Cambodian Prime-Minister Hun Sen entry to the opening and closing events, as well as all sports will be free for Cambodian citizens.
The remarks came after prices for ticket had been announced, which ranged from $25-50. This resulted in many netizens not only complaining about the price, but saying they would not attend.
Why will there be free to SEA Games for Cambodians?
According to the leader of the country, neither him, nor Defence Minister Tea Banh, President of the Cambodian SEA Games Organising Committee (CAMSOC) had approved the price of the tickets, and as the event was of such national importance locals should not have to pay.
According to the Prime-Minister “We spent millions of US dollars and we have spent many years to organise this event; therefore, how can we sell tickets to our own people? How much can we get (from selling tickets”?
Cambodia has of course spent millions of tax-payer money on infrastructure for the games, meaning that citizens have already paid at least some price for hosting the games.
He further added that if any officials did not adhere to this rule they would be dealt with severely and that he could not believe that “no one had thought of it before”.
No announcement has yet been made about whether Khmer people will have to pre-register, or simply turn up at the events with their national ID in lieu of a ticket.
Cambodia famously provides free entry to all Cambodian citizens holders to its national treasures, such as Angkor Wat, while foreign passport holders are expected to pay for entrance.
To read about visiting an empty Angkor Wat click here
Will foreign residents be allowed for free too?
While there has been rumors that foreign residents, or even foreigners in general would also be able to attend events for free, there has as of yet been no official announcements to confirm, or deny this.
The allowing of free entrance to the SEA Games for Cambodians may anger some other nations, such as Thailand, who have been vocal about a number of issues, such as the pricing of broadcasting rights.
To read about the row regarding broadcasting rights click here.
The announcement is also expected to cover the SEA Para Games, which are also taking part within the Kingdom.
This article is adapted from BPVE SPORT Cambodia, reported and edited from the great team – Cambodia Sports Review.
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