I Was Worried

After seeing the news below, I was beginning to worry that we might begin to run out of things to bitch about here:

Exit tax to be incorporated into flight price at Cambodia's int'l airports

PHNOM PENH, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Starting from Sept. 1, the departure tax that airline passengers line up to pay at the international airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap will be transferred to ticket price, local newspaper the Cambodian Daily said on Thursday.

The government has not made an official announcement yet on the tax, but a meeting between authorities, airport management firm and about 20 airlines that serve the international airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap is tentatively set for mid-July, said Ho Vandy, president of the Cambodian Association of Travel Agents.

Moving the tax payment to ticket price is a victory for the industry and travelers, he said.

"Often people don't carry the money, or don't carry U.S. dollars, so it is very difficult for the tourists who don't know they will have to pay (the airport tax)," he added.

The airport management service fee, 25 U.S. dollars for foreigner and 18 U.S. dollars for Cambodian, has been levied by the government since 2003 and goes to airport infrastructure construction, as well as service and security improvement.


Come on - that's one of the biggest gripes of those leaving Cambodia, the $25 departure tax. Never mind that the Thai departure tax is now close, at about $21 (700 baht). It is now combined with the price of the ticket and no one notices it.

Not to worry...my fears were relieved only 5 days later when The Cambodia Daily ran the following (photo did not accompany the article):

Alcohol Banned During Election Weekend

Prime Minister Hun Sen ordered a ban on selling alcohol at bars and restaurants over the national election weekend later this month.

In a statement signed Thursday and received Monday, Hun Sen said the measure will be in operation for 48 hours beginning at midnight July 26 until 11:59 pm on election day, July 27.

"Cambodian and foreign citizens here must cooperate with the government," Hun Sen warned.

The teetotal measure is being instituted to ensure the vote proceeds in a non-violent fashion, without intimidation, threats and other incidents associated with excessive alcohol consumption, Hun Sen wrote.

"Military police and local authorities at all levels must educate all people to implement this directive to suspend the selling or drinking of alcohol with the aim of...having an environment for the election that is free, fair, and non-violent," he added.

Phnom Penh Governor Kep Chuktema said he met with city officials Monday to inform them about the alcohol ban and said officials would implement it comprehensively.

"Cambodians will respect it and foreigners living here must respect it too," Kep Chuktema said.


Once you have finished rolling on the ground and have wiped the tears of laughter from your eyes, read on:

However, NEC Secretary-General Tep Nytha said that those who did not obey the directive would not be prosecuted.

"This is an ethical social participation," he said Monday.


Good to know that non-enforcement of laws in Cambodia is still the norm!