Phnom Penh, 26 April 2023 (TDI): Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Sen, has recently warned foreigners residing or visiting Cambodia not to commit a “third mistake” in the country.
Prime Minister warned while speaking on Tuesday morning (Apr 25) at a National Institute of Education graduation ceremony.
The PM’s statement came in the wake of recent incidents where foreign individuals have been arrested and deported for violating local laws.
” I always remind some foreigners who like to advise Cambodia not to make the third mistake,” the prime minister emphasized.
The first mistake Hun Sen referred to was the installation of the controversial Khmer Rouge regime in the late 1970s.
The second mistake, according to him, was the support for the opposition party during the 2018 general elections, which led to the dissolution of the party by the government.
The third mistake that foreigners should avoid, according to Hun Sen, is violating the country’s laws and disrespecting its culture and traditions.
Hun Sen stated that Cambodia has its laws and norms that foreigners should respect, and rules should not be contravened.
The PM also stressed that the government will not tolerate any criminal or illegal activities committed by foreigners in the country.
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Foreigners who fail to comply with the laws and regulations of Cambodia will be deported without exception.
Hun Sen’s statement has raised concerns among the foreign community in Cambodia, with some suggesting that it could be used to justify the government’s crackdown on political dissent and opposition.
Foreigners in Cambodia are advised to familiarize themselves with the country’s laws and cultural practices to avoid running afoul of the government’s regulations.
It is also recommended that they exercise caution when engaging in any activities that may be deemed suspicious or illegal under Cambodian law.
