Phnom Penh (FN), Mar. 16 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, on 15 March, ordered Minister for Public Works and Transport Sun Chanthol to assist four Cambodia’s river cruise ships refused dockings by Vietnam due to a fear of Covid-19.

The ships' owner made a direct request to Prime Minister Hun Sen through Facebook page.

“Four Cambodian ships carrying passengers from Siem Reap to Vietnam were stranded in the middle of the river in Vietnam. Vietnamese authorities denied our cruise ships to dock,” Phan Soben, owner of the cruises, wrote in the comment section of the premier’s Facebook on 15 March.

He added that the ship has a total of 90 crews and more than 60 passengers of mixed nationalities. The ships are facing shortages of water, fuel, and food.

Minister Sun Chanthol told Fresh News Monday that one of the three of ships had no passengers but only crews. The other three carry mostly European tourists.

“We are coordinating for the ships to dock in Vietnam. If unsuccessful, the Royal Government will allow the four river cruises to enter Cambodia through K'am Samnar International Checkpoint following medical checks,” Minsiter Chanthol said.

“If all the passengers are in good health, they will be sent to Phnom Penh,” he added.

Cambodia, on 13 March 2020, announced to temporarily close entries on cruises from Vietnam entering Cambodia through K'am Samnar International Checkpoint in Kandal province in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The decision came after three British among the 64 passengers and crews aboard Viking Cruise Journey were tested positive of Covid-19. The Viking Cruise Journey arrived Cambodia from Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh on 7 March 2020.
=FRESH NEWS