Dear British Embassy in Cambodia……
Given the current political climate, Cambodia’s foremost email hoaxer had some concerns about speaking out. He ran his problem past the UK embassy…..
Wed, 26 Oct 2005 04:03:41 +0100 (BST)
From: “gavin mac”
Subject: Legal Question
To: [email protected]
Dear Embassy:
My wife and I are planning to visit Thailand and Cambodia from Scotland in December of this year. We have been planning this trip for a very long time. We are very excited to get away from Scotland.
But now I am very worried if Cambodia is safe for us. I have just heard that the prince, the cousin of the King, has fled the country. This sounds very serious. The news report said that the Prince fears he will be arrested for the crime of defamation for making negative comments about hens. That is daft. Here in the UK, the royal family is never arrested no matter how many stupid things they do. And besides that, I don’t know how hens could have sold land to Vietnam. It makes no sense.
How can I be sure that I will not be arrested when I visit Cambodia? I do not know Cambodia’s laws. Sometimes when I go to Asian restaurants I criticize the chicken, the duck, the soup, anything. Will I be arrested for this? I hope Cambodia has very good soup.
Please let me know if Cambodia is safe to visit without fear of being arrested for defamation. Also, please let me know for sure about the quality of soup. Thank you.
Gavin Mac
And he got a reply……….
From: [email protected]
To: “gavin mac”
Subject: RE: Legal Question
Date: Thu, 27 Oct 2005 03:08:16 +0100
Dear Mr Mac,
Thanks for your email. Well, the recent political climate in Cambodia has attracted a lot of attention from the international community, however, it does not necessarily affect the ordinary citizen’s lives and everybody used to it, what we do is that we stay out of politics. But one thing you can be sure of is that as a tourist you’re trouble free from such event, unless you participated or outspoken on the country politics. If you’re interested in the Cambodian politics, I suggest you just observe but don’t comment.
You won’t be arrested if you’re just criticising the food.
One of the Embassy’s concern’s is the outbreak of Avian Flu (bird flu), updated information about Avian Flu be found on the WHO website: www.wpro.who.int/health_topics/avian_influenza
The Foreign Office has issued a travel advice for Cambodia to keep the travellers informed of the situation in Cambodia.
Should you have any further enquiry please feel free to contact us.
Regards,
Chantha
______________
Chantha Kim (Mr)
Consular Assistant
British Embassy Phnom Penh
Tel: +855 23 427124 / 428153
Fax: +855 23 427125
Mobile: +855 12 801589
Website: www.britishembassy.gov.uk/cambodia
