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In mid-December, the Apsara Authority will hold an event called "Remembrance of Angkor," which will honor the Khmer forefathers, kings and queens who constructed the many temples in the Angkor archaeological site, as well as the individuals who struggle to maintain and conserve the ancient temples. Credit Source: Khmer Times Join our 3x a week Cambodian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

The Ministry of Health is beefing its steps to avoid the spread of B.1.1529 (Omicron), the latest and most virulent strain of Covid-19 discovered in Africa, as worldwide concern mounts. However, unlike Asean neighbors like as Thailand and Singapore, as well as many other nations, the restrictions do not include a ban on immigration from some African countries where the virus is growing. Or Vandine, a spokesman for the Ministry of Health, said yesterday that because Cambodia does not currently have the variation, it will not block flights from nations that do. "We are now living in a new normal, which we must sustain for the sake of stability." "We can't open up and then close down," she said, adding that "we can't forecast what will happen in the future and must maintain our vigilance." "The variety is passed down through the mobility of individuals. By doing a fast test upon arrival, we will pay closer attention to individuals arriving from countries with transmission. If they test positive, they must be isolated in a treatment facility," she explained. Thailand's Bangkok Post reported yesterday that the nation will restrict visitors from eight southern African countries where the new Covid-19 strain has been discovered. The restriction is in place despite the fact that the new strain has yet to be found in Thailand, according to the country's Department of Disease Control. Similarly, according to a Channel News Asia article from Friday, Singapore's Ministry of Health has announced that persons with recent travel histories to seven African nations will be denied admission because to allegations that Omnicrom is circulating there. "All long-term pass holders and short-term tourists with travel records to Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe within the previous 14 days would not be allowed to enter Singapore or transit here starting at 11.59 p.m. on Saturday," the ministry stated. Dr Li Ailan, the World Health Organization's representative in Cambodia, told Khmer Times yesterday that WHO advises a risk-based strategy for altering international border procedures, which might include targeted quarantine as well as other readiness and reaction measures. "When it comes to managing international border measures, it's a good practice to strike the best possible balance between putting in place necessary public health measures to delay possible Omicron importation while ensuring no significant unnecessary disruption of international travel and movements," she said. "What we know about Omicron is that it is a variety of concern," she said, "but there are still many unknowns or questions regarding real viral behaviors." She said that study into the variant's transmission is still underway. These factors include the severity of the problem and its potential impact on vaccination efficacy. She explained that in the face of such uncertainty, the best course of action is to "prepare ourselves and be ready for a better response to probable adverse events, such as a future large surge." "What we're doing in Cambodia (for example, individual Covid-19 preventative actions like appropriately wearing a mask) is to save lives and safeguard health," she continued. "While we continue to ensure a safe and long-term reopening, we are continuously learning from our real-world experiences." "We're adjusting certain measures depending on the local circumstances, and we should continue to support Cambodia's best practices," she said. Individually safe behavior, enhanced surveillance and sequencing, increased health-care capacity, and becoming completely immunized, according to Ailan, are among these measures. "There is no simple or magical answer," she noted, "but such concerted efforts by everyone and every sector at the national and local levels make a significant impact and help preserve and enhance Cambodia's outstanding achievements and success." Tob Sopheak, a spokesman for the Ministry of Tourism, told Khmer Times yesterday that the government's preventative measures for the new Covid-19 form are ready to be implemented (Omicron). Furthermore, the government is improving its ability to follow each tourist's health status more efficiently. "We're researching with the appropriate officials to be ready for Covid-19 and its versions," he stated. "As we endeavor to expand our capacity to serve visitors cordially, we also keep a close eye on each tourist's health," he explained. Sin Chansereyvutha, a spokeswoman for the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, told Khmer Times yesterday that entrance bans are not under their jurisdiction. He did, however, point out that African nations do not send many tourists to Cambodia. "Since November 15, there have been roughly 500 to 600 tourists every day through aircraft, and very few of them are from Africa," he stated. "In order to respond to the new variety of Covid-19 (B.1.1.529), we will increase our abilities to be more diligent with health assessments and preventative actions." Omicron was first found in Botswana on November 24, according to WHO Africa, and is causing alarm in a number of nations across the world. The majority of health experts advise each country to be cautious about a global outbreak of this variety. The variation has been confirmed and has been found in travellers travelling in from various African nations in Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Australia, Israel, and Germany. In the same way, Hong Kong was the first Asian territory to discover Omicron in two inbound travellers. 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As Cambodia prepares for a probable new wave of the pandemic in the form of the Omicron variety that is sweeping the globe, the country has once again reported low daily new COVID case counts (diagnosed by PCR test) in an unprecedented 60-day run of 'new normal' low case numbers. The official daily new COVID case count (as determined by PCR) was 25, increasing the overall number of COVID cases to 120,112 cases. Covid-19 in Cambodia appears to have been brought under strict control nine months after the February 20 Community Event, and the country is reopening in practically all areas. However, the new 'Omicron' version of COVID-19, which is said to be highly transmissible, has sparked widespread worry. Cases have been found in Asia, Europe, and Australia, and the World Health Organization and Cambodian Secretary of State Or Vandine have both warned that the Omicron form may arrive in Cambodia sooner rather than later. The WHO Representative in Cambodia, Dr Li Ailan, has issued a warning: "Despite excellent COVID-19 immunization coverage, Cambodia should be cautious about the recently discovered Variant of Concern Omicron. Everyone should be prepared for a potential surge, and we should continue to learn and improve our reaction mechanisms as needed." Experts recommend that Cambodia join Singapore and Thailand in prohibiting tourists from a number of African nations in order to avoid the spread of this hazardous new mutation. Yesterday, a Cambodian tourist sector specialist said: "Cambodia could go even farther and exclude any travellers who have been through these countries during the previous 14 to 21 days after arrival in Cambodia." After nearly two years of closure and preventative precautions, we are about to reopen. "Now is not the time to relax our vigilance and let infected B.1.1.529 Omicron variant persons to cross our borders, since this is like to letting a genie out of a bottle." Once inside Cambodia's borders, it'll be another nightmare situation, similar to the Delta variation, which is currently Cambodia's dominant variant." The Royal Government, on the other hand, has made no attempt to remedy the deteriorating Omicron situation. Moving forward, the Royal Government's focus is now on establishing a "new normal" in Cambodia and opening the country up to tourists and industry by treating milder cases of COVID at home. The recent dramatic drop in reported cases is due to a strategy implemented in October that excludes 'quick' testing and'mild' COVID-19 cases from the official daily case counts. Under the prior reporting scheme, there was a general increasing tendency in the Kingdom; however, the latest 60 days' data have entirely reversed this pattern, as seen in the graph below (please note that results may be up to two days behind): Other statistics show that there are currently 100,292 Community Instances, with 19,820 cases being imported. The disparity between Cambodia's COVID condition and that of Thailand and Vietnam, its neighbors, is astounding. The numbers (see graph below) are proof of the Kingdom's comprehensive immunization drive, which has been dubbed the "Cambodian vaccination miracle." Today, six imported cases were revealed, maintaining a pattern of few imported cases. Cambodia also revealed four further deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19-related deaths in Cambodia to 2935. As active cases decreased, 22 recoveries were announced, bringing the total number of active COVID cases in Cambodia to just 682. Cambodia has now surpassed not just its close neighbors Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam (see below) in terms of vaccination rates, but also nearly every major country in the globe, including France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Germany. However, due to limited acceptance of the third booster dosage in Phnom Penh, the city's officials have decided to keep the third 'booster' injection campaign going indefinitely. Credit Source: Khmer Times Join our 3x a week Cambodian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view

Dr. Anoulak Kittikhoun, a Lao native, has been named the next CEO of the Mekong River Commission (MRC). The 3rd Riparian CEO of the MRC Secretariat, Dr. Anoulak Kittikhoun of Lao nationality, was appointed by the MRC Council yesterday for the 2022–2024 term. He is the country's first Lao national to hold the job. The MRC Joint Committee unanimously approved Dr. Kittikhoun's appointment following a recruiting process that began in February of this year. In January 2022, he will begin his new job. Dr. Kittikhoun follows Cambodian-born Dr. An Pich Hatda, whose tenure as the MRC Secretariat's 2nd Riparian CEO expires next year. Members of the Council and MRC Development Partners praised Dr. Hatda's leadership and significant contributions to the MRC's ability to fulfill its mission. "Dr. Hatda's great cooperation over the previous three years has been defined by extraordinary organizational and technical successes under difficult conditions," remarked Ms. AnnaMaria Oltorp, Chairperson of the MRC Development Partners Group. The Sustainable Hydropower Development Strategy has been approved. Meanwhile, the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Council approved the much-anticipated Sustainable Hydropower Development Strategy (SHDS 2021) for the Lower Mekong Basin yesterday, one of the key deliverables of the previous Basin Development Strategy and the MRC Strategic Plan 2016–2020, to address future hydropower sustainability. During the 28th conference sponsored by the Royal Government of Thailand in Bangkok in a virtual setting with other countries, water and environment ministers from Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam agreed to the strategy and other organizational norms and processes. General Prawit Wongsuwon, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Chairperson of the MRC Council for 2021, commented on the strategy's ratification, saying that the new SHDS emphasizes the need to advance basin development toward results that can fulfill long-term demands. "The plan is a big step forward in pushing the basin toward optimum, safe, and responsible outcomes that address the interdependencies between environmental protection, water, food, and hydropower generation," says the report. Over the previous two decades, he continued, water infrastructure projects such as hydroelectric dams have had a significant influence on the Mekong River systems. The clearance will pave the stage for SHDS implementation in accordance with the MRC Strategic Plan 2021–2025, which aims to address rising risks exacerbated by climate change. It will also allow the MRC to collaborate with Member Countries on greater data and information exchange, as well as the coordination of hydropower project operations. SHDS 2021 represents the completion of activities that began in 2017. In 2018, developers, academics, and civil society groups were included in the formulation process, which included an extra research on a variety of hydropower development scenarios. The Council Meeting also heard a report on the MRC's financial position and implementation of the Multi-Year Work Plan 2021–2022, as well as amended Rules of Procedures for the MRC Council and Joint Committee. The summit also reviewed plans for the 4th MRC Summit and International Conference, which will be hosted by the Government of Lao PDR and will take place in April 2023. Water resources and environment ministers, as well as other relevant high-level officials from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Vietnam, make up the MRC Council, which is the organization's highest level. The yearly gathering also includes representatives from the Dialogue Partners, China and Myanmar, as well as other partners. Credit Source: The Laotian Times Join our 3x a week Laotian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

Covid-19 instances have reached a new daily high in Laos, with 1,510 new cases confirmed across the nation today. Over the previous 24 hours, 5,627 tests were completed around the nation, with 1,510 new cases verified, according to the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control. Across the country, there were 1,509 cases of community spread and one imported case. New Deaths A 64-year-old lady from Nakha Village in the Naxaythong District of Vientiane Capital died at Mittaphap Hospital yesterday morning. She had high blood pressure. The lady had not been vaccinated against Covid-19, according to the information presented. A 72-year-old lady from Khamhoung Village in Xaythany District, Vientiane Capital, died in Mittaphap Hospital yesterday evening. Diabetes, hypertension, and pulmonary edema plagued her. She had had a complete Covid-19 vaccination. On November 21, a 44-year-old lady from Huaykor Village in Chomphet District, Luang Prabang Province, died in hospital. She had not received the Covid-19 vaccine. A 51-year-old lady from Huayhorm Village in the Sikhottabong District of Vientiane Capital died at Setthathirath Hospital yesterday. She had been properly vaccinated against Covid-19 and had diabetes. Credit Source: The Laotian Times Join our 3x a week Laotian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view

Both parties met yesterday to discuss the restoration of border crossings, and Cambodian officials urged their Thai colleagues to allow 3,000 people enter and exit daily. The discussions centered on the establishment of international and regional ports in the provinces of Banteay Meanchey and Battambang, which border Thailand's Sa Kaeo province. Oum Reathrey, the governor of Banteay Meanchey province, Sok Lou, the governor of Battambang province, Parin Panha Phothisath, the governor of Sa Keo province, and other important Armed Forces officials met for negotiations. The Cambodian side proposed that 3,000 individuals be permitted to enter and exit everyday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the discussions. Cambodia requested 300 trips per cart with six persons for individuals who push carts for daily cross-border trade, but they must obey the Ministry of Health's recommendations. Additionally, Border Pass holders are permitted to farm near the border for three months and ninety days. Phothisath stated that he will relay the requests of his Cambodian colleagues to the Thai government. The suggested border checkpoints to be reopened include Poipet International in Banteay Meanchey, Malai and Boeung Trakoun in Malai province, and the Kilo 13 International border in Sampov Loun district in Battambang province. Credit Source: Khmer Times Join our 3x a week Cambodian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

The official daily new COVID case count (as determined by PCR test) was 29, increasing the overall number of COVID cases to 120,038. Covid-19 in Cambodia has been placed under strict control nine months after the February 20 Community Event, and the country is reopening in practically all areas. Today, six imported cases were revealed, maintaining a pattern of few imported cases. Cambodia also revealed four further deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19-related deaths in Cambodia to 2922. As active cases decreased, 30 recoveries were announced, bringing the total number of active COVID cases in Cambodia to just 692. Credit Source: Khmer Times Join our 3x a week Cambodian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

This week, cooler weather is forecasted in numerous regions of Laos, with temperatures dropping by up to 4 degrees. The weather is predicted to be colder during the next several days, particularly in Laos' northern provinces, according to a notification published by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's Department of Meteorology and Hydrology. The study predicts lows of 7 degrees and highs of 31 degrees from November 24 to November 30. Phongsaly, Houaphan, Xieng Khouang, and Xaysomboun provinces, among others, are expected to experience cold weather, with temperatures ranging from 7 to 24 degrees Celsius. Cold weather has produced abrupt temperature swings in the northern provinces and highlands, as well as Xaysomboun and the Bolaven Plateau, which may be tough for youngsters and the elderly. Temperatures throughout the center and southern parts of the country, including Vientiane and the northern provinces of Laos, will be higher during the day. This week, Vientiane Capital will witness lows of 17 degrees and highs of up to 30 degrees. Credit Source: The Laotian Times Join our 3x a week Laotian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

Since the beginning of the pandemic, serving alcohol in restaurants has been a component of Covid-19 limitations in Laos; however, the most recent restrictions have left restaurateurs in the dark. While Laos' regions and capital have gone into and out of lockdown on a regular basis, limits on the serving of alcohol in restaurants have remained a key component of the country's Covid-19 policies at the national level. However, the newest Covid-19 limitations issued by the Prime Minister's Office, which take effect on November 15, make no mention of any prohibitions on restaurants serving alcohol. Restaurants were not mentioned at all in the statement, which was dominated by the reopening of schools and the restoration of domestic travel. While the new rules do not clearly indicate that offering alcoholic beverages is forbidden, the Lao Hotel & Restaurant Association advised the Laotian Times that it is recommended for businesses to refrain from selling alcoholic beverages until formal approval is provided. Laotian Times called the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control's 166 hotline to receive a firm response to this subject. The response responded that serving alcohol in restaurants is still illegal, and that residents should refer to the Covid-19 regulations issued on October 30, which, despite being replaced by the November limitations, cover the matter in more depth. The Taskforce respondent's final proposal was to drink at home. Credit Source: The Laotian Times Join our 3x a week Laotian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

Today, 1,504 new cases of Covid-19 were reported in Laos, with one fatality. Over the previous 24 hours, 9,654 tests were completed around the nation, with 1,504 new cases verified, according to the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control. Across the country, there were 1,499 cases of community spread and five imported cases. New Death A 90-year-old man died at Setthathirath Hospital in Thongkhankham Village, Chanthabouly District, Vientiane Capital, yesterday. He had high blood pressure and had never been vaccinated against Covid-19. Credit Source: The Laotian Times Join our 3x a week Laotian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view

After a dispute over overdue rent, a Phnom Penh landlord took matters into his own hands and imprisoned employees of a Cambodian airline inside their office. Today, three cleaning staff members at the JC Airlines office on Mao Tse Toung Street, Sangkat Tuol Svay Prey I, Khan Boeung Keng Kang, Phnom Penh, were going about their daily routines. However, about 12 p.m., a representative of the building's landlord came into the office and put a number of heavy iron chains across the business's entrance doors. Authorities called the landlord, who indicated that he went to the company's premises today to demand payment because the owner of JC Airlines had not paid his rent for several months. He opted to recover the premises by locking the doors after seeing the office seemed to be vacant of equipment and employees. The landlord said he was unaware that employees were there in the office and returned with a key to the chains, liberating the unhappy cleaning crew. Authorities have called two persons to the Tuol Svay Prey I Administrative Police Station for additional questioning: a couple and a representative of the landlord. With a registered capital of $50 million dollars, JC International Airlines was created in 2014 and began operations in March 2017. It promotes a number of routes from Cambodia to China and Thailand on its website, but none of the tickets appear to be bookable, and there has been no activity on the JC Airlines Facebook page since March 2020. Credit Source: Khmer Times Join our 3x a week Cambodian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

Before the likely reopening of KTVs and nightclubs after November 30, some are ready to start the celebration, while others are debating whether to open or stay closed. Love Club's general manager informed Khmer Times yesterday that the club's owner is debating whether to reopen, close, or sell it to a new owner. "Covid-19 has placed a lot of pressure on everyone," he continued, "and he's thinking whether this is a chance to develop a new way to conduct business." "Opening the club in the midst of the pandemic poses significant risks, and even if the club remains open, we will be seeking for a corporate partner," he added. Slanh Family KTV's owner announced yesterday that his business is insolvent after being closed for much too long, and that he has no plans to restart. "It will be great to see KTVs reopening." But I don't have the funds to reopen mine," he explained. "The circumstances have changed. "I don't want to attempt and succeed in this industry again," he continued, referring to a KTV as a site with a high risk of virus transmission. Kim Chhay, owner of Beoung Meas restaurant and KTV, claimed the community outbreak on February 20 had wreaked havoc on his business and brought him dangerously near to bankruptcy. He remarked, "Right now, we're waiting for the formal announcement to reopen our KTV." Prime Minister Hun Sen asked KTV and disco owners to wait and be patient on Tuesday, saying the government will make an announcement on November 30. In response to the new normal trajectory, the Tourism Ministry has established new Standard Operational Procedures that include a variety of operating criteria. According to the ministry, the reopening of bars, discos, and entertainment companies would help to create jobs, support the tourism sector, and the national economy in the new normal. Meanwhile, Top Sopheak, a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Tourism, told the Khmer Times yesterday that each site of these types of entertainment enterprises would have to be assessed to determine how many visitors they could allow while still safeguarding themselves and their clients from Covid-19. "These kinds of enterprises carry a lot of risk," he added, "therefore we need to have very tight protocols in place to prevent any possible virus spread." Credit Source: Khmer Times Join our 3x a week Cambodian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

Cambodia has reported the lowest daily new COVID case data (diagnosed by PCR test) in an unparalleled stretch of 56 days of 'new normal' low case numbers as the country transitions to a post-COVID normalcy. The official daily new COVID case total (as determined by PCR) was 32 today, increasing the total to 120,009 cases. Credit Source: Khmer Times Join our 3x a week Cambodian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view

Covid-19 sufferers who obtain treatment at provincial health institutions must pay for their own fees, according to authorities in Luang Prabang. According to a letter published yesterday by Dr. Khamsone Phongsavathdy, Director of the Luang Prabang Provincial Health Department, officials will discontinue providing free meals, drinking water, and other essentials to Covid-19 patients in the region. Last Monday, the Swiss Red Cross stopped sending meals and other services to the Luang Prabang Health Department, prompting the latest action. According to the letter, Covid patients must pay at least LAK 40,000 per day for food and drink. Patients with mild symptoms will be treated for 14 days at a cost of LAK 560,000 per individual, while those who will be treated for more than two weeks will be charged on the day of treatment. If an epidemic occurs in a factory or firm with 50 or more employees, the relevant sector will establish a treatment center on the premises, with the factory covering the costs. Government agencies and businesses must take precautions and will be responsible for their own meal costs if they become infected. Meanwhile, the provincial government has designated several hotels as treatment centers for Covid-19 patients who do not want to be treated in field hospitals; nonetheless, patients are responsible for all charges. Residents have had varied reactions to the new restrictions, with some concerned that individuals who cannot or will not pay for treatment may not be hospitalized, increasing the risk of the virus spreading. Credit Source: The Laotian Times Join our 3x a week Laotian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

The Don Chan drainage canal behind Masot Hospital will be redeveloped and transformed into a clean and pleasant place by authorities in Vientiane Capital. The Vientiane City Office for Management and Services (VCOMS) is working with authorities from Sisattanak District to rebuild the Don Chan drainage canal region. According to Vientiane Mai, the Mayor of Vientiane Capital issued a notice on Saturday ordering the proprietors of unlicensed kiosks along the Don Chan drainage canal in Sisattanak District to quit the area. Mr. Bounchan Keosythamma, the head of the Vientiane City Office for Management and Services, claimed that street vendor stalls and tiny huts along the Don Chan drainage canal behind the Mahosot Hospital had been dismantled. Mr. Bounchan explained, "The stalls were removed so the space could be refurbished and a temporary motorbike parking lot for the Mahosot Hospital could be erected." According to him, the Chinese government contributed money to the creation of Don Chan Park, which is located behind Mahosot along the drainage canal. "However, over time, unregistered street sellers began to set up stalls and businesses in the neighborhood, starting with a few outlets and gradually increasing in number, giving the region the appearance of a slum," Mr. Bounchan explained. Mr. Bounchan continued, "The street sellers have all complied with officials, and we haven't witnessed any conflicts." Authorities were unable to say what kind of renovation will take place after the street vendors were removed and the property was cleared. Credit Source: The Laotian Times Join our 3x a week Laotian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

Today, 1,336 new cases of Covid-19 were reported in Laos, with five new deaths. Over the previous 24 hours, 6,489 tests were completed around the nation, with 1,336 new cases verified, according to the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control. Across the country, there were 1,330 cases of community spread and six imported cases. New Deaths A 32-year-old man from Sihom Village in the Chanthabouly District of Vientiane Capital died at Mittaphap Hospital yesterday. The individual had not been vaccinated against Covid-19, according to the information presented. A 70-year-old woman died at Mittaphap Hospital yesterday in Sokkham Village, Saysettha District, Vientiane Capital. She had renal problems and had not had a Covid-19 vaccination. A 23-year-old man from Thongpong Village in the Sikhottabong District of Vientiane Capital died at Mittaphap Hospital yesterday. He wasn't immune to Covid-19 since he hadn't been immunized. A 47-year-old man from Namhoum Village, Naxaythong District, Vientiane Capital, died at Setthathirath Hospital yesterday morning. He had high blood pressure and diabetes. He was entirely protected against Covid-19. A 72-year-old man from Nakhoun Village in the Naxaythong District of Vientiane Capital died at 103 Hospital last evening. He had high blood pressure, renal problems, and diabetes. He wasn't immune to Covid-19 since he hadn't been immunized. Credit Source: The Laotian Times Join our 3x a week Laotian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view

The elderly receiving donations from the Preah Sihanouk Governor. Rasmei News As Cambodia prepares for the impending cold, several provincial governments have begun providing winter clothing and blankets to individuals in their regions who are in need of warmth. In Prey Nob District, Governor Kouch Chamroeun of Preah Sihanouk Province provided winter jackets, blankets, and scarves to 220 homeless and destitute senior people. Following Prime Minister Hun Sen's demand for authorities to give special attention to the vulnerable during the impending cold season, the distribution took place. Mr Hun Sen has directed provincial officials to ensure that the country's most vulnerable citizens have the resources and clothes they need to be warm and safe during the expected winter weather. This was announced at Kampong Cham during the opening of the Cambodia-China Stung Trang-Krouch Chhmar Friendship Bridge. On the evening of November 23, Governor Chamroeun presented contributions of warm outerwear and blankets to the residents of Veal Renh. The 220 persons are vulnerable inhabitants from eight communes, with another 200 receiving contributions on a later date. In addition to the warm garments and blankets, each person got a monetary contribution of 50,000 riels. Temperatures are forecast to plummet to 15°C in certain parts of the country due to the cold weather. The chilly weather is expected to linger until February 2022, according to the MOWRAM. Credit Source: Khmer Times Join our 3x a week Cambodian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

China's Ministry of Defense handed over medical equipment and traditional medicines to its Cambodian counterpart yesterday in order to speed up the fight against the Covid-19, which is currently well under control in Cambodia, with more than 88 percent of the population having received two vaccinations. Credit Source: Khmer Times Join our 3x a week Cambodian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

As Cambodia transitions to a post-COVID reality, the country has once again registered the lowest daily new COVID case counts (as determined by PCR test), capping a 55-day run of 'new normal' low case numbers. The official daily new COVID case count (as determined by PCR test) was 34 today, increasing the overall number of COVID cases to 119,977. Covid-19 in Cambodia has been placed under strict control nine months after the February 20 Community Event, and the country is reopening in practically all areas. Prime Minister Hun Sen expressed confidence Monday that the country's reopening will not result in an epidemic, as it has in the past. He said that the country's reopening is not a setback, and that "we are going forward to develop and rehabilitate the country." Cambodia, on the other hand, has suffered greatly as a result of the epidemic, not only in terms of the over 3,000 people who died, but also in terms of the significant economic impact on the Kingdom's industrial and tourist industries. According to the Prime Minister, the COVID-19 problem cost Cambodia $ 2.3 billion. Moving forward, the Royal Government's focus is now – and rightfully so – on re-establishing the 'new normality' and re-opening Cambodia to tourists and industry by treating milder cases of COVID at home. Tourists are now being actively welcomed back to Cambodia under new travel regulations, health measures, and quarantine requirements, all of which were released today. The recent dramatic drop in reported cases is due to a strategy implemented in October that excludes 'quick' testing and'mild' COVID-19 cases from the official daily case counts. Under the prior reporting scheme, there was a general increasing tendency in the Kingdom; however, the latest 55 days' data have entirely reversed this pattern, as seen in the graph below (please note that results may be up to two days behind): Other statistics show that there are currently 100,184 Community Instances, with 19,793 cases being imported. Credit Source: Khmer Times Join our 3x a week Cambodian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view

After earning USD 1.464 billion in the first nine months of 2021, Laos aims to earn USD 463 million in the last quarter of this year from mineral sales both locally and for export. According to the Vientiane Times, Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Sonexay Siphandone informed the National Assembly last week that mineral sales are projected to surpass goals by almost 15% this year. According to Dr. Sonexay, the value of minerals produced in the first nine months of the year was LAK 12.601 trillion (USD 1.18 billion), with the total value for the year expected to be LAK 15.889 trillion. According to the Ministry of Energy and Mines, there are 124 mining firms running 209 projects, including mineral exploration and processing, with 14 businesses currently building new facilities. Laos is estimated to generate mineral products worth USD 7.832 billion between 2021 and 2025, up 4% from the previous five years. Since 1990, the Lao government has enabled international and domestic investors to carry out mining activities, with natural resource discoveries identified in over 570 places around the country. Gold, copper, zinc, potassium, limestone, and lead are presently being mined. The government intends to expand the country's mineral processing capacity in order to lower the amount of raw minerals exported while increasing the value of processed minerals exported. Mineral and mining operations in Laos span approximately seven million hectares, accounting for more than a third of the country's total geographical area. Credit Source: The Laotian Times Join our 3x a week Laotian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

Laos' government intends to invest more than $100 million to encourage domestic manufacturing and increase exports. According to KPL, a loan from China's National Development Bank (CDB) would be utilized to assist certain firms as part of the government's attempts to boost local production and overseas exports. Mr. Sonexay Sitphaxay, the Governor of the Bank of Laos, said the Lao economy is under a lot of strain as a consequence of large foreign currency appreciation, rising crude oil costs, inflation, and international interest rates, and that it would take some time to recover. Governor Sonexay stated, "The government would use funding from China's National Development Bank (CDB), with the first USD 100 million being drawn in installments until March 2022." The government will also get funds from the World Bank, the Lao Access to Finance Fund (LAFF), and commercial bank deposits, which are likely to rise when the Lao-China Railway project gets underway. Mr. Sonexay Sitphaxay stated, "The government would give certain financial policies for small business initiatives and small and medium-sized companies (SMEs)." Mr. Sonexay Sitphaxay added, "Authorities will coordinate between the public and private sectors to collect information on genuine producers and the need for real finance, especially for the Power Generating-Export Credit Project, Export Production Credit Project, Production Credit Substitute for Import Scheme, and others." In order to eliminate currency value differences between the official and unofficial exchange rates, the government has targeted inflation at 5-7 percent in 2022 and devised a new exchange rate structure. Credit Source: The Laotian Times Join our 3x a week Laotian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

Today, 1,323 new cases of Covid-19 were reported in Laos, with four additional deaths. Over the previous 24 hours, 7,007 tests were completed around the nation, with 1,323 new cases verified, according to the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control. Across the country, there were 1,318 cases of community spread and five imported cases. New Deaths A 72-year-old woman from Kao Yord Village in Sisattanak District, Vientiane Capital, died in Mittaphap Hospital yesterday evening. She had high blood pressure, renal problems, and diabetes. She had not received the Covid-19 vaccine. A 25-year-old male died in the hospital yesterday evening in Papoua Village, Namtha District, Luang Namtha Province. He had anemia, Thalassemia, and had had surgery ten years prior. He wasn't immune to Covid-19 since he hadn't been immunized. A 70-year-old man from Huayhong Village, Chanthabouly District, Vientiane Capital, died at Setthathirath Hospital yesterday evening. He had high blood pressure and gout. He wasn't immune to Covid-19 since he hadn't been immunized. A 76-year-old man died this morning in Khokxay Village, Hatsayfong District, Vientiane Capital. He was afflicted with asthma. He was entirely protected against Covid-19. Credit Source: The Laotian Times Join our 3x a week Laotian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view

The Ministry of Water Resources has issued a weather alert for Cambodia for the next seven days, predicting abnormal wind. The Kingdom will be impacted by high pressure wings flowing down from the north (China) and moderate northeast monsoon winds, according to the ministry. It forecasts: 1. Lowland provinces: * Minimum temperature is 19-21 ° C * Maximum temperature is 28-30 ° C * There may be light rain, mixed rain and abnormal wind (seasonal wind). * On November 29-30, there will be light to moderate rain mixed with thundershowers in the lower provinces. 2. Provinces adjoining Dangrek mountain range and northeastern plateau: * Minimum temperature 18-21 ° C * Maximum temperature 29-31 ° C * Abnormal winds (seasonal winds). * On November 29-30, there will be light to moderate rain mixed with thundershowers in the eastern highland provinces. 3. Coastal area: * Minimum temperature is 20-23 ° C * Maximum temperature is 28-30 ° C * There may be light rain, mixed rain and abnormal wind (seasonal wind). * On November 29, there will be light to moderate rain mixed with thunder. Credit Source: Khmer Times Join our 3x a week Cambodian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

Because a cold period is forecast, Prime Minister Hun Sen has encouraged all authorities in Phnom Penh and regions to distribute winter clothing to vulnerable people, particularly the elderly. His call comes as the Water Resources Ministry announced on Tuesday that temperatures in the northeastern highlands and plateaus will drop as low as 15°C by the end of December and into February 2022, while Phnom Penh and other provinces will have temperatures of 18°C. "Please seek for the vulnerable individuals who do not have suitable housing and do not have warm clothing," Mr Hun Sen added. Because the chilly weather is approaching, they should be issued winter clothing." Credit Source: Khmer Times Join our 3x a week Cambodian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe

In an unparalleled stretch of 54 days of 'new normal' low case counts as Cambodia transitions to a post-COVID reality, the Kingdom once again reported a low daily new COVID case statistics (diagnosed by PCR test). The official daily new COVID case count (as determined by PCR test) was 39 today, increasing the overall number of COVID cases to 119,867. Covid-19 in Cambodia has been placed under strict control nine months after the February 20 Community Event, and the country is reopening in practically all areas. Cambodia, on the other hand, has suffered greatly as a result of the epidemic, not only in terms of the over 3,000 people who died, but also in terms of the significant economic impact on the Kingdom's industrial and tourist industries. Cambodia has lost $ 2.3 billion as a result of the COVID-19 situation, according to Prime Minister Hun Sen. Moving forward, the Royal Government's focus is now – and rightfully so – on re-establishing the 'new normality' and re-opening Cambodia to tourists and industry by treating milder cases of COVID at home. It is consequently sad to learn that certain people continue to defy the Royal Government's safety precautions. According to a Khmer Times investigation, some private school kindergartens are still open despite being warned not to do so by the Prime Minister and the Education Ministry, despite the Prime Minister's and Education Ministry's orders for them to close for the protection of children who have not been fully vaccinated against Covid-19. This might jeopardize the recent dramatic drop in reported cases, which is the consequence of a policy implemented in October that excludes 'quick' testing and'mild' COVID-19 cases from the official daily case counts. Under the prior reporting scheme, there was a general increasing tendency in the Kingdom; however, the last 54 days' data have entirely reversed this pattern, as seen in the graph below (please note that results may be up to two days behind): Other statistics show that there are currently 100,156 Community Instances, with 19,787 cases being imported. The disparity between Cambodia's COVID condition and that of Thailand and Vietnam, its neighbors, is astounding. The numbers (see graph below) are proof of the Kingdom's comprehensive immunization drive, which has been dubbed the "Cambodian vaccination miracle." Today, six imported cases were revealed, maintaining a pattern of few imported cases. Cambodia also revealed four further deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19-related deaths in Cambodia to 2909. As active cases decreased, 34 recoveries were announced, bringing the total number of active COVID cases in Cambodia to only 707. Cambodia has now surpassed not just its close neighbors Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam (see below) in terms of vaccination rates, but also nearly every major country in the globe, including France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Germany. However, due to limited acceptance of the third booster dosage in Phnom Penh, the city's officials have decided to keep the third 'booster' injection campaign going indefinitely. Credit Source: Khmer Times Join our 3x a week Cambodian News, Travel and Expat information newsletter - Click to Subscribe Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view