ASEAN NOW

 

Citizenship is a contract between an individual and a country that establishes certain rights, responsibilities, and advantages, such as the ability to vote, the need to pay taxes, and the benefits of social welfare. By birthright, family, marriage, residency, and investment, a person can earn at least five citizenships.

 

Although a government cannot prevent a person from acquiring a new citizenship, it can deprive that person of citizenship within its jurisdiction if he or she has several citizenships. Dual citizenship is permitted in Japan until the age of 21, after which a citizen must select only one citizenship.

 

If the person does not make a decision within a certain amount of time, Japan will deprive them of their Japanese citizenship. Naturalised people must lose prior citizenship in Germany, where the age limit for selecting German citizenship is 23.

When Sam Rainsy incorrectly claimed in a Guardian article that Prime Minister Hun Sen secretly possessed a Cypriot passport, he was unaware that dual citizenship is a Cambodian government-granted privilege. Cambodia is one of the few countries in the world that allows dual citizenship with little restrictions, especially when it comes to running for office.

 

Sam Rainsy is a dual citizen of France and Cambodia. This implies he can freely travel between the two nations and stay there indefinitely without needing a visa. When committing illicit crimes, he can also flee to either of them.

Sam Rainsy's French passport permits him to travel visa-free inside the 27 European Schengen states and to North America for tourism and political activities, but his Cambodian citizenship allows him to represent Cambodian opposition members when meeting with US senators and Cambodian Americans.

 

It would be more difficult for Sam Rainsy to travel between Cambodian diasporas around the world if he renounced his French citizenship. He cannot represent Cambodians if he renounces his Cambodian citizenship.

 

Sam Rainsy has spent a lot of time in Paris during the last two decades. His unhappy party members would have to apply for political asylum in a foreign nation, which is a time-consuming process loaded with uncertainty and financial hardship.

 

For Sam Rainsy, dual citizenship has been a privilege, and he has reaped the rewards far more than any other politician in Cambodia. Despite this, he voluntarily upped it due to "three uncorroborated paragraphs" in a Guardian piece that has since been corrected.

 

In Cambodia, abolishing dual citizenship for top government jobs is still lenient. Dual citizenship is a prevalent practice in many nations, even if Cambodia does not recognize it.

 

Only single citizenship is permitted in a third of the world's countries. In Asia, countries such as Japan, South Korea, China, Egypt, Israel, and Indonesia restrict dual citizenship. Dual citizenship is prohibited in 12 of the European Union's 27 members.

 

Candidates seeking key government positions in European countries that allow dual citizenship must choose a single citizenship before running to ensure the highest level of devotion and responsibility from the candidates.

 

Cambodia today experienced the 11th day of huge decreases in new cases after seven days of daily new case statistics exceeding 800.

The official daily new COVID case total for today was 258, increasing the overall number of COVID cases to 115,068.

 

The World Health Organization has backed Prime Minister Hun Sen's claim that Cambodia's economy may completely reopen across all sectors if the COVID-19 situation after Pchum Ben is stable for at least 10-15 days.

 

"The current COVID-19 situation is steady," the PM remarked over the weekend, "with less than 20 deaths and less than 300 cases recorded per day." If the situation does not improve in the next 10 to 15 days, I believe it is necessary to reopen the economy and society in all areas in accordance with the new normal paradigm."

Meanwhile, Thailand intends to introduce travel bubbles throughout Cambodia's border with Thailand this year, including in Trat province and Koh Kong province in Cambodia.

 

With 19,217 instances being imported, the total number of Community Cases is now 95,851.

 

Today, 16 imported cases were announced while the number of imported cases seemed to be dwindling.

 

Cambodia also revealed 21 further deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19-related deaths in Cambodia to 2527.

 

As active cases decreased, 546 recoveries were announced, bringing the total number of active COVID cases in Cambodia to 4131.

 

This sharp decline in reported cases is linked to a new strategy of limited COVID-19 fast testing, which is the first step in moving the COVID-19 issue from pandemic to endemic status.

 

However, this new approach has significantly reduced the number of reported cases, and when combined with the current policy of not providing any provincial or 'Delta' numbers, it is now difficult to determine the exact extent of COVID in Cambodia.

 

There was certainly an upward tendency in The Kingdom, but the previous 11 days' results have completely reversed this upward trend, as shown in the graph below (please note that results may be up to 2 days behind):

However, frontline regions bordering Thailand are dealing with a huge challenge, with incidences of migrant workers crossing the border illegally giving officials great alarm.

 

Ngoun Mengchroun, deputy provincial governor of Banteay Meanchey, told Khmer Times yesterday:

 

"This issue has come to light in the days following the Pchum Ben event. The number of migrant laborers seeking to illegally cross the border is on the rise, which is cause for concern."

 

Cambodians are betting on the Royal Government's immunization program, which has been dubbed the "Cambodian vaccination miracle" and is depicted in the graph below.

 

Cambodia not only has a considerably higher vaccination rate than Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, but it has also surpassed practically every major country in the globe, including China, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Germany.

 

Today is the commencement of the third booster dose campaign in Phnom Penh.

Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view

 

The Vientiane Capital Station on the Laos-China Railway was inaugurated Wednesday, as the project nears completion ahead of the railway's December launch.

 

Vientiane Capital Station, with three platforms and five track lines, will be the largest station along the railway, covering 14,543 square meters in Xay Village, Xaythany District.

 

The station was designed by China Railway Construction Group to evoke the original meaning of the capital city's name, "City of Sandalwood."

 

The station was also meant to show China and Laos' friendship.

 

According to Xinhua, the station's main building uses the stretch ratio of Chinese traditional ancient architecture as a benchmark, combining the environmental characteristics of Vientiane with the door style of Chinese classic architecture.

 

Meanwhile, the station hall roof is supported by eight tree-branch-shaped eaves and columns, which take inspiration from tropical rainforests. The eaves will seem as trees casting shadows across the station's front when the sun shines.

 

The Laos-China Railway, which will travel for 426 kilometers between China and Vientiane Capital and reach a top speed of 160 kilometers per hour, is set to open on December 2nd.

 

 

Today, Laos confirmed 731 new Covid-19 cases across the country, with 378 communities designated as red zones across the country.

 

Over the last 24 hours, 5,484 tests were completed around the country, with 731 new cases verified, according to the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control.

 

Across the country, there were 726 cases of community spread and five imported cases.

 

New Death

 

Covid-19 has claimed the life of a 50-year-old lady from Nadao Village in Vientiane Province's Vang Vieng District, making her the 24th victim in Laos.

 

In Namone Village, Vang Vieng District, she had come into contact with an infected person.

 

Diabetes, hypertension, and kidney difficulties were among the woman's underlying ailments.

 

The woman began to experience symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath on October 2 and was brought to a hospital in Vang Vieng on October 5.

 

On October 7, she tested positive for Covid-19.

 

The woman's condition deteriorated, and she was transferred to the Provincial Hospital of Vientiane Province for further treatment, but she died there.

 

Community Spread in Vientiane Capital:

 

Vientiane Capital recorded 450 cases across 47 villages in seven districts.

– Saysettha District recorded 158 cases in seven villages.

– Chanthabouly District recorded 15 cases across five villages.

– Naxaythong District recorded 31 cases across eight villages.

– Hatsaifong District recorded five cases across three villages.

– Sikhottabong District recorded 13 cases across ten villages.

– Sisattanak District recorded 12 cases across six villages.

– Xaythany District recorded 216 cases across seven villages.

 

Community Spread by Province:

 

In Luang Prabang Province, a total of 56 cases of community spread were recorded, with 13 cases in Nambak, and 26 cases in Ngoy District

 

In Luang Prabang City there were ten cases.

 

Xiengngeun District saw four cases, Chomphet District saw three cases while Nan District and PakSang saw only one case.

 

In Bokeo Province there were 26 cases recorded, with 13 in Ton Pheung, 12 in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ), and one in Houayxay District.  

 

In Savannakhet Province, there were 42 cases, including 33 in Outhoumphone, eight in Kaysone Phomvihane City, and one in Xayboury District.

 

In Vientiane Province, there were  42 cases recorded, with three in Phonhong, eight in Vang Vieng, nine in Viengkham, and 22 in Keooudom District.

 

Champasack Province saw 12 cases today, with ten in Pachiangchaleunsouk and two in Phonthong District.

 

Khammouane Province saw  19 cases, 11 employees of the Lao Khaiy Yuan Factory, and two cases related to Speed Express Company. 

 

Total Cases:

 

Laos now has 6,084 active cases of Covid-19, with 24 confirmed deaths, and 27,607 total cases.

 

Meanwhile, 925 people recovered and were discharged from hospitals around the country yesterday.

 

Vaccination Rate

 

First dose vaccinations have now reached 41.52% of the eligible population, while second dose vaccinations have now reached 29.48%.

 

Thailand's Tourism and Sports Minister, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, stated that his government aims to install city bubbles this year along borders such as Trat and Cambodia's Koh Kong.

This was in addition to Nong Khai, Laos, Koh Lipe, Satun, and Langkawi, Malaysia.

 

Next year, 15 million international arrivals are expected, producing roughly 600 billion baht, while 160 million domestic journeys are forecast, creating a total of 882 billion baht.

 

Sarun Benjanirat, deputy director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), said the agency had already begun the process of increasing flying capacity to 100 percent by October 15 and was awaiting approval from the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration.

 

In order to ease more trips, CAAT and the Interior Ministry will examine reducing various inter-provincial travel procedures.

 

Meanwhile, Thai AirAsia has stated that the resumption of foreign flights will be contingent on the outcome of the travel bubble negotiations, and that the airline is prepared to serve any destinations with which Thailand has travel agreements.

 

After noticing early signs of progress, Thai AirAsia (TAA) indicated that it expects a full recovery of domestic capacity in the fourth quarter.

 

In an online poll, readers of the famed travel reference 'Rough Guides' voted Cambodia as the 'world's friendliest country.'

Cambodia was the clear victor in the survey, according to Rough Guides: 'Cambodia was by far the top answer in our poll, and a popular pick among staff members and Rough Guides Twitter followers alike.' "They've been through so much and still have a grin on their cheeks!" exclaimed @AndreaLeber.

 

The top ten friendliest countries in the world, according to Rough Guide:

 

1. Cambodia

2. Philippines

3. Laos

4. Nepal

5. Thailand

6. Myanmar

7. Indonesia

8. Fiji

9. Scotland

10. Sri Lanka

 

 

 

Cambodia today experienced the 8th day of huge decreases in new cases after seven days of daily new case statistics over 800.

The official daily new COVID case total for today was 203, increasing the overall number of COVID cases to 114,351.

 

With 19,159 instances being imported, the total number of Community Cases is now 95,192.

 

Today, 9 imported cases were announced while the number of imported cases seemed to be dwindling.

 

Cambodia also revealed 18 further deaths, increasing the total number of COVID-19-related deaths in Cambodia to 2459.

 

As active cases decreased, 547 recoveries were announced, bringing the total number of active COVID cases in Cambodia to 5,046.

 

This sharp decline in reported cases is linked to a new strategy of limited COVID-19 fast testing, which is the first step in moving the COVID-19 issue from pandemic to endemic status.

 

However, this new strategy has drastically lowered the number of reported cases, making it difficult to determine the exact extent of COVID in Cambodia, especially when combined with the current policy of not providing any provincial numbers.

 

Certainly, there was a general upwards tendency in The Kingdom – however, as seen in the graph (please note that results may be up to two days behind) below, the previous eight days' results have completely reversed this upwards trend:

Because of the vacationing hundreds of thousands over the three days, Cambodia's daily case load has reduced dramatically and confronts the threat of a sudden surge following the conclusion of the Pchum Ben vacations, there is a very real possibility of a spike despite the extremely high number of vaccines.

Health experts around the country are concerned about a rise in the number of cases after seeing shocking images of packed beach fronts, eco tourist attractions, and other famous tourism areas.

 

Over 664,000 tourists attended the Pchum Ben holiday over three days.

 

Cambodians are betting on the Royal Government's immunization program, which has been dubbed the "Cambodian vaccination miracle" and is depicted in the graph below.

 

Cambodia not only has a considerably higher vaccination rate than Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, but it has also surpassed practically every major country in the globe, including China, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Germany.

 

Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view

 

After more than 30 days with no signs of Covid-19 infection on site, Savannakhet Province has proclaimed Sepon Mine a green zone.

 

In an outbreak discovered on August 22, 33 people tested positive for Covid-19, including 25 contractors and eight LXML staff. Many cases were found off-site using LXML's Covid-19 testing and quarantine processes, and all cases were tracked to the original source of contamination using transport contractors.

 

People who tested positive for Covid-19 were placed in recognized treatment facilities, and after 14 days of confinement at a government quarantine center and 14 days at home, they have all recovered and been safely discharged.

 

LXML has done approximately 12,349 Covid-19 testing on LXML personnel and contractors since the first cases were found, with no further evidence of positive cases. For local communities, LXML has also supplied Covid-19 tests.

 

To promptly identify the source of dissemination and isolate probable cases, LXML implemented tight cleanliness, quarantine, tracking, and testing measures coordinated with government preventative regulations.

 

To avoid the spread of the virus, the corporation quickly implemented a site lockdown and worked closely with authorities at the district, provincial, and national levels, as well as local contractors.

 

Approximately 5,000 LXML contractors and workers have been properly vaccinated against Covid-19 thanks to the cooperation of the Savannakhet Provincial Health Department. Access to the Sepon facility, as well as the Vientiane and Savannakhet offices, now requires a vaccination certificate.

 

LXML is committed to enhancing ability to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in close collaboration with the Lao government. LXML has supplied Vilabouly District with Covid-19 test kits, equipment, and financial support in order to create a field hospital, and Savannakhet Province with a PCR machine and related equipment in order to help the province's efforts to safeguard the population from Covid-19.

 

LXML has so far contributed USD 450,000 to the Lao government's COVID-19 preventative and response initiatives.

 

Since its inception in 2003, LXML has provided the Lao government with over USD 1.5 billion in direct revenue, as well as hundreds of millions of dollars in indirect benefits through community development, employment, training, and support for local businesses in Savannakhet Province and throughout Laos.

 

Today, aos has counted 414 new instances of Covid-19 across the country, with Luang Prabang accounting for nearly as many as Vientiane Capital.

 

Over the last 24 hours, 4,965 tests were completed around the country, with 414 new cases verified, according to the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control.

 

Across the country, there were 404 cases of community spread and ten imported cases.

 

Community Spread in Vientiane Capital:

 

Vientiane Capital recorded 146 cases across 59 villages in seven districts.

– Saysettha District recorded 20 cases in seven villages.

– Chanthabouly District recorded 25 cases across seven villages.

– Naxaythong District recorded 28 cases across nine villages.

– Hatsaifong District recorded ten cases across five villages.

– Sikhottabong District recorded 21 cases across 12 villages.

– Sisattanak District recorded 19 cases across five villages.

– Xaythany District recorded 17 cases across 14 villages.

Six more cases are now under investigation.

 

Community Spread by Province:

 

In Luang Prabang Province, a total of 143 cases of community spread were recorded, with 41 cases in Nambak, and 63 cases in Ngoy District.

 

In Luang Prabang City there were 21 cases across Pha Oh, Nongxay, Phou Lek, Phasouk, Phakhom, Nounsavat, and Phosy villages.

 

Xiengngeun District saw 18 cases across Xiengngeun, Pakkhan, Done Mo, and Pakvaet villages.

 

Bokeo Province saw six cases today, with two in Ton Pheung District and four in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

 

In Savannakhet Province, there were 54 cases, including 40 in Outhoumphone District,  nine in Kaysone Phomvihane City, three in Xaybouly District, one in Xayphouthong, and one in Songkhone District.

 

In Vientiane Province, there were six cases, and all had been in contact with previously announced cases.

 

Champasack Province saw six cases today, with three in Pakse City and three in Bachiangchaleunsouk District.

 

Khammouane Province saw seven cases all had been in contact with previously announced cases.

 

Total Cases:

 

Laos now has 6,393 active cases of Covid-19, with 23 confirmed deaths, and 26,876 total cases.

 

Meanwhile, 304 people recovered and were discharged from hospitals around the country yesterday.

 

Vaccination Rate

 

First dose vaccinations have now reached 41.38% of the eligible population, while second dose vaccinations have now reached 29.50%.

 

Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view

 

The city of Luang Prabang has been placed under lockdown due to an increase of Covid-19 cases in the region.

Viengthong Hatsachanh, the Mayor of Luang Prabang City, issued a notice today ordering the city to go into complete lockdown from 12 p.m. today until October 21.

 

Residents are not allowed to leave their homes except in medical emergencies as part of the lockdown.

 

Residents may leave their homes to perform critical duties such as shopping for groceries or consumer goods, but only two outings per household per day will be permitted.

 

It is totally forbidden to enter Luang Prabang City for any reason.

 

All meetings, gatherings, religious rites, and festivals are outlawed, with the exception of funerals, which must follow the Taskforce's criteria.

Indoor and outdoor fitness centers and sports venues, massage parlors, spas, internet cafes, and swimming pools must remain closed. Entertainment and drinking venues, karaoke bars, tourist sites, beer shops, petanque courts, barbecue restaurants, indoor and outdoor fitness centers and sports venues, massage parlors, spas, internet cafes, and swimming pools must remain closed.

 

Stockpiling, hoarding, and a sharp increase in the price of consumer goods are all illegal and punishable under the law.

 

Workers or civil servants in Luang Prabang City's government offices, businesses, and enterprises must rotate personnel or work from home using electronic methods.

The Laos-China Railway project, banks, hospitals, pharmacies, emergency services, postal services, telecommunications services, energy and water supply, and garbage collection services are all likely to remain operational.

 

Fresh markets may continue to operate, but they must maintain Covid-19 prevention measures at all times.

 

Small businesses, gas stations, and restaurants (only for take-out and delivery) may stay open until 8:30 p.m.

 

From 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., a curfew will be in effect, banning travel within the city.

 

 

 

With the Ministry of Health announcing the death of another 13 people from COVID-19-related complications, word has spread across the country that the majority of those who have succumbed to the deadly virus are the unvaccinated – those who have yet to receive the COVID-19 vaccines that could have saved their lives.

The first death in Cambodia from COVID-19 occurred on March 11, while the first immunization against the virus occurred on February 20.

 

Because of the vacationing hundreds of thousands over the three days, Cambodia's daily case load has dropped significantly and faces the prospect of a sudden surge after the end of the Pchum Ben holidays, which ends today, there is a very real possibility of a spike despite the very high number of vaccinations.

 

The government has been gradually bringing down the number of cases by resorting back to the time tested and more accurate PCR tests to determine whether an asymptomatic person is positive or negative, as shocking images of crowded beach fronts, eco tourist spots, and other popular tourism areas have sent shockwaves across health officials nationwide. They feared this situation and are concerned about the spike in the number of cases, which the government has been bringing down gradually and through resorting back to the time tested and more accurate PCR tests to determine whether.

 

Cambodia has been reporting COVID-19 mortality in the high 20s and high tens, and while the number of cases identified positive has decreased, the number of deaths has not, despite the huge number of people who have been vaccinated relative to those who have not.

 

Because the number of unvaccinated people is small, and many of them are elderly, every effort must be made to locate and vaccinate them if they are found to be eligible; otherwise, the death rate will continue to rise, as the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 is quickly becoming the dominant variant of the novel coronavirus in Cambodia.

 

Vaccinate the unvaccinated, as while progressing at warp speed, the unvaccinated population has slowed to a crawl, as the number of people vaccinated daily has plummeted dramatically, and vaccinating less than one percent of the population has become a significant struggle.

 

A bizarre episode in Sihanoukville's streets, in which a bloodied Chinese national was chased through the streets by men holding electric batons before begging for police protection, has sparked significant debate among Chinese and Cambodian pundits.

The photographs and video, which have been widely circulated on Chinese language news sources and social media, appear to depict a Chinese national in an impassioned discussion with a number of security guards outside a casino on October 6th, 2021.

 

The man appears to have stabbed himself in the neck with a pair of scissors, and fresh bloodstains can be seen on his garments.

 

According to witnesses, the man was chased through the streets by two men with electric batons.

 

The two chasers vanished as soon as they saw the security personnel and cops.

 

The man then proceeded into the middle of a packed street and knelt in front of a group of Cambodian cops and a Chinese interpreter, pleading for protection.

 

Although the exact circumstances of the occurrence are unknown, online critics assume that it is connected to an online gambling operation in the coastal city.

 

 

Cambodia today experienced the 7th day of huge decreases in new cases after 7 days of daily new case counts exceeding 800 cases per day.

The official daily new COVID case total for today was 224, increasing the overall number of COVID cases to 114,148.

 

With 19,150 instances being imported, the total number of Community Cases is now 94,998.

 

Today, 5 imported cases were announced while the number of imported cases seemed to be dwindling.

 

Cambodia also revealed 10 new deaths, increasing the total number of COVID-19-related deaths in Cambodia to 2441.

 

The unvaccinated – those who have yet to receive the COVID-19 immunizations that could have saved their lives – make up the majority of those who have succumbed to the fatal illness, according to reports from around the country.

 

Recoveries exceeded new cases today, with 499 fresh recoveries announced, bringing the total number of active cases to 5408.

 

This sharp decline in reported cases is linked to a new strategy of limited COVID-19 fast testing, which is the first step in moving the COVID-19 issue from pandemic to endemic status.

 

However, this new strategy has drastically lowered the number of reported cases, making it difficult to determine the exact extent of COVID in Cambodia, especially when combined with the current policy of not providing any provincial numbers.

 

Certainly, there was a general upwards tendency in The Kingdom – however, as seen in the graph (please note that results may be up to 2 days behind) below, the previous 7 days' results have completely reversed this upwards trend:

Because of the vacationing hundreds of thousands over the three days, Cambodia's daily case load has dropped significantly and faces the prospect of a sudden surge after the end of the Pchum Ben holidays, which ends today, there is a very real possibility of a spike despite the very high number of vaccinations.

Pictures of crowded beach fronts, environmental tourist locations, and other famous tourist destinations have shocked health experts around the country, who are concerned about an increase in the number of cases.

 

Cambodians are betting on the Royal Government's immunization program, which has been dubbed the "Cambodian vaccination miracle" and is depicted in the graph below.

Cambodia not only has a considerably higher vaccination rate than Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, but it has also surpassed practically every major country in the globe, including China, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Germany.

 

The Governor of Phnom Penh has issued instructions on the mandatory presentation of COVID-19 vaccination cards or certificates when entering and leaving educational institutions, markets, and business locations in Phnom Penh, as a sign of the importance of vaccination in enabling a return to normalcy.

 

 

The Miss Universe Laos pageant will be held for the third time this year, with the winner to be announced later this month.

 

Miss Universe Laos 2020 Christina Lasasimma, 27, will be crowned her successor on October 31, according to a new official Facebook page for the Miss Universe Laos organization.

 

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there was no national pageant in 2020, hence Christina was appointed as the titleholder by default.

 

At a national pageant to be held in Vientiane Capital, 32 contenders will vie for the title of Miss Universe Laos 2021.

 

The candidates are:

 

“Kitty” Patthana Outthayoth, 21

Ahong Sengdala, 25

Linkham Chisyayer, 20

Neevanh Touvykue, 25

“Noy” Khempeth Chittavong, 21

“Aingaing” Soukanya Soulivong, 24

Cost Souvannachak, 19

“Vanh” Budseng Vongchanthum, 18

“Anna” Phetsouda Vannapha, 21

Kin Phommavong, 19

“Toukta” Meena Chittakone, 23

Ngern Sombundit, 20

“Paeng” Phavida Phunsavanh, 21

Nitsa Panyasavath, 20

“Pee” Phatthana Khanthamala, 24

“Kee” Manida Nenhouangmala, 26

“Kat” Chansouda Lathsavanh, 20

“Tatar” Vilaphone Visane, 21

“Patty” Sounida Lounthapanya, 20

“Namfon” Vilaivan Sengaloun, 21

“Jernnie” Leechern Xayyalarth, 19

“Nok” Nokkeo Houghnakone, 25

“Anny” Phitsamai Phonesanith, 19

“Mo” Soukphaphone Thepsakmouang, 23

“Faiy” Siliyaphone Xaphilom, 24

“Paeng” Phonesili Phounsawath, 22

“Lae” Palamy Santhany, 20

“Jing” Phouvao Vilaithong, 18

“Tik” Thidasavanh Sivongxay, 25

Nafia Thipphonephosy, 21

“Dabee” Alisa Sonethavizai, 22

“Lar” Larzoy Saiyalard, 21

 

In August of this year, the Miss Universe Organization stated that it would not send a representative to the 70th Miss Universe pageant, which will be held in Israel in December of 2021.

 

Despite the fact that the organization has made no new announcements, it appears like plans are in the works for a last-minute effort to send a representative when the new candidate is chosen.

 

The Miss Universe pageant will hold its 70th edition in December in the southern resort city of Eilat, Israel, where the current Miss Universe, Andrea Meza of Mexico, will crown her successor.

 

 

Foreign and local people were found with narcotics and unlawful firearms at a party held in a room at the Khongkham Hotel in Sisattanak District, according to Vientiane Capital police.

 

Police were called to the scene on Monday, according to Vientiane Security News, where they discovered two groups of foreigners and Lao citizens who had organized a party.

 

Thirteen Chinese nationals and 19 Lao residents were discovered in rooms at the Khongkham Hotel in Phonsinuan, Sisattanak District, in clear violation of the Mayor of Vientiane Capital's Covid-19 regulations.

 

Three handguns, 40 bullets, and 19 sachets of methamphetamine were discovered at the scene by authorities.

 

Before being sentenced, the partygoers were tested for Covid-19 and held in isolation for 14 days. Those who host a party or gathering are subject to fines of LAK 3,000,000 per person and are accountable for any damages caused, including the spread of Covid-19, under current legislation.

 

Vang Vieng is a popular gathering area for illegal gatherings.

 

According to Lao National Radio, police were sent to Vang Vieng District in Vientiane Province on Sunday to detain groups of foreign and local citizens who had illegally organized parties at resorts and restaurants.

 

Mr. Bounchan Malavong, the governor of Vang Vieng Jurisdiction, claims that police in his district have discovered three distinct incidences involving unauthorized gatherings.

 

Six foreign workers employed by the Laos-China Railway project, as well as 28 locals, were discovered unlawfully holding gatherings in Vang Vieng resorts and bars.

 

Mr. Bounchan claimed that the majority of persons there had traveled to Vang Vieng illegally from Vientiane Capital.

 

According to Mr. Bounchan, police handed fines to both partygoers and restaurant and resort owners, who were also given a last warning and told to temporarily close their establishments.

 

 

Today, Laos has documented 484 new instances of Covid-19 across the country, with the province of Luang Prabang having the highest number.

 

Over the last 24 hours, 4,874 tests were completed around the country, with 484 new cases verified, according to the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control.

 

Across the country, there were 463 cases of community spread and 16 imported cases.

 

New death

 

A 74-year-old man from Nongchan Village, Sisattanak District, Vientiane Capital, died from Covid-19 yesterday after not receiving a vaccine and suffering from underlying illnesses.

 

On September 20, he was taken to Setthathirath Hospital after his entire family was afflicted with Covid-19.

 

He tested positive for Covid-19 on September 21st and was treated for 15 days, but he died in hospital on October 5th.

 

Community Spread in Vientiane Capital:

Vientiane Capital recorded 206 cases across 47 villages in seven districts.

 

– Saysettha District recorded cases in six villages.
– Chanthabouly District recorded cases across eight villages.
– Naxaythong District recorded cases across eight villages.
– Hatsaifong District recorded cases across 17 villages.
– Sikhottabong District recorded cases across 12 villages.
– Sisattanak District recorded cases across eight villages.
– Xaythany District recorded cases across 14 villages.

 

Seven more cases are now under investigation.

 

Community Spread by Province:

 

In Luang Prabang Province, a total of 96 cases of community spread were recorded, with 30 cases in Nambak at a Chinese banana plantation, 57 cases in Ngoy District including works at the Nam Ou Hydropower Project.

 

In Luang Prabang City there were four cases across Phouxang, Meungnga, Sangkalok, and Wat Thad villages with one case in each village.

 

Xiengngeun District saw four cases, while Nan District saw only one case.

 

In Bokeo Province there were 78 cases recorded, with some 70 employees of a new airport construction project now infected with Covid-19.

 

In Savannakhet Province, there were 58 cases, including 10 in Outhoumphone, 46 in Kaysone Phomvihane City, and one in Artsaphangthong.

 

In Vientiane Province, there were 17 cases recorded, with 11 in Vang Vieng, three in Viengkham, and three in Keooudom District.

 

Champasack Province saw seven cases today, with three in Pakse City, two in Pachiangchaleunsouk, one in Phonthong, and one in Pathoumphone District.

 

Khammouane Province saw four cases including a pregnant woman.

 

In Xieng Khouang Province, two cases were confirmed in connection to people who attended a funeral in Hor Sim Village.

 

Total Cases:

 

Laos now has 6,558 active cases of Covid-19, with 23 confirmed deaths, and 26,462 total cases.

 

Meanwhile, 284 people recovered and were discharged from hospitals around the country yesterday.

 

Vaccination Rate

 

First dose vaccinations have now reached 41.13% of the eligible population, while second dose vaccinations have now reached 28.98%.

 

According to a new research, the Cambodian passport has fallen even further down the ranks.

In the most recent Henley Passport Index, Cambodia received 53 points, slipping seven places to 95th in the world. The rankings are based on how many countries a passport holder can travel without needing a visa. Two days ago, the most recent rankings were announced.

 

The Kingdom was ranked 88th out of 193 countries four months ago.

 

This is bad news for business travelers, tourists, and other citizens of a country that already has one of the weakest passports in the world. Cambodians can travel visa-free to 53 countries, the majority of which are in Asia, Africa, and Oceania.

 

Singapore continues to hold the most powerful passport in Southeast Asia and the world, followed by Germany, South Korea, Finland, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Austria, and Denmark.

 

In the region, Singapore is followed by Malaysia (13th in the world), Brunei (23rd), Thailand (72nd), Indonesia (78th)and the Philippines (83rd). Vietnam (95th) is tied with Cambodia, while Laos (99th) and Myanmar (102nd) have the least powerful passports in Southeast Asia.

 

 

On the evening of October 5, Governor Khuong Sreng of Phnom Penh issued instructions requiring the showing of a COVID-19 vaccination card or certificate at all times when entering and exiting educational institutions, markets, and business venues in Phnom Penh.

 

This is also true for children under the age of six, for whom immunization began on September 17 and 1,778,874 youngsters aged six to twelve have gotten their first dosage.

 

Before entering schools, malls, markets, or business venues in Phnom Penh, they must produce their immunization certificate or card.

 

According to the letter, Phnom Penh is the world's most vaccinated city, with nearly all of its residents receiving one or both doses of the vaccine, with some receiving a third booster shot.

 

Adults over the age of 18 must present their immunization card, while children under the age of 18 must have their parents or guardians present the card or certificate.

 

The announcement further stated that if the school administration, market commission, business owners, and all other establishments fail to execute this action, their licenses will be revoked. They're also in danger of being turned off.

 

 

 

Cambodia observed the 6th day of huge declines in new cases today, after 7 days of daily new case counts above 800 cases per day.

The official daily new COVID case total for today was 221, increasing the overall number of COVID cases to 113,924.

 

There are presently 94,779 Community Instances, with 19,145 cases being imported.

 

Today, 9 imported cases were announced while the number of imported cases seemed to be dwindling.

 

Cambodia also revealed 13 further deaths, increasing the total number of COVID-19-related deaths in Cambodia to 2431.

 

According to Khmer Times, two-thirds of the 2,418 people who died from COVID-19 up to yesterday were apparently unvaccinated.

 

The Deputy Governor of Siem Reap was the first to expose this, stating that many of individuals who died from COVID-19 in the province were unvaccinated.

 

Recoveries outnumbered new cases today, with 443 new recoveries announced, bringing the total number of active cases to 5,693.

 

This sharp decline in reported cases is linked to a new strategy of limited COVID-19 fast testing, which is the first step in moving the COVID-19 issue from pandemic to endemic status.

 

However, this new strategy has drastically lowered the number of reported cases, making it difficult to determine the exact extent of COVID in Cambodia, especially when combined with the current policy of not providing any provincial numbers.

 

Certainly, there was a general upwards tendency in The Kingdom – however, as seen in the graph (please note that results may be up to two days behind) below, the previous six days' results have completely reversed this upwards trend:

 

However, observers are concerned that the Pchum Benh celebrations will result in a resurgence of COVID data.

 

To avoid a reappearance of COVID, Prime Minister Hun Sen has advised Pchum Ben visitors to follow health rules.

 

Cambodians are counting on the Royal Government's immunization campaign, dubbed the "Cambodian vaccination miracle," to succeed, as shown in the graph below.

 

Cambodia not only has a considerably higher vaccination rate than Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, but it has also surpassed practically every major country in the globe, including China, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Germany.

 

The Governor of Phnom Penh has issued instructions on the mandatory presentation of COVID-19 vaccination cards or certificates when entering and leaving educational institutions, markets, and business locations in Phnom Penh, as a sign of the importance of vaccination in enabling a return to normalcy.

Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view

 

Laos has claimed that over the last ten years, it has successfully decreased greenhouse gas emissions by 34%.

Dr. Phankham Viphavanh, the Prime Minister of Laos, addressed via videoconference at the United Nations General Assembly in New York last month, claiming that the country had reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 34% between 2000 and 2020, according to KPL.

 

He claimed that the Laotian government had made climate change a priority, implementing the Paris Agreement's goals into its National Socio-Economic Development Plan and National Green Growth Strategy.

 

“Our government has also submitted to the United Nations our Nationally Determined Contributions, which aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2030,” Dr. Phankham stated.

 

“This is a huge step forward for Laos in terms of combating climate change and adhering to the Paris Agreement's obligations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Prime Minister Phankham stated.

 

Laos has urged all countries to speed up the implementation of the Paris Agreement's targets for preventing and reducing natural catastrophes, which are becoming more common and have a significant global impact.

 

According to a UNDP report from 2018, Laos was the 42nd most vulnerable country to climate change, owing to the country's vulnerability to climate-related hazards such as drought, landslides, and severe flooding.

 

Similarly, in Laos, a rise in the occurrence of tropical diseases like Typhus has been related to shifting weather patterns, with warmer temperatures allowing specific germs to flourish.

 

According to The Washington Post, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City is one of numerous major museums that have displayed looted Cambodian antiques.

The Post and the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) went on a "treasure hunt" for treasures allegedly plundered from Cambodia by late art dealer Douglas Latchford, according to the Post. The hunt began after The Washington Post and the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) looked into 11.9 million documents known as the Pandora Papers.

 

The Justice Department charged Latchford in 2019 on charges of trafficking in looted Cambodian artifacts. Until his death in 2020, he vehemently rejected these allegations.

 

Latchford and his family established tax haven trusts immediately after investigators began linked him to the looted items, according to the Post. According to the article, Latchford transacted with the looted Cambodian antiques through an offshore trust.

 

According to the Post, “dozens” of plundered objects linked to the arrested trader remain in prestigious institutions, including the British Museum.

 

The institutions told the Post that they took efforts to prevent stolen goods, but that provenance criteria had altered over time. They didn't respond to Insider's calls for comment right away.

 

Some institutions have taken steps to return stolen Cambodian artifacts once the allegations against Latchford were made public. In 2013, the Metropolitan Museum of Art returned two looted tenth-century stone statues from Koh Ker, Cambodia. Following her father's death, Latchford's daughter, Nawapan Kriangsak, led an attempt to return $50 million in artifacts to Cambodia.

 

More information regarding the Post's investigation into how offshore entities are used to hide misconduct in the global art trade is anticipated to be released soon.

 

All passengers entering and departing Phnom Penh, whether by taxi, bus, private automobile, or motorcycle, must wear a mask, according to Phnom Penh officials.

This applies to everyone, and those who disregard the warning face fines ranging from 200,000 KHR to 1 million KHR ($50 to $250).

 

People rushing to leave Phnom Penh for their hometown will increase from October 5 to 7, which are public holidays for Pchum Ben, according to Sam Piseth, Director of the Department of Public Works and Transport of Phnom Penh and Deputy Chairman of the Implementation Committee of the Road Traffic Law, speaking at a press conference on the afternoon of October 4 at Phnom Penh Capital Hall.

 

As a result, there may be an increase in traffic accidents, as well as the spread of Covid-19 from Phnom Penh to other provinces.

 

At the same time, motorists must follow the law by not transporting more than the allowed number of people or other overweight cargo.

 

All motorists must also follow health regulations, with all passengers, particularly those in cabs, required to wear masks.

 

Residents of Luang Prabang Province have been invited to contribute to the development of a provincial disaster management and social welfare fund by paying a fee to the government.

Authorities have established a disaster management and social welfare fund, according to a notification issued by the Luang Prabang Provincial Governor, which will be used to aid persons affected by natural catastrophes in the province.

 

Residents of Luang Prabang have been forced to contribute to the fund annually with a payment of LAK 10,000 per household, according to All in Laos.

 

In the city of Luang Prabang, party committee members, police chiefs, and others will be paid between LAK 40,000 and 50,000 per year, while public officials, police officers, and military personnel would be paid LAK 20,000 per year.

 

Ordinary residents, meanwhile, will pay a yearly fee of LAK 10,000 per family.

 

On October 1, authorities began collecting the charge from inhabitants of the province.

 

Climate change and natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and landslides make Laos vulnerable, with many people losing their homes and livelihoods each year.

 

 

Laos said today that it intends to allow anyone sick with Covid-19, or those who have had intimate contact with an infected person, to self-isolate and get at-home care.

In a statement released today by the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control, Dr. Lattanaxay Phetsouvanh, Director-General of the Department of Communicable Disease Control, said that with the increased community spread experienced by several provinces in Laos, central hospitals and field hospitals are reaching capacity.

 

Despite the continuous expansion of field hospitals in several areas, he believes medical personnel will soon be unable to appropriately respond to the rising number of Covid-19 cases, implying that self-isolation and at-home care would become necessary.

Such policies, according to Dr. Lattanaxay, would only be implemented if hospitals reached capacity; nevertheless, those who had intimate contact with Covid-19 patients would be able to self-isolate at home if their dwelling satisfied certain criteria.

 

According to the new requirements, persons who are self-isolating must have separate or self-contained sleeping quarters and toilet facilities, and they must stay at home for 14 days after first coming into contact with an infected person.

 

Self-isolated people would need to keep track of their symptoms, such as checking their temperature and monitoring coughing, shortness of breath, and a loss of smell or taste. According to Dr. Lattanaxay, people would also need to stay away from other members of the home, particularly those in high-risk categories.

 

Meanwhile, he suggested that in the near future, at-home treatment for Covid-19 might be a possibility, with those with minor symptoms of the virus being able to relax and recover at home.

 

According to Dr. Lattanaxay, this would allow hospitals to focus on more urgent cases while also making room for individuals with underlying illnesses.

 

In recent weeks, Laos has seen a surge in community cases of Covid-19, with an outbreak at garment manufacturers in Vientiane Capital placing the country's capital under lockdown for two weeks.

 

Phouvong Vongkhamsao, Deputy Mayor of Vientiane Capital, remarked that a balance must be made between public health, effective governance, and economic measures, with the city loosening measures in regions where there is no community spread, after the city completed a full lockdown.

 

Flash floods have flooded almost 200,000 meters of 541 roads in Banteay Meanchey province, but no deaths have been reported.

Flooding has affected at least 124 roads in Serei Saophorn city, 122 roads in Poipet city, 145 in O'Chrov district, 42 in Phnom Srok district, 63 in Mongkul Borei district, and 45 in Malai district, according to a National Committee for Disaster Management report received by Khmer Times today.

 

According to the study, the flood flooded 25,223 hectares of rice fields, 222 hectares of potato fields, and 79 hectares of other crops.

 

“Banteay Meanchey province has been seriously damaged by flash flood this year,” NCDM spokesman Khun Sokha stated, “but happily no one has been hurt or killed by flash flood.”

 

Authorities have yet to assess the extent of the water damage, he said.

 

Lay Sothy, deputy director of the Banteay Meanchey Provincial Department of Water Resources, told Khmer Times that rain has fallen in three districts, although the water level has dropped somewhat.

 

Because of the receding floodwaters, Sothy reported that routes 268A, which had been closed since September 26, were reopened today.

 

Meanwhile, Douk Bunthon, director of the Kampong Chhnang Provincial Department of Water Resources, stated today that while there is no rain today, a portion of road 50C between Kampong Chhnang and Kampong Thom provinces has yet to reopen due to floods.

 

Heavy rains have been reported in five provinces: Banteay Meanchey, Svay Rieng, Tboung Khmum, Kandal, and Prey Veng, according to the Ministry of Water Resources.