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CMAA, Hay, Ly Thuch, and the ambassador SIEM REAP, 15 May 2025 — British support is transforming lives in Cambodia’s once-deadly landscapes, as UK officials hailed the progress of long-running demining efforts during a high-profile visit this week to Siem Reap. Charles Hay MVO, Director for Southeast Asia and the Pacific at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, toured mine clearance operations by the HALO Trust near Kulen Mountain. He witnessed first-hand how formerly explosive-laden terrain has been turned into safe farmland and playgrounds for local children. “Fields once deadly with explosives are now productive farmland,” said Hay. “The bravery of HALO’s deminers is extraordinary. Their work is bringing Cambodia closer to its goal of becoming mine-free by 2030.” The UK’s Global Mine Action Programme (GMAP) has cleared over 151 million square metres of land across Cambodia since 2014, reaching nearly half a million people with risk education and helping over 600,000 individuals reclaim safe living and working spaces. Britain has invested around £60 million in demining efforts since 1993, with operations continuing into 2026. Hay’s visit included talks with Senior Minister Ly Thuch of the Cambodian Mine Action Authority and Lieutenant General Uch Vantha. The focus: strengthening coordination and ensuring the UK’s support aligns with national priorities. Beyond traditional aid, Britain is backing innovation. The “Minefields to Rice Fields” bond, launched in 2023 with £1.4 million in funding, has already cleared 7.6 million square metres of land in Preah Vihear province. More than 2,600 people now live and farm safely where mines once lay hidden. The initiative is part of a wider effort to attract private investment into humanitarian mine action, with partners like APOPO seeking fresh backers to sustain momentum beyond 2026. As a founding signatory of the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, the UK’s commitment remains firm. Demining in Cambodia is not only saving lives—it’s also creating jobs, empowering women, and restoring dignity to survivors and those living with disabilities. With continued international support, Cambodia’s mine-free ambition by 2030 is looking increasingly within reach. -2025-05-15

KT Sokunthea PHNOM PENH, 15 May 2025 — Cambodia lit up in celebration yesterday as fireworks burst above the Tonle Sap River to honour King Norodom Sihamoni’s 72nd birthday, a national occasion that united citizens and leaders alike in tribute to the monarch’s enduring role as a symbol of unity and peace. Hundreds gathered outside the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, their faces aglow with colour and pride, as the night sky was set ablaze with pyrotechnics. The atmosphere was festive yet reverent, with cheers mingling with moments of quiet respect for the man many credit with upholding the nation’s harmony. Leading figures, including Prime Minister Hun Manet and Senate President Hun Sen, praised the King’s quiet but influential presence in Cambodian society. Hun Sen described him as the “supreme symbol of national unity,” commending his commitment to peace, democracy, and the nation’s development. Despite holding no executive power, King Sihamoni is widely respected for his moral leadership and diplomatic efforts. In recent years, he’s strengthened Cambodia’s global standing through visits to Japan, China, Vietnam, and France, while maintaining close ties with local communities at home. “His Majesty has always been a guiding presence,” said 23-year-old Min Amin from Tboung Khmum province. “This year’s celebration was meaningful, but I hope future events will be even more welcoming, especially for international guests.” Earlier in the day, the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia held a blessing ceremony, offering prayers for the King’s health and longevity. Buddhist monks spoke of his legacy and compassion, noting how his work promotes Khmer unity and national identity. For many, the King represents continuity—carrying forward the royal virtues of his father, King Norodom Sihanouk. Citizens like Moeung Ratana, a university student, highlighted his role in diplomacy, education, and cultural preservation. As fireworks faded into the night, the sense of national pride remained. While largely ceremonial, King Sihamoni’s reign continues to resonate deeply with Cambodians, who view him as a steady figure in a rapidly changing world. -2025-05-15

ILO More than 3.5 million workers in Myanmar face severe disruption to their livelihoods following last month’s powerful earthquake near Mandalay, according to a new report by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The 7.7-magnitude quake struck central Myanmar, a region already burdened by rising poverty and economic instability. Mandalay, the epicentre, had seen steep declines in industrial output and labour force participation even before the disaster. Now, satellite and labour data compiled by the ILO estimate that the quake-hit region could be losing around $36.8 million in wages daily, translating to a staggering $9.6 billion in potential annual income if workers remain unemployed or underemployed. The ILO’s brief urges swift action to address the unfolding crisis. With no national social protection system in place, millions are left exposed. Emergency cash aid is deemed essential, but the ILO also calls for employment programmes focused on debris clearance and rebuilding efforts. These, it insists, must uphold decent work standards and prioritise the most vulnerable, especially in conflict-sensitive areas. “The response must be local, inclusive, and firmly rooted in dignity,” the ILO stated, highlighting the need for engagement with workers' groups, employers’ organisations, and community leaders. The report also underlines the importance of implementing previous ILO recommendations regarding labour rights and protections, warning that long-term recovery hinges on broader reforms. As Myanmar reels from one of its worst natural disasters in recent memory, the report paints a sobering picture—not just of shattered infrastructure, but of livelihoods on the brink. -2025-05-14

The Irrawaddy Funerals have been held in Myanmar for at least 22 students and teachers killed in an alleged military airstrike on a village school, in one of the deadliest attacks on civilians since the army seized power in 2021. The bombing struck Ohe Htein Twin village in Sagaing region on Monday, as more than 100 pupils attended lessons. Among the dead were children as young as seven. Dozens more were injured, many critically, according to local resistance groups and the shadow National Unity Government. A resistance fighter speaking anonymously told the Associated Press that a student severely wounded in the attack later died, raising the death toll. He insisted there were no armed groups stationed in the village, contradicting any suggestion the site was a military target. Sagaing, a centre of fierce anti-junta resistance, has suffered repeated airstrikes since the army began using jets to crush opposition. Armed resistance forces have no real defence against aerial assaults, and local groups accuse the military of deliberately targeting civilians. State media denied any responsibility, calling reports of the bombing “fake news.” But the military’s history of restricting independent reporting and the remoteness of affected areas has made confirmation difficult. Eighteen of the victims—most under ten—were buried just hours after the attack. With the village clinic overwhelmed, over 100 wounded have been moved to regional hospitals. Some have lost limbs. Myanmar’s National Unity Government condemned the strike as a war crime, accusing the military of deploying cluster munitions and vowing to pursue legal accountability for those responsible. The British government echoed international outrage. “Schools are meant to be places of safety, not targets,” said Catherine West, Minister for the Indo-Pacific. She urged the Myanmar military to halt airstrikes and protect civilians, especially in earthquake-affected areas where ceasefires had reportedly been declared. Since the February 2021 coup, Myanmar has spiralled into conflict, with more than 6,600 civilians killed by security forces, according to watchdog estimates. Monday’s airstrike is a grim reminder that, despite calls for restraint, the war on Myanmar’s people shows little sign of ending. -2025-05-14

Ma Chetra An environmental activist has documented the felling of nearly 200 trees inside a Cambodian wildlife sanctuary, revealing what he claims is large-scale illegal logging in a forest the government insists is protected. Armed with a GPS device and measuring tape, Ma Chetra recorded each stump in the Preah Roka Wildlife Sanctuary with forensic care. His photos show freshly cut trunks—some up to 1.5 metres wide—alongside coordinates, discarded chainsaws, and scorched earth where controlled fires appear to have cleared underbrush. The sanctuary, created in 2016 to safeguard biodiversity in Preah Vihear province, is home to wild elephants and supports the forest-dependent Kuy community. But despite its protected status, activists say deforestation is rampant—and accelerating. Cambodia lost 121,000 hectares of forest in 2023 alone, according to Global Forest Watch. Prime Minister Hun Manet pledged to end illegal logging months after taking office in 2023, urging environment officials to enforce the law with full authority. Yet Ma Chetra’s May 5–7 survey—and a follow-up report from the Kuy community—suggest enforcement remains patchy at best. The government’s response was swift and dismissive. After Chetra’s interview aired on RFA Khmer, the Environment Ministry issued a statement rejecting the findings as “false,” accusing him of incitement and spreading misinformation. It also hinted at possible legal action. The Kuy community, however, stood by the activist, corroborating his evidence and warning of deep impacts on local livelihoods and culture. “This forest is our life,” said Kuy activist Khak Pharithmasi, who criticised the ministry for failing to properly investigate before issuing its rebuttal. Illegal logging has long plagued Cambodia. Between 2002 and 2023, the country lost over a third of its primary forest cover, much of it during the rule of Hun Sen, who once vowed to use rocket launchers against loggers—and even offered his own head if deforestation continued. For now, Chetra’s images speak louder than promises. With tree stumps mapped and catalogued, the question remains: will the government act—or keep looking the other way? -2025-05-14

Chinese military In a bold signal of growing global ambition, China has deployed a powerful amphibious warship and other naval assets to Cambodia for joint military drills — the first at its newly unveiled overseas base near the disputed South China Sea. The exercise, dubbed Golden Dragon 2025, began this week at the Ream Naval Base, a Chinese-funded facility on Cambodia’s southern coast. It marks Beijing’s second publicly acknowledged foreign military outpost after Djibouti, and its first of this kind in Southeast Asia — sparking concern among Western observers. China’s Defence Ministry says the drills will focus on counter-terrorism, disaster relief, and humanitarian operations, spanning land, sea and air. But the presence of the CNS Changbaishan — a Type 071 amphibious landing vessel capable of carrying hundreds of marines, vehicles and helicopters — points to more than just soft-power projection. Satellite images and military reports also confirm two Chinese Type 056A corvettes have been stationed at the base since at least 2023, further suggesting long-term basing intentions. Beijing claims the facility is for peaceful cooperation and regional stability. But the base’s proximity to the South China Sea — where China asserts sweeping territorial claims challenged by multiple neighbours — is fuelling speculation about its strategic value. Washington, in a recent Pentagon report, warned that China seeks to project and sustain military force globally, especially in support of its Belt and Road investments abroad. Cambodia, heavily backed by Chinese infrastructure funding, insists the base is a joint facility and not a launchpad for regional aggression. Still, analysts see the drills as a test run for broader ambitions, including potential patrols in contested waters. Whether this marks a shift towards routine Chinese military operations from Cambodia remains unclear. What’s certain is that Beijing’s naval reach has taken a significant step forward — and the world is watching. -2025-05-14

KT A self-styled hermit in Preah Vihear province has been summoned by Cambodia’s Ministry of Cults and Religion amid public controversy and allegations of religious exploitation—following a reported $200,000 donation from popular singer Meas Soksophea. Han Phea, who established himself as a guru at the foot of Mount Treng, had planned to develop the Vong Chakrayut Ashram into a full meditation retreat. However, the ministry said his activities led to public misunderstandings around religious practice and appeared aimed at personal gain. Officials confirmed that Han Phea had no formal authorisation or sufficient funds for the ashram’s development and was operating from temporary structures. A contract has since been drawn up by authorities to restrict his activities, and he has been ordered to delete all related videos from social media. The decision was made following a meeting chaired by senior religious figures, including His Holiness Preah Promrattanamoni Pin Sem and Cults and Religion Minister Chai Borin, alongside local leaders. The ministry had already investigated the matter in March 2025. Fueling the public interest is the revelation that Ms Soksophea, one of Cambodia’s most recognisable pop stars, allegedly donated up to $200,000 to Han Phea to help him purchase 5 hectares of land for the planned ashram. Her devotion to the monk has reportedly caused deep rifts within her family, particularly with her husband, prompting talk of divorce. Social media has been ablaze with debate over the singer’s involvement, raising broader concerns about charismatic religious figures gaining influence over public personalities and potentially misleading followers. While Han Phea has not been formally accused of fraud, the Ministry's intervention signals increasing scrutiny of unregulated spiritual leaders and their influence in Cambodian society. As the controversy unfolds, it has sparked a wider conversation about the intersection of faith, fame and public accountability in modern Cambodia. -2025-05-13

KT - Sokunthea Phnom Penh has been ranked the fourth most expensive city to live in Southeast Asia, according to the 2025 Numbeo Cost of Living Index, highlighting growing concerns over affordability in Cambodia’s fast-developing capital. The index places Singapore at the top with a score of 79.1, followed by Phuket (38.1), Bangkok (37.1), and Phnom Penh close behind at 36.9. The ranking underscores the capital's rapidly rising prices, driven largely by surging housing costs, increased tourism, and steady foreign investment. A one-bedroom flat in Phnom Penh’s city centre now averages $400 per month, while a basic meal costs around $3—steep for many Cambodians. The city’s grocery and restaurant indices are also high relative to local wages, painting a stark picture of urban affordability. Experts say the root of the issue lies in Cambodia’s dependence on imports. “Most consumer goods come from abroad, and high taxes drive prices up,” said Seun Sam of the Royal Academy of Cambodia. He added that while prices in Phnom Penh may match those of Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur, income levels do not. Low-income workers—especially those in the garment and construction sectors—are feeling the squeeze. Many live paycheque to paycheque, struggling to meet basic needs in a city that increasingly caters to wealthier residents and international visitors. Economic analyst Tom Goh warned that rising living costs are a natural byproduct of development, but said the current growth is disproportionate. “The benefits of tourism and real estate booms don’t always reach low-income groups, deepening the urban poverty divide,” he noted. While urbanisation has brought more stable incomes for city workers, rural-urban wage disparities persist. A labourer’s daily wage in the provinces, Seun pointed out, may not cover two cups of coffee in the capital. The Cambodian Institute for Cooperation and Peace has called for urgent social protections, warning that the swelling ranks of Phnom Penh’s urban poor pose a long-term challenge for sustainable development. As the city grows, balancing economic progress with equity will be key. For now, life in Phnom Penh is becoming pricier—and for many, harder to afford. -2025-05-13

CINCDS Tens of thousands of high school students in Myanmar have been told they must retake their national exams, after their answer papers were destroyed in a fire triggered by the March 28 earthquake. The blaze at Mandalay University incinerated nearly 380,000 exam scripts belonging to around 63,000 students from Mandalay, Sagaing and Kachin State, the junta’s Education Ministry confirmed on Tuesday. Retests are scheduled for June in Mandalay, Sagaing, and the capital, Naypyitaw. Students and families have expressed outrage over the decision, calling it deeply unfair in the wake of widespread devastation. Many lost homes, loved ones and access to basic resources during the 6.8 magnitude quake, which left over 3,700 dead, more than 5,000 injured and 120 still missing—most of them in Mandalay. “How can anyone prepare for the exam in such a short time?” wrote one Facebook user, echoing the views of many who are still struggling to recover. “It’s not the right time to retake the exam.” Critics say the regime is prioritising bureaucracy over compassion. Calls are growing for the junta to focus on humanitarian relief rather than exam logistics. Earthquake survivors in hard-hit areas like Mandalay and Sagaing report receiving electricity bills even as they sleep in makeshift shelters. The Education Ministry stated that regional offices will release official lists of affected students, with 46,944 in Mandalay, 7,311 in Sagaing, and 8,699 in Kachin State facing the mandatory retest. While the regime insists the re-exams are necessary for fairness and academic integrity, many argue the move adds psychological pressure to communities already overwhelmed by grief and loss. As Myanmar reels from one of its deadliest natural disasters in recent history, students are left to choose between survival and studies—raising fresh questions about the junta’s priorities in a country still grappling with conflict and crisis. -2025-05-13

Depayin Township’s Brothers An airstrike by Myanmar’s military has killed up to 22 people, including 20 students and two teachers, after a bomb hit a school in central Sagaing region on Monday morning, according to resistance fighters and aid workers. The attack occurred in Ohe Htein Twin village, Tabayin township, an area known for pro-democracy resistance. Witnesses described the strike as deliberate, with a fighter jet reportedly dropping a bomb directly onto the school premises while classes were underway. Around 50 others, mostly children, were wounded in the blast, which also damaged nearby homes. There were no reports of fighting in the area at the time. Myanmar’s military has not issued any statement on the incident. Since the 2021 coup that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, the junta has faced widespread armed opposition, particularly in Sagaing—a stronghold of the anti-junta People’s Defence Forces. The military has increasingly relied on airpower to suppress resistance, often striking civilian sites such as schools, monasteries and refugee camps. Nay Phone Latt, a spokesperson for the opposition National Unity Government, confirmed the casualty figures and accused the regime of targeting civilian infrastructure under the pretext of flushing out resistance fighters. He warned that the death toll could rise as more details emerge. The attack echoes similar tragedies in the region. In 2022, helicopter strikes on a school in the same township killed at least 13, including children. A year later, another air raid in Sagaing’s Kanbalu township left as many as 160 dead during a civilian gathering. Monday’s bombing has drawn condemnation from local and international observers, with growing calls for accountability. Human rights groups have previously documented a pattern of indiscriminate airstrikes, often in defiance of ceasefire agreements, including one declared after the March 2024 earthquake. With no air defence capability, the resistance movement remains vulnerable, while civilians increasingly pay the price in what has become one of the world’s most brutal internal conflicts. -2025-05-13

KT Sokhuntea Cambodia has recorded a sharp 50.6% increase in Chinese tourist arrivals during the first quarter of 2025, marking a strong recovery in one of the country’s most vital economic sectors. According to a report from the Ministry of Tourism released on Friday, 286,156 Chinese visitors travelled to Cambodia between January and March this year, up from 189,961 during the same period in 2024. China now ranks as the third-largest source of international tourists to the Kingdom, trailing only Thailand and Vietnam. Chinese travellers accounted for 15.6% of Cambodia’s total 1.83 million international tourist arrivals in Q1, underlining their growing importance to the sector. Thourn Sinan, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Cambodia chapter, called the growth “encouraging” and credited closer bilateral ties and ongoing tourism initiatives for the boost. “The current cooperation between Cambodia and China in tourism is promising,” he said, adding that increased travel is “contributing significantly to our economy.” He also highlighted the 2025 Cambodia-China Year of Tourism as a key factor in the rising numbers, describing it as a “crucial step” in reviving people-to-people exchanges and tourism-driven growth. The Cambodian government sees tourism as one of four central pillars of the national economy, alongside manufacturing, agriculture, and construction. As the country rebounds from pandemic-era disruptions, a resurgence in tourism offers much-needed revenue and employment. Home to four UNESCO World Heritage sites—including the famed Angkor Wat complex—Cambodia remains a top draw for international visitors. Its coastline, stretching 450 kilometres through four southern provinces, is also gaining traction among Chinese holidaymakers seeking sun and sand. With regional travel rebounding and China reopening to outbound tourism, Cambodian officials are betting on sustained growth throughout 2025. -2025-05-12

KT - Van Roeun Cambodia’s Defence Ministry has firmly denied reports of a troop withdrawal from the disputed Ta Moan Thom Temple area, following Thai media claims that both nations had agreed to ease tensions by pulling back soldiers from the contested site. The clarification came after the 17th Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) meeting, held in Bangkok on 1 May, which brought together top military officials including Cambodia’s Defence Minister General Tea Seiha and his Thai counterpart Phumtham Wechayachai. According to Thai press, the ministers agreed to reduce their military presence at the temple, located along the border between Thailand’s Surin province and Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey. However, Cambodia swiftly rejected that account, stating both sides had agreed only to maintain the status quo and avoid confrontation. “There was no discussion of troop withdrawal,” the Defence Ministry stated. “Each side will continue to station five soldiers at the Ta Moan site. The focus was on preserving peace and regular communication to prevent misunderstandings.” The statement also condemned what it called “baseless accusations” that Cambodia had relinquished control over sovereign territory, accusing unnamed individuals of attempting to stir domestic unrest and jeopardise bilateral ties. The discrepancy highlights ongoing sensitivities surrounding the temple, one of several flashpoints in a border dispute that has flared intermittently for decades. While Thailand confirmed discussions aimed at de-escalating tensions, it maintained that the meeting was not about ceding any claims, but rather reaffirming cooperation. Both countries agreed to maintain their current deployments and expand coordination across other cross-border issues, including labour, public health, and narcotics control. Officials praised progress made since the previous GBC meeting in Phnom Penh last year. Experts say the issue remains politically charged. Kin Phea, a senior analyst in Phnom Penh, blamed “extremist nationalist groups” in Thailand for inflaming tensions with misinformation, and urged both sides to avoid politicising the border for domestic gain. With nationalist rhetoric threatening to disrupt diplomatic progress, officials on both sides have stressed the need for restraint and dialogue to keep the peace along the fragile frontier. -2025-05-12

KNU In a significant battlefield victory, the Karen National Union (KNU) and allied resistance forces have captured the Myanmar junta’s last remaining base in Hteekhee, a key trade hub on the Thai border, delivering a sharp blow to the military regime. The base, located in Dawei Township, Tanintharyi Region, fell early Friday after a week-long assault involving drone strikes and heavy mortars. The seizure comes as top junta officials attended Russia’s Victory Day parade in Moscow—an ironic backdrop to one of the regime’s most symbolic defeats. “This is a strategic win,” said Saw Ehna Doh, the KNU’s Myeik District secretary. “Hteekhee connects to the Dawei deep-sea port, a project handed over to Russia. The base was vital to securing that trade route.” Its loss, he added, threatens the regime’s economic and logistical grip on the region. The Karen National Liberation Army and the Karen National Defense Organization led the operation, backed by the Force for Federal Democracy (FFD). Around 150 junta soldiers were stationed at the base, with four military helicopters later used to send reinforcements and supplies. Despite electronic jamming, resistance forces claimed success using drones and artillery. Part of the base reportedly straddles the Thai border, complicating the offensive and raising regional sensitivities. But this didn’t prevent resistance fighters from pressing their advance—destroying junta artillery and taking control of the area. The fall of Hteekhee follows the April capture of nearby Hteehta base, where 30 troops, including a strategic commander, were taken. At the time, junta regional commander Brigadier General Kyaw Kyaw Han vowed to annihilate KNU Brigade 4. That promise now lies in ruins. Separately, the KNU said it seized another junta outpost in Hpa-an District, Karen State, on the same morning, suggesting a coordinated push across the region. Since the 2021 military coup, the KNU—Myanmar’s oldest revolutionary movement—has emerged as a central pillar of the armed resistance. It has trained thousands of anti-regime fighters and continues to coordinate with the civilian National Unity Government. With the resistance gaining ground and junta forces stretched thin, Myanmar’s civil war may be entering a new and decisive phase.

Xinhua Myanmar’s military leader, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, has held his first face-to-face meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping since seizing power in a 2021 coup, signalling a recalibration in ties between the isolated regime and its most powerful ally. The meeting took place in Moscow on Friday, during commemorations marking 80 years since Nazi Germany’s defeat, and was confirmed by Myanmar state media on Saturday. It comes at a time when Myanmar’s generals face mounting battlefield losses, a crumbling economy, and growing dependence on Chinese support. President Xi reportedly pledged aid for earthquake recovery following the deadly March tremor that killed over 3,700 people. He also offered to support efforts to end Myanmar’s grinding civil war. The two leaders discussed boosting cooperation, regional peace and maintaining bilateral ties—core interests for Beijing, which shares a 1,440-kilometre border with Myanmar. China has long backed the junta, supplying arms and shielding it diplomatically, while reaping economic benefits through infrastructure and resource investments. But recent months have seen a subtle shift. With conflict surging near the Chinese border and trade disrupted, Beijing has begun exerting quiet but firm pressure on ethnic armed groups to de-escalate—and on the junta to stabilise its flailing grip. That influence was most visible when the powerful Three Brotherhood Alliance, an ethnic rebel bloc, made sweeping gains last year across Shan State, even capturing the strategic town of Lashio. China, alarmed by the instability, brokered a brief ceasefire in early 2024, which soon collapsed. It has since leveraged border closures and power cuts to curb the fighting. Last month, under clear Chinese pressure, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army ceded control of Lashio. Government troops have since reoccupied the town, marking a rare success for the junta in a war where it has largely been on the back foot. While Beijing insists it seeks peace and economic stability, its actions reveal growing frustration with the chaos on its doorstep. Xi’s meeting with Min Aung Hlaing may signal both a tightening of China's grip and a renewed push for a brokered outcome—one that protects its regional interests without fully endorsing the junta’s brutal tactics. With ceasefires fraying and humanitarian needs surging, Myanmar’s future may now hinge more than ever on the mood in Beijing. -2025-05-12

More than 300 people from Myanmar have fled into Thailand following a fierce assault on a junta military base near the border, Thai authorities confirmed on Thursday, highlighting renewed instability despite a post-earthquake ceasefire. The attack, launched on Wednesday by the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and the allied Karen National Defence Organisation (KNDO), targeted a military outpost in Kayin State, just 2.5 kilometres from the Thai frontier. According to the Thai military, rebels encircled the base and deployed armed drones in a prolonged offensive that lasted throughout the day. By Thursday, at least 327 Myanmar nationals had crossed into Thailand, seeking refuge in Tak province. They are currently sheltering in makeshift sites, including a local temple, where Thai police and soldiers are offering humanitarian aid and security. The incursion has prompted heightened border patrols by Thai forces, amid fears of potential breaches of sovereignty by armed factions. Myanmar’s military regime, which seized power in a 2021 coup, remains locked in civil war with a coalition of ethnic armies and pro-democracy militias. A temporary ceasefire was announced following the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake on 28 March, which killed nearly 3,800 people and displaced tens of thousands. But that truce has already fractured, with fresh air strikes by the junta and retaliatory assaults by resistance forces. The latest flare-up in Kayin State underscores the fragile security situation across the border and raises the spectre of a wider humanitarian spillover into Thailand. As fighting intensifies and displacement grows, aid groups warn of mounting challenges in delivering relief to affected communities on both sides of the frontier. Thailand has yet to announce any change to its official border policy, but this week's events point to a growing burden on local authorities and a crisis showing no signs of slowing. -2025-05-09

The Irrawaddy Funding cuts to life-saving education programmes in Myanmar have triggered urgent warnings from Amnesty International, which says the collapse of such initiatives could condemn a generation to hardship and fear amid ongoing conflict. More than $70 million in US support for Myanmar’s education system—once a vital lifeline in the wake of the 2021 military coup—has been slashed under President Donald Trump’s renewed foreign aid cuts. These included the abrupt cancellation of a landmark Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship Programme (DISP), which provided safe, remote study opportunities for students fleeing war zones. “The US decision risks turning a fragile education recovery into a complete collapse,” said Joe Freeman, Myanmar researcher for Amnesty International. “It’s not just about missed lessons—it’s about sending young people back into danger zones where they face bombs, arrests and forced conscription.” Since the coup, thousands of schools have been shuttered, bombed, or repurposed as makeshift classrooms in private homes. Teachers have faced arrests, while students live in constant fear of military air strikes. Against this bleak backdrop, US-funded initiatives offered rare stability—supporting online learning, regional university placements, and basic education in hard-hit ethnic regions. DISP alone aimed to assist 1,000 students, placing them in universities across Southeast Asia. For students like 18-year-old Miranda, who fled gunfire and shelling before earning a scholarship to study tourism in the Philippines, it was a second chance at life. “When I got the scholarship, it was like a golden chance to start again,” she said. “Now, if we go back to Myanmar, we’ll be lost again.” The cancellation of DISP was among Trump’s first moves after returning to office, with the programme publicly targeted for its focus on diversity and inclusion. Students, educators, and NGOs now fear a vacuum that other donors may struggle to fill. Amnesty is urging the international community to act quickly. “If the US won’t step up, others must,” Freeman said. “Governments, universities, and philanthropies have a chance to prevent a lost generation.” As Myanmar’s humanitarian crisis deepens—worsened by a 7.7-magnitude earthquake in March that killed 4,000 and destroyed over 1,000 schools—the need for sustained education support is growing more urgent by the day. -2025-05-09

Image generated by Maria Renée Rad using chat GPT Cambodia is stepping into the digital future with a landmark project to create the nation’s first Khmer-language artificial intelligence model—offering new tools, in the local tongue, to schools, farmers, startups, and beyond. Until now, AI tools like ChatGPT or voice assistants have mostly worked in dominant global languages such as English or Chinese, leaving many Cambodians excluded from their benefits. That’s about to change, thanks to a new collaboration between AI Forum Cambodia and AI Singapore. Signed in Phnom Penh in January 2025, the agreement kick-starts the development of a Khmer Large Language Model (LLM) under the Southeast Asian initiative SEA LION. Once completed, it will allow developers, educators, and government bodies to create digital tools that understand and respond in Khmer—making artificial intelligence truly accessible to the broader population. “A Khmer LLM means AI can finally speak to Cambodians in their own language,” said Pengly Horng of Khmer Times. “It opens up countless possibilities: Khmer chatbots for farmers, classroom aids for teachers, and new digital services for communities across the country.” Building a Khmer AI model, however, is no small feat. Khmer lacks the vast digital resources that feed most AI systems. The language also presents technical challenges, like the absence of spaces between words and the fact that much content exists only in scanned documents. To overcome this, teams are gathering data from news archives, TV subtitles, and official reports. Progress is well underway. The SEA LION 7B base model has already been adapted for other Southeast Asian languages, and Khmer is next in line. A public demo is expected before the end of the year, with open access to the model’s data and code for anyone to use. If successful, this project could transform how Cambodians interact with technology—particularly in education. Teachers might generate Khmer-language learning materials instantly. Students could use AI to translate, summarise, or even build their own school chatbots. Still, caution is advised. AI isn’t flawless—it can make mistakes or reflect biases from the data it's trained on. UNESCO urges users to treat AI as a tool, not a source of truth. Even so, this marks a turning point. Cambodia is no longer just consuming global tech—it’s helping to shape it, in Khmer. -2025-05-09

Cambodia’s tourism sector may be in for a surprise boost as the Thai baht strengthens against the US dollar, raising costs for travellers heading to Thailand and prompting many to seek more affordable options next door. With the baht opening at 32.65 to the dollar on 7 May, its appreciation from the previous 33.05 has sparked fresh concerns in Thailand’s tourism industry, which is already under pressure from fierce competition across Southeast Asia. Cambodia, by contrast, looks set to benefit—thanks to its dollarised economy and stable pricing. “Cambodia is finally getting its moment,” said tourism consultant Vivian Goh, speaking to Khmer Times from Singapore. “With the baht climbing, Cambodia is now the most cost-effective option in the region. Its tourism sector offers dollar-based pricing, which makes it especially attractive to international visitors.” Goh added that inflation has been better contained in Cambodia than in neighbouring Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia. “Thailand’s strong currency is now its biggest weakness,” she said, adding that Cambodia’s new Phnom Penh airport and efforts to diversify tourism beyond Angkor Wat could help the country seize the moment. Jitender Singh Rathore of Asian Trails Cambodia agreed the currency shift is reshaping travel plans across the region. “For cost-conscious travellers, Thailand is becoming less appealing,” he said. “Cambodia, with stable tour prices, is increasingly attractive.” However, he noted a downside: the same exchange rates are making it more expensive for Cambodians to holiday in Thailand. “Converting riel or US dollars into baht now means higher costs for Cambodians,” Rathore added, highlighting a potential dip in outbound tourism. In Thailand, small tourism-reliant businesses—budget hotels, street vendors, and cafés—are reportedly already feeling the impact, as foreign visitors cut back on spending. While currency fluctuations alone won’t reshape Southeast Asia’s travel market overnight, the current trend marks a rare window of opportunity for Cambodia—if it can scale up fast enough to meet growing demand. -2025-05-09

Chinese Embassy in Myanmar YANGON — Despite providing significant aid in the aftermath of Myanmar’s deadly earthquake, China is facing a firestorm of criticism over its continued support for the country’s military regime, which many blame for the disaster’s high death toll and ongoing violence. Chinese officials were quick to highlight their humanitarian efforts, claiming to be the first to deploy rescue teams and the largest contributor of aid. But Myanmar citizens, though grateful for the assistance, remain deeply angered by Beijing’s political and military backing of the junta. Outrage peaked when Chinese pressure led the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), a major ethnic armed group, to withdraw from the northern Shan State capital of Lashio, effectively handing it over to the junta without a fight. Many see the move as a betrayal of the pro-democracy uprising that had gained momentum through Operation 1027—a coordinated offensive that dealt the military some of its worst defeats. “The fall of Lashio was a turning point—not because we lost, but because China decided we would,” said a Shan resistance fighter, who asked not to be named. China’s intervention is widely viewed as motivated by self-interest. The regime protects Beijing’s $6 billion in annual border trade and its flagship Belt and Road projects in Myanmar, including the Kyaukphyu deep-sea port and critical oil and gas pipelines. Analysts say a collapse of military rule would threaten those investments, prompting Beijing to prioritize stability over democracy. Beijing has supplied the junta with weapons, including drones and warplanes used in deadly airstrikes against civilians. Since the March 28 quake, more than 200 people have been killed in such attacks, even amid a formal ceasefire. China has remained silent. “China is not neutral,” said political analyst Maung Kavi. “It is enabling a regime that continues to bomb its own people.” Even as it sent earthquake aid, China provided the junta with prefabricated offices and furniture to help restore its administration—moves seen as strengthening authoritarian rule under the guise of disaster relief. The backlash is stark. Social media users have expressed bitterness that China helped the regime recapture territory while civilians die from neglect and airstrikes. Many had hoped resistance gains would pressure the junta into collapse, especially after key towns in Shan and Mandalay Regions fell. But after Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Naypyitaw last year, Beijing reportedly persuaded the MNDAA to halt its advance, and closed border crossings to throttle resistance offensives. Most recently, Beijing hosted junta chief Min Aung Hlaing in Kunming and brokered talks between the military and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), which has so far refused to cede key trade towns. But fears persist that China will again pressure ethnic groups to surrender gains. In Myanmar, where anti-China sentiment has surged since the 2021 coup, many now view China’s role not as that of a peace broker, but as a powerbroker backing military rule. “Give us medicine, not missiles,” read one viral comment on Myanmar social media. “If China really wants to help, it should stop propping up our oppressors.” -2025-05-08

YANGON — The death toll from Myanmar’s devastating March earthquake has drawn sharp criticism of the ruling military junta, accused of crippling the healthcare system and obstructing aid at a time of national crisis. The 7.7 magnitude quake, which killed over 3,700 people and injured 5,000, hit regions already battered by conflict, including Sagaing. But humanitarian workers say the true scale of the disaster was worsened by years of military attacks on health services since the 2021 coup. Human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch and Physicians for Human Rights, say medics have been targeted as part of a broader crackdown on dissent, leaving hospitals understaffed and ill-equipped. Many doctors fled or joined the Civil Disobedience Movement, unwilling to serve under the junta. Others fear arrest or reprisals if they operate in junta-controlled zones. “The situation is dire,” said one doctor who treated survivors in secret and asked not to be named. “Many patients died simply because there were no doctors to treat them.” Before the coup, Myanmar had made modest progress in building its healthcare workforce. But WHO figures show a collapse since 2020—from around six doctors per 10,000 people to just one. At least 74 health workers have reportedly been killed and hundreds more imprisoned. The military’s reluctance to coordinate with civilian groups has also hobbled relief efforts. Despite a formal ceasefire on April 2, the junta has carried out over 170 airstrikes since—dozens in quake-hit areas—further deterring aid workers and worsening public fear. Underground networks of doctors continue to treat the injured, but with few resources and no official backing, their reach is limited. The World Health Organization has warned that the upcoming monsoon season could trigger outbreaks of disease among the tens of thousands still sheltering in makeshift camps. “The junta’s deliberate neglect has turned a natural disaster into a man-made catastrophe,” said Sophia Htwe, a Burmese academic whose friend died after being trapped in rubble without treatment. As emergency supplies dwindle and official support remains minimal, the people of Myanmar face not only the scars of an earthquake, but the continued fallout of military rule. -2025-05-08

KT Sokhuntea Cambodia’s garment, footwear, and travel goods exports soared to $3.5 billion in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 20% year-on-year rise, government officials announced Wednesday. The jump in exports comes despite global economic turbulence, reflecting what officials call a “resilient and stable” domestic economy. Sun Mesa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, credited the growth to Cambodia’s “sound economic performance amidst global complexities and uncertainties in political and economic aspects.” The garments and footwear industry remains Cambodia’s economic powerhouse—its largest source of foreign exchange. With over 1,500 active factories and branches, the sector employs nearly a million workers, the vast majority of whom are women. Analysts note that the country has benefited from sustained demand in Western markets and competitive production costs, as well as preferential trade access to regions like the EU and the US under various trade schemes. While questions remain about the long-term resilience of the sector amid geopolitical tensions and shifting global supply chains, the first-quarter data points to a strong start for 2025 and renewed confidence in Cambodia’s export-led growth. The government has also signalled plans to further invest in vocational training and factory conditions to boost both productivity and worker welfare in a sector central to the nation’s economic identity. -2025-05-08

Photo US Air Force PHNOM PENH — A leading American activist has called on the United States to formally acknowledge and take responsibility for its destructive role in Cambodia’s violent history, particularly its actions during the Vietnam War era which helped pave the way for the rise of the Khmer Rouge. John McAuliff, Executive Director of the Fund for Reconciliation and Development, issued the appeal during a recent visit to Cambodia, where he highlighted Washington’s support for the 1970 coup that ousted Prince Norodom Sihanouk. That move, he argues, destabilised the nation, triggered a brutal civil war, and opened the door to one of the 20th century’s deadliest regimes. “The United States bears immense responsibility for what happened in Cambodia,” McAuliff told the Khmer Times. “We broke it. Now we have a responsibility to help fix it.” Between 1965 and 1973, US bombers dropped more than 230,000 bombs on Cambodian territory—ostensibly to target North Vietnamese forces. But the impact on civilian life was catastrophic, and unexploded ordnance still litters the countryside, maiming and killing decades later. McAuliff stressed that America’s military backing of the Lon Nol regime, which followed the coup, poured fuel on the fire. “Many of the weapons and landmines that still plague Cambodia came from that period,” he said. While US officials eventually condemned the Khmer Rouge, McAuliff insists that meaningful intervention never followed. “Most Americans don’t even know what happened here,” he said. “But for Cambodians, the war isn’t ancient history—it’s still felt every day.” His comments were echoed by Matt Meyer, Secretary-General of the International Peace Research Association, who warned that current aid from bodies like USAID remains fragile and dependent on shifting political winds in Washington. McAuliff concluded that reconciliation must include long-term support for Cambodia’s future—particularly in clearing deadly ordnance, supporting education, and preserving memory. “We can’t undo the past,” he said, “but we can choose to act now, with honesty and responsibility.” The message is clear: for true healing to begin, history must first be faced. -2025-05-08

The Irrawaddy Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, is travelling to Moscow to attend Russia’s Victory Day celebrations on 9 May—despite an international arrest warrant issued by an Argentinian court over his alleged role in the Rohingya genocide. Invited by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the junta boss is expected to use the visit to deepen ties with Moscow across economic and security sectors. Leaders from China, India, and Brazil are also scheduled to attend the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. This marks Min Aung Hlaing’s fifth visit to Russia since seizing power in the 2021 coup, and his second this year alone. Despite warming ties with Moscow, his relationship with Beijing remains notably cooler. He has never met Chinese President Xi Jinping, and was excluded from last year’s Belt and Road Initiative summit in Beijing. Speculation is rife that he may seek an informal meeting with Xi while in Moscow, under the guise of expressing thanks for China’s post-earthquake aid and recent diplomatic support. China has played a key role in brokering ceasefires with ethnic armed groups, including the MNDAA in Shan State—allowing the junta to retake strategic territory without conflict. The visit comes amid continued violence inside Myanmar. Although the regime recently extended a ceasefire to aid post-earthquake recovery, the civilian National Unity Government reports the military has carried out 282 airstrikes since 28 March, killing at least 276 people, including 31 children. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has meanwhile warned that he cannot guarantee the safety of foreign leaders visiting Moscow, as Kyiv continues its drone attacks on the Russian capital. Observers say Min Aung Hlaing is using international events to project legitimacy while evading legal accountability. Despite the growing toll of violence at home, the general appears undeterred—pursuing diplomacy abroad, even as his regime faces growing isolation and condemnation. -2025-05-07

TNLA Myanmar's military regime has announced a renewed ceasefire until the end of May, citing urgent recovery needs after a catastrophic earthquake killed nearly 3,800 people and left thousands homeless. The truce, declared Tuesday (6 May), follows criticism that the junta violated a previous humanitarian ceasefire with continued air strikes—many of them in areas ravaged by the 28 March magnitude-7.7 quake near Mandalay, the country's second-largest city. According to the UK-based Centre for Information Resilience, at least 65 air strikes were recorded during the earlier truce, intensifying fears among already displaced communities. The new armistice, the junta claims, is intended “to continue the rebuilding and rehabilitation process” as the monsoon season looms. But the ceasefire comes with a warning. Military officials say they will still retaliate against attacks from ethnic armed groups and anti-coup resistance forces. “We are sorry that residents have to flee, but we must protect towns and people’s lives with air strikes,” a junta officer told AFP anonymously. Fighting has continued in Karen state, a key battleground near the Thai border, where locals say clashes have made it impossible to return home. “We’re not quake victims, but we’re also homeless,” said Phaw Awar, a resident of the embattled town of Kyondoe. “We are afraid of air strikes.” Some rebel groups have also declared unilateral ceasefires for humanitarian reasons, though sporadic fighting persists. A militia member aligned with the junta suggested that grassroots pro-democracy pressure is making a full truce elusive. “It’s difficult to resist the pressure to keep fighting,” he said. The earthquake is the deadliest in Myanmar in over a century, and while efforts to recover are ongoing, many fear the pause in violence will be short-lived. With Myanmar still deeply fractured from the 2021 military coup, even natural disaster recovery remains entangled in conflict. -2025-05-07

Mukdahan provincial Cambodia has imposed an immediate ban on all livestock and meat imports from Thailand amid rising concerns over an anthrax outbreak affecting cattle across the border. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced the move today as a precaution, confirming that no cases of anthrax have been detected within Cambodia to date. However, officials say the decision was made in response to confirmed infections in parts of Thailand and aims to prevent any risk of the disease spreading into the country. The temporary ban applies to all border crossings and is being enforced in cooperation with relevant authorities to strengthen inspection and monitoring. In addition, the General Department of Animal Health and Animal Production has activated a nationwide rapid response network. This task force—spread across all 25 capitals and provinces—is now on high alert to detect and respond swiftly to any suspicious livestock illnesses. A ministry spokesperson said Cambodia is taking a “strict and preventive approach” and will continue to issue updates on the situation as it evolves. Residents and businesses are urged to remain cautious but calm, and to report any unusual symptoms in animals. Anthrax, a serious bacterial infection primarily affecting livestock, can also be transmitted to humans in rare cases, often through the handling or consumption of contaminated meat. The Ministry has made clear that this is a preventive step, not a reaction to any domestic outbreak, and is part of broader efforts to uphold public health and food safety. For further guidance or to report suspected cases, the public can contact the ministry’s hotline at 1289. How long the import ban will remain in place has not been disclosed. -2025-05-07