Cambodia: Ramadan observations to start May 26-27

Event

On May 26-27, Muslims will begin their month-long celebration of Ramadan. The end of the month of Ramadan, marked by the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, will take place on June 25. Though practices can vary by country, many businesses, restaurants, and government administrations are expected to operate on a reduced schedule during this holy month. Diplomatic missions may also operate on a similar schedule.

Transportation disruptions are to be anticipated during this period due to an increased number of travelers, especially in airports. Heavy traffic after sundown (particularly over weekends) is to be anticipated as Muslims typically gather to celebrate the holy month with family. Furthermore, traffic accidents tend to increase during Ramadan (especially at dusk) due to a combination of exhaustion, hunger, dehydration, and impatience.

Additionally, expect tight security measures in major urban areas due to a heightened terror threat. In 2016, Islamic State (IS) called on its members to perpetrate attacks coinciding with Ramadan. Some regional terrorist groups followed suit. While there have been a number of grenade/bomb attacks and shootings in Cambodia in recent months, most have been linked to business, personal, and traffic disputes.

Finally, local authorities typically observe an increase in incidents of petty crime during this period.

Context

Ramadan is a period of reflection and self-restraint and carries great significance within the Muslim calendar. Muslims traditionally observe daytime fasting and are called to practice increased devotion. Around 2 percent of the current Cambodian population is Muslim. Massacres by the Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979) decreased the Muslim population from 15 percent of the population to around 5 percent.

On a more general note, this period also marks a significant increase in the terror threat in many, mostly Muslim-majority, countries.

Advice

Individuals in Cambodia are advised not to eat, drink, or smoke in public by day in Muslim-majority areas during this period. Travelers are also advised to allow additional time for travel and to avoid any form of public demonstration or public gathering.

More generally, political tensions remain high in Cambodia, and although incidents of politically-motivated violence have fallen in recent years, political disputes still have the potential to trigger violent protests. Avoid large gatherings, demonstrations, and political rallies and avoid expressing opinions on Cambodian politics or culture.