CAMBODIA
Crime
& Safety
The security situation in Cambodia has improved significantly
over the last few years. Areas that were once plagued with bandit
activity or by the threat of unpredictable Khmer Rouge factions,
are now pretty safe to travel in. However, there is a huge number
of guns in Cambodia, and there have been incidents of armed robbery
against tourists.
All areas covered in this guide are safe to travel to overland,
with the exception of Stung Treng and Ratanakiri, which have been
subject to infrequent bandit attacks. Even in these areas, most
overland travellers do not have any problems. Check the current
situation before you travel. It's also a good idea not to take
anything of value to the remoter provinces and to take the minimum
of cash.
Gun crime is actually more frequent in Phnom Penh than anywhere
else in the country, and reaches a peak at festival times, most
notably Khmer New Year. Even so, the threat is small, so it shouldn't
stop you enjoying the nightlife. Taking a few simple precautions
can reduce the risk further:
Do not go out alone after dark.
Do not carry your passport or other valuable items; lock them
in your hotel safe.
Carry only a small amount of cash.
Use a moto or taxi rather than walk.
Use a trustworthy moto-driver, preferably someone recommended
by your hotel or guesthouse.
If you are robbed, do not resist and do not run.
There are plenty of civilian and military police hanging around,
whose main function appears to be imposing arbitrary fines or
tolls. Of the two, the civilian police , who wear blue or khaki
uniforms, are more helpful. Military police wear black-and-white
armbands.
Landmines
The war has ended, but the killing continues. Years of guerrilla
conflict have left Cambodia the most densely mined country in
the world. The statistics are horrendous - up to eight million
landmines in the country; 50,000 amputees; a further 2000 mine
victims every year. The worst affected areas are the province
of Battambang and the border regions adjacent to Thailand in the
northwest, namely Banteay Meanchey, Pailin and Preah Vihear provinces.
Slow progress is being made by mine-clearance organizations, such
as the British-based Mine Action Group (MAG) and The Halo Trust,
but resources are extremely limited compared to the scale of the
problem.
Although the risk is very real for those who work in the fields,
the threat to tourists is minimal. The main tourist areas are
clear of mines, and even in the heavily mined areas the towns
and roads are safe. The main danger occurs when striking off into
fields or forests, so the simple solution is to stick to known
safe paths. If you must cross a dubious area, try to use a local
guide, or at least ask the locals "mian min dtay?" ("Are
there mines here?"). Look out for the red mine-warning signs,
and do not remove them.
Medical
Care & Emergencies
For serious medical emergencies consider flying to Bangkok,
although clinics and hospitals in Phnom Penh are equipped to deal
with most ailments . Sihanoukville and Siem Reap have limited
facilities, but generally medical facilities outside Phnom Penh
are poor. If you are stuck in the provinces and require emergency
evacuation to Phnom Penh, contact AEA International on tel 023/216911.
We've listed general emergency telephone numbers, but whatever
the emergency, it's probably best to contact the English-speaking
operators , available 24 hours.
Street-corner pharmacies throughout Cambodia are well-stocked
with basic supplies diverted from NGOs, and money rather than
a prescription gives easy access to anything available, though
beware of out-of-date medication. Standard shop hours apply at
most of these places, but some stay open in the evening. More
reputable operations with English and French-speaking pharmacists
can be found in Phnom Penh, where a wider variety of specialized
drugs are available. Some even offer 24-hour service .
Emergency phone numbers
Police 117 Fire 118 Ambulance 119 Police Assistance (English,
French and Italian spoken) 017/816601 or 018/811542 Police Assistance
for expats 023/724793, 023/366841 or 023/3668
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