In the wake of the Bali bombing and warnings of possible future attacks in the
region, nationals are advised to consult their governments' websites for the latest
security information. The following US, UK and Australian sites are regularly updated:
UK: www.fco.gov.uk
Australia: www.dfat.gov.au/travel
Diplomats say there are currently no credible threats against Cambodia, but admit
such attacks could take place as militant groups step up their campaigns in the region.
We have also printed the following security recommendations from John Muller, a director
of security firm MPA International. Muller is also a country representative of the
US State Department's Overseas Security Advisory Council:
Below are security precautions recommended for any person, corporation or organization
that feels they are a possible target for terrorists. For example: international
schools, US-based NGOs, corporations or a UN agency:
1. Make your facility appear to have strong security measures such as strict vehicle,
staff, contractor and visitor access control, and electronic security systems. Terrorists
and criminals will avoid targeting people or facilities that look well-protected
and choose a soft target instead.
2. If you are a large organization you should employ a full time, well-qualified
security expert to administer your fire, safety and security program. If this is
not possible, outsource this task to security experts. Do not make the mistake of
assigning these decisions to unqualified human resource or financial managers.
3. Carefully screen your security services provider, their directors and operations.
Do not employ guarding companies that do not strictly adhere to Cambodia labor laws,
have an international standard training program, and carefully vet each employee.
4. Do not advertise your flag or citizenship if you feel you could be a target.
Do not dress wearing clothes that display anti-terrorist coalition flag countries.
5. Inspect all arriving parcels and handbags carefully. Do not accept packages
without a return address, or that appear unusually weighted, emit strong odors, greasy
stains, marked confidential/personal, have protruding wires or make ticking sounds.
Immediately contact police authorities if you find an unfamiliar, unclaimed package
left unattended. DO NOT TOUCH IT.
6. Make sure your security officer has an up-to-date emergency contact tree listing
everyone's cell phone, home phone number, pager, home address and email address in
order to quickly notify staff in the event of an emergency.
7. Carefully review your emergency evacuation plans, emergency generators, provisions,
exits, fire evacuation procedures, etc., and keep your emergency services contact
information up-to-date and displayed where they can easily be viewed. This includes
making sure your fire extinguishers have been serviced and emergency exit signs and
lights are serviceable.
8. Report any suspicious persons, activities, etc., to your embassy and the local
police authorities.
9. Prepare a bomb threat plan and routinely conduct security awareness, fire training,
and other fire, safety and security courses.
10. Avoid walking or driving the same daily routes at the same time each day.
Definitely try to avoid unlit "dead end streets" or "boxed canyons."
This is where attacks or crimes are most likely to take place. Travel with two or
more persons if possible.
11. Keep abreast of news events and form a neighborhood watch program with your
neighbors so that your perimeter security can be greatly expanded.
12. Avoid attending major events where there are a lot of expatriates. This includes
popular restaurants, shopping malls, hotels, etc.
