DAP News ; Breaking News by Soy Sopheap

via CAAI News Media

Two Years in Prison over Singer Prostitution Case

Wednesday, 13 January 2010 02:16 DAP-NEWS

Chhin Sotheary, a Little Known Cambodian singer, was the victim of a sexual trafficking scam, Phnom Penh Municipal Court heard on Monday.

The accused in the case, Preap Sophea, 31, was arrested on July 19, 2009 after allegedly falsely claiming to offer the sexual services of Chhin Sotheary, a court official said. She was found guilty, fined CR1,000,000 and sent to prison for two years. The plaintiff demanded US$10,000 compensation.

Chhin Sotheary´s fiancé had called police to arrest Preap Sophea after seeing his partner’s name in a catalogue of women on offer to clients.

Sotheary´s fiancé told the court that Preap Sophea had claimed Chhin Sotheary was not present at the establishment.

“I called to police to find and arrest her as soon as possible because it is a infringement upon my fiancée’s rights,” he was quoted as saying.

Preap Sophea claimed that the case was just a mix-up, with a woman of similar name but different identity listed. “She (the similarly named woman) has left for Thailand,” she said.

Judge Chaing Sinath found the presented evidence sufficient to charge her with sexual trafficking.

Climate Change Concerns for Cambodia

Wednesday, 13 January 2010 02:19 DAP-NEWS

The National Committee of Disaster Management (NCDM) Secretary General for Cambodia on Monday voiced concerns about the effects of climate change.

Peou Samy said at a seminar at Naga World Hotel of Phnom Penh that natural disasters are both local and international.

Storms, flooding, droughts and other disasters have already beset Cambodia us, he added, saying that at least US$153 million worth of damage was caused by Typhoon Ketsana.

“We need US$131 million to support … victims of bad weather,” he said.

Aslam Perwaiz of the Asian Disaster Program Committee (ADPC) said that the EU has €1 million allocated to support areas around the Mekong River, for poverty reduction projects and strengthening the capacity of local authorities.

Perwaiz added that the project will help to cut climate change risks in Southeast Asia. Cambodia is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the region.

Disaster management capacity building at provincial, district and commune levels to prepare and implement disaster risk reduction plans remains one of the most important priorities, Perwaiz added.

Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam will all receive assistance, he said.

Gambling Must Stop, PM Warns

Wednesday, 13 January 2010 02:20 DAP-NEWS

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen once again on Tuesday warned the 8 Phnom Penh district governors to put an end to all gambling, including football betting and card games.

The premier’s caution is the latest in series of warnings to local officials in the course of an ongoing crackdown on gambling. Gaming continues, however, behind closed doors.

The PM claimed that at least one lawyer had yawned in a National Asse-mbly session after a night’s gambling.

“Do not suppose that I don’t know some lawyers yawned in the National Assembly Session,” the PM said during a graduation ceremony in Phnom Penh on Tuesday. “At the moment, gambling is done at guesthouses and hotels.”

“Please watch out carefully if you do not want trouble,” he instructed the governors, singling out Daun Penh district as “the most difficult area.”

The premier also warned that cockfighting, a popular traditional pastime in Cambodia, must also be halted.

There has been strong support for the government’s crackdown on gambling, perceived by many as a social evil dragging Cambodians into poverty.

Expected High Demand for Pork at Chinese New Year

Wednesday, 13 January 2010 02:21 DAP-NEWS

A pork vendor at O’Russey market said on Tuesday that the demand for pork will be higher during the upcoming Chinese New Year, to fall on February 14.

The pork will be in demand as most Chinese buy meat or whole pigs as ceremonial offerings, though some are concerned about swine flu, Khim Nady said, though prices are not expected to rise much.

A kilo of pork currently fetches US$3.5-4.5.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Fisheries, that pig industry decreased over 4 percent in 2009 over 2008. The decline is said to due to the high cost of feed and animal diseases. Disease is a key concern.

Around 1,000 pigs per day with a value of at least US$2 million dollars arrive from abroad to supply the local market demand.

Currently, the MAFF has closely followed animal movement to prevent any communicable diseases, said Kao Phal, MAFF’s director of health and animal production. “This year our measure is similar to last year about the poultry and animal movement during this event.”

Thai Soldiers Encroach Upon Cambodian Territory

Wednesday, 13 January 2010 02:21 DAP-NEWS

Cambodian troops and Thai black-clad soldiers are close to confronting one-another at the Choub Ron area after 30 Thai soldiers moved from O’Krogn- oung in Thailand to camp in the O’Kbal Haseb area at the Thai-Cambodia border in Oddor Meanchey province.

Chen Sivuth, the provincial inspection chief, on Tuesday told DAP News Cambodia the Thais came to camp in the area at 10 am on January 11.

“Following Thai soldiers camping, Cambodia soldiers reached that area, but they have not confronted one another yet, but Cambodian party demanded absolutely those Thai soldiers returned to their old station,” he said. “Those Thai soldiers were willing to act illegally.” However, both soldier parties often hold discussions for cooperation and to improve the relationship between the militaries.