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The Myanmar junta has burned down St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Banmaw, Kachin State, in its latest assault on religious sites since seizing power in 2021. The cathedral was set ablaze on March 16 during military operations in the area, just a day before the feast of St. Patrick, to whom the church is dedicated. The Diocesan offices, priest’s house, and high school had already been torched on February 26. St. Patrick’s is one of several churches targeted in the conflict. Earlier in March, St. Michael’s Catholic Church pastoral centre in Banmaw was destroyed, while airstrikes damaged the Sacred Heart Church in Chin State in February. The civil war, triggered by the 2021 coup, has seen Myanmar’s military face growing resistance from ethnic armed groups and pro-democracy forces. The junta’s tactics—airstrikes, mass executions, and the burning of villages and religious sites—have drawn condemnation from human rights groups. However, some ethnic militias within the resistance are also under scrutiny. Groups like the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) have been accused of forced conscription and violent crackdowns on civilians, sparking unrest in their territories. Amid escalating violence, the junta promised elections on March 10, but with large swathes of the country under rebel control, the feasibility of such a vote remains uncertain. Since the coup, nearly 6,400 civilians have been killed, over 28,700 arrested, and millions displaced, deepening Myanmar’s humanitarian crisis. 19-03-25

Myanmar’s military junta has suffered significant casualties in intense fighting with People’s Defense Forces (PDF) in Katha Township, northern Sagaing Region, over the weekend. Clashes erupted when around 200 junta troops from the Katha-based Light Infantry Battalion advanced into resistance-held areas. Fighting raged for more than a day, with continuous artillery strikes from both sides. Resistance forces report that around 40 junta soldiers were killed, along with two PDF fighters. A further 29 regime troops were captured or surrendered. Viral footage circulating online shows detained soldiers claiming they were forcibly recruited to fight. While The Irrawaddy has been unable to independently verify casualty figures, the battle highlights the junta’s ongoing struggles to retain control over key regions. Katha town remains a military stronghold, with hundreds of junta troops, police, and Pyu Saw Htee militias deployed. Nearby, in Indaw Township, resistance forces have seized most of the territory, except for a strategic hill where junta troops have entrenched themselves. The hill overlooks a crucial transport route, and while rebels have cut off reinforcements, junta air and artillery strikes prevent a full assault. With fighting still erupting around Katha, Myanmar’s resistance forces continue to challenge the junta’s grip on Sagaing Region, one of the strongholds of armed opposition since the 2021 coup. 19-03-25

ANA via Xinhua Cambodian archaeologists are restoring the eastern causeway of Beng Mealea, a 12th-century temple within the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park, as part of a conservation effort funded by China’s Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Special Fund. The restoration project, which began in July 2024 and is set to finish by August 2025, aims to revitalise the damaged causeway of the temple, which shares architectural similarities with the renowned Angkor Wat. According to Boeut Sopak, an engineer with the APSARA National Authority (ANA), the team has repaired pillars, beams, Naga balustrades, and collapsed sections of the structure. Work is ongoing to reinstall Naga heads and replace eroded soil with laterite, a material that enhances stability and protects against water damage. Beyond safeguarding Cambodia’s Khmer heritage, the project has also created jobs for local communities, fostering greater involvement in historical preservation. Situated in Siem Reap province, Beng Mealea is one of 91 ancient temples spread across the 401-square-kilometre Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodia’s top tourist destination. This restoration underscores China’s growing role in heritage conservation within Southeast Asia, reflecting both regional cooperation and geopolitical influence. 19 - 03 - 25

Cambodia is set to inaugurate the first phase of its newly renovated Ream naval base on April 2, a site upgraded with Chinese funding that has sparked geopolitical tensions. Located on Cambodia’s southern coast, the strategically positioned base has drawn scrutiny from Washington, which fears it could bolster Beijing’s influence near the disputed South China Sea. While Cambodian officials insist the facility is not exclusively for any foreign power, US officials remain wary of China’s growing military footprint in Southeast Asia. Major General Thong Solimo confirmed that a Japanese warship would be the first to dock at the upgraded base following its official opening. Cambodia’s Defence Ministry also stated that vessels from other nations, including possibly the United States, may gain access under certain conditions. The renovation, funded by Beijing since 2022, is another sign of China’s deepening ties with Cambodia. Under former leader Hun Sen, Chinese investment surged, with billions funnelled into infrastructure and defence projects. This growing alignment has strained US-Cambodian relations, though recent military engagements suggest Washington is keen to rebuild ties. In December 2024, a US warship docked in Cambodia for the first time in eight years, marking a potential thaw in relations. February also saw a high-level US military visit aimed at strengthening bilateral defence cooperation. Despite these diplomatic moves, Cambodia is set to receive two warships from China, further cementing its reliance on Beijing for defence upgrades. While Phnom Penh maintains its neutral stance, the unfolding developments at Ream highlight Cambodia’s delicate balancing act in an increasingly contested region. 19 - 03 - 25

RFA Myanmar’s military has forcibly conscripted more than 70 young men from a single town in Ayeyarwady region, residents reported on Monday, as the junta continues to bolster its depleted ranks through mandatory military service. Troops from the 534th Infantry Battalion rounded up the men—some as young as 17—on 14 March in Mawlamyinegyun township, sending them to military depots in Yangon for training. Locals say fear of forced recruitment has driven many young people to flee their villages or avoid sleeping at home. Myanmar’s junta reintroduced compulsory military service last April, requiring men aged 18 to 35 and women aged 18 to 27 to serve for at least two years. The move comes as the military struggles to contain an armed resistance movement that has inflicted heavy losses on its forces. In recent months, resistance groups have targeted junta-aligned officials responsible for enforcing the draft. Since February 2024, at least 110 village and township administrators have been assassinated for their role in recruitment efforts, according to data compiled by RFA. Many of those conscripted have been detained at gunpoint, with reports of torture and execution for those attempting to escape. Despite the growing risks, young people across Myanmar continue to seek ways to evade military service, either by fleeing the country or going into hiding. Junta officials have not responded to inquiries about the latest round of forced recruitment. However, as opposition to the draft escalates, Myanmar’s military faces deepening resistance both on the battlefield and among its own population. 18-03-2025

(Photo: Palaung State Liberation Front) Myanmar’s military has killed at least 40 civilians, including Buddhist monks and children, in a series of airstrikes in the country’s north, insurgents reported on Monday. The strikes are part of the junta’s escalating efforts to crush resistance as civil conflict rages on. The attack targeted the Sein Yadanar monastery in Nawnghkio, Shan State, on Sunday, killing 13 people, including six monks—four of them young novices. Seventeen others were wounded, 13 of them monks, according to Lway Yay Oo, spokesperson for the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). She accused the military of deliberately attacking civilians and religious sites. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government. With resistance forces growing, the military has increasingly relied on airpower to weaken insurgent strongholds. Rights groups say these airstrikes frequently target civilian areas, aiming to erode support for rebel forces. The TNLA claims the junta is trying to pressure them into peace talks being brokered by China, which has strong economic ties to Myanmar. However, the group did not comment on whether negotiations would be considered. Meanwhile, Myanmar faces a deepening humanitarian crisis, with 3.5 million people displaced and food aid agencies struggling with funding shortages. The junta, which rarely comments on battlefield developments, has not responded to inquiries about the latest attack. As the military prepares for an election by January, which it hopes will strengthen its grip on power, its brutal campaign against civilians risks further international condemnation. 18-03-25

Khmer Times A team of conservationists in Cambodia has begun a 120-km relay swim down the Mekong River to raise awareness about the plight of the critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphin. The four-day expedition aims to highlight ongoing threats to the species and reinforce conservation efforts. The Irrawaddy dolphin population in the Mekong is confined to a narrow stretch between Stung Treng and Kratie provinces. While conservation measures have helped stabilise their numbers, the species remains at high risk due to habitat degradation, illegal fishing, and accidental entanglement in fishing gear. Throughout the journey, swimmers will take turns navigating the river’s currents, accompanied by safety teams in kayaks and boats. Beyond raising awareness, the team will also document dolphin sightings, assess environmental risks, and remove hazardous litter and abandoned fishing nets. Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Dith Tina expressed full support for the initiative, noting that conservation efforts in recent years have led to a rise in dolphin numbers. "This is undeniable evidence of our commitment and effective conservation programme," he said. Funds from the event will go towards WWF-Cambodia’s River Guard Programme, which deploys rangers to monitor and protect the dolphins' habitat. Additional resources will support research into reducing accidental bycatch and strengthening conservation collaboration. WWF-Cambodia’s country director, Chap Vibol, emphasised the need for collective action. "Protecting the Irrawaddy dolphin requires a unified approach from conservationists, policymakers, and local communities," he said. Listed as critically endangered since 2004, the Mekong’s Irrawaddy dolphin population now stands at just 109 individuals. This relay swim serves as both a call to action and a testament to the power of public engagement in safeguarding one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic river species. -- 2025-03-18

Khmer Times Cambodia’s Prime Minister, Hun Manet, has issued a stark warning to Thailand, vowing military retaliation if Thai forces encroach on disputed territory at the Ta Moan Thom temple. His comments come after a confrontation between Cambodian and Thai soldiers at the ancient site on their shared border. Speaking at a business conference on Monday, Hun Manet stated that Cambodia prioritises peaceful negotiations but will not hesitate to defend its sovereignty. "We will be ready at all times if there is the use of armed force to invade Cambodian territory," he said. The tensions stem from an incomplete boundary demarcation near Ta Moan Thom, located between Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province and Thailand’s Surin province. Thai troops stationed near the temple confronted Cambodian soldiers who visited last month, prompting Thailand’s military to file a formal protest. This dispute echoes the long-standing conflict over Preah Vihear temple, another ancient site where deadly clashes between Cambodian and Thai forces erupted between 2008 and 2011. Though the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in Cambodia’s favour, disagreements over surrounding land persisted. Hun Manet cited Cambodia’s experience in defending its territory at the ICJ, warning that the country is prepared to take both legal and military action if necessary. Meanwhile, Senate President Hun Sen, Cambodia’s former prime minister, made headlines with his own remarks, threatening legal action against anyone comparing him to ex-Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte, who was recently arrested to face trial at the International Criminal Court. With tensions simmering, both Cambodia and Thailand face mounting pressure to defuse the situation before history repeats itself, according to RFA Khmer and Benar News. 18-03-2025

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Prime Minister Hun Manet on Sunday led the country to pay tribute to the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk on the 11th anniversary of his passing. Members of the government, institutions, and people all around Cambodia paid respect to the late King Father in various ways. Last October, the government had designated October 15 as the annual commemoration date of the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk, the father of Cambodia’s independence. Then-Prime Minister Hun Sen urged the people to mark October 15 to honour King Father Sihanouk and his lifelong devotion to the Kingdom and the people. On Sunday morning, high-ranking delegations of the Senate, National Assembly and government, as well as ministries and institutions, took turns laying wreaths at the late King Father’s Memorial Statue in the public park east of the Independence Monument in Phnom Penh. Mr Hun Manet was fulfilling the task for the first time as the head of the government. Mr Hun Sen, who is now President of the Supreme Privy Council to King Norodom Sihamoni, expressed his heartfelt thanks for the sacrifices of the late King Father in a statement posted on his social media networks and prayed for his his soul to rest in peace. read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501376890/heartfelt-tributes-cambodia-honours-late-king-father-on-11th-anniversary-of-his-passing/

Prime Minister Hun Manet has ordered the setting up of an emergency shelter, for the 452 Cambodian students in Israel, about 300 km away from the Gaza Strip, where a war between Hamas and Israel rages on for the 11th consecutive day. Government spokesman Pen Bona said yesterday, “As the evolving situation in the Gaza Strip remains unclear, Prime Minister Hun Manet has tasked his officials to set up an emergency shelter in coordination with the Israeli officials for the stranded Cambodian students to prepare for any eventuality that might come up in the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.” “The temporary shelter is located in the southern part of Israel, bordering Egypt and Jordan, and about 300 km from the Gaza Strip. The government will also provide transportation, accommodation and food for all the students when they shift to the new area,” Bona said. He added, “As of yesterday, all the students have registered online to communicate with each other and also to help the authorities to keep tabs on them. They are in different areas and locations now, but all are safe and have resumed their work and study.” read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501376880/pm-orders-emergency-shelter-for-cambodian-students-in-israel/

The airport in Siem Reap province was constructed by Chinese companies as part of the Belt and Road Initiative. Cambodian officials on Monday unveiled a US$1.1 billion airport near the famed Angkor temples – built by Chinese state-owned companies as part of the Belt and Road Initiative –even as tourist numbers continue to drop. The first commercial flight into the new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport landed from Thailand as Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Visoth praised China at a ceremony Monday. This is “an historical achievement which shows the fruitful will in ironclad cooperation between China and Cambodia,” he said. The airport is designed to be a cargo hub and transportation hub, with direct international flights, and a potential capacity of 7 million passengers a year, the Khmer Times reported. It’s located 55 km (34 miles) southeast of Siem Reap town and the nearby Angkor temple complex, whereas the previous, much smaller airport was only about 8 km (5 miles) outside Siem Reap’s center. Siem Reap Angkor International Airport is located 55 km (34 miles) from Siem Reap town and the nearby Angkor temple complex. Credit: Screenshot from video/Facebook/Hun Manet Tourism has been a main pillar of the Cambodian economy, but the number of visitors to the 12th century temples has fallen since the COVID-19 pandemic. There are currently between 1,000 to 1,500 visitors per day, Ministry of Tourism spokesman Top Sopheak told Radio Free Asia. Before the pandemic, there were between 8,000 to 9,000 visitors each day, he said. The new airport could help revive those numbers, he said. “The Ministry of Tourism has not been silent; it has made great efforts,” Top Sopheak said. Tourism bookings remain low But there continues to be evidence of a general decline in the economy in the province’s rural areas and in Siem Reap town, which is home to numerous luxury hotels and smaller guesthouses, all catering to tourists. Some supermarkets and hotels have closed down since 2020, putting thousands of people out of work, according to tourism operator Ang Charles. And almost every street in Siem Reap town has “for sale” signs affixed to homes, cars or plots of land, he said. Siem Reap Angkor International Airport was built by three Chinese state-owned companies as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Credit: Screenshot from video/Facebook/Hun Manet During the recent Pchum Ben festival, there was a noticeable lack of spending, and bookings for other upcoming holidays are way down, he said. “There are not many people on the streets,” he told RFA. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Hun Manet flew from Phnom Penh to Beijing on Monday to attend The Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, which will include world leaders and representatives from 90 countries. The conference will discuss the initiative, which began a decade ago as a way for Beijing to boost trade ties, secure energy supplies and invest in global infrastructure around the world. But China has also been accused of “debt diplomacy” – trapping nations with financial liabilities for major infrastructure projects they can ill-afford. Siem Reap Angkor International Airport is designed to be a cargo and transportation hub with direct international flights, the Khmer Times reports. Credit: Screenshot from video/Facebook/Hun Manet In Siem Reap, the Chinese state-owned Yunnan Investment Group has been given the rights to the new airport for 55 years and is also spending $95 million on a 24 km (15 miles) expressway project that will connect the airport to the rest of the country. A larger surrounding area has been set aside as a special economic zone, Cambodian officials said. Other BRI projects in Cambodia include the Lower Sesan 2 Dam in Stung Treng province, the construction of the new Phnom Penh International Airport in Kandal province, the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway and the Moradok Techo Stadium in Phnom Penh. An official inauguration ceremony for the new Siem Reap airport is planned for next month, with Hun Manet in attendance. Translated by Sok Ry Sum. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster. https://www.rfa.org/english/news/cambodia/new-angkor-airport-10162023170450.html Copyright © 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036.

On the morning of September 23, 2023, President Xi Jinping met at the West Lake State Guesthouse in Hangzhou with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni who is in China to attend the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games. Noting that this year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Cambodia and the Year of China-Cambodia Friendship, Xi Jinping recalled his two meetings with King Norodom Sihamoni, which demonstrates the deep bond of friendship between China and Cambodia as one family. He also noted that not long ago, he met in Beijing with Prime Minister Hun Manet and reached important common understandings on carrying forward the long-standing friendship and deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperation. He said that China cherishes the special friendship with the Cambodian royal family, attaches great importance to the development of China-Cambodia relations, and stands ready to work with Cambodia to deepen and substantiate the building of a China-Cambodia community with a shared future. read more http://in.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/zgxw/202310/t20231016_11161466.htm

Mother Nature is a wonderful architect, providing incredible spectacles to witness, from the natural mangrove bridge to the rocky bridge. With development, man has also developed some of the architectural wonders over the years, which are connecting cities over the sea, ocean, and huge rivers. But this incredible 3,000-foot bamboo bridge in Cambodia, the world’s longest, is taken down and rebuilt annually. The crossing has 50,000 sticks of bamboo and is built during the dry season to link Cambodia’s sixth-largest town Kampong Cham, with 1,000 families on Koh Paen island across the Mekong River. The bridge is built in the dry or summer season as the waters of the Mekong River recede and become too shallow for the ferry to move. When the rainy season is supposed to begin, before the waters of the Mekong River start to widen, the bridge is dismantled by hand, and the bamboo is stored away or reused for other constructions. This is done because, during the monsoon season, the river currents are too strong for the bridge to survive. At that time, people in the cities travelled by boat or ferry. read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501376176/cambodia-reconstructs-its-longest-bamboo-bridge-each-year/

On the occasion of Pchum Ben, Cambodian workers working in Thailand were seen visiting their hometowns at various border checkpoints, and immigration police officers stationed at each checkpoint facilitated the entry and exit of the workers well and quickly. In fact, on October 12, 2023, at 8:15 at the Dong International Gate in Battambang province, many Cambodian workers came to Cambodia to reunite with their families on the occasion of Pchum Ben. At the same time, Brigadier General Phat Virak, Chief of Dong International Border Police Station, also divided the forces according to the target to receive and facilitate the procedure for the workers quickly and in a timely manner. The Chief of Dong International Border Police Station also handed out 500 Cambodian scarves to Cambodian workers returning to their hometowns on the occasion of the traditional Khmer Pchum Ben festival and to Cambodian workers working in Thailand as a memento. Fresh news https://www.khmertimeskh.com/1375528/cambodian-workers-in-thailand-rush-to-visit-their-hometowns-on-the-occasion-of-pchum-ben-at-the-international-border/

Hidden deep within the heart of Cambodia lies an architectural masterpiece that should be on every traveler’s bucket list: Koh Ker Temple. This ancient temple complex is a hub of history, culture, and breathtaking architecture, offering an unforgettable journey through time. Koh Ker Temple is not merely a tourist destination; it’s a journey through time, a serene escape, and a cultural adventure. It’s a place where the past and present converge, offering an enriching experience for travelers seeking to connect with history, architecture, and the beauty of Cambodia’s natural surroundings. As you explore the hidden gem of Koh Ker, you’ll create lasting memories and gain a deeper appreciation for the wonders of our world. A Step Back in Time in Cambodia Koh Ker Temple holds immense historical significance in Cambodia. Koh Ker Temple transports you to the 10th century when it served as the capital of the mighty Khmer Empire. The intricate architecture and sculptures serve as a window to the past, allowing history enthusiasts to immerse themselves in a bygone era. It’s like walking through a living history book. read more https://travelnoire.com/cambodia-koh-ker-temple

Financial woes are keeping many Cambodians from visiting pagodas. A celebration marking the end of Buddhist Lent won’t be very cheerful for some Cambodian monks who say they have received few food offerings amid a sluggish economy. Traditionally, people prepare food for the monks and offer them alms, believing that their kind deeds are a way of paying their respects to their deceased ancestors. But this year, the monks in Kampong Tralach district in central Kampong Chhnang province say they have not received any offerings from residents during the 15-day Pchum Ben festival marking the end of Vassa, Buddhist Lent. Apparently, ordinary people are struggling economically, and some have left the area for better-paying jobs in neighboring Thailand. “We are facing difficulties in supporting the monks. We have 13 monks, but we don't have money to support them,” said Neang Eth, abbot of Samrong Raingsy. Many villages stand nearly empty. Two pagodas in particular — Wat Samrong Raingsy, or Wat Chas, in Ta Ches commune, Kampong Talach district and Wat Sovannkiri Potikaram or Phnom Teap, in Cheung Kreav commune, Rolea Bier district – are unusually quiet. Earlier this week, the pagoda’s 13 monks held a ceremony, but only 10 local residents attended it. The pagoda is not holding any events between Oct. 12 and 14, so the monks won’t have any food or money. Neang Eth said he fears that people will lose their enthusiasm for the traditional religious festival because of their economic woes. The five monks who inhabit the Sovannkiri Potikaram Pagoda are also feeling the pain. Only a few locals have come to the pagoda, about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the nearest village, for this year’s event, said Abbot Moul Sai. Monks at the pagoda have not received enough food since the COVID-19 pandemic hit Cambodia in 2020. They have enough on most days only to eat lunch, but there are other times when they go without meals for days, he said. “We asked for food from houses, but the villagers said they could not schedule times to come to the pagoda,” Moul Sai said. Sar Leang, provincial department head for Cambodia's Ministry of Cult and Religious Affairs, said his office has no solution to solve food shortages in the pagodas but will visit the monks to study the situation. Koet Saray, president of the Khmer Student Intelligent League Association and a former Buddhist monk, said food shortages for monks are occurring everywhere in the country because not many people are visiting them during the religious festival. “Monks are relying on people to offer food and clothes, so when people don’t even have the money to spend in their daily lives, how can they give food to the monks?” he asked. Meanwhile, monks in Kampong Chhnang province have urged officials to support the villagers and reduce poverty so they will have the budget to participate in traditional religious ceremonies. Translated by Yun Samean for RFA Khmer. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Malcolm Foster. https://www.rfa.org/english/news/cambodia/buddhist-monks-10132023154223.html Copyright © 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036.

A brothel, which masqueraded as a massage parlour to provide sex with underage girls, has been raided and shut down. Seven people were arrested – but one escaped – when the “Ponley Chok Chet” establishment in Kbal Damrey II village, Sangkat Kakap II, Khan Por Sen Chey Phnom Penh was raided by the Department of Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection at 9:30 pm on October 9, 2023 The Department of Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection said that the above location was reported to the force by concerned citizens who stated that some girls under the age of 17 have come to work there. The police force of the Department of Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection cooperated with the police force, including the police force of Po Sen Chey district and the district authority to suppress the brothel immediately. Authorities confirmed that when police arrived at the scene, a male boss fled the scene. The police force detained the 7 women found there After the incident, the police force of the Department of Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection sent the seven women to the specialized unit for further legal procedures. https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501374720/underage-brothel-busted-in-phnom-penh/

The new ties with officially registered parties could help it place candidates on the ballot in upcoming elections. Cambodia’s opposition Candlelight Party announced it will join with three smaller parties in a political alliance that will aim to field candidates in the 2027 local commune elections and the 2028 general election. The “Alliance Toward the Future,” which includes the Khmer Will Party, the Grassroots Democratic Party and the Cambodia Reform Party, will be announced at a public event on Wednesday, Candlelight Party spokesman Kim Sour Phirith told Radio Free Asia. The Candlelight Party is the only party that could have mounted a serious challenge to the ruling Cambodian People’s Party, or CPP, in July’s general elections. But in May, the National Election Committee disqualified the party because it did not have the original registration form issued by the Ministry of Interior. With no real opposition, the CPP swept the parliamentary vote. This week’s announcement comes after Candlelight officials had exhausted efforts to ask the ministry to reissue its original party’s registration. Last month, ministry officials again denied the party’s request to reissue a registration letter so that it could participate in future elections. Candlelight Party Vice President Rong Chhun delivers a speech to party supporters in September 2023. Credit: Candlelight Party. That document was lost in 2017 when the offices of the Cambodia National Rescue Party, or CNRP, were raided by government agents. Without the document, the Candlelight Party cannot compete in elections, leaving the country without a viable opposition party. “Political pressures have increased compared to previous years so we need national unification from democrats to be firm,” Kim Sour Phirith said. “This is a vital step to restore democracy and human rights.” Recognized registration status But CPP spokesman Sok Ey San predicted that the four parties won’t pose a threat. “The new alliance is from the losing parties,” he said. “Losers working together will just make it worse.” The Grassroots Democratic Party appeared on the July ballot but didn’t win any seats in the National Assembly. While the Khmer Will Party and the Cambodia Reform Party did not appear on the ballot, their recognized registration status makes them an attractive partner for the Candlelight Party and could increase its future bargaining power with the CPP, independent political commentator Em Sovannara said. “If all of these parties merge into one party, it will have the ability to challenge the ruling party,” he said. Exiled opposition leader Sam Rainsy told RFA that he wasn’t involved in the alliance’s formation. Sam Rainsy remains the acting president of the CNRP, which formed in 2013 as an umbrella party for several opposition parties. That party was banned by Cambodia’s Supreme Court just ahead of the 2018 general elections. In recent years, many CNRP activists and supporters have joined the Candlelight Party. “Hun Sen shouldn’t try to destroy former Sam Rainsy followers,” he told RFA, referring to the longtime prime minister who stepped down in August and retains political influence behind the scenes. “They are growing and mature and they know what to do,” he said. “They know to step forward and pave over obstacles.” https://www.rfa.org/english/news/cambodia/candlelight-alliance-10102023164548.html Copyright © 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Translated by Yun Samean. Edited by Matt Reed.

Cambodia's economy is forecast to be the fastest-growing in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, according to the latest outlook by the International Monetary Fund backed by analysts. In the World Economic Outlook published on Tuesday, the IMF projected that Cambodia's real GDP will grow 5.6 percent this year and 6.1 percent next year, up from the 5.2 percent growth recorded last year. This means the kingdom is likely to become the fastest-growing economy in the 10-nation bloc for two consecutive years. Cambodia's growth was closely followed by the Philippines, whose economy is expected to grow 5.3 percent this year and 5.9 percent next year. Indonesia's economy is estimated to grow 5 percent in both 2023 and 2024, while the Lao economy is projected at 4 percent for both years. Growth in Myanmar is expected to be stable for 2023 and 2024 at 2.6 percent. Vietnam is expected to grow by 4.7 percent this year and 5.8 percent next year, while the predicted growth for Malaysia is 4 and 4.3 percent, respectively. Thailand's economy is expected to grow 2.7 percent this year and 3.2 percent next year. Singapore's economic growth will slow to 1 percent this year, down from 3.6 percent last year, but will rebound slightly to 2.1 percent next year. read more https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202310/12/WS6527252da31090682a5e7fcf.html

MANILA – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has deployed a team to Cambodia to assist in the repatriation of 27 Filipinos who were victimized by illegal recruiters. “The Filipino victims entered Cambodia as tourists as early as January this year. They were informed that they would be working as tech support representatives but were forced to work in an online scamming facility in the O’Smach District located near the Thai border,” DMW officer in charge Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac said in a news release on Wednesday. The DMW team, led by Assistant Secretary Francis Ron de Guzman, which left for Cambodia on Monday, would provide legal and financial assistance, as well as psychological first aid to the rescued Filipinos. Cacdac said the victims were rescued on Sept. 26, with the help of the Cambodian National Police (CNP). https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1211574

In a remarkable operation, the Malaysia International Humanitarian Organization (MHO) provided crucial intelligence to the Cambodian police, successfully rescuing a stranded Malaysian victim trapped in a job scam. Simultaneously, they dismantled a notorious scam syndicate compound at Sihanoukville, Cambodia. Furthermore, local law enforcement authorities managed to apprehend three Chinese nationals, including the ringleader and liberated more than 200 individuals subjected to forced labor within the scam company. In the early morning of October 7, Azirul Syafiq, the MHO representative, accompanied a Malaysian victim on their journey back to Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s second terminal. This marked the end of a two-month ordeal that had unfolded in the depths of Sihanoukville, Cambodia. During a press conference held at the airport, Syafiq unveiled the intricate details of how MHO had clandestinely established contact with the Malaysian victim, gathering invaluable information about the illicit operations of the scam company. read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501373993/humanitarian-organization-rescues-ensnared-malaysian-in-cambodian-scam-bust/

Cambodian students in Israel are pleading for Prime Minister Hun Manet to evacuate them from the country as fighting between the forces of the Jewish state and Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, rages on. They say they fear for their lives and that they have no water, not enough food and no electricity. Hong Sodanet, an intern in Israel with the Royal University of Agriculture, said in an interview via Telegram yesterday that she was staying in a room on the fourth floor of an apartment in Sderot Brit Arim, with eight female students from the same university. “At about 11 am on October 7, I heard gunshots and bombings in my area. Our electricity has been cut off and back on intermittently. We do not have enough food, little electricity, little water and Internet access is off and on,” she said. Getting access to authorities or requesting for assistance is also difficult, she said. “We, girls, are not brave. There are eight of us, and we could die or be taken hostage. Please save us,” she said. read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501373958/please-save-us-cambodian-students-fearing-for-their-lives-plead-to-be-evacuated-as-fighting-between-israel-and-hamas-rages-on/

A UN independent human rights expert on Monday called for urgent structural reforms in Cambodia following the “restricted” general elections earlier this year. Vitit Muntarbhorn, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, also said that the hereditary succession to power raised serious concerns with respect to human rights, democratic principles and the international rule of law. Mr. Muntarbhorn and other rights experts had previously described the lead-up to and the outcome of the July polls as “extremely disconcerting”, amid restrictions and harassment targeting political opponents and the media. In August, Hun Manet became the country’s new Prime Minister, taking over from his father, Hun Sen, who led the country for more than three decades. Human rights benchmarks The call by Mr. Muntarbhorn coincided with the presentation of his report to the UN Human Rights Council, in which he assessed progress towards 20 key human rights benchmarks. “A key challenge for implementing human rights benchmarks lies in the intergenerational power shift in the country, which is intertwined with the political and electoral processes and coupled with the restricted civic-political space,” he said. read more https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/10/1142087

Cambodia has reported two fatal infections linked to H5N1 avian influenza, though it’s not yet known whether the virus belongs to the 2.3.2.1c clade known to circulate in the country’s poultry or if the deaths involve the 2.3.4.4b clade circulating more globally. Two cases from neighboring provinces The health ministry posted a notice yesterday about the first patient, a 50-year-old man from Svay Rieng province, on its Facebook page. The notice was picked up by FluTrackers, an infectious disease news message board, then translated and posted by FluTrackers and Avian Flu Diary (AFD), an infectious disease news blog. The ministry report said more than 50 chickens had died at the man’s house and his neighbor’s house and that the birds were distributed for eating. Health officials are tracking down contacts and issuing public health warnings in the affected area. Today, the ministry posted a notice about a second H5N1 case, which involves a 2-year-old girl from neighboring Prey Veng province who died from her infection, according to a translation posted by AFD. The report said investigators found dead chickens in the girl’s house. read more https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/cambodia-reports-two-h5n1-avian-flu-cases-one-fatal