With over 2 million tourists visiting Angkor Wat last year, it seems the era of Cambodia being “dangerous for tourists” is over.
But I was close to murderers myself in the capital Phnom Penh. (The average is 5 fatalities and 10 serious injuries in crime incidents each month in the city of 1 million.)
Mr Khim Sambor, a journalist for the Moneaksekar Khmer newspaper, and his son were tragically shot to death on the afternoon of 11 July 2008.
His paper is a Khmer language newspaper published in Cambodia with its headquarters in Phnom Penh. It is published by the Sam Rainsy party. The SRP is one of the main opponents to the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP). In fact, Sam Rainsy himself is an outspoken government critic.
Since the election is coming up the end of July, many suspect it an assassination to stifle opposition to the CPP.
I was teaching gymnastics at the Olympic Stadium the same day. We finished at 5PM. The shots came from motorbike-riding assailants at around 6:30 PM in the street outside the Stadium. Father and son had been exercising.
photo – 2PM, July 11th, 2008
I’m not saying the CPP are responsible. But whoever is responsible is a supporter of the CPP, I would wager.
Sambor and his son are only the most recent of many opposition assassinations.
My condolences to the family.
more photos – Mourning ceremony for Khim Sambo and Son
Related:
The assassination of Mr Khim Sambor is a political threat – Sam Rainsy Party statement
Cambodian journalist from opposition newspaper shot dead – AP
dangers of Cambodia – Wikitravel
Rick McCharles 