Sunday, 26 October 2008
PAD protesters ponder besieging Thai parliament Tuesday
BANGKOK, Oct 25 (TNA) -- Core leaders of the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters will decide whether to surround the Thai parliament Tuesday when lawmakers are scheduled to discuss two crucial issues, core leader Pipop Thongchai said on Saturday.
Mr. Pipop said he expected the gathered protest leaders to decide Monday whether or not to invest parliament when both houses confer on a plan to amend the 2007 Constitution and also consider Friday's preliminary agreement reached by senior Thai and Cambodian army officers on ways to ease border tensions related to the 11th century Preah Vihear temple.
If the march does occur, it would be exactly three weeks after the PAD supporters clashed with police at the confrontation at Parliament in which two persons died and nearly 500 others were injured.
However, Mr. Pipop said he believed the government plan to amend the constitution, drafted under the interim military-installed government following the 2006 coup, will be difficult and more domestic political conflicts would be seen if it is rewritten.
According to some observers, the planned amendment is not meant for political reform but rather for issuing an amnesty for politicians, especially tailored for ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra who is now living in Britain.
Former deputy police chief Pol. Gen. Salang Bunnag has postponed his planned foray of pro-government activists to lay siege to the PAD-occupied Government House. Mr. Pipop said the Peoples Alliance for Democracy believed that the police were behind the plan. He emphasised that such a move would automatically make Gen. Salang's group a tool of the government, which would futher discredit their reputation, which he said had already suffered due to the deadly police action against the protesters on October 7.
He said the PAD would try to prevent violence from occurring again. (TNA)
Mr. Pipop said he expected the gathered protest leaders to decide Monday whether or not to invest parliament when both houses confer on a plan to amend the 2007 Constitution and also consider Friday's preliminary agreement reached by senior Thai and Cambodian army officers on ways to ease border tensions related to the 11th century Preah Vihear temple.
If the march does occur, it would be exactly three weeks after the PAD supporters clashed with police at the confrontation at Parliament in which two persons died and nearly 500 others were injured.
However, Mr. Pipop said he believed the government plan to amend the constitution, drafted under the interim military-installed government following the 2006 coup, will be difficult and more domestic political conflicts would be seen if it is rewritten.
According to some observers, the planned amendment is not meant for political reform but rather for issuing an amnesty for politicians, especially tailored for ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra who is now living in Britain.
Former deputy police chief Pol. Gen. Salang Bunnag has postponed his planned foray of pro-government activists to lay siege to the PAD-occupied Government House. Mr. Pipop said the Peoples Alliance for Democracy believed that the police were behind the plan. He emphasised that such a move would automatically make Gen. Salang's group a tool of the government, which would futher discredit their reputation, which he said had already suffered due to the deadly police action against the protesters on October 7.
He said the PAD would try to prevent violence from occurring again. (TNA)
Somchai, Hun Sen agree to talks, restraint
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, left, smiles as he shakes hands with Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Sompong Amornvivat, during the seventh Asia-Europe Summit (Asem) in Beijing yesterday. The border dispute was brought up for discussion.Bangkok Post
Saturday October 25, 2008
ACHARA ASHAYAGACHAT and AFP
BEIJING : The Thai and Cambodian leaders yesterday agreed to avert any future armed conflicts along the border by using bilateral talks to solve problems.
The Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) will hold a meeting within two weeks after the Thai parliament endorses a temporary framework for the negotiations next Tuesday.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen told Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat on the sidelines of the Asia-Europe Meeting (Asem) in Beijing that the border clash last week was unplanned and from now on the two sides would advise their troops to show restraint and not confront each other, Thai Foreign Minister Sompong Amornvivat said yesterday.
He said Hun Sen added that the two countries would try to prevent any further armed clashes and would use existing mechanisms in order to deal with their boundary disputes.
The Cambodian leader also said the two sides would promote and improve cooperation on the regional, international and bilateral fronts.
Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong said Hun Sen told Mr Somchai that Thailand was not only a neighbour, but also a friend.
In separate talks between the Thai and Cambodian military commanders in Siem Reap yesterday, which are aimed at defusing tensions near the ancient Preah Vihear temple that erupted into a firefight on Oct 15, leaving one Thai and three Cambodian soldiers dead, both sides agreed to be more patient and avoid another clash.
"For the issue of the Preah Vihear area, both sides vowed to exercise maximum patience in order to avoid confrontation or more military clashes," the leader of the Cambodian delegation, General Chea Mon, told reporters after the meeting.
"Both sides will continue discussions on resolving the problem peacefully to ease the tension gradually," he said.
The Thai commanders, led by Lt-Gen Wiboonsak Neeparn, the Second Army commander, said there was a "friendly atmosphere" with the Cambodians, but insisted that Thailand's soldiers would stand firm.
"The Thai side strongly reiterates that the position of our troop deployments is clearly inside Thai territory," said a statement from Thai commanders released as the meetings started.
Saturday October 25, 2008
ACHARA ASHAYAGACHAT and AFP
BEIJING : The Thai and Cambodian leaders yesterday agreed to avert any future armed conflicts along the border by using bilateral talks to solve problems.
The Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) will hold a meeting within two weeks after the Thai parliament endorses a temporary framework for the negotiations next Tuesday.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen told Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat on the sidelines of the Asia-Europe Meeting (Asem) in Beijing that the border clash last week was unplanned and from now on the two sides would advise their troops to show restraint and not confront each other, Thai Foreign Minister Sompong Amornvivat said yesterday.
He said Hun Sen added that the two countries would try to prevent any further armed clashes and would use existing mechanisms in order to deal with their boundary disputes.
The Cambodian leader also said the two sides would promote and improve cooperation on the regional, international and bilateral fronts.
Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong said Hun Sen told Mr Somchai that Thailand was not only a neighbour, but also a friend.
In separate talks between the Thai and Cambodian military commanders in Siem Reap yesterday, which are aimed at defusing tensions near the ancient Preah Vihear temple that erupted into a firefight on Oct 15, leaving one Thai and three Cambodian soldiers dead, both sides agreed to be more patient and avoid another clash.
"For the issue of the Preah Vihear area, both sides vowed to exercise maximum patience in order to avoid confrontation or more military clashes," the leader of the Cambodian delegation, General Chea Mon, told reporters after the meeting.
"Both sides will continue discussions on resolving the problem peacefully to ease the tension gradually," he said.
The Thai commanders, led by Lt-Gen Wiboonsak Neeparn, the Second Army commander, said there was a "friendly atmosphere" with the Cambodians, but insisted that Thailand's soldiers would stand firm.
"The Thai side strongly reiterates that the position of our troop deployments is clearly inside Thai territory," said a statement from Thai commanders released as the meetings started.
Betrayal at the border
Bangkok Post
Saturday October 25, 2008
When Thailand and Cambodia signed and later ratified the 1997 Ottawa Convention outlawing anti-personnel landmines, both countries joined 154 others in promising to destroy any stockpiles and do everything in their power to rid themselves of the deadly devices within a set deadline. Implicit in this was an understanding that none of the signatories would acquire or lay landmines ever again.
Both countries were believed to be honouring their commitments until, on Oct 6, something went horribly wrong. Two Thai paramilitary rangers from the Suranaree task force stepped on mines and their legs were blown off, while on a routine patrol deep inside Thai territory to the north of Phu Ma Khua in an area adjacent to the Preah Vihear temple in Si Sa Ket province. The explosion was so powerful that parts of the wounded soldiers were blown up to 5-6 metres into the air.
The Thai Mines Action Centre and other non-governmental organisations identified the culprits as Russian-made PMN2-type landmines which were retrieved and appeared to be new as no rust was found on them. They were also in an area marked as landmine-free and used regularly by villagers to get to their farms as well as by soldiers on patrol. These landmine-free areas were separated from those yet to be cleared by a barbed wire fence and both of the wounded soldiers were outside that fence.
Quite rightly, anger has flared on the diplomatic front. The Foreign Ministry noted that the new mines appeared to have been laid after a brief clash in the area on Oct 3 and called on Cambodian authorities to investigate whether any individual had violated legislation banning the use of anti-personnel landmines. It recalled that the Phnom Penh government had submitted a report to the United Nations secretary-general in 2002 noting that 240 PMN2-type landmines from a total of 3,405 were transferred from its Interior Ministry to the Cambodian Mine Action Centre for development and training. It asked the Cambodian government to verify where the remaining mines were and expressed disappointment and alarm as the mine blasts indicated a violation of the 1997 Ottawa Convention as well as a threat to international peace.
Not so, said Cambodian officials in Phnom Penh. The Hun Sen government denied it had recently planted landmines along the border and said any there "are the remnants of almost three decades of war."
Now a question mark and suspicion cloud the air. If, as Cambodia claims, the two mines in question were not new, why were they not detected in previous sweeps and clearing operations? And if the mine ban treaty is being flouted, what a dreadful omen this would be for mine-clearing operations in the future and joint demarcation of the border. We already have enough trouble with mines strewn along the Burma-Thai border and elephants, their mahouts and villagers being blown up with disturbing regularity. But Burma isn't a signatory of the Ottawa Convention; Cambodia is.
Any weakening of the Mine Ban Treaty increases the threat to the half a million Thais living in 27 provinces along the Cambodian, Lao and Burmese borders who are exposed on a daily basis to death, dismemberment or disability from uncleared mines. Aid agencies say from 30 to 100 people are maimed or killed in these mine-contaminated areas every year.
It would be a terrible betrayal of trust for anyone to lay more of these barbaric devices on our soil after pledging not to. Anti-personnel mines have no place in the civilised world.
Saturday October 25, 2008
When Thailand and Cambodia signed and later ratified the 1997 Ottawa Convention outlawing anti-personnel landmines, both countries joined 154 others in promising to destroy any stockpiles and do everything in their power to rid themselves of the deadly devices within a set deadline. Implicit in this was an understanding that none of the signatories would acquire or lay landmines ever again.
Both countries were believed to be honouring their commitments until, on Oct 6, something went horribly wrong. Two Thai paramilitary rangers from the Suranaree task force stepped on mines and their legs were blown off, while on a routine patrol deep inside Thai territory to the north of Phu Ma Khua in an area adjacent to the Preah Vihear temple in Si Sa Ket province. The explosion was so powerful that parts of the wounded soldiers were blown up to 5-6 metres into the air.
The Thai Mines Action Centre and other non-governmental organisations identified the culprits as Russian-made PMN2-type landmines which were retrieved and appeared to be new as no rust was found on them. They were also in an area marked as landmine-free and used regularly by villagers to get to their farms as well as by soldiers on patrol. These landmine-free areas were separated from those yet to be cleared by a barbed wire fence and both of the wounded soldiers were outside that fence.
Quite rightly, anger has flared on the diplomatic front. The Foreign Ministry noted that the new mines appeared to have been laid after a brief clash in the area on Oct 3 and called on Cambodian authorities to investigate whether any individual had violated legislation banning the use of anti-personnel landmines. It recalled that the Phnom Penh government had submitted a report to the United Nations secretary-general in 2002 noting that 240 PMN2-type landmines from a total of 3,405 were transferred from its Interior Ministry to the Cambodian Mine Action Centre for development and training. It asked the Cambodian government to verify where the remaining mines were and expressed disappointment and alarm as the mine blasts indicated a violation of the 1997 Ottawa Convention as well as a threat to international peace.
Not so, said Cambodian officials in Phnom Penh. The Hun Sen government denied it had recently planted landmines along the border and said any there "are the remnants of almost three decades of war."
Now a question mark and suspicion cloud the air. If, as Cambodia claims, the two mines in question were not new, why were they not detected in previous sweeps and clearing operations? And if the mine ban treaty is being flouted, what a dreadful omen this would be for mine-clearing operations in the future and joint demarcation of the border. We already have enough trouble with mines strewn along the Burma-Thai border and elephants, their mahouts and villagers being blown up with disturbing regularity. But Burma isn't a signatory of the Ottawa Convention; Cambodia is.
Any weakening of the Mine Ban Treaty increases the threat to the half a million Thais living in 27 provinces along the Cambodian, Lao and Burmese borders who are exposed on a daily basis to death, dismemberment or disability from uncleared mines. Aid agencies say from 30 to 100 people are maimed or killed in these mine-contaminated areas every year.
It would be a terrible betrayal of trust for anyone to lay more of these barbaric devices on our soil after pledging not to. Anti-personnel mines have no place in the civilised world.
Oregon Coast Winery Owner Expands Humanitarian Efforts in Cambodia
The orphanage in Cambodia: one of the first buildings built (photo Shackelford). BeachConnection.net
(Nehalem, Oregon) - Ray Shackelford, owner of Nehalem Bay Winery and Depoe Bay Winery, is expanding his humanitarian efforts in a downtrodden region of Cambodia.
In recent years, his money and actual manpower helped build two schools and a sewing industry that helps create an economy for two towns. Now, in the Cambodian village of Trung Treung - about 90 miles southwest of Phenom Pen, the orphanage that began last year has expanded from one building to three, allowing for more babies to be rescued.
Through Shackelford’s Anyway Foundation, he has raised about $3000 to help these impoverished people and others in the region not just survive but to help themselves. But the vast majority of the money spent - in the tens of thousands - has come from his own pocket.
In recent years, his money and actual manpower helped build two schools and a sewing industry that helps create an economy for two towns. Now, in the Cambodian village of Trung Treung - about 90 miles southwest of Phenom Pen, the orphanage that began last year has expanded from one building to three, allowing for more babies to be rescued.
Through Shackelford’s Anyway Foundation, he has raised about $3000 to help these impoverished people and others in the region not just survive but to help themselves. But the vast majority of the money spent - in the tens of thousands - has come from his own pocket.
Shackelford personally helps out in CambodiaOriginally, Shackelford started helping out the tiny village of Chheneng, in the Mondulkiri province of Cambodia, an impoverished place populated by the Pnong, an ethnic minority that suffered much under regimes of the last century in both Cambodia and Vietnam. The village had no running water or electricity, and they have little to eat on a regular basis, mostly foraging in the jungle for food.
Shackelford has been helping out with donations and strategies that have given them a means to help themselves – much more than just a handout. Shackelford, along with a pair of other local men and villagers, have built two schools, another well for the people, and a sewing shop that is helping them on their way to self-sufficiency.
Shackelford has been helping out with donations and strategies that have given them a means to help themselves – much more than just a handout. Shackelford, along with a pair of other local men and villagers, have built two schools, another well for the people, and a sewing shop that is helping them on their way to self-sufficiency.
People in the village of Chheneng, Cambodia.Then, in late 2007, he began an orphanage a few hundred miles away from Chheneng. The first building at the orphanage was remodeled at that time, and a second and third building have now been added. There are currently 13 children at the orphanage, but the capacity has now been expanded to 20 – which Shackelford believes will be reached sometime this year.
The first building went from a dirt floor to a solid floor last year, and a western-style bathroom was added for increased hygiene. There are better living quarters for the nannies, a groundskeeper, and the facility has a clean water system – the only one in this area.
The first building went from a dirt floor to a solid floor last year, and a western-style bathroom was added for increased hygiene. There are better living quarters for the nannies, a groundskeeper, and the facility has a clean water system – the only one in this area.
“That’s one reason the babies are so healthy,” said Shackelford.
The babies range in age from three months to just under one year. One three-month-old came to the facility so undernourished she looked like only a few weeks old. Now, she too is quite healthy.
Other successes of the orphanage include five of the original 11 babies have been adopted in the last year. There is now one nanny for two babies as well – a total of 13 babies altogether at the moment. Heartbreaking stories still loom, but they soon turn to successes.
Such as the sickly infant found abandoned under a rubber tree in recent months, apparently without food for maybe days. Or the other little one who had lived on only water after the grandmother became too sick to move and take care of her.
“She probably would’ve been dead soon,” Shackelford said. “For eight days, she’d had nothing but a rag to suck on and water. The father had died of AIDS, and the mother left the child with the grandmother, who could not care for her.”
Nehalem Bay Winery, on the north coast.The grandmother died shortly after. But both babies were nursed back to health and later adopted out, making a happy ending.
The water system comes from a tower, which pumps water from a nearby pond. The water is then run through several filters to clean it up, and then boiled before use in the formula. There is now even some electricity in the facility via generator, which among other important aspects, allows the nannies to watch TV on their off hours.
Although they will be able to host up to 20 kids for the first year, more space may become available later on.
Shackelford said that when one of these children gets adopted to a western country it’s like hitting the lottery for them. “Just the new life, being a kid from Cambodia and then going to be being raised in a western country like Spain or France or whatever,” he said. “That’s phenomenal.”
Shackelford is hoping to coax more donations from the outside world through his Anyway Foundation. Each child costs approximately $158 per month. The new additions of the two buildings cost $7000 – which are staggeringly cheap by western standards, but the bills do stack up.
Nehalem Bay Winery is located on the north Oregon coast, between Wheeler and Nehalem. Contact Shackelford at 503-368-9463.
The water system comes from a tower, which pumps water from a nearby pond. The water is then run through several filters to clean it up, and then boiled before use in the formula. There is now even some electricity in the facility via generator, which among other important aspects, allows the nannies to watch TV on their off hours.
Although they will be able to host up to 20 kids for the first year, more space may become available later on.
Shackelford said that when one of these children gets adopted to a western country it’s like hitting the lottery for them. “Just the new life, being a kid from Cambodia and then going to be being raised in a western country like Spain or France or whatever,” he said. “That’s phenomenal.”
Shackelford is hoping to coax more donations from the outside world through his Anyway Foundation. Each child costs approximately $158 per month. The new additions of the two buildings cost $7000 – which are staggeringly cheap by western standards, but the bills do stack up.
Nehalem Bay Winery is located on the north Oregon coast, between Wheeler and Nehalem. Contact Shackelford at 503-368-9463.
A krama with good karma
Photo by: CHRISTOPHER SHAY The Phnom Penh Post
Written by Christopher Shay
Friday, 24 October 2008
A woman in Atsu, a small village next to the Sambor Prei Kuk community in Kampong Thom province, prepares the yarn to weave kramas. Visitors can visit the tiny workshop and purchase kramas directly from the weavers. The community hopes to see their business grow as more tourists head to the temples at Sambor Prei Kuk as part of a private-sector-sponsored, community-based tourism project.
Written by Christopher Shay
Friday, 24 October 2008
A woman in Atsu, a small village next to the Sambor Prei Kuk community in Kampong Thom province, prepares the yarn to weave kramas. Visitors can visit the tiny workshop and purchase kramas directly from the weavers. The community hopes to see their business grow as more tourists head to the temples at Sambor Prei Kuk as part of a private-sector-sponsored, community-based tourism project.
SRP picks new acting secretary general
The Phnom Penh Post
Written by Meas Sokchea
Friday, 24 October 2008
SAM Rainsy Party (SRP) officials have appointed Ke Sovannaroth as acting secretary general of the opposition party, almost two months after Eng Chhay Eang resigned from the position.
Ke Sovannaroth, a parliamentarian in Siem Reap province, will fill the position ahead of likely party elections next year.
SRP spokesman and lawmaker Son Chhay said the acting secretary general position was not elected but appointed at the request of party President Sam Rainsy, and then approved at a meeting with the central committee of the party.
"This is just temporary appointment until the position goes up for re-election in the future," he said, adding that party member Hong Sok Huo was also elected as chief of finance at the party.
A welcome change
Ke Sovannaroth told the Post Thursday that she was pleased to have the position of secretary general, a position she said she would take to naturally.
"I think it is normal for me to be a leader, but it will still be challenging to decide on big issues," she said.
SRP Deputy Secretary General Mu Sochua welcomed Wednesday's appointment.
"I believe that after reforming, the SRP will be a much better party," she told the Post Thursday, adding that she believed Ke Sovannaroth was highly qualified to be a leader.
"It is good for SRP that its officials volunteer to resign from these positions. Some leaders hold on to their positions for a long time, and it is not good for a country's development."
Written by Meas Sokchea
Friday, 24 October 2008
SAM Rainsy Party (SRP) officials have appointed Ke Sovannaroth as acting secretary general of the opposition party, almost two months after Eng Chhay Eang resigned from the position.
Ke Sovannaroth, a parliamentarian in Siem Reap province, will fill the position ahead of likely party elections next year.
SRP spokesman and lawmaker Son Chhay said the acting secretary general position was not elected but appointed at the request of party President Sam Rainsy, and then approved at a meeting with the central committee of the party.
"This is just temporary appointment until the position goes up for re-election in the future," he said, adding that party member Hong Sok Huo was also elected as chief of finance at the party.
A welcome change
Ke Sovannaroth told the Post Thursday that she was pleased to have the position of secretary general, a position she said she would take to naturally.
"I think it is normal for me to be a leader, but it will still be challenging to decide on big issues," she said.
SRP Deputy Secretary General Mu Sochua welcomed Wednesday's appointment.
"I believe that after reforming, the SRP will be a much better party," she told the Post Thursday, adding that she believed Ke Sovannaroth was highly qualified to be a leader.
"It is good for SRP that its officials volunteer to resign from these positions. Some leaders hold on to their positions for a long time, and it is not good for a country's development."
S'ville market vendors angry
Photo by: TRACEY SHELTON File photo shows workers beginning to rebuild Sihanoukville’s Phsar Leu market after it was gutted by fire in January.
The Phnom Penh Post
Written by Chhay Channyda
Friday, 24 October 2008
Vendors who had stalls in the old market that was gutted by fire are up in arms, saying the new market is filthy and the new stalls are too small
VENDORS at Phsar Leu market in Sihanoukville, which resumed operations on October 13 after being gutted by fire earlier this year, say they have not been able to reopen their stalls because they are still under construction.
Chom Srey Sros, a perfume vendor, said ongoing building has made it impossible for her to return to her stall, which she said is fouled up by construction debris.
"Dirt is blowing everywhere in the market," she said. "We cannot go back yet," she added.
Many vendors have also been complaining about the size and location of their new stalls.
"We could not choose our old stall location. Now my stall is smaller, and it will be difficult to get my clients back because they won't know where my new stall is," Chom Srey Sros said.
Hau Leang, a rice seller, said that some vendors have refused to return to the market due to the smaller size of the stalls.
"We complained to the authorities about the stall size many times but without result because the authorities already had a model for stalls for everyone," she said, adding that her new stall is only two metres by two metres while her old stall was double that size.
Phsar Leu market burned in January, with thousands of vendors losing entire stocks of goods in the inferno.
Chom Srey Sros said she lost around US$7,000 worth of products, and every vendor had to pay between US$700 and US$1,000 for the construction of a new stall.
Kong Samoeun, governor of Mittapheap district in Sihanoukville, told the Post by telephone Thursday that the stalls have been designed following an agreement with the vendors.
"We have followed the order of vendors," he said.
"Since the reopening on October 13, I have seen a small number of vendors opening their stalls again," he said.
"We know there is still a lot to be done. The market has not been finished yet so the vendors have to wait."
According to Kong Samoeun, Prime Minister Hun Sen contributed US$500,000 to rebuild the market's roof, and the municipality paid approximately the same amount to renovate the market's infrastructure.
Written by Chhay Channyda
Friday, 24 October 2008
Vendors who had stalls in the old market that was gutted by fire are up in arms, saying the new market is filthy and the new stalls are too small
VENDORS at Phsar Leu market in Sihanoukville, which resumed operations on October 13 after being gutted by fire earlier this year, say they have not been able to reopen their stalls because they are still under construction.
Chom Srey Sros, a perfume vendor, said ongoing building has made it impossible for her to return to her stall, which she said is fouled up by construction debris.
"Dirt is blowing everywhere in the market," she said. "We cannot go back yet," she added.
Many vendors have also been complaining about the size and location of their new stalls.
"We could not choose our old stall location. Now my stall is smaller, and it will be difficult to get my clients back because they won't know where my new stall is," Chom Srey Sros said.
Hau Leang, a rice seller, said that some vendors have refused to return to the market due to the smaller size of the stalls.
"We complained to the authorities about the stall size many times but without result because the authorities already had a model for stalls for everyone," she said, adding that her new stall is only two metres by two metres while her old stall was double that size.
Phsar Leu market burned in January, with thousands of vendors losing entire stocks of goods in the inferno.
Chom Srey Sros said she lost around US$7,000 worth of products, and every vendor had to pay between US$700 and US$1,000 for the construction of a new stall.
Kong Samoeun, governor of Mittapheap district in Sihanoukville, told the Post by telephone Thursday that the stalls have been designed following an agreement with the vendors.
"We have followed the order of vendors," he said.
"Since the reopening on October 13, I have seen a small number of vendors opening their stalls again," he said.
"We know there is still a lot to be done. The market has not been finished yet so the vendors have to wait."
According to Kong Samoeun, Prime Minister Hun Sen contributed US$500,000 to rebuild the market's roof, and the municipality paid approximately the same amount to renovate the market's infrastructure.
Unesco to dermarcate Preah Vihear
The Phnom Penh Post
Written by POST STAFF
Friday, 24 October 2008
THE UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) heritage committee expects to determine the boundary of Preah Vihear temple in late November or early December, officially marking the disputed area as a Unesco World Heritage site, according to a senior Cambodian official.
Phay Siphan, secretary of state at the Council of Ministers, said that despite the ongoing border dispute that has left two statues in the Preah Vihear temple complex damaged by gunfire, the area would be demarcated and signposted as a UN monument as planned.
Phay Siphan claimed that Thai soldiers violated international law by intentionally damaging the site during fighting that erupted last week over disputed border territory.
"The Preah Vihear complex and the surrounding areas were invaded by Thais, and the Thai soldiers intended to destroy the temple," he said, referring to evidence that Thai rounds had pockmarked statues and a staircase at the temple.
Phay Siphan said that the Preah Vihear Authority has already complained to Unesco about the damage done to two naga statues, which were allegedly struck by rounds or shell fragments during the October 15 clash between Cambodian and Thai troops.
Min Sovann, a heritage police officer with the Preah Vihear Authority, told the Post Thursday, "We had to complain, because the temple is the world's property".
The 11th-century temple complex was listed as a UN World Heritage site on July 7 in a decision that angered Thai nationalists and escalated tensions over contested border areas.
Min Sovann confirmed that two naga statues and a stairway at the temple complex were slightly damaged by rounds fired from Thai M79 grenade launchers.
The naga statues sustained damage to their heads, necks and bodies, but the pockmarks will not cause the naga statues to collapse, he said.
Written by POST STAFF
Friday, 24 October 2008
THE UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) heritage committee expects to determine the boundary of Preah Vihear temple in late November or early December, officially marking the disputed area as a Unesco World Heritage site, according to a senior Cambodian official.
Phay Siphan, secretary of state at the Council of Ministers, said that despite the ongoing border dispute that has left two statues in the Preah Vihear temple complex damaged by gunfire, the area would be demarcated and signposted as a UN monument as planned.
Phay Siphan claimed that Thai soldiers violated international law by intentionally damaging the site during fighting that erupted last week over disputed border territory.
"The Preah Vihear complex and the surrounding areas were invaded by Thais, and the Thai soldiers intended to destroy the temple," he said, referring to evidence that Thai rounds had pockmarked statues and a staircase at the temple.
Phay Siphan said that the Preah Vihear Authority has already complained to Unesco about the damage done to two naga statues, which were allegedly struck by rounds or shell fragments during the October 15 clash between Cambodian and Thai troops.
Min Sovann, a heritage police officer with the Preah Vihear Authority, told the Post Thursday, "We had to complain, because the temple is the world's property".
The 11th-century temple complex was listed as a UN World Heritage site on July 7 in a decision that angered Thai nationalists and escalated tensions over contested border areas.
Min Sovann confirmed that two naga statues and a stairway at the temple complex were slightly damaged by rounds fired from Thai M79 grenade launchers.
The naga statues sustained damage to their heads, necks and bodies, but the pockmarks will not cause the naga statues to collapse, he said.
Water Festival security tightened
Photo by: VANDY RATTANA Workers prepare floats for this year's Water Festival, or Om Tuk, celebrations.
The Phnom Penh Post
Written by Chhay Channyda
Friday, 24 October 2008
Extra personnel will be brought in to monitor busy areas during the three-day celebration
THE government will boost security in the capital in the lead-up to next month's Water Festival, Phnom Penh Governor Kep Chuktema said.
Authorities will also prevent vendors from doing business in the parks lining the river, where tens of thousands of people are expected to gather for the biggest party on Phnom Penh's social calendar.
"Local authorities must manage any disorder along the riverside from now on," Kep Chuktema told municipal officials earlier this week, adding that food and drinks sellers must be cleared to keep riverside areas "beautiful for the eyes of the people".
In a directive dated September 30, Kong Sam Ol, director of the National Committee for Organising National and International Festivals, called on all relevant authorities to join hands.
"The Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defence and Municipality of Phnom Penh must cooperate with each other to keep public order before and after the festival in order to provide people with safety and enjoyment," he said.
Security preparations will include military forces, City Hall said.
Police at the ready
Phnom Penh Municipal Police Chief Touch Naruth said by phone Tuesday that his police forces are ready to be deployed for the festival's security.
"Thousands of municipal policemen, military policemen and policemen from the Ministry of Interior are ready to act as security for the people who come to Phnom Penh for the Water Festival," he said.
As many as two million visitors are expected in Phnom Penh during the festival.
Written by Chhay Channyda
Friday, 24 October 2008
Extra personnel will be brought in to monitor busy areas during the three-day celebration
THE government will boost security in the capital in the lead-up to next month's Water Festival, Phnom Penh Governor Kep Chuktema said.
Authorities will also prevent vendors from doing business in the parks lining the river, where tens of thousands of people are expected to gather for the biggest party on Phnom Penh's social calendar.
"Local authorities must manage any disorder along the riverside from now on," Kep Chuktema told municipal officials earlier this week, adding that food and drinks sellers must be cleared to keep riverside areas "beautiful for the eyes of the people".
In a directive dated September 30, Kong Sam Ol, director of the National Committee for Organising National and International Festivals, called on all relevant authorities to join hands.
"The Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defence and Municipality of Phnom Penh must cooperate with each other to keep public order before and after the festival in order to provide people with safety and enjoyment," he said.
Security preparations will include military forces, City Hall said.
Police at the ready
Phnom Penh Municipal Police Chief Touch Naruth said by phone Tuesday that his police forces are ready to be deployed for the festival's security.
"Thousands of municipal policemen, military policemen and policemen from the Ministry of Interior are ready to act as security for the people who come to Phnom Penh for the Water Festival," he said.
As many as two million visitors are expected in Phnom Penh during the festival.
Tourism, with a community twist
Photo by: CHRISTOPHER SHAY Prasat Chhrey, a 7th-century temple in Sambor Prei Kuk. A new private-sector-sponsored tourism project aims to bring tourists into communities across this little-explored part of Cambodia.
The Phnom Penh Post
Written by Christopher Shay
Friday, 24 October 2008
German organisation GTZ hopes creative partnerships will benefit locals and tourists Kompong Thom
WE made our way through Sambor Prei Kuk in Kampong Thom on bicycles rented from local schoolchildren and wearing kramas we had watched being made in a neighbouring village, while our guide explained the history of the site. Later, we ate lunch prepared by residents and took an oxcart to a craft store selling handwoven baskets.
Residents of Sambor Prei Kuk are newcomers to the tourism industry, but with the help of the German Development Organisation (GTZ), they have become quick learners. The organisation has spent the last three years training community members in handicraft production, English-language skills, bookkeeping, marketing and business management.
Today, Sambor Prei Kuk - a village conveniently located halfway between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap along Route 6 - is poised to become one of Cambodia's newest tourism hot spots, and one that will directly benefit the local community.
Sambor Prei Kuk is located on top of the ancient city of Isanapura, the 7th-century capital of Chenla. Despite years of looting and the ravages of war, important archaeological sites still dot the area.
In the early 600s, Chenla conquered large parts of what is now Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos, making it the dominant force in the region and an important predecessor to the Khmer Empire.
GTZ chose Sambor Prei Kuk to develop community-based services because of its historical resources and location, said Ngin Hong, a local economic development coordinator at GTZ.
The region's history makes it an ideal stop for tourists to learn about the pre-Angkorian era before heading north to Angkor Wat.
"It doesn't just have gorgeous-looking temples in a beautiful forested setting, but it also has carvings galore, is steeped in history and sets the scene for clients on their way to visit Angkor," said Andy Brouwer, product manager at Hanuman Tourism.
GTZ will spend the next two years trying to forge ties between Sambor Prei Kuk and the private sector. It brought in Exotissimo Travel, a tour operator, early on to develop a viable tour product and to make connections with other private-sector partners.
Such partnerships are vital because GTZ will pull out in 2010, after which the community will need to run the industry by itself.
Community-based tourism projects have failed in the past when they lacked monitoring, maintenance and local understanding of market demand, said Daniel de Gruiter, a consultant from Exotissmo.
But de Gruiter is optimistic about Sambor Prei Kuk's future because of early private-sector involvement.
"[GTZ] started to collect data and feedback from the private sector in the early stages, which helps them to develop in the right direction," de Gruiter said.
Many tour operators in Cambodia have started pushing clients towards community-based activities as the quality and quantity of options improve.
"If [tourists] feel they are giving something back direct to the local community, they find that appealing," Brouwer said.
Residents of Sambor Prei Kuk have already begun to reap the financial benefits of their new training. Sin Pich, a local coordinator of tourism services, said, "The community here is poor. Now, we can market goods and help people find jobs. People can make handicrafts and sell them to support their families."
Residents can also learn more about their culture and pass down that knowledge to future generations, Sin Pich said.
Our local guide, Noun Vothear, said his job brings a great sense of satisfaction. "I want more and more tourists here because I enjoy telling people about Sambor Prei Kuk," he said.
Despite early signs of success, two obstacles remain: poor transportation infrastructure and the need for understanding between tourists and community members.
The area's muddy, uneven roads can be major deterrents for many travellers.
"The government has many plans if the infrastructure gets better, but the first measure the government wants to do is improve the roads," said Bin Kimleath, deputy director of the Tourism Department in Kampong Thom province.
A potential new partnership holds out some hope for the future. Provincial officials in Kampong Thom are in discussion with the World Bank and the Chinese government to help fund road infrastructure that would better connect tourist sites, Ngin Hong said.
Mutual understanding between tourists and community members can also pose problems to the area's fledgling industry. Local villagers need to know what appeals to Western tourists, while visitors must respect their local hosts.
Brouwer said communication difficulties are "understandable in many respects, as the providers of the community services are coming from the other end of the spectrum from the high-end clients".
On the other side, tourism operators need to educate their clients. Tour companies cannot handpick which tourists go to community-based sites like Sambor Prei Kuk, but they can make sure they know some basic rules.
"We should provide them with guidelines of what we see as responsible tourism and encourage them to act responsibly. We can't make them, but we can encourage and inform," Brouwer said.
Partners in community revitalisation
As product manager for Hanuman Tourism, Andy Brouwer sees collaboration between the private sector and local communities as a key component towards building a sustainable and mutually beneficial tourism industry that serves the needs of local hosts and travellers alike. Community-based tourism services are poised to become a major component of the industry’s future growth. “We as private-sector companies should encourage our clients to use these services where possible, as that will have a positive effect on the local communities.... However, we have a duty to make sure these services are of a good enough quality,” Brouwer said. Apart from generating additional revenue, such programs can reinforce community traditions. Sin Pich, a tourism operator in Kampong Cham, says traditional handicraft skills are being revived. “Once they have the knowledge, they can continue it and pass it down to posterity. The tourists show them that [traditional] knowledge is important,” Sin Pich said.
Written by Christopher Shay
Friday, 24 October 2008
German organisation GTZ hopes creative partnerships will benefit locals and tourists Kompong Thom
WE made our way through Sambor Prei Kuk in Kampong Thom on bicycles rented from local schoolchildren and wearing kramas we had watched being made in a neighbouring village, while our guide explained the history of the site. Later, we ate lunch prepared by residents and took an oxcart to a craft store selling handwoven baskets.
Residents of Sambor Prei Kuk are newcomers to the tourism industry, but with the help of the German Development Organisation (GTZ), they have become quick learners. The organisation has spent the last three years training community members in handicraft production, English-language skills, bookkeeping, marketing and business management.
Today, Sambor Prei Kuk - a village conveniently located halfway between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap along Route 6 - is poised to become one of Cambodia's newest tourism hot spots, and one that will directly benefit the local community.
Sambor Prei Kuk is located on top of the ancient city of Isanapura, the 7th-century capital of Chenla. Despite years of looting and the ravages of war, important archaeological sites still dot the area.
In the early 600s, Chenla conquered large parts of what is now Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos, making it the dominant force in the region and an important predecessor to the Khmer Empire.
GTZ chose Sambor Prei Kuk to develop community-based services because of its historical resources and location, said Ngin Hong, a local economic development coordinator at GTZ.
The region's history makes it an ideal stop for tourists to learn about the pre-Angkorian era before heading north to Angkor Wat.
"It doesn't just have gorgeous-looking temples in a beautiful forested setting, but it also has carvings galore, is steeped in history and sets the scene for clients on their way to visit Angkor," said Andy Brouwer, product manager at Hanuman Tourism.
GTZ will spend the next two years trying to forge ties between Sambor Prei Kuk and the private sector. It brought in Exotissimo Travel, a tour operator, early on to develop a viable tour product and to make connections with other private-sector partners.
Such partnerships are vital because GTZ will pull out in 2010, after which the community will need to run the industry by itself.
Community-based tourism projects have failed in the past when they lacked monitoring, maintenance and local understanding of market demand, said Daniel de Gruiter, a consultant from Exotissmo.
But de Gruiter is optimistic about Sambor Prei Kuk's future because of early private-sector involvement.
"[GTZ] started to collect data and feedback from the private sector in the early stages, which helps them to develop in the right direction," de Gruiter said.
Many tour operators in Cambodia have started pushing clients towards community-based activities as the quality and quantity of options improve.
"If [tourists] feel they are giving something back direct to the local community, they find that appealing," Brouwer said.
Residents of Sambor Prei Kuk have already begun to reap the financial benefits of their new training. Sin Pich, a local coordinator of tourism services, said, "The community here is poor. Now, we can market goods and help people find jobs. People can make handicrafts and sell them to support their families."
Residents can also learn more about their culture and pass down that knowledge to future generations, Sin Pich said.
Our local guide, Noun Vothear, said his job brings a great sense of satisfaction. "I want more and more tourists here because I enjoy telling people about Sambor Prei Kuk," he said.
Despite early signs of success, two obstacles remain: poor transportation infrastructure and the need for understanding between tourists and community members.
The area's muddy, uneven roads can be major deterrents for many travellers.
"The government has many plans if the infrastructure gets better, but the first measure the government wants to do is improve the roads," said Bin Kimleath, deputy director of the Tourism Department in Kampong Thom province.
A potential new partnership holds out some hope for the future. Provincial officials in Kampong Thom are in discussion with the World Bank and the Chinese government to help fund road infrastructure that would better connect tourist sites, Ngin Hong said.
Mutual understanding between tourists and community members can also pose problems to the area's fledgling industry. Local villagers need to know what appeals to Western tourists, while visitors must respect their local hosts.
Brouwer said communication difficulties are "understandable in many respects, as the providers of the community services are coming from the other end of the spectrum from the high-end clients".
On the other side, tourism operators need to educate their clients. Tour companies cannot handpick which tourists go to community-based sites like Sambor Prei Kuk, but they can make sure they know some basic rules.
"We should provide them with guidelines of what we see as responsible tourism and encourage them to act responsibly. We can't make them, but we can encourage and inform," Brouwer said.
Partners in community revitalisation
As product manager for Hanuman Tourism, Andy Brouwer sees collaboration between the private sector and local communities as a key component towards building a sustainable and mutually beneficial tourism industry that serves the needs of local hosts and travellers alike. Community-based tourism services are poised to become a major component of the industry’s future growth. “We as private-sector companies should encourage our clients to use these services where possible, as that will have a positive effect on the local communities.... However, we have a duty to make sure these services are of a good enough quality,” Brouwer said. Apart from generating additional revenue, such programs can reinforce community traditions. Sin Pich, a tourism operator in Kampong Cham, says traditional handicraft skills are being revived. “Once they have the knowledge, they can continue it and pass it down to posterity. The tourists show them that [traditional] knowledge is important,” Sin Pich said.
The Government Prepares to Issue Four or Five Laws to Facilitate Business - Friday
Posted on 25 October 2008
The Mirror, Vol. 12, No. 583
“According to an announcement of the working group on Law, Taxation & Good Governance (Group 4 [also called Group D]) of the Royal Government-Private Sector Forum (G-PSF), the government is working on four or five draft laws to facilitate private business and investment.
“Early this week, Deputy Prime Ministry Keat Chhon, the Minister of Economy and Finance and chairperson of the Working Group 4 representing the Royal Government, and Mr. Bretton Sciaroni, the co-chairperson of the Group 4, representing the private sector, met to discuss four drafts that are being produced to facilitate the work of private business and of investors. According to the announcement, those draft laws include an ‘Eminent Domain’ law [related to the expropriation of land for public purposes], regulations for Customs Brokers, draft laws for Public Purchasing procedures, the management and development of real estate, and judicial standards that will allows foreigners to own rooms in multiple story buildings.
“The director of the State Property Department of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Mr. Net Mony, said during the session that the Eminent Domain draft law aims to facilitate the construction, restoration, and expansion of public physical infrastructure to serve public interest, as well as to provide appropriate compensation and justice, if the property of any owner is expropriated. He added that these draft laws will be put through a session of the Council of Ministers at the end of November, before they are sent to the National Assembly to be adopted in 2008.
“Dr. Pen Siman, the Royal Government’s delegate in charge of the Customs and Excise Department, reported to the session about the regulations for Customs Brokers, where at present, the Ministry recognizes 76 companies as temporary Customs Brokers (represented by 144 natural persons). In the meantime, the conditions for natural persons to be recognized as temporary Customs Brokers are that they must have a bachelor degree, and place US$5,000 as a bond. In future, bachelor’s degrees will not be demanded, but they must pass a tests, and the money that is now required as a bond, can in future be replaced with a guarantee letter issued by a bank.
“Mr. Ou Bun Long, a Secretary of State at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, reported during the session about the preparation of a Public Purchasing Law, that it aims to guarantee that public purchasing proceeds with transparency and with justice, and with full open competition, and is in line with other public finance legislation.
“Also, Mr. Ngy Tayi, an Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, reported to the session about the management, the monitoring, and the provision of licenses to individuals developing real estate, that on 30 July 2008, the Ministry of Economy and Finance issued an announcement about such management and monitoring, by establishing policies where Cambodia wants that qualified investors develop real estate where Long Term Agreements are protected.
“Regarding the creation of judicial standards that allows foreigners to own rooms in multi-story buildings, an Under- Secretary of State of the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning & Construction, said during the session, that the Ministry has created this a working group to draft these regulations. This special working group has conduced careful studies to guarantee that the permission for foreigners to own rooms in multi-story buildings is not against the constitution or against any laws. The private sector is welcoming this effort and even asks the working group of the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning & Construction to study the detailed procedures for the splitting up of major land holdings – that is real estate – when it is mortgaged, for the registration of Long Term Lease Agreements, as well as for the Security of Long-Term Lease Agreements.”
Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.16, 4724.10.2008
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