From early October to mid-November, Cambodia will have several public holidays, including Pchum Ben (October 1-3), the Memorial Day for the Late King Norodom Sihanouk (October 15), and the Water Festival (November 14-16).
During these periods, large crowds are expected around event venues, and significant congestion is anticipated due to traffic restrictions and other factors.
Moreover, at crowded places, there are concerns about various crimes such as pickpocketing and snatch thefts, as well as unexpected accidents, including stampedes. (In 2010, a major stampede during the Water Festival in Phnom Penh resulted in approximately 400 casualties.)
For this reason, residents and travelers planning to stay in Cambodia during the holiday period are urged to keep the following points in mind and act cautiously to avoid being involved in incidents or accidents:
1. Keep updated with the latest information (pay attention to media reports).
2. When going out, stay aware of your surroundings and avoid crowded areas as much as possible.
3. Always inform family, work, or acquaintances of your whereabouts, and ensure you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
If you lose or have your passport stolen during this holiday period, you will need to apply for a passport or a travel document for your return at the embassy or the Consular Office in Siem Reap. After that, you must obtain an exit visa from the Cambodian Immigration Office to leave the country. However, as the Cambodian Immigration Office only operates on weekdays, these procedures may take longer than usual, so please take extra care when carrying and storing your passport.
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