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A Cambodian-American author Allen Dodgson Tan, who came to Cambodia 12 years ago, launched a book, Essential Cambodia, on Saturday at SOSORO Museum, Phnom Penh, to help foreign entrepreneurs, investors and managers. Tan said he wrote the book after holding more than 20 interviews with successful foreign and local business people and countless conversations with those across the business community. “I hope that this book will help foreigners working in Cambodia to be successful and thrive in the Kingdom,” he said, adding, “Cambodia is naturally a foreigner-friendly country that welcomes businesses from across the globe. Many of the frustrations our foreign guests experience come from simple misunderstandings that can be easily corrected. My purpose in writing this book was to provide a resource for those new to Kingdom. They may learn from the decades of experience of those I have learned from.” Unlike many books on Cambodian business, Tan’s work focuses on the overall business landscape and culture rather than the legal and regulatory aspects of a business. The book highlights potential differences in thinking between European and local customs and norms. read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501056425/essential-cambodia-a-guide-for-foreign-entrepreneurs-investors-and-managers/

Founder of the unrecognised Cambodian National Heart Party (CNHP) Seam Pluk is now in hiding after the Phnom Penh Municipal Court issued a warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear before the court for questioning over the alleged use of forged thumbprints to register the CNHP. According to the arrest warrant signed by Investigating Judge Le Sokha, the court charged Pluk on two separate accounts of “forgery of a document” and the “use of a forged document” under Articles 626, 627 and 628 of the Criminal Code. If found guilty, Pluk could face a prison sentence of between six months and three years. Judge Sokha said in order to ensure a full investigation, the court ordered police to arrest Pluk and bring him before the judge for questioning by April 25. The arrest warrant was issued after Pluk and his lawyers failed to appear before the court on March 22 for questioning over the alleged use of forged thumbprints to register the CNHP. The prosecutor then charged Pluk and sent the case to an investigating judge for further proceedings. read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501056227/cnhp-founder-goes-into-hiding/

A majority of close to 100 Cambodian migrant workers who returned to Cambodia from various parts of Thailand but predominantly Chonburi to celebrate Khmer New Year, now find themselves stuck in quarantine centres up to 14 days at Sampov Loun, Battambang province. Khmer Times field investigation at the centre revealed that many of those in the centre located at a disused cassava starch factory close to the Thai Border were carrying copies or originals of purposed vaccination documents from Thailand. Some had up to three doses of vaccinations, or so they claimed but when the QR code shown on the documents were scanned by health officials located at the centre, it was discovered that the QR quote led to a Line social media site and not the Thai vaccination centre which contained full details of the name of the holder, vaccination types and dates administered and so forth. read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501055973/dispute-and-anger-rises-over-unrecognized-thai-vaccination-papers-at-cambodian-quarantine-centre/

The Cambodian 15,000 riel banknote has been recognised as the "Best New Banknote" by Reconnaissance International, at its 18th High Security Printing Asia (HSP Asia) Conference in Yokohama, Japan, according to National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) governor Chea Chanto in his letter to Prime Minister Hun Sen on April 8. The 15,000 riel banknote was issued for circulation in 2019 to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the coronation of King Norodom Sihamoni. It bears the portrait of the King on one side, with images of the "Win-Win" Monument and the King along with the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk during the coronation on the other. The Council of Ministers’ Press and Quick Reaction Unit said on April 9 that the decision to recognise this banknote was based on the NBC's highly modern technical production of the note, the inclusion of artistic design which reflects the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, and security feature that is highly safe from being counterfeited. read more https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/kingdoms-15000-banknote-wins-intl-award

Intense burning of farm waste in Cambodia and other neighbouring countries of Thailand and the direction of the wind will possibly worsen air pollution in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand, a local social-media celebrity warned on Saturday. Thon Thamrongnawasawat pointed to several hotspots to the east of Thailand, mostly in Cambodia and Laos, and a map of air current travelling from the eastern neighbours into Thailand. “The map shows hotspots caused by burning. There are not many in Thailand, but the number is huge in some neighbouring countries,” wrote Thon, who is also an expert in marine ecology. He said cross-border dust will continue to be a big problem that is difficult to handle. Hence, he said, Thailand should focus on reducing PM2.5 pollution inside the country as much as possible by curbing engine smoke, promoting public transport and planting more trees. Particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter (PM2.5) and can be inhaled is very dangerous, especially for people with lung diseases and children. PM2.5 readings were higher than acceptable levels in many parts of Bangkok on Saturday. Readings above the Thai safe standard of 50 micrograms per cubic metre of air (μg/m3) were recorded in 56 stations across the city – with some areas reading as high as 105μg/m3. read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501056001/alleged-hotspots-in-cambodia-and-other-nations-blamed-for-spike-in-air-pollution-in-thailand/

Cambodia is one of 58 countries which abstained from an April 7 vote to suspend Russia from the Human Rights Council, while 93 countries voted in favour, and 24 against, the suspension of Russia from the council. Of the ASEAN nations, Cambodia was joined by Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Laos and Vietnam voted against Russia’s suspension. Only the Philippines and the Myanmar government-in-exile ‘The National Unity Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar’ voted in favour of the suspension. The UN said that the vote came after disturbing images emerged from the city of Bucha – which is in the region, or oblast, of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv – in the past weekend. It said hundreds of civilian bodies were found in the streets and in mass graves following Russia’s withdrawal from the area. read more https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national-politics/cambodia-abstains-russian-un-human-rights-vote

3,594 foreigners from 43 countries were deported from Cambodia in 2021, according to figures released yesterday. The figures, which came from Lt. Gen. Pum Vithya, Director of the Department of Foreigners and Immigration at the General Assembly of the General Department of Immigration on the morning of April 6, 2022. show that Thais, Chinese and Vietnamese were the most deported nationalities. Lt. Gen. Pum did not elaborate on the exact number of ethnic groups who were expelled from Cambodia. However, the General Department of Immigration’s 2021 bulletin, which was posted on its Facebook page in February 2022, shows that the 3,594 foreigners deported consisted of 2,899 Thais, 266 Chinese, 194 Vietnamese. 101 Nigerians, 19 Indonesians, 16 Filipinos, 7 Malaysians and others. From 2014 to 2021, Cambodian authorities deported a total of more than 20,000 illegal aliens (107 nationalities). In addition to deported foreigners, the report highlights foreigners living and working illegally in Cambodia. read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501054757/over-3000-foreigners-expelled-from-cambodia-in-2021/

The Ambassador of Malaysia in Cambodia, Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim in an undated letter in early April and addressed to General Neth Savoeun, the National Police Chief of Cambodia in an attempt to seek the release of approximately 50 Malaysians allegedly held against their will in Sihanoukville. The Malaysians are reportedly who have forced or coerced into illegal activities due to a job scam. “For your information, the embassy has received reports that up to 20 individuals, comprising 16 males and 4 females have become victims of human trafficking in Cambodia. They arrived in Bei and Phum Buaon, in Preah Sihanouk province and are locked up and forced to work 14 hours a day. “The victims were also threatened and beaten if they disobeyed orders of expressed intentions to leave,” the ambassador said in the letter. Khmer Times have been investigating this incidences since they first surfaced in march and had also reached out to the Malaysian Business Chamber in Cambodia and Khmer Times with specific details of their locations, etc and these information has been forwarded to the competent authorities for action. read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501055664/malaysian-ambassador-writes-to-cambodian-police-chief-to-secure-release-of-50-malaysians-allegedly-held-captive-in-cambodia/

An antiques and souvenir shop owner was charged in the Phnom Penh Municipal Court for possession and selling rare and endangered samples [bones] without permission. Three other antiques and souvenir traders, who are at large, were also charged. The court issued warrants of arrest for the trio. The trio’s assets have also been frozen and their homes sealed. The four, who operate their businesses in the Roluos neighbourhood in Phnom Penh’s Dangkor district, were identified as La Sengnguon, Sok Theara, Ly Henghour and Sey Hour. They were charged yesterday with “possessing and selling ivory without permission” under Article 98 of the Law on Forestry and face jail terms of between one and three years if convicted. read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501054810/four-traders-charged-for-selling-ivory/

As reports of Cambodia’s alleged “blood slave” attracted tens of millions of online comments in China, Interior Minister Sar Kheng said this week he called on Chinese Public Security Minister Zhao Kezhi to shut down rumors and repair public opinion. Speaking at a meeting with immigration officials on Wednesday, Kheng referred to a Chinese man who was hospitalized in Phnom Penh and claimed in February to have been trafficked into the country and had his blood harvested after refusing to work in online scam operations. Doctors and medical documents told of the man having a severe blood deficiency. Thousands of foreign nationals are said to be working in such scam operations in Cambodia, with many rescued victims telling of forced labor, detention and torture. Civil society groups have called on the government to “abolish slave compounds.”Kheng, however, said the man had simply had his blood drawn at a hospital for testing and made up the story. read more https://vodenglish.news/sar-kheng-asked-china-to-fix-public-opinion-about-blood-slave/

The sound of music and laughter rose over the courtyard as a trio of blindfolded students carefully poked with long sticks to find the clay pots hanging overhead. Part of a traditional Khmer game known as veay ka’am, the pots were filled with a mix of 1,000 riel notes and lightly scented baby powder. The blindfolded students were out to break the pots, and as they alternated between feeling for them and lashing out, a crowd of students cheered their encouragement — from a safe distance. The students were locked in friendly competition as part of a Thursday gathering to celebrate Khmer New Year at the Royal University of Fine Arts. Though the official new year’s day is next week, the students at the school have marked its approach with celebrations and traditional activities. For many, these Khmer games, dances and songs are a highlight of the holiday season. read more https://vodenglish.news/traditional-games-delight-ahead-of-khmer-new-year/

Government officials blamed the coronavirus, but critics see a lack of will to tackle the problem. Human trafficking cases in Cambodia almost doubled in 2021 compared to 2020 because the government was preoccupied with the coronavirus pandemic, a report issued Wednesday by the country’s National Committee for Counter Trafficking said. The report, which was released during a ceremony at the Ministry of Interior, the committee’s parent ministry, documented trafficking of laborers, organs, babies and surrogates, and sex workers. Minister of Interior Sar Kheng said human trafficking was on the rise amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He urged authorities not to let their guard down. “Criminals are choosing human trafficking as a career. They won’t let it go. They are taking advantage of us when we are facing a crisis,” he said. The committee’s vice chairperson, Chou Bun Eng, said during an interview with a local radio station that traffickers used to move through Cambodia, but now the country has become a popular trafficking destination. She highlighted a particular case earlier this year to illustrate the point. “The trafficking suspects brought in victims to Cambodia. The suspects lured the victims to work in Cambodia due to the country’s development and political stability,” she said. “There was huge increase compared to 2020, we found 359 cases in 2021 whereas in 2020, there were only 155 cases,” said Chou Bun Eng. Trafficking of surrogates is a rising problem. In the past it was common for Cambodian surrogate mothers to give birth inside Cambodia but now they are moved to other countries, she said. The surrogates are in danger of being trafficked even after they have given birth because traffickers can confiscate their passports and IDs. Chou Bun Eng said one surrogate mother was arrested by authorities in Vietnam. She said the traffickers are able to lure victims through sophisticated means, using online communication to evade police detection. Since 2020, about 200,000 Cambodians have illegally crossed the border to work overseas but were not paid what they were promised, she said. “They don’t make any money. What are the benefits of the risk after spending years working and finally ending up receiving social welfare back home?” Chou Bun Eng said. Many of the Cambodians trafficked into the sex industry are underage, Am Sam Ath of the Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights told RFA’s Khmer Service. He said the authorities didn’t pay attention to the problem even before the pandemic. “Violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking against minors continues to occur. We urge the government to increase measures to prevent human trafficking, especially of minors,” he said. In its 2021 Trafficking in Persons Report, the U.S. State Department placed Cambodia on its Tier 2 Watchlist for the third consecutive year, meaning it does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so. “Endemic corruption and lack of political will continued to severely limit progress in holding traffickers accountable; corruption continued to impede law enforcement operations, criminal proceedings and victim service provision,” the State Department said. Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong. https://www.rfa.org/english/news/cambodia/trafficking-04072022165439.html Copyright © 1998-2020, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036.

Sar Kheng, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, has instructed authorities to let foreigners ‘live comfortably, no threats, no violence, no cheating, robbery’ to encourage investment and tourism. At the Closing Ceremony of the General Assembly of the General Department of Immigration on April 6, the deputy PM said that controlling foreigners entering Cambodia is a job to ensure national security and public order. “We also ensure incentives for promoting socio-economic development,” he said. ‘What is the effort to encourage immigrants in all walks of life in Cambodia, especially legal immigration? Let them live comfortably, no threats, no violence, no cheating, robbery, etc. to encourage them to mobilize other foreigners as more foreign investors are coming to invest in Cambodia.” read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501054652/deputy-pm-urges-authorities-to-let-foreigners-in-cambodia-live-comfortably/

The family of Thai political activist Wanchalearm Satsaksit and several human rights groups have urged Cambodian authorities to disclose information about his status and whereabouts. Wanchalearm was abducted outside his apartment building while in exile in Phnom Penh, according to reports. He was an outspoken critic of the Thai government and faced criminal charges in Thailand. Sitanan Satsaksit, the elder sister of Wanchalearm and rights activists yesterday submitted a joint letter to representatives of the United Nations urging a probe into his disappearance. Wanchalearm’s abduction was captured on CCTV, which showed images of the vehicle and its number. Satsaksit also heard the commotion as she was on phone talking to him when he was seized, reports said. According to Bangkok Post the Justice Ministry of Thailand has pledged to follow up on the case. Interior Ministry spokesman General Khieu Sopheak and spokesman for National Police Lieutenant General Chhay Kim Khoeun could not be contacted for comment. read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501054126/groups-seek-answers-over-missing-thai-activist/

The largest ever release of critically endangered Siamese crocodiles into Cambodia’s wild last month has raised hope for the long-term reptile conservation and survival, conservationists said on Wednesday. Siamese Crocodile, or Crocodylus siamensis, is listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List as critically endangered, with roughly 250 individuals estimated to be surviving in the rivers of Cambodia. Pablo Sinovas, flagship species manager with Fauna & Flora International (FFI)’s Cambodia program, said conservationists from the FFI and its partners in Cambodia freed 25 Siamese crocodiles at the Chhay Reap area in the Sre Ambel River in southwestern Cambodia’s Koh Kong province earlier in March. “Three crocodiles have been fitted with satellite tags and all 25 were fitted with acoustic transmitters, the first time the species has been tracked in this way, allowing conservationists to collect vital data about the species’ range and behavior,” he told Xinhua. read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501054167/rare-crocodiles-released-into-wild-in-cambodia-raises-hope-for-reptile-conservation/

More than 400 Cambodian migrant workers and their family members have crossed the Thai-Cambodian birder at Sampov Loun district to spend the Khmer New Year which falls next week with their families in their respective home towns. Security guards along the Cambodia-Thailand border yesterday received these people returning to Cambodia via Po Chrey village, Serey Meanchey commune, Sampov Loun district, Battambang province. They included 54 children and 22 females. Tests at the Sampov Loun District Referral Hospital were returned negative and all vaccination records were also thoroughly scanned. Every Year, from March and early April, there have been hundreds of illegal and legal migrant workers who cross the border. People rush out of Thailand through the Poipet International Border Crossing and some corridors on their way to their hometowns. read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501054263/migrant-cambodian-workers-continue-mad-rush-home-from-thailand-for-new-year-in-their-hometowns/

Kem Sokha refuses to answer questions in treason trial, now in week 36. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen is violating election laws by asking for votes during official appearances prior to the start of the country's campaign season for local elections in June, an electoral watchdog said Wednesday. Though the general election is more than a year away, and the two-week campaigning period for this year’s June 5 communal elections begins on May 21, Hun Sen is regularly using official appearances to tell crowds why they should back him on the ballot in 2023. Stumping outside of the official campaign period and while performing state duties is against the country’s electoral law, Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia monitor Kang Savang told RFA’s Khmer Service. “What happens to the smaller parties that don’t have government positions? Are they able to compete?” he said. “If you are using your government positions to serve a party, that’s called political exploitation.” Cambodian law prevents government officials from using their positions to serve party interests. They are also prohibited from using the state’s budget, materials, transportation, or other assets to conduct campaigns. An official with Cambodia’s National Election Commission (NEC) told RFA the electoral body cannot stop Hun Sen from asking for votes outside of the official 14-day campaign period, which is the only time it can address campaign violations. The official did not address concerns related to the prime minister campaigning during official duties. Ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) spokesperson Sok Ey San confirmed to RFA that Hun Sen’s visits to public places were meant to cultivate votes for the ruling party, but he dismissed claims that doing so is a violation of election rules. “The CPP is the ruling party. We won’t exploit public appearances while on official government duty, but we are taking advantage of the opportunity because we have achieved results,” he said. “The CPP president is the prime minister, so presiding over certain ceremonies is a chance to show our achievements to the people.” Trial continues The issue of electoral violations also came up Wednesday during the treason trial of former opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) chief Kem Sokha, when prosecutors asked him to account for his party’s adherence to the law ahead of the 2018 ballot. Kem Sokha refused to answer the questions, saying that the NEC is responsible for deciding whether a party abides by electoral law, his lawyer told RFA. Kem Sokha’s case centers around an alleged plot backed by the United States to overthrow Hun Sen, who has ruled Cambodia for more than 35 years. The opposition leader was arrested in September 2017 and spent a year in jail before being released under court supervision. After his arrest, Cambodia’s Supreme Court dissolved the CNRP in a move that allowed Hun Sen’s CPP to win all 125 seats in Parliament in the 2018 election. The action drew U.S. sanctions and the suspension of trade privileges with the European Union. “Kem Sokha was the party president. He cannot provide election process information in detail,” Peng Heng, a member of the defense team, told RFA after Wednesday’s session. During a previous session, government lawyers presented a list of names of foreign citizens who they said were involved in Kem Sokha’s alleged plot to topple Hun Sen. Peng Heng said the defense may request that the court invite the foreigners to the court to testify. “We know that during these circumstances, the key is in the CPP’s hands. Kem Sokha can’t initiate anything, but I think if the government, which is led by the CPP, has a will to resolve this political crisis, Kem Sokha would welcome a discussion,” he said. Soeng Sen Karuna of the Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (Adhoc) told RFA that if the court is accusing Kem Sokha of colluding with foreign states, it should identify which ones, or move on to providing evidence of other charges against him. “These off-topic questions will delay the trial. I think we need a way to speed up the case,” he said of the proceedings, which are now in their 36th week. The case was held up for nearly two years at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Observers have suggested that Hun Sen is trying to force a delay in the trial to weaken the opposition party or cause it to fracture. Proceedings in the case are scheduled to resume April 20. Defamation case Meanwhile, a provincial court in the western province of Pailin summoned Kem MonyKosal, leader of the opposition Candlelight Party, to appear before the court between April 8 and April 20 on charges of incitement and defamation. Kem MonyKosal told RFA that the case stems from an election dispute he had with a CPP official, so the court should step aside and let the NEC handle the case. He considers the summons to be a threat. “This is ridiculous. They are using the court as a pretext to make political intimidation,” he said. “I am afraid for my personal security.” The Candlelight Party, formerly known as the Sam Rainsy Party and the Khmer Nation Party, was founded in 1995 and merged with other opposition forces to form the CNRP in 2012. After the CNRP was banned, many former CNRP members joined the Candlelight party, which over the past year has gained steam as supporters believe it can pose a threat to the CPP in the upcoming elections. Kem MonyKosal only expressed his constitutionally protected vies and committed no crime, Yin Mengly, Adhoc’s coordinator for Pailin province, told RFA. “This is purely a politically motivated case,” said Yin Mengly. Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong. https://www.rfa.org/english/news/cambodia/elections-04062022215409.html Copyright © 1998-2020, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036.

The Cambodian economy could grow by 5.3% this year, said ADB economists on Wednesday, pointing to a manufacturing rebound as helping to drive renewed growth. The economists delivered their forecast in a press conference to discuss their Asian Development Outlook report for 2022, which was released the same day. The forecast also included projections for 2023, in which the bank’s economists saw potential for a 5.3% rise in GDP to further pull Cambodia from its pandemic slump. Economists say Cambodia’s GDP shrunk by 3.1% in 2020, a sharp downturn that broke a nearly decadelong arc of strong annual gains. But the national economy already showed signs of recovery last year, with the ADB noting a return to growth at an estimated rate of 3%. Looking back on 2021, economist Poullang Doung said the economy “rebounded faster than expected” due in large part to strong demand for Cambodia’s manufactured goods, particularly garments, footwear and travel accessories. Last year’s overall economic growth was driven by the industrial sector marking a 7.4% increase, Poullang said, after contracting by 1.4% in 2020. read more https://vodenglish.news/manufacturing-slated-to-drive-renewed-economic-growth-of-5-3-adb/

The day may be done for 34-year-old construction worker Ma Srieng, but he will not be joining the revellers on Bassac Lane tonight—or any other night for that matter. Instead, as the streets below begin to swarm with life, Srieng, his 29-year-old pregnant wife Som Theary and their 2-year-old son are settling in for dinner on the building site where they work. “Living onsite, there’s no peace,” says Srieng, one of the estimated 250,000 construction workers who have helped transform Phnom Penh’s skyline in recent years. “It’s always noisy, there are always other workers coming and going, it’s not safe and there are disturbances, even when we’re tired and just want to relax.” watch wonderful pictures here https://vodenglish.news/photo-essay-behind-the-scaffolding/

The revenue from ticket sales at Siem Reap province’s Angkor Archaeological Park surged by more than 300 percent to $815,575 in the first quarter of this year. The revenue from ticket sales for the corresponding period was at $185,079. A total of 19,840 foreign tourists purchased tickets to visit Angkor in the first three months of 2022, compared with 4,482 tourists for the same period in the previous year, the Angkor Enterprise said in a press release. In March alone, 8,177 tourists bought Angkor tickets worth $337,499, it said. Minister Thong Khon said that the Ministry of Tourism issued a circular to the Department of Tourism, urging them to cooperate with the administration and relevant departments in managing the flow of tourists, strengthening Covid-19 protocol, and improving the quality of products and services. Ho Vandy, president of World Express Tour and Travel Co, and an adviser to the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents, told Khmer Times: “Tourism will recover when people get vaccinated. With the country reopened for foreign tourists, people are not afraid about Covid- 19 because of preventive measures. It is a golden opportunity for the private and public sectors. When more people are vaccinated, the apprehensions of tourists will go. read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501053662/angkor-q1-ticket-revenue-surges-to-815575/

Police will implement the demerit point system nationwide to start deducting points on all those who violate the traffic laws, especially now with the forthcoming Khmer New Year celebration and holidays. To effectively implement the system, 300 Smart PoS handheld devices with a driving score deduction app have been given to the traffic police in the capital and all the provinces. General Him Yan, deputy National Police chief in charge of traffic, held a meeting on Monday to disseminate among other things the guidelines on the use of the app, the transitional payment system for road violators, and deduction of points. The demerit point starts with zero demerit points and a person can accumulate demerit points on their driving record, depending on traffic violations or offences committed such as speeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol. read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501053443/police-to-implement-demerit-point-system-full-swing-to-curb-accidents/

Two senior British officials – Jon Lambe, UK Ambassador to ASEAN and Director of South East Asia and Pacific Department, Joelle Jenny – are travelling to Cambodia for a two-day visit to build stronger ties as the country took over as ASEAN Chair earlier this year, according to a press release of the UK Government issued yesterday. “A strong UK-ASEAN relationship is a critical part of our global engagement, foreign policy and our Indo-Pacific Tilt. Our Dialogue Partner status has enabled us to deliver deeper UK-ASEAN cooperation and mutual benefit,” the source added. Ambassador Lambe said the UK is delighted to be the first new Dialogue Partner to ASEAN in 25 years. This partnership will allow the UK to work more closely with Cambodia, and other ASEAN Member States on shared challenges such as trade, investment, climate change, the environment, science and technology and education. read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501053378/two-senior-british-officials-visit-cambodia/

Monks and local residents were amazed after an ancient stone emerged after heavy rain from the riverbank next to a pagoda – with some claiming it as a positive omen for Khmer New Year. The incident happened near the pagoda in Bachong Village, Sangkat Preah Bat, Stung Treng City Stung Treng Province. According to a source from the Department of Culture and Fine Arts of Stung Treng province, on Sunday night, an ancient temple stone emerged from the river at Chroy Bachong as heavy rains broke the riverbank. Immediately, the people took a rope to pull the stone from the water took it to the Provincial Department of Culture and Fine Arts. The source added that the stone above is a sculpture from an ancient temple and described it as a barrier or ‘sculpture above the gate’ between pillars. read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501053273/mystery-as-ancient-stone-emerges-from-river-near-pagoda/

PHNOM PENH, April 5 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's Ministry of Education and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Tuesday jointly revealed alarming new findings about learning loss experienced by Cambodian students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results emerged from the ministry's latest National Grade six Learning Assessment, which was conducted in November 2021 on more than 6,000 students in 230 schools across Cambodia and found that children had fallen behind in their learning during the pandemic, said a joint statement. "Compared to the last equivalent learning assessment in 2016, the percentage of students who failed to demonstrate basic proficiency increased from 34 percent to 45 percent in Khmer language and from 49 percent to 74 percent in mathematics," the statement said. Schools in Cambodia were closed for 250 days during 2020 and 2021, the equivalent of almost two thirds of the two school years. The learning assessment results reveal that although all students experienced learning loss after these closures, the impact was not evenly distributed. "These are worrying results," said Education Minister Hang Chuon Naron. "We worked hard with all our partners to put in place remote learning measures for students when schools were closed during the pandemic." Naron said the studies have shown that these measures did help to maintain learning for many, but the learning assessment results confirm that these activities simply couldn't be enough to compensate for all that is lost by children when they are not learning in a classroom. "It's now time for us all to try and help Cambodian children catch up with the learning they have lost, a process that has begun but must now be accelerated with the support of every partner in the education sector," he added. Foroogh Foyouzat, UNICEF representative in Cambodia, said globally, learning loss is perceived as one of the most damaging consequences of the pandemic, but Cambodia is one of the few countries that have proved its extent with hard data. "We must also invest more in early grade mathematics and Khmer literacy," she said. "Young students need a solid foundation in these core subjects for better outcomes in later grades. At UNICEF, we pledge an all-out effort with all our partners to help make this happen." Schools throughout the southeast Asian nation have reopened since November last year after most of the population have been vaccinated against COVID-19. http://en.people.cn/n3/2022/0405/c90000-10080111.html

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday inaugurated 38 roads with a total length of 108 km in the cultural town of Siem Reap, gateway to the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park. The thoroughfares, equipped with street lamps, traffic lights, and security cameras, totally cost 150 million U.S. dollars. The construction began in November 2020 and completed early this year. Hun Sen said the roads, together with the Chinese-invested Siem Reap Angkor International Airport scheduled to be put into operation in late 2023, will give a big boost to the development of tourism in Siem Reap province during the post COVID-19 pandemic era. “COVID-19 has disrupted us, but it cannot stop us from developing our nation,” he said in a speech live broadcast on the state-run National Television of Cambodia (TVK). “The fruit of peace has allowed us to develop the nation everywhere.” Meanwhile, Hun Sen named Siem Reap province as the rising star of the North thanks to the newly built infrastructure in the town and the new international airport. read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501052824/38-roads-in-cambodias-most-popular-tourist-hub-open-to-traffic/