CAMBODIA has asked the United States for help in improving its tourism sector in the face of the global downturn, said Tourism Minister Thong Khon. The request was made last week during discussions with US Ambassador Carol Rodley in Phnom Penh. Thong Khon asked the US to provide an expert to improve the redrafting of the tourism law which is at the National Assembly awaiting a vote. Cambodia last year received 2.125 million visitors, 5.5 percent higher than 2007 but lower than the ministry had expected. Tourism receipts were US$1.6 billion, up 14 percent.