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  1. Kep admin. Cambodia has unveiled plans for an ambitious new waterway transport route connecting the southern coastal province of Kep to the heritage city of Siem Reap, in what officials describe as a bold step towards national economic transformation. Announced by Minister of Public Works and Transport Peng Ponea on Wednesday, the project aims to boost trade and tourism by enabling goods and people to travel by water from the Gulf of Thailand, through the Tonle Sap Lake, to the heart of Cambodia’s cultural tourism industry. Speaking during a leadership handover at Siem Reap’s transport department, Ponea said the project is part of a broader push to develop a modern, multimodal transport system. “This initiative will improve interconnectivity and help realise the Royal Government’s vision for Cambodia to become a high-income country by 2050,” he stated. The proposed waterway is one of several priority infrastructure projects outlined under the government’s “Pentagonal Strategy”, which includes investments in rail, roads, ports, and logistics aimed at supporting economic resilience and sustainable development. If realised, the Kep–Siem Reap route would provide an alternative transport corridor between Cambodia’s southern coast and its northern tourist hub—home to the famed Angkor Wat complex—reducing travel times and easing pressure on existing roadways. Alongside the waterway, the Ministry has also committed to modernising digital services and improving the efficiency and environmental standards of the country’s broader logistics network. Ponea urged newly appointed Siem Reap transport director Leum Rasmey and his team to engage closely with citizens, helping ensure the infrastructure meets the real needs of local communities. While no project timeline or budget has yet been made public, the plan marks a notable shift towards large-scale, interprovincial infrastructure planning—linking Cambodia’s rich coastline with its inland cultural heart in a way that could reshape domestic mobility and regional commerce. -2025-07-19
  2. Cambodian authorities have arrested over 2,100 people in a sweeping campaign targeting online scam centres, in what officials describe as a government-mandated mission to “dismantle every scam network, no matter where they hide.” More than 500 suspects were detained in Kandal and Stung Treng provinces on Thursday and Friday alone, bringing the total number arrested since late June to 2,137, according to Information Minister Neth Pheaktra. The crackdown follows a new directive from Prime Minister Hun Manet warning public servants of transfers or dismissal if they fail to act decisively. Raids across 43 sites have netted suspects from at least a dozen countries, including nearly 600 Chinese nationals, along with hundreds from Vietnam, Indonesia, Korea, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Images released by state media show soldiers inspecting seized electronics and suspects lined up in plastic wrist restraints. The scale of the operation reflects growing international pressure. A damning Amnesty International report last month accused Cambodia of ignoring widespread abuse at these scam compounds, which it likened to “hellish labour camps” rife with torture, forced confinement, and human trafficking. “Jobseekers from Asia and beyond are lured by the promise of well-paid work, only to be enslaved by criminal gangs,” Amnesty said. Many of these gangs are believed to be led by ethnic Chinese crime bosses, operating in regions with weak enforcement. Victims interviewed by Amnesty reported being electrocuted, beaten, and held in cages for failing to meet scam quotas. Some were as young as 14. Cambodia’s human rights watchdog Licadho welcomed the government’s late but “necessary” response, noting the damage these crimes have done to the country’s image, investment climate, and security. But critics remain wary. “If we only arrest workers and ignore the organisers, these centres will simply resurface,” warned opposition adviser Rong Chhun. Others called for prosecution of officials who turned a blind eye to years of abuse. With an estimated $40 billion a year generated by cyber-scams across Southeast Asia, Cambodia’s long-overdue crackdown may be a step in the right direction—but observers say the real test lies in whether the masterminds behind the scenes will finally face justice. -2025-07-19
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  3. Militia Myanmar’s military regime is using forcibly recruited conscripts as expendable shock troops in its desperate bid to retake territory lost to resistance forces, according to testimonies from defectors who escaped the front lines. The accounts—shared in video interviews released by ethnic armed groups—paint a grim picture: undertrained, poorly armed conscripts, some as young as 15, are being pushed into combat with threats of execution if they retreat. In some cases, officers have reportedly shot their own men for trying to flee. “All conscripts are sent to the front,” said Nay Lin Aung, who defected to the Arakan Army (AA) after being abducted off the street in Mandalay and forced into military service. “One of my friends was shot in the head by an officer as he tried to escape fighting.” Others describe being tied up as punishment or locked in wooden stocks without medical treatment after deliberately injuring themselves to avoid combat. Some were recaptured after fleeing and imprisoned before being sent back into battle. Since activating the long-dormant Conscription Law in early 2024, the junta has run at least 11 training batches, each with around 5,000 new recruits. Press gangs in cities like Yangon and Mandalay now routinely snatch men and women off the streets. Officially, service is mandatory for men aged 18–35 and women aged 18–27. In practice, child conscription is on the rise. Fifteen-year-old Nay Htet Lin, a street vendor before his abduction, was captured by resistance fighters in Sagaing Region and later released. “They left me behind when they retreated because I was asleep,” he said of his unit. “The PLA troops are taking care of me now.” The junta is reportedly deploying these conscripts across multiple conflict zones—from Shan and Karenni States to the vital Asia Highway in Karen State, where the Karen National Liberation Army accuses the regime of sacrificing recruits in futile offensives. “They gave us little ammunition and ordered us into impossible missions,” said one KNLA-held defector. “The officers stayed behind while we were threatened with death if we fell back.” With casualties mounting and morale collapsing, defectors warn the military’s brutal reliance on conscripts is not only ineffective—but unsustainable. -2025-07-19
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  4. CJ More than 20,000 people have been forced from their homes in central Myanmar after junta troops launched a series of arson attacks near the country’s famed Bagan archaeological site—just weeks ahead of an expected visit by junta leader Min Aung Hlaing. Since 8 July, around 150 regime soldiers have swept through 30 villages in Nyaung-U Township, setting homes ablaze and displacing entire communities. The affected area lies just 16km from Bagan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the few tourist spots still accessible since the 2021 coup. “They torched all the villages they raided to instil fear. This is what they do,” said Oak Soe, a commander in the anti-junta People’s Democratic Army. Residents from Zee Sar Myin and nearby villages described chaotic scenes as families fled into the forests or sought refuge with relatives. “We fled the military raids. Some of my neighbours hid in the forests, others are staying with relatives. Many have lost everything,” one villager told The Irrawaddy. Those returning face the near-impossible task of rebuilding their lives from scratch. The military reportedly withdrew to Light Infantry Battalion 415 headquarters in Nyaung-U earlier this week, but fear lingers on the ground. Defectors say the operation is part of a broader push to "clear" the area ahead of Min Aung Hlaing’s visit to Bagan and neighbouring Yenanchaung—a tactic the junta has employed before, often with brutal consequences. Meanwhile, resistance activity is on the rise. Eleven fighters were reportedly killed in clashes in Nga Thayauk earlier this month, as fighting intensifies across Mandalay Region. Though Bagan has long been a symbol of Myanmar’s rich cultural history, it now risks becoming a backdrop to one of the regime’s most destructive campaigns in the region. For the thousands now displaced, the view of ancient temples means little in the face of scorched homes and uncertain futures. -2025-07-19
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  5. Cambodian officials have called for calm and restraint following Thailand’s continued unilateral closure of the Poipet border crossing, a key gateway that has been shut since late June amid growing cross-border tensions. Banteay Meanchey Governor Um Reatrey visited the checkpoint on Wednesday, urging Cambodian authorities to stay composed and maintain public order despite mounting economic and social pressures caused by the closure. “We must remain calm and responsible,” Reatrey told officers stationed at the crossing. “Although the closure poses difficulties, our duty to protect national interests and support our people remains unchanged.” The governor led a delegation of provincial officials and military officers to assess the situation at the Poipet checkpoint, which has seen a sharp drop in cross-border movement since the Thai military enforced tighter restrictions earlier this summer. Initially shortening operating hours on 7 June, Thai authorities later imposed a full closure on 23 June, citing efforts to clamp down on scam networks operating near the border. The move has disrupted local trade, separated families, and left many Cambodian workers stranded or jobless. Businesses on both sides of the border, particularly in Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province, have criticised the measures, calling for a swift resolution. Cambodia responded by closing several of its own checkpoints in a reciprocal move. While the situation remains stable on the ground, tensions have simmered, with Phnom Penh demanding assurances before any reopening. Prime Minister Hun Manet reiterated Cambodia’s stance earlier this week, setting out three conditions for border normalisation: Thailand must unilaterally reopen the crossings, commit to never closing them again without prior agreement, and restore the situation to pre-June 7 status. “We’ve already handed Thailand the key,” he said. “We’re offering concessions—they can reopen without any negotiation if they meet those three points.” Governor Reatrey echoed this spirit of de-escalation, calling on security forces to maintain hygiene, vigilance, and cooperation with their Thai counterparts. “We must work together to resolve these challenges peacefully,” he said. Despite the economic toll, Cambodian officials say they are prioritising long-term stability over short-term gains—urging patience as diplomatic efforts continue. -2025-07-18
  6. Air Cambodia will begin flights between Phnom Penh and Tokyo before the end of 2025, marking a significant step in restoring direct air links between the Kingdom and Japan after a four-year hiatus. The announcement comes after Cambodia’s top aviation official, Mao Havannall, signed a memorandum of understanding with Japanese counterparts in late June. The deal allows the national carrier to re-enter the Japanese market, with plans to expand services to Osaka in the near future. “Flights to Tokyo will begin this year with a stopover in China,” said Sinn Chanserey Vutha, secretary of state at the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation. “A direct route to Osaka is under discussion, but it will come later.” The move is seen as both a diplomatic and economic boost. Officials say the new route will support trade, tourism and cargo transport, especially as the region continues to rebound from the disruptions of the Covid-19 pandemic. Cambodia and Japan have seen strengthening ties across multiple sectors. Bilateral trade rose 28% in the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, reaching $1.02 billion. Tourist numbers are also climbing, with nearly 49,000 Japanese visitors entering Cambodia between January and May, a 5.5% increase year-on-year. Air Cambodia’s Tokyo route fills a gap left by Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA), which cancelled its direct flights in 2021 due to low demand. ANA is rumoured to be eyeing a return in 2026. Aviation traffic overall is on the rise. Cambodia’s three main airports recorded over 3 million passengers and nearly 30,000 flights in the first five months of 2025 — both figures up markedly from last year. Officials hope the Tokyo service will serve as a launchpad for further expansion. For now, it signals a renewed effort to position Cambodia as a more connected regional hub — and to deepen ties with one of Asia’s key economic partners. -2025-07-18
  7. The Irrawaddy Myanmar’s military has reclaimed the strategic town of Nawnghkio in northern Shan State, marking its first major victory against ethnic rebel forces this year and a rare reversal after months of battlefield losses. Nawnghkio, seized last July by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), sits on the Mandalay-Lashio highway—one of the country’s most important trade and military supply routes linking central Myanmar to China. The town’s recapture was confirmed on Wednesday, following nearly 11 months of fighting and over 500 skirmishes, according to the junta-run Myanma Alinn newspaper. State media claimed the military had recovered the bodies of 171 resistance fighters and was now working to clear landmines and restore civil services. Independent verification is near impossible due to restrictions on reporting from the frontlines. The TNLA, a member of the Three Brotherhood Alliance, did not contest the army’s claims. It acknowledged on Telegram that it had relocated its civil administration offices from Nawnghkio in recent weeks amid intensified junta attacks. The fall of the town is a significant setback for the alliance, which had captured wide swathes of territory near the Chinese border since launching a coordinated offensive in late 2023. It also comes after the TNLA rejected calls from the regime—under Chinese mediation—to withdraw from several key towns, including Nawnghkio. Observers attribute the army’s recent gains to a combination of growing drone use, support from local militias, and apparent pressure from Beijing. However, analysts also point to a series of tactical missteps by the TNLA. After successfully seizing major battalions in Nawnghkio and elsewhere, the rebels failed to secure nearby artillery bases and training centres, leaving themselves exposed to counterattacks. The military’s advance may now threaten Thabeikkyin and potentially Mogoke—both located closer to Mandalay and long seen as gateways to central Myanmar. This latest success comes amid broader regime efforts to retake territory ahead of planned elections later this year, widely dismissed as an attempt to legitimise military rule. While the junta has been on the defensive since its 2021 coup, the capture of Nawnghkio suggests it still retains the capacity to strike back—at least in selected strategic zones. -2025-07-18
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  8. Myanmar’s military regime is preparing for a nominal transfer of power at the end of July—but analysts say real control will remain firmly in the hands of junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, despite promises of democratic elections later this year. The regime’s State Administration Council (SAC), which seized power in a 2021 coup, is set to hand authority to the military-dominated National Defence and Security Council (NDSC) when the current state of emergency expires on 31 July. Under the 2008 military-drafted constitution, this move is meant to pave the way for elections, now scheduled for December and January. In theory, the NDSC will assume temporary control of the state, with responsibilities including election oversight and the appointment of key bodies such as the Union Election Commission. But in practice, little is expected to change. Min Aung Hlaing remains the head of both the SAC and the NDSC—and last year, he assumed the title of acting president, effectively absorbing all branches of state power. Critics argue this upcoming “handover” is largely symbolic, designed to meet constitutional obligations while maintaining a firm grip on the reins. In early 2025, the general reshuffled his inner circle, promoting loyal junior officers and sidelining rivals—mirroring past succession manoeuvres by previous junta boss Than Shwe. Analysts see this as part of a long-term plan to retain control, even if Min Aung Hlaing eventually withdraws from public view. Despite these moves, the junta faces intensifying resistance on the ground. Anti-regime forces now control large swathes of territory, and pressure is mounting from both within and abroad. Yet the regime is pressing ahead with its electoral roadmap, urging international actors to support what it calls a “sovereign process”. The vote itself, however, has drawn condemnation. Opposition groups such as the National Unity Government have labelled it a sham, pointing out that major parties—including the NLD and SNLD—are barred from participating. Only 21 parties have so far been approved to contest, with pro-junta organisations topping the list. The vote will likely be held only in select areas like Yangon, Mandalay and Naypyitaw, raising further doubts over its legitimacy. Few expect the result to be anything other than a rubber stamp for Min Aung Hlaing to declare himself president—consolidating military rule under the guise of constitutional transition. -2025-07-18
  9. KT - Chea Sokunthea Cambodia’s trade with China surged by 26% in the first half of 2025, topping $9.2 billion despite structural concerns over long-term sustainability, according to new data from the General Department of Customs and Excise. The bulk of this growth was driven by Chinese exports to Cambodia, which rose 31.2% year-on-year to $8.52 billion. By contrast, Cambodia’s exports to China fell nearly 8%, totalling $750 million — a gap that underscores Phnom Penh’s continued dependence on Chinese goods, particularly machinery, electronics, and manufacturing inputs. Experts say the figures reflect both the strength and imbalance of the bilateral relationship. Cambodia remains a key node in China’s supply chain, serving as a low-cost manufacturing hub that benefits from tariff-free access under the Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA), which came into force in 2022. “Cambodia has become a favoured investment destination due to its competitive production costs,” said Lor Vichet, Vice President of the Cambodia Chinese Commerce Association. But he warned that this advantage masks deeper vulnerabilities. Most of Cambodia’s exports — garments, footwear, and travel goods — are made with imported raw materials, mainly from China. This reliance could soon become problematic. Cambodia’s status as a Least Developed Country (LDC) gives it broad trade privileges, but these are set to expire by 2029. Once reclassified, it will face stricter sourcing rules to qualify for preferential access in Western markets. “We have about four years left to build domestic capacity,” Vichet said, urging investment in local production of inputs like fabric, zippers, and leather. Without this shift, Cambodia risks losing its competitive edge. He also highlighted the country’s untapped potential in agriculture, noting that current exports to China in that sector remain minimal. Diversifying beyond textiles could help stabilise trade and reduce overreliance on any single market or sector. Despite the challenges, officials remain optimistic. With improved logistics and deepening integration through initiatives like the Belt and Road and RCEP, Cambodia’s trade with China is expected to maintain its momentum — but sustainability will hinge on reforms that move beyond assembly-line economics. -2025-07-17
  10. Cambodia has arrested over 1,000 people in a sweeping crackdown on cybercrime operations, as Prime Minister Hun Manet orders urgent action to combat international scam networks embedded within the country. The coordinated raids, which began on Monday, spanned at least five provinces, including Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and Poipet — the latter already infamous for cyberscam and illegal gambling hubs. Suspects include hundreds of foreign nationals from Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Thailand. Authorities also seized computers, mobile phones, and other equipment believed to be used in large-scale online scams. “The government has observed that online scams are currently causing threats and insecurity in the world and the region,” Hun Manet’s statement read. He authorised the operations citing the need to “maintain and protect security, public order, and social safety.” Cybercrime syndicates operating from Southeast Asia are estimated to generate billions annually, according to the UN and other agencies. These scams often rely on trafficked workers, many of whom are lured into the region with false job offers and then forcibly employed in criminal operations — a pattern human rights groups say is widespread in Cambodia. Amnesty International recently accused the Cambodian government of turning a blind eye to abuses occurring in over 50 scam compounds across the country, citing evidence of human trafficking, forced labour, and torture. “Survivors describe being trapped in a living nightmare,” said Amnesty’s Secretary General, Agnes Callamard. The raids come at a time of rising political tension between Cambodia and Thailand, following a brief border skirmish in May. What began as a territorial dispute has since escalated into a war of words and tit-for-tat actions, including Thai closures of border crossings and power cuts to Poipet. Thailand claims its actions target cybercriminal activity; Cambodia accuses its neighbour of petty retaliation. While the crackdown is being promoted by Phnom Penh as a law-and-order success, critics remain sceptical. With foreign criminal networks so deeply embedded — and accusations of state complicity mounting — many question whether this marks real reform or simply a show of force under growing international pressure. -2025-07-17
  11. The Irrawaddy Arakan Army fighters are tightening the noose around one of Myanmar’s most strategic military assets — the Danyawaddy naval base — as intense clashes erupt just 3 kilometres from the site in Kyaukphyu Township, Rakhine State. For six straight days, the ethnic armed group has targeted a junta outpost in Katthabyay village, described as the last major defensive position guarding the naval base. A collapse here, resistance sources warn, could open the path to Danyawaddy and trigger the fall of surrounding bases. The Arakan Army (AA) has already taken control of the road linking Kyaukphyu town to the naval compound, capturing three positions along the route. With 14 of Rakhine’s 17 townships now under AA control, the junta’s grip on the region is increasingly tenuous. The area has so far been spared the full scale of fighting — possibly due to its hosting of Chinese-financed infrastructure, including a deep-sea port and oil and gas pipelines critical to Beijing. But this restraint now appears to be fading, with battles reported near a Chinese-backed gas plant and police base. Drone warfare is intensifying, with daily junta strikes reported. Some drones are said to be newly arrived, operated by teams trained in China — a development that has sparked concerns over rising civilian casualties and friendly fire incidents. Over 40,000 people have already been displaced by the violence. Meanwhile, in northern Shan State, regime forces have retaken Nawnghkio, a key town seized by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) during last year’s Operation 1027. The move breaks the Brotherhood Alliance’s southern advance and weakens its ability to threaten Mandalay’s military strongholds. Though the junta now flies its flag in Nawnghkio, the broader battle remains fluid. Most of northern Shan is still controlled by the TNLA and its allies, who have resisted mounting pressure from China to withdraw. Analysts warn that the military’s gains are fragile — and could unravel without sustained offensives. Still, the twin developments highlight a shifting front in Myanmar’s civil war: with the AA pressing hard in the west and ethnic forces losing ground in the north, the fight for control is far from settled. -2025-07-17
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  12. ITA Tin shipments from Myanmar’s resource-rich Wa State are set to restart in the coming months, ending a nearly two-year suspension that has unsettled global supply chains and shaken metals markets. The International Tin Association (ITA) confirmed on Wednesday that mining operators in the autonomous region have begun securing three-year permits, paving the way for renewed exports. The move follows prolonged delays caused by licensing hurdles and a blanket ban imposed by the United Wa State Army (UWSA) in August 2023. Wa State, located in Myanmar’s northeast and controlled by the UWSA, is responsible for around 70% of the country’s tin production. With Myanmar ranking as the world’s third-largest producer, and China its main buyer, the region plays a pivotal role in the global tin market — especially for electronics and semiconductor manufacturers, who rely on the metal for soldering. News of the impending resumption sent tin prices lower on Wednesday, dropping 1.6% to $32,775 per metric ton on the London Metal Exchange — the lowest level in three weeks — as traders reacted to the prospect of increased supply. Rising global inventories, now at their highest since August 2021, have further added downward pressure. Despite progress, uncertainties remain. “Strict controls on equipment and personnel movements are still in place,” said Tom Langston of the ITA. “But with new licences granted at Man Maw, a restart appears increasingly likely.” The UWSA — one of Myanmar’s most powerful ethnic militias — maintains a long-standing ceasefire with the junta but operates independently. It fields an estimated 30,000 to 35,000 fighters, many reportedly armed with Chinese-supplied weapons. Their original suspension of mining was framed as an effort to conserve dwindling resources. However, the shift back toward production appears driven by economic pragmatism and renewed regulatory clarity for operators. While the exact timeline for exports remains fluid, the global tin market is already bracing for change. If shipments resume as expected, it could ease supply concerns — but also complicate pricing forecasts amid persistent geopolitical instability in Myanmar. -2025-07-17
  13. PHNOM PENH — A significant crackdown on an online scam operation in Phnom Penh has led to the arrest of 149 foreign nationals, including Vietnamese and Cambodian nationals, after a raid on July 14, 2025. The operation, coordinated by a joint task force led by Deputy Governor Hun Surithy, involved multiple law enforcement agencies and targeted a suspected online fraud hotspot located at Building No. 15, Street 128, Sangkat Phsar Depot 1 in the Khan Toul Kork area. The raid uncovered a network of 149 Vietnamese nationals, including 23 women, and 85 Cambodians, many of whom were working as electricians, construction workers, security guards, and domestic staff. The Scam Network Authorities believe the building served as a hub for a large-scale online fraud operation, though details on the nature of the scams remain under investigation. Among the arrested individuals were 17 women who worked as part of the workforce hired by a local security company called Han Hong. The raid also resulted in the confiscation of equipment and materials believed to be involved in the illegal activities. Following the operation, Cambodian authorities handed over 67 Cambodian nationals, 12 of whom were women, to the Phnom Penh Police for further investigation. Meanwhile, immigration procedures are being carried out for the detained Vietnamese nationals. Ongoing Investigation As the investigation progresses, law enforcement authorities are focusing on educational measures for the remaining individuals, with a plan to return the building back to its owner for further management. The incident highlights the ongoing fight against online fraud in Cambodia, as the authorities remain vigilant in addressing both domestic and international criminal networks operating within the country. The raid is part of broader efforts by Cambodian authorities to tackle rising concerns over online scams, particularly those involving foreign nationals. -2025-07-16
  14. TA MOAN THOM TEMPLE — A verbal altercation between a Cambodian tourist and a Thai soldier at Ta Moan Thom Temple on July 15 has been clarified by Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence. The ministry explained that the confrontation was sparked by what was described as “inappropriate behaviour” from the Thai soldier, which upset the visiting Cambodian woman. The situation escalated when the soldier prevented the tourist from entering the temple, prompting a heated exchange of words. According to Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, the ministry’s spokesperson, the incident quickly drew the attention of both Cambodian and Thai soldiers stationed at the temple, though no weapons were drawn, and no physical violence occurred. The situation was swiftly de-escalated after commanders from both sides met and engaged in peaceful dialogue. Diplomatic Calm Restored Thanks to the swift intervention of military leaders, normal access to the temple was resumed, and tensions eased. The Cambodian Ministry of National Defence has called for patience, mutual respect, and dignity from all visitors, urging tourists to respect the values of tolerance when visiting cultural sites such as Ta Moan Thom. The incident highlights the sensitive nature of cross-border interactions and underscores the importance of maintaining a peaceful and respectful atmosphere, particularly at historical and religious landmarks that draw visitors from both countries. As of now, the situation has been resolved without further complications, with both Cambodian and Thai authorities keen on preserving the spirit of “good neighbourliness”. -2025-07-16
  15. Photo: UNDP Myanmar/Phyo Zayar Kyaw YANGON — In a quiet corner of Myanmar’s largest city, a new kind of harvest is offering women a way out of deepening urban poverty. Straw mushroom cultivation, led by local women’s groups, is transforming abandoned spaces into thriving urban farms—bringing income, nutrition, and hope to some of Yangon’s most vulnerable residents. Many of these women, like Daw Khin Thit, came to Yangon after the 2021 military takeover, seeking work and stability. But with formal jobs scarce and poverty surging, survival often meant informal labour, debt, or worse. Now, under the Urban Resilience Project (URP), backed by the UNDP, they’re turning mushroom farming into both a livelihood and a lifeline. “Mushrooms grow quickly and fetch a good price,” Daw Khin Thit said. “I’m older now, and this helps me stand on my own feet.” The project, based in Thanmada Kan Chay Ward, equips women with training, start-up funding, and technical support. What began as a grassroots proposal from 27 women’s groups is now a growing network of micro-farms reclaiming derelict land—often former dumpsites. From Spores to Sustenance Straw mushrooms, which mature in just 10 to 15 days, are both nutritious and profitable. Rich in protein, B vitamins, and key minerals, they’re ideal for families facing food insecurity. Small plots can yield several kilos in a week, providing quick returns from minimal investment. So far, nearly 900 urban farmers have been trained in sustainable techniques like container gardening and mushroom cultivation. Of these, 250 women received small business grants, and over 4,000 people have directly benefited from the wider programme. Women Leading the Way While mushroom farming alone won’t solve Myanmar’s economic crisis, it offers something rare: a scalable, low-cost solution with immediate impact. Just as importantly, it fosters solidarity. The women run their farms as cooperatives—sharing tasks, pooling resources, and reinvesting profits. “The goal is long-term income through group enterprise,” said Win Kyaw, a township facilitator with URP. As poverty tightens its grip on Yangon—where nearly 43% of the urban population now lives below the poverty line—these women are proving that resilience can take root even in the most unlikely places. -2025-07-16
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