http://www.thesoutheastasiaweekly.com/14826/

US Embassy in Phnom Penh alters its citizens for Sihanoukville’s travel after Violent Attack

Posted by weekly on July 15, 2014 in ASEAN, CRIME, GLOBAL SECURITY, SOCIETY, WORLD |0 Comment

PHNOM PENH ( SEA WEEKLY)- The US embassy in Phnom Penh on July 15 issued a security message to alert U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Cambodia that there has been a recent increase in violent attacks in the Ochheuteal Beach area of Sihanoukville, Cambodia. The beach in Southest of Phnom Penh was listed one of the world‘s most beautiful bay in 2012.
“Several U.S. citizens were attacked and injured, one suffering serious knife wounds, during separate recent incidents,” according to the security message from the embassy said.
The U.S. Embassy also advises U.S. citizens to remain alert to their surroundings at all times and exercise caution, particularly at night. “There are no “crime-free” areas in Cambodia, and criminal activity increases at night. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid the beach bars on Ochheuteal Beach in the evening hours due to the potential for gang activity and an increased prevalence of drugs and unprovoked violence against foreigners, “it stresses.
The U.S. Embassy recommends its citizens that “you carry only those possessions that you can afford to lose. If someone attempts to rob you, we strongly advise you to surrender your valuables immediately, as any perceived resistance may be met with physical violence, including lethal force.”
The message also adds: to avoid the risk of theft of original documents, the U.S. Embassy advises you to carry photocopies of your U.S. passport, driver’s license, and other important documents, and leave the originals in a hotel safe or other secure place. Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.
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 gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Cambodia. For additional information, refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” on the State Department’s website.
Contact the U.S. embassy for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You 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 on Monday thru Friday (except for U.S. federal holidays and select local holidays) from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and 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 23-728-402 / +855 23-728-051 / +855 23-728-234. In the event of an emergency after hours, please call +855 23-728000. Press 1 and then 0 to be transferred to the operator. END

Be careful out there.

So, go to a better beach. Many better ones, and one spectacular one.

why did this need a post?

it was issued back in July

note,no update so is this an indefinite alert?

It was posted in July as current news it appears. I suspect above poster just now read it and posted his beach opinion?