The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) is stepping up efforts to encourage wider use of the Khmer riel in everyday transactions, highlighting digital payment platforms such as Bakong and KHQR as tools to strengthen the national currency and advance the country's digital economy. At a public awareness workshop in Kampot province on November 3, 2026, NBC Deputy Governor Yim Leat called on government institutions, businesses, financial institutions and the public to support the riel through payments, savings and price-setting in the national currency.
Key Facts
Lead institution: National Bank of Cambodia (NBC)
Workshop: Riel, Bakong System and KHQR public awareness programme
Location: Kampot province
NBC representative: Deputy Governor Yim Leat
Local representative: Deputy Governor of Kampot province Khieu Rithiphorn
Main objective: Encourage wider use of the Khmer riel in daily transactions
Digital payment platforms: Bakong and KHQR
Tourism payment service: Bakong Tourists App
Historical context: The riel was reintroduced following Cambodia's liberation on January 7, 1979
Research findings cited: Riel expenditure by factory workers accounted for approximately 92% among provincial residents and 82% among urban residents in a 2023 study
NBC Encourages Cambodians to Use the Riel in Everyday Transactions
The National Bank of Cambodia organised the public awareness workshop in Kampot to promote understanding of the national currency and the role of digital payment systems in supporting its wider circulation.
The event brought together local authorities, provincial department officials, representatives of banking and financial institutions, teachers and students.
Speaking at the workshop, NBC Deputy Governor Yim Leat outlined the development of the Khmer riel, from its reintroduction following January 7, 1979, to its integration into modern digital payment services.
He described the transformation as the evolution of the riel into the "Riel in a mobile phone", reflecting the development of the Bakong system and KHQR payment infrastructure.
Leat stressed that promoting the national currency requires collective participation from government agencies, businesses, financial institutions and the public.
He encouraged Cambodians to support the riel through everyday financial habits, including making payments, saving money and setting prices in the national currency.
Bakong and KHQR Bring the Riel into Digital Payments
The workshop highlighted the role of the Bakong payment system and KHQR in making digital transactions more convenient.
These platforms allow users to make payments electronically, supporting wider access to digital financial services while providing opportunities to use the Khmer riel in everyday commercial activities.
The initiative reflects the NBC's effort to connect national currency promotion with Cambodia's expanding digital payment ecosystem.
By encouraging businesses and consumers to use riel-denominated digital payments, the central bank aims to make the national currency more visible and accessible in routine transactions.
Bakong Tourists App Promotes Digital Payments for International Visitors
The workshop also introduced the Bakong Tourists App, which enables international visitors to make digital payments in riel without needing to carry cash.
The service was presented as an opportunity to make Cambodia's digital payment infrastructure more accessible to tourists while encouraging the use of the national currency in tourism-related transactions.
For businesses serving international visitors, including hotels, resorts, restaurants and retailers, wider acceptance of digital riel payments could provide another payment option for customers.
The initiative also connects currency promotion with Cambodia's efforts to demonstrate its digital financial services to international visitors.
NBC Cites Research on the Riel’s Role in Household Spending
During the workshop, Yim Leat highlighted research findings from 2023 showing the continued importance of the riel in everyday spending.
According to the findings he cited, expenditure by factory workers in riel accounted for approximately:
92% among provincial residents
82% among urban residents
The figures were presented as evidence of the national currency's role in household transactions.
The findings also support the NBC's message that the riel remains important in daily economic activity and that wider acceptance can be encouraged through the payment choices of consumers and businesses.
Kampot Authorities Encourage Businesses to Accept the National Currency
Deputy Governor of Kampot province Khieu Rithiphorn also encouraged local businesses to expand their use of the Khmer riel.
He called on markets, hotels, resorts and other enterprises to support the national currency, particularly through digital payment platforms such as Bakong and KHQR.
He said wider acceptance of the riel would help strengthen national prestige, support price stability and demonstrate Cambodia's progress in digital financial services to local and international audiences.
The appeal places local businesses at the centre of efforts to increase the practical use of the national currency.
Public Activities Highlight the History of the Khmer Riel
Beyond the policy discussions, the Kampot workshop included several public engagement activities designed to improve awareness of the national currency.
The programme featured:
Student presentations.
Exhibitions showcasing the history of the Khmer riel.
Short video screenings.
Educational quizzes with prizes.
Free exchanges of old, torn or damaged riel banknotes for new ones.
These activities were intended to strengthen public understanding of the riel and encourage greater confidence in using the currency.
The free banknote exchange service also provided a practical opportunity for residents to replace damaged notes.
Angkor Times Analysis
The NBC's campaign in Kampot highlights an important connection between Cambodia's national currency policy and its digital financial infrastructure.
Promoting the riel is not limited to encouraging cash transactions. Bakong and KHQR provide digital channels through which consumers and businesses can use the national currency in everyday payments.
The introduction of the Bakong Tourists App also extends this approach to international visitors, potentially increasing the visibility of riel-based digital transactions in Cambodia's tourism economy.
For local businesses, particularly markets, hotels, resorts and restaurants, wider acceptance of digital riel payments could make the national currency more convenient to use while supporting participation in Cambodia's digital economy.
The 2023 expenditure findings cited by the NBC provide additional context for the riel's role in household spending. However, the figures relate specifically to factory-worker expenditure patterns and should not be interpreted as the overall share of riel transactions across the entire Cambodian economy.
Ultimately, the success of the initiative will depend on practical adoption. Businesses need to accept riel payments, consumers need confidence in digital platforms, and financial institutions need to provide accessible and reliable services.
The Kampot workshop represents one part of the NBC's broader effort to strengthen public confidence in the national currency and integrate it more deeply into Cambodia's digital payment ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is the National Bank of Cambodia promoting wider use of the Khmer riel?
The NBC aims to strengthen public confidence in the national currency, encourage its use in daily transactions and support Cambodia's digital financial development.
2. What are Bakong and KHQR?
Bakong is Cambodia's digital payment system, while KHQR provides a QR-based payment infrastructure that supports digital transactions.
3. What is the Bakong Tourists App?
The app enables international visitors to make digital payments in riel without needing to carry cash.
4. Who led the NBC's awareness workshop in Kampot?
NBC Deputy Governor Yim Leat spoke at the workshop, which brought together local authorities, financial institutions, teachers, students and residents.
5. What did the NBC's 2023 research reveal about riel spending?
The research findings cited by Yim Leat indicated that factory-worker expenditure in riel accounted for approximately 92% among provincial residents and 82% among urban residents.
6. How can businesses support wider use of the riel?
Businesses can accept riel payments, use Bakong and KHQR, and display prices in the national currency.
7. What activities were included in the Kampot workshop?
Activities included student presentations, historical exhibitions, video screenings, quizzes and free exchanges of old, torn or damaged riel banknotes.