Cambodia cracks down on NagaWorld casino workers amid mass layoff protests

A strike over 365 disputed layoffs turns volatile as Cambodia detains protesters—including a union president. Why the US is watching closely.

, and Administrator

2026 May 4 . 11:14 PM

1 min read

The image shows a stone carving on the wall of a temple in Angkor Thom, Cambodia depicting a scene... — The image shows a stone carving on the wall of a temple in Angkor Thom, Cambodia depicting a scene of a man being attacked by a group of people. The carvings on the stone are intricate and detailed, depicting the man in the center of the image with a determined expression on his face.

Cambodia cracks down on NagaWorld casino workers amid mass layoff protests

Fifteen protesting workers were arrested at NagaWorld, Cambodia’s largest casino, following a strike over mass layoffs. The detentions included Chhim Sithar, president of the Labour Rights Supported Union (LRSU), and nine others charged with endangering security on New Year’s Day. The dispute centres on the dismissal of 365 employees in April, which workers claim was unlawful. The strike began after NagaWorld laid off 365 staff in April, a move unions argue violated labour laws. Workers picketed outside the hotel and casino, demanding reinstatement, though operations continued without disruption. Government officials declared the strike illegal but faced criticism from the US embassy, which urged authorities to listen to citizens’ concerns.

Sophal Ear, an associate dean at Arizona State University, questioned the government’s justification for the layoffs, citing COVID-19 as a pretext. He warned that the arrests could damage employee morale and the company’s reputation. The omicron variant has already strained NagaWorld’s finances, adding pressure to the ongoing dispute. Authorities detained nine protesters on 1 January, charging them with endangering national security. Six more, including Sithar, were arrested later, escalating tensions between workers and management.

The arrests have drawn international attention, with the US embassy calling for dialogue. Analysts suggest the crackdown may harm NagaWorld’s workforce stability and public image. Meanwhile, the casino faces financial challenges from the pandemic and ongoing labour unrest.