Cambodia profile

7 April 2011 Last updated at 17:07 GMT
Source: BBC News

The fate of Cambodia shocked the world when the radical communist Khmer Rouge under their leader Pol Pot seized power in 1975 after years of guerrilla warfare.

Angkor Wat's 12th Century temples show Hindu-Buddhist influence in Khmer Empire-era Cambodia

An estimated 1.7 million Cambodians died during the next three years, many from exhaustion or starvation. Others were tortured and executed.

Today, Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in the world and relies heavily on aid. Foreign donors have urged the government to clamp down on pervasive corruption.

Cambodia is burdened with the legacy of decades of conflict; unexploded munitions – thought to number in the millions – continue to kill and maim civilians, despite an ongoing de-mining drive.

Activists fight to stop dam across Mekong

April 8, 2011

In this photo taken on Dec. 1, 2004, a man walks along the Mekong River at sunset near Vientiane, Laos. Plans for the first dam across the Mekong River anywhere in its meandering path through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam have set off a major environmental battle in Southeast Asia. The $3.5 billion Xayaburi dam project is slated for the wilds of northern Laos and aimed at generating power mostly for sale to Thailand. It pits villagers, activists and Vietnam against Thai interests and the Laotian government in its hopes of earning foreign exchange in one of the world’s poorest countries. (AP Photo/David Longstreath)  (David Longstreath)

In this 2010 photo released from the NGO International Rivers, a fisherman works near the site of the proposed Xayaburi Dam in Paksey, northern Laos. Plans for the first dam across the Mekong River anywhere in its meandering path through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam have set off a major environmental battle in Southeast Asia. The $3.5 billion Xayaburi dam project is slated for the wilds of northern Laos and aimed at generating power mostly for sale to Thailand. It pits villagers, activists and Vietnam against Thai interests and the Laotian government in its hopes of earning foreign exchange in one of the world’s poorest countries. (AP Photo/International Rivers, Piaporn Deetes) 

In this photo taken on Feb. 16, 2008, Laotian villagers wait for a ride on a Mekong River boat near Paklay near Paklay, Laos. Plans for the first dam across the Mekong River anywhere in its meandering path through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam have set off a major environmental battle in Southeast Asia. The $3.5 billion Xayaburi dam project is slated for the wilds of northern Laos and aimed at generating power mostly for sale to Thailand. It pits villagers, activists and Vietnam against Thai interests and the Laotian government in its hopes of earning foreign exchange in one of the world’s poorest countries. (AP Photo/David Longstreath)  (David Longstreath)

(AP)  BANGKOK (AP) — A plan for the first dam across the Mekong River anywhere in its meandering path through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam has set off a major environmental battle in Southeast Asia.

The $3.5 billion Xayaburi dam is slated for the wilds of northern Laos and would generate power mostly for sale to Thailand. The project pits villagers, activists and the Vietnamese media against Thai interests and the Laotian government in its hopes of earning foreign exchange in one of the world’s poorest countries.

Thailand admits controversial weapon use

Source: AFP

Thai soldiers stand guard at a base at Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket province near the Thai-Cambodian border

BANGKOK — Thailand on Thursday admitted using controversial weapons during a border clash with neighbouring Cambodia in February but insisted it did not classify them as cluster munitions.

Responding to accusations from campaigners, the Thai army said it had used Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions (DPICM) during the recent heavy fighting on the shared border.

Thailand’s foreign ministry also confirmed that the country had used the weapons but said they were “deployed on the basis of necessity, proportionality and strict code of conduct”.

DPICMs burst into bomblets which are designed for both anti-armour and anti-personnel attack, according to GlobalSecurity.org, a US-based public policy organisation focusing on defence intelligence.

Steve Irwin trap saves Cambodian crocodile

Agence France-Presse
First Posted 21:23:00 04/08/2011

PHNOM PENH—A critically endangered Siamese crocodile was rescued in Cambodia with a trap designed by late Australian “crocodile hunter” Steve Irwin, but conservationists on Friday said other reptiles remain at risk.

Fauna and Flora International (FFI), which had spent two years planning the attempt to free about 10 crocodiles trapped by the construction of a hydropower dam, said it was “disappointing” that only one animal was caught.

1997 Investigation Hampered by Authorities: FBI

Friday, 08 April 2011
Men Kimseng, VOA Khmer | Washington

Photo: AP A Cambodian man, left, views photos the scene of victims of the March 30, 1997 deadly grenade attack, dispaying during a Buddhist ceremony in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Wednesday, March 30, 2011. Buddhist monks and the main opposition party members in Cambodia on Wednesday chant prayers at a memorial for victims of a grenade attack that killed 16 anti-government protesters in Phnom Penh fourteen years ago

When the FBI conducted an investigation into the 1997 grenade attack on an opposition rally, the agency found improper conduct by Cambodian authorities, according to a report obtained by VOA Khmer.

The March 1997 attack killed 16 people and wounded at least 150 more, after unknown assailants tossed four grenades into a rally led by Sam Rainsy. An American was wounded in the attack, prompting an FBI investigation.

Anti-Corruption Unit Mum on Declaration Deadline

Friday, 08 April 2011
Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer | Phnom Penh

Photo: AP Under the new anti-corruption law, officials from ministries from undersecretaries upward and those in other government institutions, about 25,000 total, were to declare their assets or face a fine of $500 and up to a year in jail

The deadline for public officials to declare their assets passed at midnight Thursday. But with the anti-corruption unit silent on the number of officials who met the deadline, critics are questioning the effectiveness of the law.

Under the new anti-corruption law, officials from ministries from undersecretaries upward and those in other government institutions, about 25,000 total, were to declare their assets or face a fine of $500 and up to a year in jail.

Cambodia says no to titanium exploitation for environment

PHNOM PENH, Apr. 8, 2011 (Xinhua News Agency) — Cambodian Prime Minister on Friday announced not to grant exploitation license to the Khmer United Group to exploit titanium ore in Koh Kong province for fear of environment impacts, according to a press release from the Council of Ministers (CoM)

Cambodia PM nixes controversial mine project

By Agence France-Presse, Updated: 4/8/2011

Cambodia PM nixes controversial mine project

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has cancelled a controversial titanium mine project in the country’s southwest because of environmental concerns, the government said Friday.

The premier announced the ban on the much-criticised project during a weekly cabinet meeting, the government said in a statement, despite earlier granting a private company a 20,400-hectare (50,400-acre) concession for surface mining in the densely forested Cardamom Mountains.

“Due to concerns about the impact on the environment and biodiversity as well as the living standards of the people… Hun Sen has banned the exploitation of a titanium mine in Koh Kong province,” it said.

Cambodians win six of eight international bouts

Photo by: Yeun Ponlok Cambodia’s Vonn Viva kicks Mustafa Abdullah of Iran during their international bout yesterday.

Friday, 08 April 2011
Yeun Ponlok and Pan Rethea
Phnom Penh Post

Apsara TV hosted it’s inaugural International Khmer Boxing Fight Day yesterday at the indoor hall of Old Stadium with eight bouts matching local boxers against foreign fighters. The home crowd got their money’s worth with six victories for Cambodians, to just a single loss and a draw.

In the first fight, National Defence Ministry Club boxer Sarim Nga was defeated on points by Thorng Bang of Laos in their 54-kilogram fight. Kratie club’s Chhay Meas then saw the judges decision go is his favour in the 60-kilogram bout against Chinese brawler Cho Nivorng.

Cambodia: Thai army used cluster bombs

Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Found severalweapons of this kind along the borderbetween Thailand and Cambodia
13203

(WAPA) (Avionews)- During border clashes took place last February in the disputed temple of Preah Vihear, the Thai military launched cluster bombs in Cambodian territory despite the prohibition of the International Convention of 2008.

This discovery was made by a group of experts that, visiting the Thai-Cambodia border, have found half the sites contaminated by unexploded cluster bombs. Cluster Munitions Coalition (CMC) spokeswoman Laura Cheeseman told during the program Connect Asia at “Radio Australia” that some officers visited 12 border sites and found cluster bombs potentially deadly at 5 of them.

Cluster munitions are bombs that contains Submunitions inside, smaller bomb that are often detonated involuntarily by civilians long after their launch, when the battle is over.

First day of Thai-Cambodian border meeting in Indonesia ‘satisfying’

Cambodia's Foreign Minister Hor Nam Hong (L) talks with his Indonesian counterpart Marty Natalegawa after arriving at Bogor Presidential Palace in Indonesia's West Java province April 7, 2011. Indonesia is hosting two days of border talks between Cambodia and Thailand. REUTERS/Beawiharta (INDONESIA - Tags: POLITICS)

BOGOR, April 8 – Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday reported the first day of Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting now being held in Indonesia’s Bogor was satisfying, with both sides preparing to send a joint team to survey border posts and discuss how to select a company to take aerial photos of the disputed border.

Co-chairman Asda Jayanama of the Thai-Cambodian JBC led Thai delegates to the Bogor meeting yesterday and today, while the Cambodian delegation was led by Var Kim Hong, head of the Cambodian government’s boundary commission.

Cambodia-Thai meeting in Indonesia failed

Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong (L) shakes hand with Indonesian Foreign Minister Dr. Marty Natalegawa.

By Khmerization
Source: DAP News

Two days of theCambodia-Thai Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting in Indonesia between Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong and Thai foreign Minister Kasit Piromya to resolve the ongoing border dispute has failed due the refusal of Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya to attend the meeting. At the same time, the scheduled General Border Committee (GBC) between the defence ministers of Cambodia and Thailanddid not take place because of the Thai Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan’s refusal to attendthe meeting.

However, Chavanond Intarakomalyasut, secretary to Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya,told the Bangkok Post that both sides had made progress and agreed on three issues to support border demarcation. “Thailand and Cambodia have reached agreements to prepare for the survey of border posts 1 to 23 in Surin and Si Saket provinces; to select a company to take aerial photos of the disputed border line; and to conduct a study on the opening of a new border checkpoint in Sa Kaeo, opposite Stung Bot in Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey province,” Mr Chavanond said.

Cambodian PM’s special envoy arrives in Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan,
Ashgabat, April 8, 2011
By Trend H. Hasanov

A delegation headed by Foreign Ministry Secretary of State, Special Envoy of the Cambodian Prime Minister Ouch Borith has arrived in Turkmenistan, the Turkmen government said.

Meetings were held in parliament and the Foreign Ministry.

Borith conveyed warm greetings to Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the people on behalf of the PM.

The senior official voiced “his government’s keen interest in establishing close bilateral ties with the dynamically developing Turkmen state.”
Borith also got acquainted with the main directions and priorities of Turkmen domestic and foreign policy.

10th ASEAN taekwondo championships kick off in Cambodia

April 08, 2011
Xinhua

The 10th taekwondo championships for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) kicked off here on Thursday afternoon with a vision of enhancing solidarity, friendship and cooperation among the athletes in ASEAN.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Men Sam An said that it is the first time Cambodia hosts the international taekwondo tournament event.

“The event is not only to further enhance closer solidarity, friendship and cooperation among athletes in ASEAN, but also to help to promote tourism in Cambodia,” she said.

The three-day event, held at Olympic Stadium, has been taken part by 286 athletes and 25 international referees from eight countries in ASEAN: Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, except Brunei and Myanmar, said Cambodian Tourism Minister and Taekwondo Federation President Thong Khon.

Kris Wiluan, president of ASEAN Taekwondo Federation, said at the opening ceremony that the tournaments would help to build stronger capacity of athletes in the ASEAN.

“Also, this will be a good chance for them to exchange experience and techniques from each other for future success,” he said.

New Zealander files KR complaint

Rob Hamill

April 8, 2011
James O’Toole
The Phnom Penh Post

FORMER Olympic rower Rob Hamill has announced plans to file a civil party application at the Khmer Rouge tribunal in relation to the court’s controversial third and fourth cases.

The New Zealander’s application targets former Khmer Rouge navy commander Meas Muth and air force commander Sou Met, and follows a similar application lodged by local activist Theary Seng on Monday, the first in relation to Cases 003 and 004.

These cases, still in the preliminary investigation stage, feature five suspects who have not yet been arrested or charged and whose identities remain confidential. Theary Seng said this week, however, that she was confident Meas Muth and Sou Met were among those being investigated based on public documents and her own research.

Hamill’s brother Kerry was captured by the Khmer Rouge in 1978 while sailing with friends in the Gulf of Thailand before being taken to S-21 prison in Phnom Penh and executed. Rob Hamill appeared to testify about the ordeal in 2009 during the tribunal’s first trial, that of former S-21 prison chief Kaing Guek Eav, better known as Duch.

Only Thailand can shamelessly claim that a cluster bomb is NOT a cluster bomb!

Thai FM Denies Thailand Uses Cluster Bombs Against Cambodia

BANGKOK, April 8 (TNA) — The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Friday that Thailand did not use cluster bombs against Cambodia as alleged, but Thai troops used Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions (DPICM)during border clashes earlier this year, Thai News Agency (TNA) reported.

Pre-Angkor Khmer temple/Shi​ne in Vientiane, Laos

Dear All,

Please find, for the record, Map of Laos and five photos of the the ancient Khmer temple/shine.

This is a Pre-Angkor Khmer temple/Shrine located in Wat Si Muang (pagoda), in Vientiane, Lao.

Bora

 

 

 

 

 

Khmer Ruins South of Savannkhet, Laos: Heuan Hin

Photo by Jeffrey Miller

17/12/10
By Papa Sparks

The influence of Khmer culture and architecture outside of Cambodia are indicative of how widespread Cambodia’s domination was in Southeast Asia.

It is still possible, while traveling in parts of Thailand to see how far the Khmer’s influence extended in Buddhist architecture in the ancient capitals of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai as well as in some off the well-traveled path, like Heuan Hin in Laos.