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Is Cambodia safe right now?

Posted by Andrea on (Updated: )  |  Leave a comment

cambodia-map2

Anyone following the news coming out of Southeast Asia right now may be wondering whether Cambodia is a safe place to visit right . Protests against Hun Sen’s government have been ongoing since since August, with the masses voicing their frustration with the country’s ongoing corruption and nepotism. Most recently things turned violent after the military opened fire on garment factory protesters who were demanding a higher wage of $160/month.  Five people were killed and dozens more wounded.

So what are the implications of this turmoil for travelers? The truth is, very little.

While it may seem like the country is coming to a boiling point, the reality on the ground is very different. Opposition protests are planned and announced in advance (they need to apply for a permit) and the recent violence in Phnom Penh was isolated in the garment district on the outskirts of the city. It didn’t directly affect those living and working in country’s capital.

It should be noted that while some of the protests have turned violent, that at no time were tourists targeted. Most Cambodians are well aware that tourism is a driving force behind the economy and are not interested in jeopardizing this source of income.

Currently, protests are concentrated in Phnom Penh, the country’s capital. Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Kep, Kampot as well as the North remain largely unaffected.

None-the-less, all visitors are being advised to avoid protest areas and any large gatherings and to keep aware of their surroundings.

Like all fledgling democracies, it remains to be seen what course the country will take over the next few weeks, months and even years. Like visiting any major city in the world, it is impossible to say that there is absolutely no risk in visiting Phnom Penh or Cambodia, but the risk of incident remains extremely low.

Our team on the ground in Cambodia are watching the situation closely (they live there after all!) and are dedicated to keeping our guests updated. As of now, there is no reason to leave the Kingdom of Wonder off your itinerary.

 … Read more »

Cambodia’s official opposition rallies in Phnom Penh

Posted by Andrea on  |  Leave a comment

Peaceful protests are planned for the next three days in Phnom Pehn as the opposition party continues to dispute the victory of Hun Sen and the Cambodian People’s Party in Cambodia’s latest election.

Sept Rally

Thousands of people are gathering in Phnom Penh today to begin the first in a three-day demonstration planned against alleged voting irregularities that have marred the the general election held in July.

Prime Minster Hun Sen and the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) have held power for 33 years.  According to the latest election results the CPP won 68 out of 123 legislative seats at the polls, but the opposition claims that they were defrauded out of eight seats that would have given them the win.

This mass demonstration is timed to coincide with the 22nd anniversary of the signing of the 1991 Paris Peace Agreement — a deal that was meant to prepare the country for free and fair elections. The CNRP plan on presenting a petition that calls for the U.N. and the 18 governments who signed the 1991 agreement to intervene in the political deadlock.

Prime Minister Hun Sen has said that an independent agency is not needed to verify election results.  Regardless of how Hun Sen feels, the United States, the United Kingdom, and a number of other countries that were signatories to the 1991 Paris Agreements have not sent congratulations on the latest election.

Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) MPs that did win seats in Cambodia’s most recent election have been boycotting parliament since the election results were announced in an attempt to draw attention to what they are calling fraud.
There is growing dissent over corruption, land rights issues, deforestation and predatory industries among Cambodia’s people and the momentum is growing as the sense that change may be possible spreads.

Police have stated that this week’s protest will not be as tightly controlled as previous rallies, after frustrations over police delays erupted in violence. Police have also been instructed not to talk to protesters.

According to the Cambodia Daily:  Unlike at the previous protests conducted by the CNRP, the security presence around the capital was minimal and all major roads in the city center were open to traffic.

While the protests are expected to be peaceful, Journeys Within is recommending that visitors to Phnom Penh do not take part in the gatherings.

The schedule of the marches is expected to be as follows: – On the 23rd at 3 p.m. the march will go to the U.N. offices.

– On the 24th, at 8 a.m. the march will go from Freedom Park to the French, British and U.S. embassies.

– On the 25th, we will march at 8 a.m. to the embassies of Australia, Russia, Japan, Indonesia and then finish the day at the Chinese Embassy.… Read more »