Tag Archives: Dam

Trusting the Police


So we are heading off to Cambodia for Christmas.  An 8 day tour looking around and taking advantage of our new found closeness of Asia (and the tax free leave I get when I holiday outside of Japan thanks to a rather strange and complicated multi-jurisdiction taxation ‘scheme’ arranged for my income).

Part of the getting prepared for the trip I’ve been reading up on what to expect (shock of shock for those that know me I know).

I came across this great website today which had the most hilarious advice for in the event your in a car accident in Cambodia.  Pretty much – don’t call the cops and bribe the whole situation away.  Why don’t you call the cops?!  The key is in the last sentence:

Can I trust the Khmer police?

Depending on the situation, the Khmer police will try to help you out as much as they can, although often that isn’t very much. In cases of theft they’ll quite happily let you file a report, but don’t expect them to go rushing out to catch the culprit. If you are driving yourself around in Cambodia, don’t be surprised if the police stop you and muddle around basically looking for a bribe. Be polite, smile a lot, and pay them — you are allowed to bargain! The one time you do not want the police involved is if you are involved in a car or motorcycle accident. As long nobody is seriously injured, try to sort out – you will inevitably be at fault and must pay – before the police show up. If you wait for them, you’ll have to pay them as well.

cambodia

Brutally honest if nothing else I guess.  Luckily we’ll be driven around so I’ll leave the bribing to others.

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