Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Potential for Civil Unrest on Sunday, March 30, 2014

US Embassy Website | 28 March 2014

This security message is being issued to alert U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Cambodia about two opposition-organized rallies planned for Sunday, March 30, 2014.  The Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) has announced plans for a religious service involving up to 1,000 people at the memorial stupa at Wat Botum Park (in front of the Supreme Court building, formerly the National Assembly, just south of the Royal Palace) beginning at 8:00 a.m. on March 30, followed by a “public congress” for up to 5,000 participants in Freedom Park (Streets 106/108 between 51 and 63) beginning at 1:00 p.m.  Cambodian authorities have publicly stated that the CNRP was denied a permit for the afternoon event and that security forces will block access to Freedom Park.  In response, the CNRP has indicated it intends to press forward with its plans.  The U.S. Embassy notes that violence has occurred at rallies and demonstrations in the past, including fatalities as recently as January 3.  Additionally, on March 8, security forces used roadblocks and other tactics to prevent union activists from holding a rally at Freedom Park.  The U.S. Embassy expects that government security efforts on March 30 will include roadblocks around Freedom Park, including Wat Phnom and the U.S. Embassy compound, as well as possible security checkpoints and roadblocks on major roads leading into Phnom Penh.

The Embassy encourages U.S. citizens to avoid crowds and other gatherings and to immediately leave any area where crowds are gathering.  Even rallies and demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence without warning.  U.S. citizens should remain alert to local security developments by monitoring local news reports, be vigilant regarding their personal security and preparedness, be aware of their surroundings, and plan their activities accordingly.   

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Cambodia enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  STEP enrollment provides the latest security updates and makes it easier for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to contact U.S. citizens in an emergency.  If access to the internet is not available, U.S. citizens may enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. 

U.S. citizens should regularly monitor the U.S. Department of State’s website, which includes current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution.  Please also read the Country Specific Information for Cambodia.  For additional information, refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” on the Department of State’s website. 

Contact the U.S. Embassy for up-to-date information on travel restrictions.  U.S. citizens can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  Follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips. 

The U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh is located at 1, Street 96 (near Wat Phnom), Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and is open Monday thru Friday (except for U.S. federal and select local holidays) from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  The telephone number is 023-728-000.  If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance during regular office hours, please call (+855) 023-728-402, 023-728-051, or 023-728-234.  In the event of an emergency after hours, please call (+855) 023-728-000, then press 1 and then 0 to be transferred to the operator.

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