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Got this from my embassy this morning. Anyone know if something recent has happened?

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This security message is being issued 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. Several U.S. citizens were attacked and injured, one suffering serious knife wounds, during separate recent incidents.

The U.S. Embassy 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. The U.S. Embassy recommends 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....etc.

Happens at the start of every low season... people living hand to mouth start getting desperate and agitated, especially the ones addicted to meth. Eventually they fuck off back to the provinces to work the rice fields and it calms down.

Got it as well, nothing I didn't know before. Don't go alone in dark places or avoid them during certain hours unless you only carry a little cash and a crap phone you don't care to lose.

thePeck wrote:Got it as well, nothing I didn't know before. Don't go alone in dark places or avoid them during certain hours unless you only carry a little cash and a crap phone you don't care to lose.

Actually, I posted this to find out who my fellow Americans where. Lol.

Yes, totally true. Common sense stuff, right? Just surprised to see a msg about it. I don't think I've received one before regarding Sihanoukville.

Lol

I personally don't like to walk down the beach strip without at least 2 other people after dark. As the night gets later I really don't want to even go out.

I think I received one last year but not sure when.

i never get messages from the embassy... are you on a mailing list or something?

Probably something like this
https://step.state.gov/STEPMobile/default.html
I used to do similar with British embassy pre internet . You'd register to make contact easier in emergencies etc

OrangeDragon wrote:i never get messages from the embassy... are you on a mailing list or something?

You aren't registered with the embassy? I think your passport will be flagged on the way back to the States.

Jacobincambodia wrote:
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.

Everybody stay calm. This is just part of Sihanoukville's "transition" period.

Jacobincambodia wrote:
You aren't registered with the embassy? I think your passport will be flagged on the way back to the States.

I was living in SEasia for several years. Never registered. Never had problems.

I've lived here for many years. Went to the embassy to renew a passport. No questions.

And I don't expect any hassle when going back next time either.

There isn't a rule that you have to register anywhere.