Tuesday, 12 February 2008
Visitors to Cambodia reach 2 millions
Kyodo
February 12, 2008
PHNOM PENH - About 2 million overseas tourists visited Cambodia in 2007, an increase of 18.53 percent from the previous year, the government said Tuesday.
South Koreans topped the list at 329,909, followed by Japanese at 161,973, Americans at 137,539 and Vietnamese at 125,442, according to government statistics.
Siem Reap, home of the Angkor Wat temple complex, attracted 1,120,586 foreign tourists in the year, an amazing growth of 30.83 percent from the previous year's 856,510. Tourism Minister Thong Khon told Kyodo News on Tuesday he hopes Cambodia will receive about 2.4 million tourists this year.
February 12, 2008
PHNOM PENH - About 2 million overseas tourists visited Cambodia in 2007, an increase of 18.53 percent from the previous year, the government said Tuesday.
South Koreans topped the list at 329,909, followed by Japanese at 161,973, Americans at 137,539 and Vietnamese at 125,442, according to government statistics.
Siem Reap, home of the Angkor Wat temple complex, attracted 1,120,586 foreign tourists in the year, an amazing growth of 30.83 percent from the previous year's 856,510. Tourism Minister Thong Khon told Kyodo News on Tuesday he hopes Cambodia will receive about 2.4 million tourists this year.
Democrats Abroad vote in Cambodia primary
Katie Nelson, Chronicle Foreign Service
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
PST Phnom Penh, Cambodia -- Cambodia's capital played host to a U.S. primary for the first time last week , drawing U.S. citizens from around the country.
Held at a quirky restaurant called USA Donuts, the vote offered a mix of American traditions never seen before in Phnom Penh. Dozens of expatriates cast ballots in the Democratic primary, choosing mostly between Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton. Dozens more snatched up hard-to-find foods such as Fruit Loops, Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, and Stove Top stuffing.
The vote at the doughnut shop is part of the Democrats Abroad program to determine 22 delegates who will attend the Democratic National Convention in Denver. Voting in the global primary, conducted online and at 76 polling places in 33 countries, began Feb. 5 and ends today for an estimated 6.5 million Americans who live overseas. In Cambodia, about 1,800 Americans are registered as residents, according to the U.S. Embassy.
The program was conceived as a way to boost participation in the nomination process, especially for those who might not have requested absentee ballots in time for their home-state primaries or those who cannot return home to attend caucuses. Democrats Abroad has been given state-level recognition by the Democratic National Committee. Its counterpart, Republicans Abroad, does not have similar recognition by the GOP, but the organization works to generate support of Americans overseas for Republican candidates.
Observers say turnout for the overseas Democratic voting - both live and online - has been high and results will be announced later this month. In Cambodia, organizers said 78 percent voted for Obama, 21 percent supported Clinton and 1 percent remained uncommitted. They also said the entire program is a test-run for individual states looking to use a similar Internet-based system.
Every element at the doughnut shop- food, music and ballots - seemed out of place in Cambodia, where locals are just beginning to confront their recent past in trials against the aging leaders of the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s. And even though voting has become commonplace, accusations of deep-seated corruption and blatant vote buying have been widespread.
Yet the American voters were generally giddy to be participating in a live electoral process so far from home. Regardless of age, almost everyone bobbed their heads to the eclectic mix of voter-themed music heard on the restaurant's boom box. Many more grinned or whooped it up as their ballots slid into a locked, silver vote box.
"Living abroad, it's easy to feel disconnected," said 30-year-old Carlyle Gollogy of Santa Cruz, who works as an administrative assistant at a local nonprofit hospital. "Being here today, it eliminated a lot of the (red tape) by giving you an accessible way to be part of the process."
Many voters also said they want to see a change in Washington's foreign policy.
"I think this is probably the most important and exciting election in my lifetime," said Susan Hagadorn, a San Francisco native who has lived in Cambodia for three years and works as a consultant for nonprofit organizations. "There's a deep dissatisfaction about how America is viewed from abroad. That we can come together to do something about that here, through voting, an American tradition, is really exciting."
Wayne Weightman, who helped organize Saturday's vote, agreed, saying he eagerly voted for a former Hawaii classmate, whom he knew as Barry.
Obama "was always this amazing guy who could talk to anyone," Weightman said. "To realize that you knew someone who has the possibility of making it so foreigners abroad can stop apologizing for their country, well that's just inspiring."
USA Donuts was an obvious choice for the polling site, event organizers said. Owner Johnny Ly is a 39-year-old Cambodian refugee who fled during the Khmer Rouge era with his family to Long Beach, where they operated a doughnut shop.
Ly moved back to Cambodia in 2000 to open an American-style doughnut shop. He now runs two stores with a third on the way. He imports special flour from California so that his pastries have just the right chewy consistency. The rest of his wares are shipped by relatives, who shop at Costco and Wal-Mart.
Ly gets a kick out of catering to Americans, whose culture he adopted during his 20 years in the United States.
"To be part of an election. That is American," said Ly.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
PST Phnom Penh, Cambodia -- Cambodia's capital played host to a U.S. primary for the first time last week , drawing U.S. citizens from around the country.
Held at a quirky restaurant called USA Donuts, the vote offered a mix of American traditions never seen before in Phnom Penh. Dozens of expatriates cast ballots in the Democratic primary, choosing mostly between Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton. Dozens more snatched up hard-to-find foods such as Fruit Loops, Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, and Stove Top stuffing.
The vote at the doughnut shop is part of the Democrats Abroad program to determine 22 delegates who will attend the Democratic National Convention in Denver. Voting in the global primary, conducted online and at 76 polling places in 33 countries, began Feb. 5 and ends today for an estimated 6.5 million Americans who live overseas. In Cambodia, about 1,800 Americans are registered as residents, according to the U.S. Embassy.
The program was conceived as a way to boost participation in the nomination process, especially for those who might not have requested absentee ballots in time for their home-state primaries or those who cannot return home to attend caucuses. Democrats Abroad has been given state-level recognition by the Democratic National Committee. Its counterpart, Republicans Abroad, does not have similar recognition by the GOP, but the organization works to generate support of Americans overseas for Republican candidates.
Observers say turnout for the overseas Democratic voting - both live and online - has been high and results will be announced later this month. In Cambodia, organizers said 78 percent voted for Obama, 21 percent supported Clinton and 1 percent remained uncommitted. They also said the entire program is a test-run for individual states looking to use a similar Internet-based system.
Every element at the doughnut shop- food, music and ballots - seemed out of place in Cambodia, where locals are just beginning to confront their recent past in trials against the aging leaders of the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s. And even though voting has become commonplace, accusations of deep-seated corruption and blatant vote buying have been widespread.
Yet the American voters were generally giddy to be participating in a live electoral process so far from home. Regardless of age, almost everyone bobbed their heads to the eclectic mix of voter-themed music heard on the restaurant's boom box. Many more grinned or whooped it up as their ballots slid into a locked, silver vote box.
"Living abroad, it's easy to feel disconnected," said 30-year-old Carlyle Gollogy of Santa Cruz, who works as an administrative assistant at a local nonprofit hospital. "Being here today, it eliminated a lot of the (red tape) by giving you an accessible way to be part of the process."
Many voters also said they want to see a change in Washington's foreign policy.
"I think this is probably the most important and exciting election in my lifetime," said Susan Hagadorn, a San Francisco native who has lived in Cambodia for three years and works as a consultant for nonprofit organizations. "There's a deep dissatisfaction about how America is viewed from abroad. That we can come together to do something about that here, through voting, an American tradition, is really exciting."
Wayne Weightman, who helped organize Saturday's vote, agreed, saying he eagerly voted for a former Hawaii classmate, whom he knew as Barry.
Obama "was always this amazing guy who could talk to anyone," Weightman said. "To realize that you knew someone who has the possibility of making it so foreigners abroad can stop apologizing for their country, well that's just inspiring."
USA Donuts was an obvious choice for the polling site, event organizers said. Owner Johnny Ly is a 39-year-old Cambodian refugee who fled during the Khmer Rouge era with his family to Long Beach, where they operated a doughnut shop.
Ly moved back to Cambodia in 2000 to open an American-style doughnut shop. He now runs two stores with a third on the way. He imports special flour from California so that his pastries have just the right chewy consistency. The rest of his wares are shipped by relatives, who shop at Costco and Wal-Mart.
Ly gets a kick out of catering to Americans, whose culture he adopted during his 20 years in the United States.
"To be part of an election. That is American," said Ly.
Thousands of Cambodian poor face forced evictions
At least 40 were injured during the eviction in Kbal Spean, near Poipet, including 14 seriously, and 30 villagers were arrested. (Photo: Licadho)AFP, PHNOM PENH
Tuesday, Feb 12, 2008, Page 5
Hundreds of thousands of Cambodians are threatened with forced eviction as the government ramps up development in the country's cities, the human rights group Amnesty International said yesterday.
"In sharp contrast to the rhetoric of the government's pro-poor policies ... thousands of people, particularly those living in poverty, have been forcibly evicted from their homes and lands," the group said.
"At least 150,000 Cambodians across the country are known to live at risk of being forcibly evicted," Amnesty added at the launch of its new report, "Rights Razed -- Forced evictions in Cambodia."
As Cambodia experiences spiraling land prices -- the result of unprecedented economic growth -- the country's poor are being increasingly pushed aside to make way for multimillion-dollar development schemes.
In the capital Phnom Penh and other urban centers, this has resulted in thousands of families being made homeless or forced to move to squalid relocation sites outside the cities.
Amnesty called these evictions "one of the most widespread human rights violations affecting Cambodians in both rural and urban areas."
Land disputes have sparked some of the worst violence suffered by Cambodia since the end of its protracted civil war a decade ago.
At least two people were seriously injured in clashes over land late last month as workers for a development company squared off with villagers in a Phnom Penh slum that is slated for demolition.
Late last year, at least one person was killed and a foreign tourist taken hostage for several hours during an ongoing property dispute in northern Cambodia.
The UN has repeatedly raised the alarm over rising land disputes, with several rights envoys warning that these could de-stabilize the country.
Tuesday, Feb 12, 2008, Page 5
Hundreds of thousands of Cambodians are threatened with forced eviction as the government ramps up development in the country's cities, the human rights group Amnesty International said yesterday.
"In sharp contrast to the rhetoric of the government's pro-poor policies ... thousands of people, particularly those living in poverty, have been forcibly evicted from their homes and lands," the group said.
"At least 150,000 Cambodians across the country are known to live at risk of being forcibly evicted," Amnesty added at the launch of its new report, "Rights Razed -- Forced evictions in Cambodia."
As Cambodia experiences spiraling land prices -- the result of unprecedented economic growth -- the country's poor are being increasingly pushed aside to make way for multimillion-dollar development schemes.
In the capital Phnom Penh and other urban centers, this has resulted in thousands of families being made homeless or forced to move to squalid relocation sites outside the cities.
Amnesty called these evictions "one of the most widespread human rights violations affecting Cambodians in both rural and urban areas."
Land disputes have sparked some of the worst violence suffered by Cambodia since the end of its protracted civil war a decade ago.
At least two people were seriously injured in clashes over land late last month as workers for a development company squared off with villagers in a Phnom Penh slum that is slated for demolition.
Late last year, at least one person was killed and a foreign tourist taken hostage for several hours during an ongoing property dispute in northern Cambodia.
The UN has repeatedly raised the alarm over rising land disputes, with several rights envoys warning that these could de-stabilize the country.
Cambodia's trade with Vietnam growing steadily
ABC, Radio Australia
12/02/2008
The Cambodian government says cross-border trade with Vietnam has risen steadily, and is expected to grow throughout 2008.
The ministry of trade says Vietnam's investment in Cambodia increased to $US115 million in 2007.
Vietnam's investment includes the construction of hydropower plants and mining and telecommunications. The Cambodian ministry says cross-border trade with Vietnam is expected to hit $2.5 billion by 2010.
12/02/2008
The Cambodian government says cross-border trade with Vietnam has risen steadily, and is expected to grow throughout 2008.
The ministry of trade says Vietnam's investment in Cambodia increased to $US115 million in 2007.
Vietnam's investment includes the construction of hydropower plants and mining and telecommunications. The Cambodian ministry says cross-border trade with Vietnam is expected to hit $2.5 billion by 2010.
'There was no alternative to extermination'
pretorianews.co.zaFebruary 12, 2008
London - A former senior Khmer Rouge official said he had "no alternative" when he oversaw the killing of thousands of Cambodians.
The regime's prison chief, Duch, who was arrested in July last year and has been charged with crimes against humanity, told The Independent newspaper yesterday how those who came to a camp of which he was in charge had no way to avoid death.
"There was a widespread and tacit understanding. I and everyone else who worked in that place knew that anyone who entered had to be psychologically demolished, eliminated by steady work, given no way out," he told the paper.
"Nobody who came to us had any chance of saving himself," added the former Khmer Rouge official, whose real name is Kaing Guek Eav.
Rights Group Seeks to Stop Forced Evictions
By Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh
11 February 2008
Chun Sakada reports in Khmer (1.11 MB) - Listen (MP3)
The international rights group Amnesty International called on the government Monday to end forced evictions.
The displacement from people from land claimed by government officials or businesses is causing thousands to suffer, the group said, citing dozens of cases.
Speaking from the disputed Dey Krahorm neighborhood of Phnom Penh, Brittis Edman, a researcher for Amnesty International, called on the government to cease forced evictions until better laws are in place to guarantee property protection.
At least 150,000 people have been affected by forced displacement, she said, adding that the government has an obligation under international law to protect populations from such removal.
Government spokesman Khieu Kanharith dismissed the group’s findings.
“Maybe Amnesty International doesn’t know Cambodian law,” Khieu Kanharith said. “If you only talk jokingly like this it could destroy your reputation.”
Sam Ny, a 33-year-old resident of Dey Krahorm, an area where many families are facing eviction, said companies who want the land should buy it at a fair market price.
“We only want appropriate compensation for us to move from this land,” he said. “And then we won’t be against them anymore.”
Forced evictions in the area have lead to the razing of 80 homes and clashes between police and residents. Thirteen people have been arrested a result.
The displacement from people from land claimed by government officials or businesses is causing thousands to suffer, the group said, citing dozens of cases.
Speaking from the disputed Dey Krahorm neighborhood of Phnom Penh, Brittis Edman, a researcher for Amnesty International, called on the government to cease forced evictions until better laws are in place to guarantee property protection.
At least 150,000 people have been affected by forced displacement, she said, adding that the government has an obligation under international law to protect populations from such removal.
Government spokesman Khieu Kanharith dismissed the group’s findings.
“Maybe Amnesty International doesn’t know Cambodian law,” Khieu Kanharith said. “If you only talk jokingly like this it could destroy your reputation.”
Sam Ny, a 33-year-old resident of Dey Krahorm, an area where many families are facing eviction, said companies who want the land should buy it at a fair market price.
“We only want appropriate compensation for us to move from this land,” he said. “And then we won’t be against them anymore.”
Forced evictions in the area have lead to the razing of 80 homes and clashes between police and residents. Thirteen people have been arrested a result.
Group: Alcoholism Leads to Social Ills
By Sok Khemara, VOA Khmer
Washington
11 February 2008
Sok Khemara reports in Khmer(6.15 MB) - Listen (MP3)
Alcoholism among Cambodians contributes to violence, poor health, traffic accidents and illnesses, a health worker said Monday.
The People’s Center for Development and Peace is committed to helping people who suffer from alcoholism and other problems affecting society, said Yong Kim Eng, the center’s director.
There are 60 kinds of illnesses that can result from over-drinking, including liver problems, stomach and head, he said, as a guest Monday on “Hello VOA.”
Alcoholism also correlates to increased HIV transmission, he said.
“It doesn’t only affect society, but it affects a family’s reputation,” he said.
Policemen, soldiers and taxi and motorcycle taxi drivers were among the heaviest drinkers, according to a survey recently conducted by the center. The heaviest drinkers were also between the ages of 18 to 25 years.
Alcoholism is a concern worldwide, Yong Kim Eng said.
The People’s Center for Development and Peace is committed to helping people who suffer from alcoholism and other problems affecting society, said Yong Kim Eng, the center’s director.
There are 60 kinds of illnesses that can result from over-drinking, including liver problems, stomach and head, he said, as a guest Monday on “Hello VOA.”
Alcoholism also correlates to increased HIV transmission, he said.
“It doesn’t only affect society, but it affects a family’s reputation,” he said.
Policemen, soldiers and taxi and motorcycle taxi drivers were among the heaviest drinkers, according to a survey recently conducted by the center. The heaviest drinkers were also between the ages of 18 to 25 years.
Alcoholism is a concern worldwide, Yong Kim Eng said.
Muslims Outline Political Needs
By Kong Soth,
VOA Khmer
Kampong Cham
11 February 2008
Hundreds of Cambodian Muslims faced three parliamentarians Saturday, calling on them to fix problems within their communities, including schools, health care and farmland.
The Chams, who participated in a public forum put on by the National Democratic Institute Saturday, told party representatives these would be important issues for them in July’s national elections.
About 420 Chams participated in the forum, which included a representative each from the Cambodian People’s Party, Funcinpec and the Sam Rainsy Party.
“There were some Khmer Muslim teachers at this school in the past, but they stopped teaching because they didn’t have any salary while their living conditions were so poor,” said El Vansa, a teacher who attended the forum.
El Mad, who lives in Sambo village, Kor commune, and wore a Muslim cap on his head, said people in his village were uneducated and easily tricked out of their land.
“They always suffer from cheating by corrupt people,” he said.
Others expressed concern about gambling, as the three parliamentarians present listened.
Sam Rainsy Party lawmaker Cheam Chany said the opposition lacked the capability to solve everyone’s problems immediately.
Jerome Cheung, NDI’s Cambodia directory, said voters had a right to conversations with their elected officials.
VOA Khmer
Kampong Cham
11 February 2008
Hundreds of Cambodian Muslims faced three parliamentarians Saturday, calling on them to fix problems within their communities, including schools, health care and farmland.
The Chams, who participated in a public forum put on by the National Democratic Institute Saturday, told party representatives these would be important issues for them in July’s national elections.
About 420 Chams participated in the forum, which included a representative each from the Cambodian People’s Party, Funcinpec and the Sam Rainsy Party.
“There were some Khmer Muslim teachers at this school in the past, but they stopped teaching because they didn’t have any salary while their living conditions were so poor,” said El Vansa, a teacher who attended the forum.
El Mad, who lives in Sambo village, Kor commune, and wore a Muslim cap on his head, said people in his village were uneducated and easily tricked out of their land.
“They always suffer from cheating by corrupt people,” he said.
Others expressed concern about gambling, as the three parliamentarians present listened.
Sam Rainsy Party lawmaker Cheam Chany said the opposition lacked the capability to solve everyone’s problems immediately.
Jerome Cheung, NDI’s Cambodia directory, said voters had a right to conversations with their elected officials.
CPP to continue coalition gov't with Funcinpec if wins election
chinaview.cn
2008-02-11
PHNOM PENH, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Cambodian People's Party (CPP) will again establish coalition government with the co-ruling Funcinpec Party if it wins the general election in July and Funcinpec has some seats in the National Assembly, said Prime Minister Hun Sen Monday.
"If CPP wins the majority of votes for the general election in July, we will continue to create coalition government with Funcinpec, because the achievements of economic growth and stability of our country in the last decade came from our partnership," he told a school inauguration ceremony in Kampong Thom province.
"I believe that Funcinpec will win some seats in the National Assembly during the election (which is a prerequisite for the coalition)," he said.
However, he said, if Funcinpec can't find even one single seat, CPP can still establish the government alone upon it winning of the majority of votes.
"CPP will lead the government alone without negotiating with other parties, but we can provide some positions for Funcinpec officials like under-secretary of state," he said.
If CPP loses the general election, it will become opposition party without any bargain, he added.
Funcinpec recently encountered its crisis worst ever, as it had poor records during the April 1 commune councils election and a number of its senior officials defected to CPP or other parties in the past months.
CPP and Funcinpec has co-governed the kingdom since 1993. During the last general election in 2003, CPP won 73 seats at the National Assembly, Funcinpec 26 and the opposition Sam Rainsy Party 24.
Editor: Bi Mingxin
2008-02-11
PHNOM PENH, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Cambodian People's Party (CPP) will again establish coalition government with the co-ruling Funcinpec Party if it wins the general election in July and Funcinpec has some seats in the National Assembly, said Prime Minister Hun Sen Monday.
"If CPP wins the majority of votes for the general election in July, we will continue to create coalition government with Funcinpec, because the achievements of economic growth and stability of our country in the last decade came from our partnership," he told a school inauguration ceremony in Kampong Thom province.
"I believe that Funcinpec will win some seats in the National Assembly during the election (which is a prerequisite for the coalition)," he said.
However, he said, if Funcinpec can't find even one single seat, CPP can still establish the government alone upon it winning of the majority of votes.
"CPP will lead the government alone without negotiating with other parties, but we can provide some positions for Funcinpec officials like under-secretary of state," he said.
If CPP loses the general election, it will become opposition party without any bargain, he added.
Funcinpec recently encountered its crisis worst ever, as it had poor records during the April 1 commune councils election and a number of its senior officials defected to CPP or other parties in the past months.
CPP and Funcinpec has co-governed the kingdom since 1993. During the last general election in 2003, CPP won 73 seats at the National Assembly, Funcinpec 26 and the opposition Sam Rainsy Party 24.
Editor: Bi Mingxin
Companies Invested on 70,000 Hectares of Economic Land Concession in Kratie Province, Only 200 Hectares of the Land Have Been Planted With Rubber Tree
12 February 2008.
The Mirror, Vol. 12, No. 547
“Kratie: Ten companies had been granted authorization to invest on more than 70,000 hectares of economic land concessions in Kratie province. Until now, only one company has planted rubber trees on 200 hectares of land. The others have just leveled the ground and cut down trees.
“Mr. Kuy Huot, Director of the Kratie Provincial Department of Agriculture recently told Rasmei Kampuchea that in Kratie, there are 10 companies that were granted economic land concessions by the Royal Government. Among them, 6 companies are in Sambo district, 3 companies are in Snuol, and 1 company is in Kratie, totaling 70,000 hectares of land.
“But those companies seem to have not done anything remarkable according to the contracts made with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
“So far, the contracts of two companies in Svay Chreah commune, Snuol, and of a Chinese company in Sambo were terminated or temporarily suspended.
“The director of the Kratie Provincial Department of Agriculture continued to say that among all companies only Phou Rieng, that was granted nearly 10,000 hectares in Snuol, has planted rubber trees on more than 200 hectares of land. The company will continue to plant rubber trees on additional 300 hectares of land in 2008 as projected according to the company’s master plan.
“Some other companies planted no trees in 2007. They only leveled the ground and prepared roads into the company’s premise, and they built some infrastructure within their companies.
“Mr. Kuy Huot noted that the delayed process of these companies in Kratie is due to the fact that they are waiting for their master plans to be approved by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
“Some other companies have already prepared [rubber] seedlings to be planted during the rainy season in 2008.
“The director of the Provincial Department of Agriculture added also that those companies that have economic land concessions include Phou Reing, Heng Heng Sambath, and the Tong Meng Group that had planed to plant rubber trees. But they do not plan to plant rubber trees, but to grow teak trees using seedlings of a quick-growing variety.
“For granting authorization to private companies to invest on economic land concessions, the Royal Government has the clear policy of granting only land not covered by forest. The benefits from such investments are used to encourage the private sectors to create employment for people and income for the country.
“Mr. Kuy Huot added that the companies that received these economic land concessions have to plan and study the socio-economic and environmental impact in advance. Besides that, the Ministry of Agriculture and the provincial authorities have to ensure that the companies’ investments will achieve good results and will not have negative effects.
“Actually, some of these companies having economic land concessions for investment in Kratie did not properly follow the Royal Government’s policy. Those companies only want to occupy the land and the forests so that they can gain benefit for their own companies”.
Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.16, #4512, 10.2.2008
The Mirror, Vol. 12, No. 547
“Kratie: Ten companies had been granted authorization to invest on more than 70,000 hectares of economic land concessions in Kratie province. Until now, only one company has planted rubber trees on 200 hectares of land. The others have just leveled the ground and cut down trees.
“Mr. Kuy Huot, Director of the Kratie Provincial Department of Agriculture recently told Rasmei Kampuchea that in Kratie, there are 10 companies that were granted economic land concessions by the Royal Government. Among them, 6 companies are in Sambo district, 3 companies are in Snuol, and 1 company is in Kratie, totaling 70,000 hectares of land.
“But those companies seem to have not done anything remarkable according to the contracts made with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
“So far, the contracts of two companies in Svay Chreah commune, Snuol, and of a Chinese company in Sambo were terminated or temporarily suspended.
“The director of the Kratie Provincial Department of Agriculture continued to say that among all companies only Phou Rieng, that was granted nearly 10,000 hectares in Snuol, has planted rubber trees on more than 200 hectares of land. The company will continue to plant rubber trees on additional 300 hectares of land in 2008 as projected according to the company’s master plan.
“Some other companies planted no trees in 2007. They only leveled the ground and prepared roads into the company’s premise, and they built some infrastructure within their companies.
“Mr. Kuy Huot noted that the delayed process of these companies in Kratie is due to the fact that they are waiting for their master plans to be approved by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
“Some other companies have already prepared [rubber] seedlings to be planted during the rainy season in 2008.
“The director of the Provincial Department of Agriculture added also that those companies that have economic land concessions include Phou Reing, Heng Heng Sambath, and the Tong Meng Group that had planed to plant rubber trees. But they do not plan to plant rubber trees, but to grow teak trees using seedlings of a quick-growing variety.
“For granting authorization to private companies to invest on economic land concessions, the Royal Government has the clear policy of granting only land not covered by forest. The benefits from such investments are used to encourage the private sectors to create employment for people and income for the country.
“Mr. Kuy Huot added that the companies that received these economic land concessions have to plan and study the socio-economic and environmental impact in advance. Besides that, the Ministry of Agriculture and the provincial authorities have to ensure that the companies’ investments will achieve good results and will not have negative effects.
“Actually, some of these companies having economic land concessions for investment in Kratie did not properly follow the Royal Government’s policy. Those companies only want to occupy the land and the forests so that they can gain benefit for their own companies”.
Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.16, #4512, 10.2.2008
Back in civilian hands
Monday, February 11, 2008
THAILAND seems to be on the track back to multiparty democratic rule after a military coup d'etat in 2006 derailed it.
At the same time, predictions are difficult because it's a country with mechanics of government that are as intricate as the script of its ancient language.
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with a king and a parliament, with government led by a prime minister. The king, Bhumibol Adulyadej, now 80, does not govern the country. Even so, as was demonstrated during the latest coup, one of 18 in the past 75 years, nothing important in Thailand changes without the king's approval.
The other major element in the delicate dance of government and power is the army. Thailand lives in a relatively dangerous neighborhood, with borders on Myanmar, Malaysia, Laos, and Cambodia, as well as a seacoast. Its central role in the region came to the forefront during the Vietnam War when the United States staged a major part of its military activities out of Thailand.
Apart from the king, the dominant political figure in recent years was Thaksin Shinawatra, prime minister from 2001 until the military overthrew him in 2006. He is generally considered to have been responsible for the economic progress Thailand enjoyed at the time. But he was also considered to be corrupt and excessively ambitious politically, showing tendencies toward dictatorship. The military thus overthrew him with the king's concurrence.
Military rule is frowned on - although not excluded - in Southeast Asia. There was thus international as well as domestic pressure on Thailand to return to democratic rule. Reasonably clean elections were held in December. Mr. Thaksin's party was not permitted to participate, but political parties aligned with him won handily and have now formed a six-party coalition government headed by Samak Sundaravej, considered to be a Thaksin surrogate.
On that basis, the Thai military handed government back to the civilians. But they are still concerned about Mr. Thaksin, and he is threatening to return from exile, apparently not content just to manipulate matters from outside the country.
Stability in Thailand is important. It has been a relatively prosperous country of 65 million in the middle of a sometimes fluid region. It has a nasty Muslim minority secessionist movement fighting against the government in the south. As such, it merits continued scrutiny, both by its neighbors and by the United States.
THAILAND seems to be on the track back to multiparty democratic rule after a military coup d'etat in 2006 derailed it.
At the same time, predictions are difficult because it's a country with mechanics of government that are as intricate as the script of its ancient language.
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with a king and a parliament, with government led by a prime minister. The king, Bhumibol Adulyadej, now 80, does not govern the country. Even so, as was demonstrated during the latest coup, one of 18 in the past 75 years, nothing important in Thailand changes without the king's approval.
The other major element in the delicate dance of government and power is the army. Thailand lives in a relatively dangerous neighborhood, with borders on Myanmar, Malaysia, Laos, and Cambodia, as well as a seacoast. Its central role in the region came to the forefront during the Vietnam War when the United States staged a major part of its military activities out of Thailand.
Apart from the king, the dominant political figure in recent years was Thaksin Shinawatra, prime minister from 2001 until the military overthrew him in 2006. He is generally considered to have been responsible for the economic progress Thailand enjoyed at the time. But he was also considered to be corrupt and excessively ambitious politically, showing tendencies toward dictatorship. The military thus overthrew him with the king's concurrence.
Military rule is frowned on - although not excluded - in Southeast Asia. There was thus international as well as domestic pressure on Thailand to return to democratic rule. Reasonably clean elections were held in December. Mr. Thaksin's party was not permitted to participate, but political parties aligned with him won handily and have now formed a six-party coalition government headed by Samak Sundaravej, considered to be a Thaksin surrogate.
On that basis, the Thai military handed government back to the civilians. But they are still concerned about Mr. Thaksin, and he is threatening to return from exile, apparently not content just to manipulate matters from outside the country.
Stability in Thailand is important. It has been a relatively prosperous country of 65 million in the middle of a sometimes fluid region. It has a nasty Muslim minority secessionist movement fighting against the government in the south. As such, it merits continued scrutiny, both by its neighbors and by the United States.
Cambodia: Rights razed: Forced evictions in Cambodia
Homes set ablaze during forced eviction at Mittapheap 4 village, Cambodia, 20 April 200711 February 2008
"Before, we did some farming… I was able to feed my seven children. Now there is nothing.""Vireak" and his seven children became homeless on 20 April 2007. That day, most of the village of Mittapheap 4 in the coastal town of Sihanoukville in Cambodia was burned to the ground by law enforcement and military officers, forcibly evicting more than 100 families. Months later, Vireak still lives under a tarpaulin on the roadside.
Vireak's situation is mirrored countless times across the country as land grabs, landlessness, and disputes spread further and faster. Like thousands of other victims of forced eviction in Cambodia, Vireak and his neighbours were never consulted before the eviction and were given no formal notice.
The underlying land dispute was not settled before the village was demolished. International human rights standards say that forced eviction must be a measure of last resort. The authorities violated this.
The Cambodian authorities follow a pattern of behaviour, using the court system as a means to stop and silence activists seeking to defend their homes and lands. A growing number of residents and human rights activists are imprisoned across the country, including in Sihanoukville.
Following the loss of their homes, 13 of Vireak’s neighbours were arrested and charged with criminal offences. Nine were found guilty and sentenced to short prison terms, despite a lack of evidence. Although they have served their term, they have not been released but remain in prison in what constitutes arbitrary detention, pending the hearing of a prosecution appeal.
Most of the Mittapheap 4 villagers were subsistence farmers, beach vendors and small-scale fishermen. The loss of access to a means of supporting themselves and their families means that they risk sinking still further into already entrenched poverty.
Sopheap, an elderly widow, told Amnesty International: “My son was arrested and beaten up while he was collecting belongings from the house. Before, he went fishing and farming. Now who can I rely on?”
The Cambodian government has adopted policies, supported by its international donors, aimed at developing and improving the lives of the poor. But such policies are in stark contrast to the realities experienced by Vireak, Sopheap and other victims of forced evictions, who sink deeper into poverty through the actions of the authorities.
As seen in Mittapheap 4, instead of protecting the population against forced evictions, government representatives are often involved in arbitrarily expropriating land from marginalized people living in poverty.
As long as this situation is allowed to continue, thousands of Cambodians will remain under threat – not only in Sihanoukville and other urban centres, but increasingly in rural areas also. Forced evictions are recognized by the UN as a gross violation of human rights.
A declared end to all forced evictions would send a clear signal that the government is intent on tackling land grabbing, landlessness and land disputes, while upholding its obligation to protect the right to an adequate standard of living as a foundation for its intention to develop the lives of Cambodia’s poor.
"Before, we did some farming… I was able to feed my seven children. Now there is nothing.""Vireak" and his seven children became homeless on 20 April 2007. That day, most of the village of Mittapheap 4 in the coastal town of Sihanoukville in Cambodia was burned to the ground by law enforcement and military officers, forcibly evicting more than 100 families. Months later, Vireak still lives under a tarpaulin on the roadside.
Vireak's situation is mirrored countless times across the country as land grabs, landlessness, and disputes spread further and faster. Like thousands of other victims of forced eviction in Cambodia, Vireak and his neighbours were never consulted before the eviction and were given no formal notice.
The underlying land dispute was not settled before the village was demolished. International human rights standards say that forced eviction must be a measure of last resort. The authorities violated this.
The Cambodian authorities follow a pattern of behaviour, using the court system as a means to stop and silence activists seeking to defend their homes and lands. A growing number of residents and human rights activists are imprisoned across the country, including in Sihanoukville.
Following the loss of their homes, 13 of Vireak’s neighbours were arrested and charged with criminal offences. Nine were found guilty and sentenced to short prison terms, despite a lack of evidence. Although they have served their term, they have not been released but remain in prison in what constitutes arbitrary detention, pending the hearing of a prosecution appeal.
Most of the Mittapheap 4 villagers were subsistence farmers, beach vendors and small-scale fishermen. The loss of access to a means of supporting themselves and their families means that they risk sinking still further into already entrenched poverty.
Sopheap, an elderly widow, told Amnesty International: “My son was arrested and beaten up while he was collecting belongings from the house. Before, he went fishing and farming. Now who can I rely on?”
The Cambodian government has adopted policies, supported by its international donors, aimed at developing and improving the lives of the poor. But such policies are in stark contrast to the realities experienced by Vireak, Sopheap and other victims of forced evictions, who sink deeper into poverty through the actions of the authorities.
As seen in Mittapheap 4, instead of protecting the population against forced evictions, government representatives are often involved in arbitrarily expropriating land from marginalized people living in poverty.
As long as this situation is allowed to continue, thousands of Cambodians will remain under threat – not only in Sihanoukville and other urban centres, but increasingly in rural areas also. Forced evictions are recognized by the UN as a gross violation of human rights.
A declared end to all forced evictions would send a clear signal that the government is intent on tackling land grabbing, landlessness and land disputes, while upholding its obligation to protect the right to an adequate standard of living as a foundation for its intention to develop the lives of Cambodia’s poor.
Can Emerging Market Growth Continue to Reshape the Global Economy?
‘We've only begun to see the impact they will have in the financial markets’By Jeffrey D. Voudrie, CFP
Feb. 11, 2008 - We've all heard about the amazing growth taking place in developing countries and how the global economy will never be the same again. But countries like China, India and Vietnam seem so far away. It can be hard to understand how those marketplaces can affect the individual investor here in the U.S.A. After my recent trip to Cambodia, I'm here to tell you that emerging markets aren't some short-lived fad. We've only begun to see the impact they will have in the financial markets.
My wife and I had visited Cambodia last March, but this time was different. Besides having our four children along for the experience, the signs of a growing economy were everywhere.
Construction was taking place all around Phnom Penh, the nation's capital. A new 42 story office building had broken ground, the country's first skyscraper. It's being financed by a South Korean company. A huge new complex of shops and office buildings were coming up on old rice fields north of town in a special economic zone.
Masses of new apartment buildings were being constructed. The prices of these
condo/apartments continue to increase. Those that were $40,000 when construction started are now $100,000.
Land values continue to soar exponentially. More people can afford cars. Everyone has a cell phone. Universities and schools teaching everything from nursing to English classes to management and computer skills are popping up on every corner. And the schools are packed.
The city continues to improve its infrastructure with the paving of roads and improvement of their drainage system, which is important during the monsoon season. Internet access is growing as is the availability of cable television.
But there's much work to be done. Power outages occur almost daily. The municipal water isn't potable. The sewer system has a very limited reach. There is no mass public transportation service in a city of well over 1 million. There's little garbage collection.
Just outside of town, the picture is even starker.
When you travel out to the provinces, it's like stepping back in time. Once you get off the main highway, there are no paved roads. Many homes are simple wooden shacks with thatch roofs. Naked children play with sticks in the road next to ditches that are little more than open sewers.
Electricity comes from generators that operate a few hours a day. Health care is almost non-existent. The rice grown in the fields hardly supplies enough grain for each family's yearly needs.
If you have a specific question or would like more information, give me a call toll-free at 1-877-827-1463 or you can also reach me by email at jeff@guardingyourwealth.com. I will answer your financial question FREE
Not all provincial families live in dire poverty. But the majority do.
The young people don't want the same life their parents have. They want more. And they're willing to work for it. Many of them turn to the garment factories, where by working six to seven days a week, ten to twelve hours a day, they can make $100 a month. In country where unemployment can reach 50%, that's a nice sum of money. But it's not much of a life.
Others realize that education is their ticket to a better future. The church we visited and were working with offers free English and computer classes. Over 200 students jam every available room of the building four nights a week.
In addition, all of these kids attend either high school or university during the day. Many of them came from the provinces and plan to send money they earn back home to help support their families.
So if you think the emerging markets‚ is just the latest financial talk point, think again. The story in Cambodia is the same story all over Asia.
These people want a better life. They want a higher standard of living. They are becoming educated. Their countries are only beginning to improve their infrastructure. Astute companies from around the world are investing big bucks into these economies. And the growth is only going to increase.
This isn't a five year fad. It will take decades for these countries to grow into modern nations. But there's no going back. The young people we met are determined and focused. This generation will do what it takes to succeed.
Your generation worked very hard to achieve financial security. In today's changing global marketplace, you'll have to invest smarter in order to maintain it. In next week's article, I'll give you practical steps to take advantage of the opportunities these emerging markets provide.
If you have a specific question or would like more information, give me a call toll-free at 1-877-827-1463 or you can also reach me by email at jeff@guardingyourwealth.com. I will answer your financial question FREE
Cambodia urged to stop evictions
Residents are being moved to new sites a long way from the centre
By Guy De Launey
BBC News, Phnom Penh
Monday, 11 February 2008
Human rights organisation Amnesty International has called for an end to forced evictions in Cambodia.
Thousands of families have already been moved from their homes in the centre of the capital Phnom Penh, and more evictions are set to follow.
The authorities say this is a necessary part of Cambodia's development.
But in its report Amnesty disputes this, and says there has been a lack of accountability and consultation with local communities.
Members of threatened communities from across Phnom Penh are fighting on, although their homes may soon be reduced to rubble.
They have held a series of meetings to express solidarity and plead for help from outsiders.
The site of the latest gathering illustrates the size of the challenge they are facing.
'Legal title'
Dey Krahom was once a vibrant slum community. Now there are empty spaces where some residents have given up and abandoned their homes.
The gaps are filled with rubble, razor wire and garbage. Bulldozers belonging to the property developers park nearby.
Many residents say they hold legal title to their land and that threats and intimidation are being used to force them to leave.
Brittis Edman from Amnesty International says developers should adopt a cooperative approach instead.
"There should be discussions with the communities before an eviction is decided and the best option would obviously be to develop while the community is here, and develop the community as it is."
But that seems unlikely to happen. The Phnom Penh authorities have said they are committed to developing the city in partnership with private companies.
So far, that has meant relocating residents to sites that are in most cases a long way from the city centre, while developers build high-end housing and shops.
BBC News, Phnom Penh
Monday, 11 February 2008
Human rights organisation Amnesty International has called for an end to forced evictions in Cambodia.
Thousands of families have already been moved from their homes in the centre of the capital Phnom Penh, and more evictions are set to follow.
The authorities say this is a necessary part of Cambodia's development.
But in its report Amnesty disputes this, and says there has been a lack of accountability and consultation with local communities.
Members of threatened communities from across Phnom Penh are fighting on, although their homes may soon be reduced to rubble.
They have held a series of meetings to express solidarity and plead for help from outsiders.
The site of the latest gathering illustrates the size of the challenge they are facing.
'Legal title'
Dey Krahom was once a vibrant slum community. Now there are empty spaces where some residents have given up and abandoned their homes.
The gaps are filled with rubble, razor wire and garbage. Bulldozers belonging to the property developers park nearby.
Many residents say they hold legal title to their land and that threats and intimidation are being used to force them to leave.
Brittis Edman from Amnesty International says developers should adopt a cooperative approach instead.
"There should be discussions with the communities before an eviction is decided and the best option would obviously be to develop while the community is here, and develop the community as it is."
But that seems unlikely to happen. The Phnom Penh authorities have said they are committed to developing the city in partnership with private companies.
So far, that has meant relocating residents to sites that are in most cases a long way from the city centre, while developers build high-end housing and shops.
Hundreds of thousands of Cambodians threatened with eviction: Amnesty
Scavengers atop a sprawling, 100-acre garbage dump in Phnom Penh. Hundreds of thousands of Cambodians are threatened with forced eviction as the government ramps up development in the country's cities, the human rights group Amnesty International said Monday © 2007 AFP Saeed KhanMonday, February 11, 2008
AFP News Briefs List
Hundreds of thousands of Cambodians are threatened with forced eviction as the government ramps up development in the country's cities, the human rights group Amnesty International said Monday.
"In sharp contrast to the rhetoric of the government's pro-poor policies ... thousands of people, particularly those living in poverty, have been forcibly evicted from their homes and lands," the group said.
"At least 150,000 Cambodians across the country are known to live at risk of being forcibly evicted," Amnesty added at the launch of its new report, "Rights Razed -- Forced evictions in Cambodia."
As Cambodia experiences spiralling land prices -- the result of unprecedented economic growth -- the country's poor are being increasingly pushed aside to make way for multi-million-dollar development schemes.
In the capital Phnom Penh and other urban centres, this has resulted in thousands of families being made homeless, or forced to move to squalid relocation sites outside the cities.
Amnesty called these evictions "one of the most widespread human rights violations affecting Cambodians in both rural and urban areas."
Land disputes have sparked some of the worst violence suffered by Cambodia since the end of its protracted civil war a decade ago.
At least two people were seriously injured in clashes over land late last month as workers for a development company squared off with villagers in a Phnom Penh slum that is slated for demolition.
Late last year, at least one person was killed and a foreign tourist taken hostage for several hours during an ongoing property dispute in northern Cambodia.
The United Nations has repeatedly raised the alarm over rising land disputes, with several rights envoys warning that these could de-stabilise the country.
AFP News Briefs List
Hundreds of thousands of Cambodians are threatened with forced eviction as the government ramps up development in the country's cities, the human rights group Amnesty International said Monday.
"In sharp contrast to the rhetoric of the government's pro-poor policies ... thousands of people, particularly those living in poverty, have been forcibly evicted from their homes and lands," the group said.
"At least 150,000 Cambodians across the country are known to live at risk of being forcibly evicted," Amnesty added at the launch of its new report, "Rights Razed -- Forced evictions in Cambodia."
As Cambodia experiences spiralling land prices -- the result of unprecedented economic growth -- the country's poor are being increasingly pushed aside to make way for multi-million-dollar development schemes.
In the capital Phnom Penh and other urban centres, this has resulted in thousands of families being made homeless, or forced to move to squalid relocation sites outside the cities.
Amnesty called these evictions "one of the most widespread human rights violations affecting Cambodians in both rural and urban areas."
Land disputes have sparked some of the worst violence suffered by Cambodia since the end of its protracted civil war a decade ago.
At least two people were seriously injured in clashes over land late last month as workers for a development company squared off with villagers in a Phnom Penh slum that is slated for demolition.
Late last year, at least one person was killed and a foreign tourist taken hostage for several hours during an ongoing property dispute in northern Cambodia.
The United Nations has repeatedly raised the alarm over rising land disputes, with several rights envoys warning that these could de-stabilise the country.
Love and “love packages” for Cambodian villagers
Singapore Catholic News
Monday, February 11th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Ten medical students from the National University of Singapore and 46 parishioners from Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace shelved their usual year-end holiday plans and, instead, went to a village 30 minutes from Phnom Penh called Phum Chreh, where they spent seven days in mid-Dcember. Leonard Koh was one of the enthusiastic missioners. This is his report on his experience.
THE GROUP CONSISTED of Catholics and non-Catholics with the youngest being only nine years old and the eldest 75. We coined a term for the trip – “Advent Cambodia Trips” (ACTs). The “s” at the end was added to indicate that there will be more such mission trips.
This mission trip was inspired by Dr John Lee and his family who had been to Phum Chreh six times before. Collaborating with the Salesian sisters of the Don Bosco Foundation of Cambodia, they helped secure funds to build a school for 400 children, provided medical care and basic necessities to the children and their families.
The Salesians of Don Bosco is a Roman Catholic order founded in the late 19th century by St. John Bosco to care for young and poor children through works of charity and education.
When Dr Lee was asked why he decided to make it a parish activity, he replied, “What other better way to manifest the spirit of Advent and to bring the parishcommunity together?”
Hatching the idea was the easy part, then came the worry of not having the critical mass to even have a trip. But more than 40 parishioners signed up! The steering committee was quickly established. There was the inevitable clashing of ideas and personalities but they were quickly resolved in the face of a common objective to provide relief to the less fortunate in Cambodia.
The 30 youths taught elementary English, Science, Mathematics and Arts and Crafts to children from Primary One through to Primary Six, taught nursery rhymes and games to the younger ones, and exhibited their artistic talent through a mural for a kindergarten.
Deborah, 19, a youth of the parish and daughter of Dr Lee, upon seeing her father in action, realized her calling, “I want to be a doctor so I can improve the quality of life of these children.”
Towards the end of the trip, when asked if she would opt for such trips again, she proclaimed with a resounding “Of course!”
The adults packed “Love packages” for the 100 poorest families and 1,000 goodie bags for the children in Phum Chreh and its sister school in Tuek Thla. Each package contained daily necessities like a mosquito net, 10 kilograms of rice, bathing soap, washing detergent, and cooking oil. As it was the yuletide season, each child’s goodie bag contained candies, biscuits and a tetra pack of fruit juice. In addition, they also visited the AIDs home run by the Missionary of Charity to bring Christmas joy and warmth to the children and infants.
For me, I never understood the joy of giving till I saw the tears of gratitude in the children’s parent’s eyes when we handed out the “Love packages”or the brilliant childlike laughter of the children we played with. Words of Mother Teresa suddenly made perfect sense: “You were not called to do big things, but little ones with love.”
I thought I was going to Cambodia to give but I received more in return and, in receiving, I now have more to give.
Monday, February 11th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Ten medical students from the National University of Singapore and 46 parishioners from Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace shelved their usual year-end holiday plans and, instead, went to a village 30 minutes from Phnom Penh called Phum Chreh, where they spent seven days in mid-Dcember. Leonard Koh was one of the enthusiastic missioners. This is his report on his experience.
THE GROUP CONSISTED of Catholics and non-Catholics with the youngest being only nine years old and the eldest 75. We coined a term for the trip – “Advent Cambodia Trips” (ACTs). The “s” at the end was added to indicate that there will be more such mission trips.
This mission trip was inspired by Dr John Lee and his family who had been to Phum Chreh six times before. Collaborating with the Salesian sisters of the Don Bosco Foundation of Cambodia, they helped secure funds to build a school for 400 children, provided medical care and basic necessities to the children and their families.
The Salesians of Don Bosco is a Roman Catholic order founded in the late 19th century by St. John Bosco to care for young and poor children through works of charity and education.
When Dr Lee was asked why he decided to make it a parish activity, he replied, “What other better way to manifest the spirit of Advent and to bring the parishcommunity together?”
Hatching the idea was the easy part, then came the worry of not having the critical mass to even have a trip. But more than 40 parishioners signed up! The steering committee was quickly established. There was the inevitable clashing of ideas and personalities but they were quickly resolved in the face of a common objective to provide relief to the less fortunate in Cambodia.
The 30 youths taught elementary English, Science, Mathematics and Arts and Crafts to children from Primary One through to Primary Six, taught nursery rhymes and games to the younger ones, and exhibited their artistic talent through a mural for a kindergarten.
Deborah, 19, a youth of the parish and daughter of Dr Lee, upon seeing her father in action, realized her calling, “I want to be a doctor so I can improve the quality of life of these children.”
Towards the end of the trip, when asked if she would opt for such trips again, she proclaimed with a resounding “Of course!”
The adults packed “Love packages” for the 100 poorest families and 1,000 goodie bags for the children in Phum Chreh and its sister school in Tuek Thla. Each package contained daily necessities like a mosquito net, 10 kilograms of rice, bathing soap, washing detergent, and cooking oil. As it was the yuletide season, each child’s goodie bag contained candies, biscuits and a tetra pack of fruit juice. In addition, they also visited the AIDs home run by the Missionary of Charity to bring Christmas joy and warmth to the children and infants.
For me, I never understood the joy of giving till I saw the tears of gratitude in the children’s parent’s eyes when we handed out the “Love packages”or the brilliant childlike laughter of the children we played with. Words of Mother Teresa suddenly made perfect sense: “You were not called to do big things, but little ones with love.”
I thought I was going to Cambodia to give but I received more in return and, in receiving, I now have more to give.
Gang leader held over murder
Thea Kheave was fatally stabbed last December.DOUG ROBERTSON
February 11, 2008
POLICE have arrested and charged the leader of a northern suburbs Asian gang for the murder of stabbing victim Thea Kheave in December.
The man, 20, of Paralowie, was arrested yesterday at Parafield Gardens and police have not ruled out further arrests.
Bail was refused and he is expected to appear in Adelaide Magistrates Court today.
"Investigations into this murder are ongoing and further arrests cannot be ruled out," a police spokesman said.
The charged man, head of a gang known as Team Revolution or TR, was a victim of a firebombing at his home last Sunday.
It was one of two similar incidents that night and happened after several Asian youths rampaged a Gouger St karaoke club.
They were reportedly waving swords and knives and looking for a man.
The fire bombings happened shortly after the gang left the bar.
The family of Mr Kheave, 21, said he was not a gang member but he had had run-ins with Team Revolution several years ago.
Paramedics were unable to revive Mr Kheave, who died in the street after a fight with gatecrashers outside a party in Vartue St, Parafield Gardens, on December 2.
His three brothers, who were guests at the Vartue St party, said then they knew the attackers and that they feared retribution by the gang.
Their family had been forced to move home in the past three years because of escalating threats made by Cambodian gang members, they said.
Educated at Enfield High School, Mr Kheave was one of six siblings who left Cambodia with their parents 20 years ago.
February 11, 2008
POLICE have arrested and charged the leader of a northern suburbs Asian gang for the murder of stabbing victim Thea Kheave in December.
The man, 20, of Paralowie, was arrested yesterday at Parafield Gardens and police have not ruled out further arrests.
Bail was refused and he is expected to appear in Adelaide Magistrates Court today.
"Investigations into this murder are ongoing and further arrests cannot be ruled out," a police spokesman said.
The charged man, head of a gang known as Team Revolution or TR, was a victim of a firebombing at his home last Sunday.
It was one of two similar incidents that night and happened after several Asian youths rampaged a Gouger St karaoke club.
They were reportedly waving swords and knives and looking for a man.
The fire bombings happened shortly after the gang left the bar.
The family of Mr Kheave, 21, said he was not a gang member but he had had run-ins with Team Revolution several years ago.
Paramedics were unable to revive Mr Kheave, who died in the street after a fight with gatecrashers outside a party in Vartue St, Parafield Gardens, on December 2.
His three brothers, who were guests at the Vartue St party, said then they knew the attackers and that they feared retribution by the gang.
Their family had been forced to move home in the past three years because of escalating threats made by Cambodian gang members, they said.
Educated at Enfield High School, Mr Kheave was one of six siblings who left Cambodia with their parents 20 years ago.
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