Comments on: Staying in Siem Reap during the coronavirus pandemic

By: Ruth

Ruth — Mon, 25 May 2020 04:02:59 +0000

In reply to Lesley. Hi Lesley, Yes, sadly these are very difficult times for people here. Many families have lost most or all their income as there are no tourists coming through and businesses have shut down. Some people are missing out on meals and having to move out of their homes, unable to pay rent. There is no welfare system in Cambodia, no unemployment package. Expats here are trying to do what they can to help, but it could take a while before things get better again. Thanks for helping your driver friend! Ruth

By: Lesley

Lesley — Sat, 23 May 2020 22:29:20 +0000

Hi, thanks for the information. I have been in contact with my Siem Reap driver, and sent him money via Western Union. Hard times for him. I was wondering how the local people manage without tourists and an income, for the basics of food and water. Is there a social security payment, or must they rely on the generosity of others? Stay safe.

By: Ruth

Ruth — Thu, 21 May 2020 04:30:18 +0000

In reply to Carlo. Hello Carlo, Cambodia has actually opened it's borders to some extent - there are different visa processes and health screening (including quarantine measures) in place, however. I imagine that if things continue as they have been (no new cases in Cambodia for the past few weeks) that things will open up further. However, it could be a long time before tourist numbers pick up again. You could join a Siem Reap expats group on Facebook to get a feel for how other restaurateurs are finding things. The Cambodia Visa and Work Permit Group is probably the best place to get up-to-date information on entry regulations �鶹��ýӳ��, so you might want to join that as well: https://www.facebook.com/groups/333901840112789/ All the best to both of you!

By: Carlo

Carlo — Wed, 20 May 2020 08:02:22 +0000

Hi Ruth ,
thanks for your information. I am an Italian citizen and together with my Cambodian partner we planned to come to Siem Reap to open a restaurant business and to buy a house to stay there. How is the situation now? Do you know when Cambodia will open again the borders to foreigners?
I know that Emirates probably will start to operate from July.
Thanks in advance. Take care
Carlo

By: KD

KD — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 22:01:18 +0000

Such a sad development. I have lived in PP for almost five years and I’ve seen the strength and persistence of Khmer creativity, making the best of hard situations with what little they sometimes have. Beautiful people with good hearts are common among the hard workers. Miss that one seller at Tuol Tompong market and “my” Tuk Tuk driver. Wishing all the best to the locals in this time, hopefully hand in hand with expats. I know that sounds almost too ideal to be true but every movement starts somewhere. Small things matter. Samnang laor.