Participants of the Asean Tourism Forum are guaranteed safety and protection throughout their weeklong stay in Phnom Penh, national police officials assured Thursday.
The Ministry of Interior ordered a total of 4,000 national, military and river police to protect the 1,500 delegates gathered in the capital from the 10 participating Asean countries, said National Police Director General Hok Lundy.
Security forces will protect hotels, the National Culture Center, Chaktomuk Theater and area streets. “Where there are delegations is where security will be on duty,” Hok Lundy said.
Hun Sen children’s park and the Naga casino construction area will be closed to the public, while police officers will be posted on the ground floors and rooftops of key buildings, Hok Lundy said.
“I understand that security will be 100 percent safe,” he said. “Up to this minute, there is no news about security threats. It is the right time for the country to host this event.”
At least 30 government special guards were seen entering the Naga casino building Thursday morning, said Ma Vanna, a Naga security guard.
Ma Vanna added that dozens of construction workers were ordered to clear out of the casino Tuesday for a few days. The workers will return to work after the event ends.
Meach Songhout, an Interior Ministry police officer, said the government will deploy hundreds of police throughout the day and night to protect national and international guests.
“Today we have around 40 police working 24 hours a day. More will come out [today] for the opening ceremony,” Meach Songhout said. He said 13 detector police, armed with demining equipment, have banned street vendors and children from parks near the Hotel Cambodiana in order to detect bombs.
Policeman Noun Samrith said the government pays officers 10,000 riel (about $2.56) a day for special events protection.
