Shanghai Bar and Restaurant, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Assault by Shanghai Bar and Restaurant Owner - Avoid This Place!

by bonzaib on January 18, 2009

Be Advised. This is a summary of an issue encountered at this bar. The Following has been sent to the Cambodian Tourism Police and P.P. newspaper: To Who It May Concern. Dear Sir or Madam. I am writing this email to inform your ministry about an unprovoked assault on myself and another traveller which took place this past Tuesday at Shanghai Bar and Grill in Phnom Phehn. This event spoiled an otherwise incredible vacation experience within Cambodia which included time in Siem Reap, P.P. and Sanoukenville. I have been raving to friends and family about the beauty of this country and even more so that kindness, friendliness and warm hospitality of its people. Unfortunately, I left Cambodia having endured physical abuse and the fear of a mob action following the actions of the Australian bar owner of Shanghai bar and restaurant. At the end of the night a young deaf English boy, another traveller and myself were winding down the evening. I went to the washing and came back to a very intimidating scene in which the Australian owner was accosting my fellow traveller.Apparently over the fact this poor kid with a hearing impediment had been 'talking' with the girls by exchanging notes as he could not otherwise communicate with them. Harmless and respectful fun. Upon seeing this unnecessary, aggressive behavior I intervened; told the bar owner the boy was deaf and asked that he leave him alone. We were moving on. The owner proceeded to then tie into me for 'sticking my nose in' and then unprovoked blindsided me with three punches. Preparing to defend myself, we were set upon by his mob of hired Cambodian toughs in a very, very scary and volatile situation (one of which attacked me - again without provocation). Completely unnecessary and the owner's physical assault on both of us should held up to criminally responsible. Pretty poor business practice to sucker punch your customers and then sic a gang of local hoods on them. The fact this foreigner has damaged your country's charm and beauty in our eyes is most disappointing. However I feel these actions should not go unreported to authorities and alerting future travellers about this incident and the way in which this foreigner conducts business in Cambodia . Please be advised I have also sent a copy of this email to the news editor, Phnom Phehn Post. This email will serve as a formal complaint which I will anticipate shall lead to investigation and potential action against this establishment and its owner. Thank you in advance for time and consideration in this matter.