The lifting of the protest ban may prompt the opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) to stage new gatherings; leader Sam Rainsy promised to organize events in the wake of the prime minister's statement. The risk of violence at future events is high; the prime minister, when lifting the protest ban, also warned that any CNRP rally will likely be met by a counterdemonstration by his ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP). Clashes between supporters of rival parties are highly likely, despite probable attempts by security forces to prevent them from meeting.
While formal opposition CNRP demonstrations largely halted under the ban, garment workers continued their gatherings, despite the risk of arrest. On multiple occasions, police detained small groups of garment workers staging rallies in Phnom Penh. However, gatherings by the workers may now increase in size following the lifting of the ban, especially during the week of March 12-19, when garment workers are planning a nationwide strike.
Police permission for rallies will likely remain highly selective; however, many groups proceed with plans to gather, even if they do not receive permission. Violent unrest is much more likely at any unapproved event.