Bodyguard services in Cambodia
According to the United Nations, Cambodia ranks among the world’s least-developed countries. The violent civil war, which ended only about 40 years ago, and further past still influences daily life today. Agriculture continues to be the primary economic sector in Cambodia, but growth now comes from industries such as textile, construction, and tourism. The expansion has attracted increased foreign investments and international trade. However, despite this economic growth, Cambodia remains a poor country with an undeveloped eye for well-being and conduct standards. Also, the country is significantly susceptible to the impacts of climate change and world crises, such as a pandemic. As we publish this article, we are working here for the safety of several clients that require high-end bodyguard services in Cambodia. We can see the prosperity rising with our own eyes. We currently offer consultancy and close protection services tailored to the standards of ultra high-net-worth families and business executives, meeting Western standards.
Discover what insights we gained from our recent experiences and benefit from them when you are about to travel to or will be living (temporarily) in Cambodia.
History
Significant events and political changes mark Cambodia’s history. Key points include the French Colonization (from 1867 until 1953), after which the country became independent under King Norodom Sihanouk. He abdicated in 1955 and became the prime minister. In 1970, Sihanouk was ousted in a coup, leading to the establishment of the Khmer Republic.
Communist leader Pol Pot took control in 1975, initiating a brutal regime under the name The Khmer Rouge. During his leadership, around 1 to 3 million people died due to mass killings and forced labor. Targets included ethnic minorities, intellectuals, and professionals.
Vietnamese troops invaded Cambodia in 1978, ousting the Khmer Rouge. The People’s Republic of Kampuchea (PRK) was established as a pro-Soviet state. A government-in-exile was formed in 1981, and with the UN’s recognition, peace efforts to restore the monarchy started in 1989 in Paris. This happened in 1993.
Aside from another coup and opposition in 1997, reconstruction efforts and economic growth finally paid off beginning at the turn of the 21st century, resulting in more stability.
This turmoil of events results in a development and knowledge deficiency. To this day, speaking openly about the past is taboo. About 40% of the population still lives in poverty, children are malnourished, and many adults suffer from PTSS.
Today, Cambodia is a monarchy with a population of around 17 million people. The capital is Phnom Penh, and the other major cities are Takeo, Siem Reap and Battambang.
Cambodia Travel Warnings
In general, Cambodia is characterized as a country were some areas have “increased risks“, which means you can travel safely, but safety risks may differ from what you are used to in your own country. If you travel to Cambodia, register your stay at your embassy. This allows authorities to understand who is in the country. Always report your departure when leaving.
The most important security warnings include:
Terrorist attacks
Although a few attacks have been reported, it is advised to stay vigilant when you find yourself in crowded areas. Most involved grenade, bomb or shooting incidents related to traffic or business affairs.
Landmines
Landmines and bombs from the civil war can still be found in the countryside in the Cambodian and border areas. Always take warning signs of landmines seriously. Avoid these areas. Stay on main roads or marked trails, avoid far distances from temples, and inquire about safe hiking routes with local authorities.
Unclear land borders with Thailand
Exercise caution when traveling to Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey, as borders around temples are vague. Follow local authority instructions.
Crime
- Pickpocketing, petty crimes, and scooter robberies are common, especially in crowded places and popular tourist destinations. Also, violent crime such as armed robberies, have been reported in Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh. Take precautions such as not bringing or not flashing your valuables. Be alert, especially at night, avoid slums, keep car windows and doors closed, and keep important documents safe.
- Do not accept invitations from strangers. They may try to involve you in gambling and forced cash withdrawals.
- Drug possession, use, or trafficking is severely punished. Be aware of your drinks, do not accept drinks from strangers, and watch for signs of drugging.
- Child abuse occurs, and sexual abuse of minors is severely punished. Keep in mind that ID cards do not guarantee age. Criminals also use children to sell products or get them involved in scams. The milk powder trick is one of them. Mothers with babies may approach you to buy milk powder for their sleeping baby. Once you offer it and leave, the mother returns the product to a shop and hands the cash to the criminals who force her to do so.
Corruption
Due to the lack of strict laws and rules, corruption is a thing you have to get used to. Crimes may or may not be researched, and authorities may erratically rule over the involvement of tourists in traffic accidents or illegal activities.
Demonstrations
Avoid demonstrations and large groups of people at all times.
Natural disasters
Floods occur during the rainy season, from June to November. Ensure you stay informed, follow local news, and check relevant websites for weather updates. This is especially important when using ferries.
Royalty and political statements
Show respect for royalty to avoid legal consequences. Also, avoid public criticism of Cambodian politics and culture in conversations and on social media. Pointing with your finger is a rude thing. Never point at someone or something, but use your whole hand.
Expression of love and affection around temples is not allowed. Respect the sacred ground and comply with the dress code when visiting temples. This means covering shoulders and knees, wearing loose clothing, and removing hats and sunglasses.
Cambodia travel advice and local security
Keeping yourself, your loved ones, or your colleagues safe means you should take out high-quality travel insurance covering medical care and incidents. Prepare your travel plans in advance by conducting a risk assessment before you go, preferably done by an international executive protection company that provides bodyguard services in Cambodia.
We advise you to consult a personal travel risk service for your security needs and concerns. This travel advisory service assesses your risk level and advises you on how to keep yourself and your entourage safe.
Locally or remotely, we can provide various security services in Cambodia:
- Personal safety with body guards / close protection officers
- Family protection
- Travel protection throughout the Indochina region
- Secure transportation and security drivers
- Medical assistance
- Residential security guards and advice on technical security systems
- Emergency services and crisis response
Our personal security guards or close protection officers can live at your premises or in your house. This way, we can keep a close eye on security procedures for the residence. We can also cooperate with a local private security team and improve their overall quality by provide driving training as well as physical, shooting and medical training at the highest level.
More info on bodyguard services in Cambodia
Our staff is European, and they all speak multiple languages. Our people have worked at specialized police and military units in the Netherlands and other (Western) European countries and are able to travel throughout the Indochina region without problems. We have extensive experience working for companies and wealthy families and know our way around regions with various risk levels. We provide peace of mind and the best security imaginable for your specific situation.
We invite you to ask us any security-related questions you may have. Please feel free to contact us for more information about our international security solutions or bodyguard services in Cambodia and find out what our global security experts can do for you.
