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BEIJING, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet will pay an official visit to China from Sept. 14 to 16, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced on Monday. During the visit, President Xi Jinping will meet with Prime Minister Hun Manet, Premier Li Qiang will hold talks with him, and Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, will meet with him, Mao told a daily press briefing when responding to a question on the visit. This is Prime Minister Hun Manet's first official visit after taking office, which shows that the new Cambodian government attaches great importance to developing China-Cambodia relations, Mao said. Noting that this year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of China-Cambodia diplomatic ties and the Year of China-Cambodia Friendship, Mao said China looks forward to making a comprehensive plan for China-Cambodia comprehensive strategic cooperation in the coming years through this visit. In particular, China will push forward the implementation of such cooperation initiatives as the "Industrial Development Corridor" and the "Fish and Rice Corridor" as soon as possible, and will build a high-quality, high-level and high-standard China-Cambodia community with a shared future for the new era, she added. https://english.news.cn/20230911/e6784beed0034881a428ca03d6acc521/c.html

The presidents of the ruling parties in Indochina, including Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the traditional friendship, according to a press release from Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) AKP received yesterday. Hun Sen, President of CPP; Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam; and Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party held their high-level talks in Hanoi, Vietnam. During the meeting, the leaders of the ruling parties of the three neighbouring nations mentioned about the situation of their respective parties and countries, especially in terms of party building, socio-economic development as well as exchanged views on regional and global situation. They expressed their satisfaction with the past cooperation between the three parties and agreed on key directions to promote the relations and cooperation between the three parties and countries in various fields for the common benefit of their nations and peoples. read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501357089/cambodia-laos-vietnam-ruling-parties-strengthen-traditional-friendship/

Apsara National Authority is seeking help from wildlife experts to deal with aggressive monkeys that are attacking tourists at Angkor Archaeological Park. The authority is calling on tourists to stop feeding macaque monkeys in the park area to avoid risking harm to themselves while visiting. The plan to take care of the monkeys followed after two tourists were attacked in two separate incidents while visiting Angkor Wat. On September 6, a monkey bit a middle-aged American tourist. The man sustained injuries to the right side of his neck from the attack while he was visiting the Bayon temple area. Another incident of aggressive monkeys involved a 39-year-old Thai tourist on August 25. Apsara Authority provided emergency treatment onsite by washing the wounds and advising the victims to obtain vaccinations as a precautionary measure against disease and infection. Deputy Director General of Apsara Authority Kim Sothin said that troublesome monkeys living in the Angkor area pose a threat to tourists. read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501356887/apsara-to-deal-with-aggressive-monkeys/

Human rights group releases a report finding restrictions on freedom of association in every province. Hoping to regain its ability to run in future elections, the main opposition Candlelight Party asked Cambodia’s newly appointed interior minister for a meeting to clear a bureaucratic hurdle – reissuing the party’s original certificate of registration – that kept it out of July’s parliamentary vote. “The ministry can’t create administrative obstacles,” Party Vice President Rong Chhun told Radio Free Asia, adding that he hoped party officials could meet personally with Sar Sokha, who was named minister last month after his father stepped down from the position he held for more than 30 years. The ministry has received the request and will respond with its decision, deputy spokesman Touch Sokhak said, adding that the ministry doesn’t discriminate against any political party. The Candlelight Party was blocked from running in the July election – won in a landslide by the ruling Cambodian People’s Party – on a technicality that many saw as politically motivated. In May, the National Election Committee said it wouldn’t accept a statement from the Interior Ministry confirming the party’s 1998 registration, insisting it required the original certificate issued by the ministry. But that certificate was lost during a 2017 raid by government agents on the offices of the Cambodia National Rescue Party, which at the time was the leading opposition party. Supporters of the Candlelight Party rally on the last day of campaigning for the commune elections in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, June 3, 2022. Credit: Tang Chhin Sothy/AFP Bureaucratic obstacles The Candlelight Party dates back to the 1990s, when it was founded as the Khmer Nation Party. It was later renamed as the Sam Rainsy Party and merged in 2012 with other opposition parties to become the CNRP. After the Supreme Court banned the CNRP in 2017, the Candlelight Party was revived and began organizing in every province and municipality, attracting many of the same supporters. The party competed in the 2022 commune elections – something its supporters pointed to in May when the National Election Committee issued its decision. If the ministry complies with the law, the ministry must reissue the certificate of registration, legal expert Vorn Chan Lout said. But that’s only if the ministry doesn’t receive political pressure from elsewhere in the government or the CPP, he said. “It is not an issue of whether the Ministry of Interior works independently,” he said. “It will have the means to resolve the issue. But if the ministry thinks about political benefit, it will be difficult for the Candlelight Party.” ‘Frequent arbitrary interference’ Candlelight’s request for a meeting comes as a Cambodian NGO released an overview report on fundamental freedoms – including freedom of association – in the country. The Cambodian Center for Human Rights tracked how freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of association were exercised and controlled in 2022. It found restrictions to those freedoms in every province, with most instances occurring in Phnom Penh. “The trends noted in 2022 were especially concerning as Cambodia was advancing into the 2022 Commune Elections and 2023 National Elections, a critical time where the exercise of fundamental freedoms is essential for free and fair elections,” the report said. The report found multiple attempts by the government and third parties to hamper political opposition, as well as “frequent arbitrary interference with public assemblies.” The government “appears to use laws to curtail civic space and restrict the exercise of fundamental freedoms, rather than to protect these rights,” it said. The organization’s Fundamental Freedoms Monitoring Project based its report on 329 media monitoring incidents, 237 incident reports, a poll of 1,424 members of the public across 25 provinces, and a survey of 150 civil society organizations and trade union leaders. Translated by Yun Samean. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster. https://www.rfa.org/english/news/cambodia/candlelight-interior-meeting-09072023151855.html Copyright © 1998-2020, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036.

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Wednesday (Sept. 6) condemned Cambodia’s decision to continue abiding by the "one China" principle.Hun Manet, Cambodia’s new prime minister, agreed that Taiwan, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong are all China's internal affairs during a meeting with the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) International Liaison Department head Liu Jianchao (劉建超) on Sunday (Sept. 3). In response, MOFA said it “strongly protests” Beijing's repeated use of meetings with foreign leaders as opportunities to reiterate its "one China" principle and unilaterally claim Taiwan as its territory, per a foreign ministry statement. Taiwan is a sovereign and independent country, the ministry said, adding that China has never governed Taiwan. “This is an undeniable fact and current reality,” it said. Taiwan and Cambodia should focus on mutually beneficial economic and trade cooperation to expand bilateral relations and enhance the well-being of both peoples, MOFA said. It expressed hope that Hun would renounce what it called ideological and outdated policies, refrain from conforming to China's “malicious denial” of Taiwan's sovereignty, and adopt a practical and open attitude. read more https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4992004

Official figures indicate Cambodia is in recovery mode, with the nation welcoming 3.03 million international visitors in the first seven months of 2023 – however, tourism players on the ground paint a different picture. According to the Ministry of Tourism, arrivals mark a 308 per cent year-on-year increase, with Thailand topping the table, followed by Vietnam. Laos was fourth, while land and waterway arrivals accounted for 64.9 per cent of the total. While Cambodia reported 3.03 million international visitors in the first seven months of 2023, only 498,513 visited the Angkor Wat heritage complex (pictured) “Looking at the tourism figures, people working in travel should be happy,” said Steve Lidgey, general manager of Travel Asia a la Carte. “However, the reality on the ground shows many empty hotels, restaurants failing, and guides without work as there are few visitors and a very low low season.” Of all the captured arrivals, only 498,513 visited Angkor Wat, according to figures from Angkor Enterprise. This has caused inbound agents to believe that the majority of the 3.03 million arrivals are people crossing the border for daily trade or to gamble in border casinos but ticking the “tourist” box. read more https://www.ttgasia.com/2023/09/07/cambodias-reportedly-strong-arrivals-fail-to-impact-tourism-businesses/

Preah Sihanouk police rescued eight foreign tourists after their rental boat sank in the sea off Tres island in Buon commune in Sihanoukville, Preah Sihanouk province on Monday. The tourists rented a boat in the morning for touring nearby islands and fishing then planned to return to Tres Island at about 7pm, police said. The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology had earlier issued a forecast that the area would experience rain and strong winds causing large swells. On the return journey, the boat engine failed as bad weather set in with strong winds and large waves that swamped the boat causing the vessel to sink forcing the tourists to send a distress call to authorities. After receiving the call for help, Sihanoukville authorities immediately dispatched two high-speed boats to rescue the tourists. Rescuers pulled the tourists from the water and returned them to the mainland. There were no casualties. read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501355466/foreign-tourists-rescued-after-boat-sinks/

Cambodian Ambassador to France Ket Sophann on Sep 4, traveled to Lyon to receive a bas-relief seized by French customs. The handover ceremony for this cultural property was held at the Directorate Interregional Customs and Indirect Rights of Lyon under the presidency of Mr. Eric MEUNIER, Interregional Director of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes customs, and Ms. Juliette BOSSART-TRIGNAT, Prefect Delegate for Defense and Security of the constituency. This bas-relief, consisting of five sandstone elements and dated from the 12th or 13th century, weighs nearly 300 kg and would come from the temples of Preah Khan of Kompong Svay, or by Banteay Chhmar. It was looted in the early 1990s and seized as part of a control in the professional premises of an auction company in Lyon in February 2020. On behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Cambodian people, Sophann expressed his deeply thank all the authorities French women concerned for their remarkable commitment. He reiterated that this return of cultural pieces illustrates excellent cooperation between Cambodia and France. read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501355874/france-returns-a-bas-relief-seized-by-french-customs-to-cambodia/

Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, the deputy national police, is in Cambodia today (Tuesday) to seek cooperation from police there in the arrests of nine Thai and Chinese suspects working in a call centre gang. They allegedly involved in the deaths of three Thai family members and the attempted suicide of the family head. Surachate had with them arrest warrants issued by a Thai court. The Cambodia-based call centre scam came to light when a man in Samut Prakan killed his wife and two children with a knife and attempted to commit suicide with the same knife at their house on August 28. The man survived the suicide bid. Police investigators discovered that the wife had taken out a loan from an online platform, operated by the gang, which promised free interest. The gang later charged her exorbitant interest, until her debt ballooned to about 1.7 million baht. Her husband had to mortgage their house, but still could not cover the debt. In desperation, he decided to kill his loved ones and commit suicide. read more https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-deputy-police-chief-in-cambodia-seeking-help-to-track-down-call-centre-gang-members/

SINGAPORE – The death of a 17-year-old international school student during a school trip to Cambodia has sparked concern among several parents who want answers and a review of guidelines on overseas excursions. Kaira Karmakar, an Indian national who was studying at United World College of South-east Asia (UWCSEA) in Dover Road, died in a road accident on June 1 while on a school trip to the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh. She was with a group of classmates, and there were no teachers or adult representatives accompanying them. UWCSEA was notified at 3.07am the same day. The school declined to say how many students were part of the group. UWCSEA Dover head Patrick Hurworth, in an e-mail to parents on June 1, informed them that she had died while in Cambodia for the school’s project week. The e-mail, seen by The Straits Times, said students have the option of going on an overseas field trip for project week as part of the grade 11 curriculum, and that it is “designed to support readiness for independent life” after graduation. UWCSEA, a top international school with campuses around the world, has two in Singapore – in Dover Road and Tampines. Grade 11 is similar to the first year in junior college in Singapore. read more https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/uwc-student-17-dies-on-unchaperoned-school-trip-to-cambodia-several-parents-ask-for-policy-review

Phnom Penh municipal police chief Major General Chuon Narin has ordered all district traffic police officers to stop the practice of hiding and then jumping out on un-suspecting motorbike and car drivers to fine them for violating traffic laws. The above activities of the traffic police are contrary to the national police’s professionalism, he said. There has been criticism from the public on this kind of behaviour and it affects the honour, dignity and the reputation of the national police, he added. “To raise the honour and the dignity of traffic police and strengthen the police’s professionalism and discipline, I instruct all the 14 district’s police chiefs to instruct their officers to stop this activity because it looks very bad and affects the force’s honour and dignity,” Maj Gen Narin told a police meeting on Saturday. read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501354450/narin-orders-traffic-police-to-stop-unprofessional-behaviour/

The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts (MCFA) is requesting that precious artefacts of Khmer origin be returned from Thailand and China. The culture ministry is making every effort to rediscover and preserve Cambodian artefacts that disappeared during the civil war period. Minister of Culture Phoeurng Sackona said that government is pointing to the example set by the United States and the Latchford family, and Cambodia is requesting the return of artefacts from its neighbours and other nations. However, she said that the request for the repatriation of antiquities from Thailand and China has not shown any results yet. Despite the slow progress, the MCFA plans to open more channels with both Thailand and China. She added that in August, the Ministry of Culture signed a cultural legacy agreement with the United States to curb the illegal trade in antiquities and cultural property. read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501354452/mcfa-seeks-return-of-artefacts-from-thailand-and-china/

Qatar Airways will resume the Doha-Phnom Penh flights on October 29, connecting Cambodia to one of the busiest air traffic hubs of the world. Vann Chanty, Director-General of Air Transport at the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, said it was confirmed during a meeting last week. “Qatar Airways has decided to resume its flights from Doha to Phnom Penh. This is a good sign for Cambodia’s aviation sector,” Chanty told reporters. “The State Secretariat of Civil Aviation too has agreed on the airline’s flight resumption, connecting Cambodia and the Middle East as the new travel season begins,” he said. Qatar Airways started its daily flights to Phnom Penh in February 2013 and became the first Middle East airline that operated direct flights to the Kingdom. The airline used to fly daily between Doha and Phnom Penh but the Covid-19 pandemic put an end to it. Qatar Airways stopped the Phnom Penh flight in April 2020. The airline started direct flights to the Kingdom in a bid to connect the country with scores of other destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, North America and South America. read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501354568/qatar-airways-to-resume-flights-on-october-29/

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Dr. Sar Sokha, advised studying and examining the actual situation to reduce the cost of passport service for citizens, which currently costs $115. The comment of Dr. Sar Sokha was made this morning, September 4, 2023, during a meeting with the leaders of the Ministry of Interior. During the meeting, Sokha saw that the cost of passport processing in Cambodia seems to be higher than in some neighbouring countries; therefore, in order to facilitate citizens who need to make a passport, the relevant professional institutions should study this work in order to be able to reduce the price acceptable to all levels of the people. “As for passports, I think we should study to lower them a little bit, as they currently cost more than $100,” said Deputy Prime Minister Sar Sokha. A passport is an essential document for citizens wishing to travel abroad. Currently, the service for making a passport costs $115, which takes one month, and there are other prices according to the type of speed and the needs of the people. All passports are valid for 10 years. Fresh News https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501354335/sar-sokha-proposes-fee-reduction-for-passports/

He was invited by Indonesian President Joko Widodo.The Summit is being held in Jakarta from September 4 to 7. Accompanying Mr Hun Manet are Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers, key officials, as well as many private sector leaders. Key agenda items include the Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar and the ASEAN Leaders’ Decision. The leaders will also delve into the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific region, and exchange insights on regional and international matters of shared concern. The discussions will focus on building an ASEAN community with a long-term vision and people-centeredness as a key force for achieving ASEAN 2045. During his visit to Jakarta, Mr Hun Manet will pay a courtesy call and discuss work with President Joko. The Prime Minister will also hold bilateral meetings with his ASEAN counterparts and other key world leaders. https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501354407/video-prime-minister-hun-manet-on-monday-arrived-in-jakarta-to-attend-the-43rd-asean-summit/

SINGAPORE – The arrest of 10 foreigners in Singapore in a billion-dollar money laundering blitz has thrown the spotlight on their alleged links to business interests in Singapore and overseas, and the number of jurisdictions where some of them hold citizenship. Using publicly available data, The Straits Times set about exploring their international and local links. ST was also provided information by a source affiliated with the United Nations, which last Tuesday highlighted the role played by scam centres in South-east Asia in human trafficking. The 10 accused in the money laundering case here are citizens of seven different jurisdictions, including Cambodia. They are believed to have all originated from China. According to a gazette published by the Cambodian government, which lists the identity of new citizens, nine of them were granted Cambodian citizenship between Aug 2018 and March 2021. China does not allow dual citizenship status. The granting of Cambodian citizenship for the nine was first reported by Cyber Scam Monitor, a website run by an anonymous group from the human rights, humanitarian, academic and media fields. read more https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/billion-dollar-money-laundering-case-9-out-of-10-accused-in-s-pore-have-cambodian-links

Cambodia's new prime minister Hun Manet will make his first appearance at the UN General Assembly next month. The focus is on whether he will try to improve relations with Europe and the United States, as he strengthens ties with China. Hun Manet laid out his foreign policy on Tuesday in his first speech as prime minister. He is the son of longtime leader Hun Sen, and became leader himself a week ago. He stressed a policy of diplomacy in all directions. He said he will continue friendly relations with all countries in a neutral and independent way, based on national interests. Ahead of the speech, he held a series of meetings with US Senate officials. He reportedly said he is ready to strengthen ties and expand cooperation with the US. Europe and the US imposed sanctions when his father was in power over human rights concerns as he clamped down on opposition parties. Hun Manet has plenty of experience with Western countries. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, and earned a PhD in economics from the University of Bristol in England. He went on to become commander of the Royal Cambodian Army. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230830_32/

9 foreign nationals have been arrested for their part in the torture of a man that led to his death. The murder happened on August 26, 2023 in Chrey Thom village, Sampov Poun commune, Sampov Poun city, Kandal province. Sampov Poun City Police named the ringleaders as Vietnamese nationals NGUYEN VAN THANH, a 30-year-old and Nguyen Vich Hung. Male, 25 years old They are accused of torturing an unnamed man to his death, in order to extort money https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501353447/foreigners-arrested-for-murder-illegal-detention-and-torture/

In the second meeting with the workers on the morning of September 1, Dr. Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, instructed Khuong Sreng, the Governor of Phnom Penh, to prepare buses to transport the workers to visit their hometowns during the upcoming Pchum Ben festival. “Please, His Excellency Khoung Sreng, prepare the buses to transport our workers to their hometowns to elebrate the upcoming Pchum Ben day,” the premier said. The order to Khuong Sreng came from the new Prime Minister of Cambodia after the state prepared hundreds of buses on the day of the election on July 22–24 for people to vote in their hometowns. The state’s public transport service costs roughly $600,000 per year to deploy buses to carry citizens or workers to visit family for Khmer New Year and Pchum Ben. He added that what is the policy of the old government that cares about the people is that the government continues to do the same. Dap-news https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501353121/pm-asks-khuong-sreng-to-prepare-buses-to-transport-workers-to-their-hometown-on-pchum-ben-day/

Unions have proposed a monthly salary of US$220 for 2024 as living costs in Cambodia continue to rise. Prime Minister Hun Manet has promised to increase the minimum monthly wage for garment workers, but didn’t mention a specific dollar amount in two speeches this week. The current minimum wage is US$200 – set by then-Prime Minister Hun Sen’s government last September. But with rising inflation, independent unions have asked the Ministry of Labor to approve an increase to US$220 for 2024. “We are paying attention to the workers’ salary,” Hun Manet told workers in Kandal province, just south of Phnom Penh. “We are working to negotiate. We are committed to increasing the minimum wage based on our ability.” The newly appointed prime minister made similar remarks to about 20,000 garment workers on the outskirts of Phnom Penh on Tuesday. “We will welcome the government, whether they increase a little or much,” Ath Thun of the Cambodian Labour Confederation told Radio Free Asia. “But if there is a small increase, it is not a gift for the workers. We need an appropriate increase or the workers will face a lower living standard.” Top issue for opposition party The minimum wage issue was a main source of support for the opposition Candlelight Party, which has attracted members in recent years with a policy platform centered around improving social welfare benefits. In May, the party was ruled ineligible for the general elections in a decision criticized as politically motivated. In June, Hun Sen urged thousands of garment workers to speak out against the Candlelight Party, saying that its efforts could bring international sanctions against the country’s garment industry. Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet poses for selfies while meeting with garment workers on the outskirts of Phnom Penh on Aug. 29, 2023. Credit: Cindy Liu/Reuters More than 50,000 Cambodian garment workers have been laid off over the last few years amid a downturn in the sector that began with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Additionally, Cambodia has lost some of its preferential trade advantages with the European Union due to human rights concerns, which has meant higher tariffs on exports. The ruling Cambodian People’s Party swept the tightly controlled July 23 parliamentary vote. Last month, Hun Manet – Hun Sen’s eldest son – was named the country’s new prime minister. ‘Appointments will be removed’ On Friday, Hun Manet said he is reconsidering the number of recent appointments of government officials and advisers. The size of his cabinet – which includes 10 deputy prime ministers, 21 senior ministers and 30 ministers – has brought criticism about wasteful spending as well as conflict and confusion within the government. Some advisers and aides have positions equal to minister or secretary of state, even though their titles indicate they are low level government officials. Other officials hold high-level government positions as well as the title of senior adviser, Hun Manet said. The dual titles and numerous advisers were originally intended as a way to encourage people, but under an upcoming royal decree, ministers and advisers must choose just one title, he said. “For government officials, police and military who were also appointed as advisers or as aides, those appointments will be removed,” he said. “I will choose a win-win choice so they can continue their work in the government.” Translated by Yun Samean. Edited by Matt Reed. https://www.rfa.org/english/news/cambodia/hun-manet-garment-workers-09012023154024.html Copyright © 1998-2020, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036.

The Minister of Interior Sar Sokha urged police departments in areas bordering neighbouring countries to strengthen national sovereignty and prevent any group from launching attacks from Cambodian territory. In a meeting with the leaders of the Ministry of Interior and the leadership of the National Police and the Capital and Provincial Police Chiefs on Tuesday, Sokha instructed the leaders of the National Police to strengthen their work according to their roles and responsibilities. They must be highly attentive to improve work efficiency. He added that all provinces bordering neighbouring countries must safeguard national sovereignty, territorial integrity and prevent any attempts to use Cambodian territory to attack the neighbours. read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501352067/border-police-urged-to-prevent-attacks-from-cambodia/

Attack on Vatt Mony is the latest in a series of assaults on Khmer activists outside Cambodia. An opposition party activist who is seeking asylum in Thailand said he was attacked on the streets of the beach resort town of Pattaya by four men – the latest assault against a Cambodian activist in the neighboring country. Vatt Mony told Radio Free Asia that the attack on Tuesday happened as he was sitting on a motorbike. A white car pulled up and the four men got out and began beating him, he said. “I was shouting for help and ran toward a crowd,” he said. Vatt Mony, an official with the main opposition Candlelight Party, has been campaigning among Cambodian workers in Thailand to protest against Prime Minister Hun Manet’s newly formed government. He has also petitioned embassies in Bangkok to urge the Cambodian government to return to democracy. The ruling Cambodian People’s Party won 120 of 125 seats in the July 23 general election. However, the Candlelight Party wasn’t allowed to list candidates on ballots. The National Election Committee disqualified the party in May, citing inadequate paperwork in a decision that was widely criticized as politically motivated. The ruling came after months of efforts by the CPP to intimidate or co-opt opposition party activists at the local and provincial level ahead of the election. Dozens of opposition activists were persuaded to publicly switch their allegiance to the CPP. But at least 100 activists have fled to Thailand out of fear in recent months. Hun Manet officially became prime minister on Aug. 22, just after the new National Assembly was formed. ‘It is not safe’ Another activist who is seeking asylum in Thailand, Phorn Channa, told RFA last week that he was struck in the face by three men who tried to drag him into a car in Rayong, about 60 km (37 miles) east of Pattaya. Phorn Channa said the newly appointed minister of Labor, Heng Suor, had tried to convince him to join the CPP. He said he declined because he believed that only an opposition party could bring respect for human rights to Cambodia. “I thought when I arrived in Thailand I would be safe, but it is not safe,” he told RFA. Vatt Mony has filed a complaint with Thai police. He said he believes Tuesday’s attack was “a premeditated attempt from the ruling party and the royal embassy” in Bangkok. “They are unethical people who hurt innocent people to abuse people’s freedom of expression,” he said. RFA was unable to reach Cambodian embassy officials for comment on Wednesday. CPP spokesman Sok Ey San said his party hasn’t sent anyone into Thailand to hurt opposition party officials. “This allegation is the culture of the opposition party,” he said. “They accuse the ruling party for any incidents. When they fall into wells or have car accidents, they accuse the ruling party.” Translated by Yun Samean. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster. https://www.rfa.org/english/news/cambodia/opposition-assault-pattaya-08302023150741.html Copyright © 1998-2020, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – The U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh and the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts signed a U.S.-Cambodia cultural cooperation agreement today at the National Museum, extending for another five years the United States’ long-standing commitment to preserving and restoring Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage. Cambodia is the only county in Southeast Asia with this agreement. The first Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in 2003. The extension of the MOU between the United States and the Royal Government of Cambodia, concerning “the Imposition of Import Restrictions on Categories of Archaeological and Ethnological Materials of Cambodia,” will reduce the pillaging of irreplaceable archaeological material from Cambodia and continue the exchange of archaeological and ethnological materials for cultural, educational, and scientific purposes to promote public appreciation of and access to Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage. Over the past 20 years, this MOU has facilitated the return of over 100 priceless antiquities and built the capacity of Cambodians working on cultural heritage preservation. https://kh.usembassy.gov/signing-of-cultural-agreement-between-cambodia-and-the-united-states/

Carmen Moreno, Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Cambodia, reaffirmed the 27-member bloc’s commitment to support the Kingdom’s efforts aimed at boosting its economic growth and improving the living standards of the people. Moreno gave this assurance to Aun Pornmoniroth, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, when she called on him on Monday. She made the courtesy call to say goodbye as she completed her diplomatic mission in Cambodia. According to a press release by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Deputy Prime Minister praised Moreno’s efforts to strengthen cooperation between Cambodia and the EU during her diplomatic mission and expressed his gratitude to the bloc for the continued support. Moreno praised the efforts of the Royal Government of Cambodia to ensure political and socio-economic stability and development of the country in all fields. read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501351365/eu-envoy-reaffirms-blocs-support-for-cambodias-growth-agenda/

The board had called for a six-month suspension from Facebook and Instagram. Meta will not suspend Cambodia’s former Prime Minister from Facebook and Instagram, declining to follow a recommendation from its Oversight Board. The board, which functions independently from the social media company, had recommended Meta suspend then-Prime Minister Hun Sen's Facebook and Instagram accounts for six months for inciting violence. In a response to the case published Wednesday, Meta said a long-term suspension “would not be consistent” with its policies. “Upon assessing Hun Sen’s Facebook Page and Instagram account, we determined that suspending those accounts outside our regular enforcement framework would not be consistent with our policies, including our protocol on restricting accounts of public figures during civil unrest,” the company wrote. Meta’s handling of the high-profile case has been closely watched around the world, with many viewing it as a test of the company’s policies governing speech from politicians, who have historically had more leeway on the platform. In a statement, an Oversight Board spokesperson said the group "stands by" its recommendations, “Elections are a crucial part of democracy and social media companies must ensure their platforms are not misused in ways which threaten to undermine them. read more https://finance.yahoo.com/news/meta-declines-oversight-board-recommendation-to-suspend-cambodias-former-prime-minister-170531152.html