Phnom Penh Country Council

The Phnom Penh Country Council web site has been established as a means to facilitate communication between U.S. Businesses and the U.S. Embassy. The site is linked to the main Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) database and you may use your OSAC user account to access additional content within this site.

Cambodia Water Festival Security and Safety Reminders

The following was provided by the Regional Security Office at U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh:

Cambodians will soon start to make their annual journey to Phnom Penh to celebrate this year’s Water Festival, which is scheduled from November 10 through November 13. Phnom Penh will undergo a dramatic increase in its population as approximately 3-4 million Cambodians are expected to travel to Phnom Penh to take part in the festivities. Additionally, the annual Independence Day parade is scheduled for November 9. This year’s parade, celebrating Cambodia’s 54th year of independence, is expected to be much larger than in previous years. The parade begins at 8:00 am in front of the Royal Palace and will proceed past the Independence Monument before heading back towards the riverfront. Approximately 100,000 people are expected to participate in the parade.

The U.S. Embassy’s Regional Security Office has already received reports of an increase in street crime and expatriate residential break-ins. As the Water Festival approaches, we expect this trend to continue as criminal elements will typically prey on the large crowds of Cambodians and expatriates who congregate in Phnom Penh.

The following areas will be extremely congested with people: the Riverfront area, Hun Sen Park, the Royal Palace, Wat Phnom, Independence Monument, as well as the neighborhoods where the majority of our residences are located. Employees and their families are reminded to remain vigilant at all times and to exercise caution if they decide to join in on the festivities.

You are strongly encouraged to utilize the following common sense security tips during the Water Festival.

-Assume that all criminals are armed. Do not run from or resist a robber. Carry only what you are willing to lose. (The rule for many other types of crime, attempted murder, rape, assault, kidnapping, is just the opposite, but we have not received reports of these types of violent crimes in Cambodia. Armed robbery remains the typical threat).

-Pick-pocketing - please keep alert while shopping or moving about town. Avoid carrying large sums of money on your person and avoid keeping all of your money in one place. Be careful of beggars who may be attempting to distract you or directly pick your pocket. Having a travel companion is encouraged.

-Do not wear or display expensive jewelry while moving about town.

-Crime is a 24-hour concern but darkness and late night travel increases your chance of becoming a victim of crime.

-Drugs, prostitution, and organized crime elements are present in Cambodia and are security concerns at local bars and clubs. You must be aware of your surroundings and remove yourself from locations that present security concerns.

-Counterfeit U.S. currency can be found throughout Cambodia. Be sure to scrutinize money prior to accepting it and report any possible counterfeit currency to the U.S. Embassy’s Regional Security Office.

-If you become aware that a crime has been committed and/or that police are taking enforcement action, leave the area quickly. Criminals and police are quick to resort to deadly force.

-Unpredictability is your best weapon. Vary your routes and times, not only to work, but also while you move around town.

In your home:

-Keep your doors locked.

-Use your alarm at night.

Please share this notice with your family members.