Thai Yellow Shirts rally in Bangkok

Photo by: Pha Lina

Thai Yellow Shirt activist Veera Somkwamkid is escorted by Cambodian police ahead of Thursday's hearing at Phnom Penh Municipal Court.

via CAAI

Sunday, 02 January 2011 20:58 Cheang Sokha and James O’Toole

Activists from Thailand’s Yellow Shirt movement have burned Prime Minister Hun Sen’s photo and staged rallies in Bangkok to protest against last week’s arrest of a Thai parliamentarian and six other Thais for allegedly trespassing on Cambodian territory.

Panich Vikitsreth, an MP from Thailand’s ruling Democrat Party, was arrested along with six others near a Cambodian military encampment in Banteay Meanchey province’s O’Chrou district, across the border from Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province, while attempting to “investigate” the border demarcation process.

The group were charged in Phnom Penh Municipal Court last week with illegal entry and unlawfully entering of a military base, charges that carry a combined maximum sentence of 18 months in prison.

Also among those arrested was Veera Somkwamkid, a former activist with the People’s Alliance for Democracy, as the mainstream Yellow Shirt movement is formally known, who now heads a PAD splinter group called the Thailand Patriot Network.

On Friday, Yellow Shirt protesters gathered outside the Cambodian Embassy in Bangkok, burning a coffin with Hun Sen’s photo on it. The protests in the Thai capital continued yesterday, and the Yellows have vowed to stage a thousands-strong rally in Sa Kaeo province on Tuesday.

“We don’t have any reaction to these unlawful extremists,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Koy Kuong said. “We’ll just let the court officials proceed with their work.”

PAD spokesman Panthep Puapongpan claimed the group had evidence that last week’s arrests took place on Thai soil and were thus unlawful. He accused the Cambodian government of staging the incident to distract from alleged Vietnamese incursions on the Kingdom’s eastern border, where the opposition Sam Rainsy Party has staged repeated protests.

“The Cambodians have been invaded by the Vietnamese and they cannot protest,” Panthep said. “[Cambodian leaders] want to deviate the attention of the Cambodian people and fight with the Thai government.”

Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Thani Thongphakdi said, however, that the Thai government had conducted its own investigation of the case and had concluded that the arrests were in fact made on Cambodian soil.

Thani said Bangkok had no comment on the protests against Hun Sen and Cambodia.

“The issue is being covered by the court,” he said. “We should leave it to the court.”

Pich Vicheka, a lawyer representing Veera and three other defendants in the case, said yesterday that he had yet to receive any information on a trial date, adding that he was considering submitting a bail request for his clients.

Koy Kuong confirmed the government had given permission for Panich’s family to visit him this morning at Prey Sar prison, where the seven Thais are awaiting trial.

Last week, Thai premier Abhisit Vejjajiva dispatched his foreign minister, Kasit Piromya, to Phnom Penh to discuss the case with Cambodian Minister of Foreign Affairs Hor Namhong. Following talks on Thursday, however, Hor Namhong told reporters that the case would proceed.

“While the court process is ongoing, the government cannot do anything,” Hor Namhong said. Kasit said through a translator that the incident would not create broader conflict between Thailand and Cambodia.

“We respect the judiciary of Cambodia,” he said. “We have proposed to the [Cambodian] government that they complete this case as soon as possible.”

Hun Sen addressed the case in a speech last Wednesday, saying Thai lawmakers “have parliamentary immunity in Thailand, but not in Cambodia”.

Veera and the PAD have staged repeated rallies at the border to protest against alleged Cambodian encroachment.

Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a fellow at Singapore’s Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, called last week’s border visit an act of “provocation”, saying it was an attempt by hardline Yellows to stoke Thai nationalist sentiment regarding Preah Vihear temple and the countries’ contentious border.

“[The Thailand Patriot Network] and Veera have only one issue to cash in, and this is Preah Vihear,” Pavin said in an email last week. “But I think Thais and Cambodians get bored with it and many in both countries want to move on.”

Demarcation of the border is ongoing under the auspices of the bilateral Joint Border Committee, of which Panich is a member, according to the Bangkok Post. JBC talks have been stalled since 2009, however, pending the Thai parliament’s approval of the latest round of negotiations.

Mining association seeks standards and action

Photo by: Wesley Monts

Cambodian Association of Mining and Exploration Companies president Richard Stanger at his Phnom Penh office.

via CAAI

Sunday, 02 January 2011 18:52 Jeremy Mullins

Cambodia could potentially contain a “bonanza” of mineral wealth, but finding and extracting the resources is a risky, expensive business, according to Richard Stanger, president of Cambodian Association of Mining and Exploration Companies.

Although much of the country’s mineral wealth was unexplored, the sector offers another revenue stream that could assist Cambodia’s economic development.

“If Cambodia has a mineral industry it will add a lot more strength to GDP. It will give a buffer against the value of the other sectors,” he said.

The association presently has 21 companies as members, including OZ Minerals, Southern Gold, and Liberty Mining, of which Stanger is managing director. Many of the present members are junior Australian miners, and have joined together to provide an industry voice for the sector as it develops.

One concern CAMEC would like to see addressed is the implementation of a minerals law addressing issues such as taxation, which could be in place this year.

“We’re obviously risk takers”, he said of the exploration companies in the Kingdom. “We didn’t come in with the football rules fully finalised. But we saw the potential, and saw that we can work with the government here, so we’re pretty happy.”

A setback to the development of the industry has been a tendency for speculators to buy and sell concession licences, with little intention of actually exploring their tenements.

“I think that was one of the main irritations to the Ministry [of Industry, Mines and Energy] until the middle of 2005,” Stanger said. “Once companies like ourselves were really starting exploration they were quite happy, because until then people were mostly buying and selling concessions.”

“I think they heard that story a lot of times before we came along. They gave us a bit of rope, and we didn’t hang ourselves with it. We basically went out there and spent the money on the ground. We’re trying to do everything as properly as we can, as well as working with local communities and employing people and training people,” he said.

However, some speculation on concessions was still ongoing.

He claimed one company recently approached him offering a concession for US$3 million that they’d only had for three weeks and had done minimal work on it.

“Just buying and selling, it locks up the mineral potential of the country,” he said, adding concessions were usually handed out on the basis that the licence-holder conduct a certain level of work.

“The potential – there could be some absolute bonanzas here [in Cambodia] as far as gold, copper, and some base metals as well,” he said.

However, CAMEC – which was officially recognised by the government in February – aims to promote a responsible and sustainable mining industry in Cambodia. It is not open to every mining company, but rather only accepts applications from mining and support industries that adhere to specific ethical principles.

While mining could be a profitable venture, it has to be weighed other concerns such as any negative environmental and social impacts that should be mitigated.

“We’re looking for companies with the same sort of standards [to join CAMEC]. We wouldn’t want to ruin the objectives of the organisation by including companies that may or may not want to comply with it,” he said.

The Kingdom’s miners are a relatively risky proposition, meaning they are often not financed through bank loans, but rather through private funding, venture capital, and through two main stock markets.

“The Australian Stock Exchange and the Canadian exchange are probably the ones that are best for risky business,” he said.

There are some risk factors that are unique to the Kingdom, such as the threat of land mines and unexploded ordinance, he said, but added that some of the challenges are improving: the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy was quite supportive of the industry, infrastructure was improving, and telecommunications has extended across much of the country.

Provincial officials in graft warning

Photo by: Heng Chivoan

A pair of SUVs passes by the Anticorruption Institution in Phnom Penh yesterday. During January and February, officials will collect asset declarations from around 100,000 government officials.

via CAAI

Sunday, 02 January 2011 20:26 Vong Sokheng

Anticorruption Unit head Om Yentieng has reportedly accused several dozen officials in Kampong Thom province, including the provincial governor, of taking bribes from those involved in the illegal logging trade.

A Kampong Thom provincial military police officer said that during a meeting in the province on Thursday to educate local officials about the Kingdom’s newly-implemented Anticorruption Law, Om Yentieng identified by name officials who he said were “black-listed” and under investigation by the ACU.

“There was a closed-door meeting on the sidelines of yesterday’s meeting with the individuals who are on the black list of the ACU, and His Excellency Om Yentieng warned them to immediately stop taking bribes from those who transport illegally logged timber,” said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

“[Om Yentieng] warned that if these officials are discovered taking bribes a second time, they will face law enforcement.”

The military police officer said those on the “black list” included Kampong Thom provincial governor Chhun Chhorn, as well as officials from the provincial police, military police and Forestry Administration.

Chhun Chhorn declined to comment on the allegations.

“I am afraid to give detailed information about the ACU,” he said yesterday. “I cannot talk about that – all information must come directly from the head of the ACU.”

Om Yentieng and ACU spokesman Keo Remy could not be reached for comment yesterday. Kheang Seng, the ACU’s head of law enforcement, said only Om Yentieng had the documents identifying which officials were on the black list.

Prime Minister Hun Sen announced a crackdown on illegal logging last year and sacked Forestry Administration head Ty Sokun in April for failing to adequately address the issue. However, few officials have been prosecuted as part of the crackdown.

Asset roll call

This week, the ACU will kick off an asset declaration push that is expected to involve around 100,000 government officials. From January 1 to February 28, the ACU will collect information from officials at all levels of government, including the prime minister.

“The law requires us to complete the asset declaration process within 60 days, and we have to fulfill our obligation,” Kheang Seng said.

Officials will be required to declare assets including business interests, property and vehicles that they own, but will not have to disclose their bank account balances, according to a copy of the asset declaration form distributed by the ACU last month. They also are not required to declare the assets of spouses or relatives.

Sek Borisoth, director of the good governance NGO PACT Cambodia, said it would be “impossible” for the ACU to confirm the veracity of every asset declaration it receives, though the declarations could serve as a useful baseline for investigations in the years to come.

“The next one year or two years, officials will need to re-declare, and at that time they could [check] the assets that are declared [this year] to see if there’s any difference,” he said.

In November, the ACU arrested Pursat provincial prosecutor Top Chan Sereyvuth, charging him and two bodyguards with corruption, extortion and false imprisonment.

In December, the unit released a report naming 30 low-level tax officials that had allegedly overcharged motorists during road tax collection.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY JAMES O’TOOLE

Rising debts dog fishing families

Photo by: May Titthara

Fishing boats moored in Preah Sihanouk province’s Stung Hav district last month. Locals say dozens of such boats are using drag nets illegally in community areas, decimating fish stocks and threatening local livelihoods.

via CAAI

Sunday, 02 January 2011 19:52 May Titthara

Preah Sihanouk province

Prom Phul sits at the back his small wooden home, a krama wrapped around his waist, painstakingly repairing holes in a polyester fishing net.

The house, topped with a corrugated iron roof, is one of around 140 in Village 3, a small hamlet facing onto the Gulf of Thailand, where most families make their living from small-scale fishing in the surrounding waters.

The 54-year-old Prom Phul has been fishing Village 3’s aquamarine waters since 1985, but says the outlook for the local fishing industry – once swelled by bounteous catches of fish, prawns and squid – has taken a bad turn.

Recently, he said, five families packed up their meagre belongings and left the village, burdened by bank debts that have escalated with the arrival of large-scale fishing operations in the area.

“Now, four or five families have run away from their homeland because they’re not able to repay the bank debt,” Prom Phul said, as the breeze rolled in off the sea, rattling the wooden walls of his home.

Small wooden fishing boats, including nets and fishing equipment, cost between US$3,000 and $7,000. To afford the investment, Prom Phul said, many fishermen have to sell farmland or take out bank loans, and it is a sum that can take years to pay off – even when times are good.

90 percent of the fishermen in the village are currently in debt to banks and moneylenders, he said, a situation that could worsen further if fish catches continue to fall.

“In the future, if the authorities can’t stop [poachers], more and more fishing families will leave their homes,” he said. “We cannot stand and wait until we are dead.”

On this idyllic stretch of coast, in Stung Hav district’s Otres commune, other locals say that the increase in large-scale fishing operations – emboldened by official corruption and a loose enforcement of fisheries laws – threatens their livelihoods.

The Kingdom’s 2001 Fisheries Law aims to “conserve fishery resources” and “improve the benefits of fishermen”, and states that fishery community areas are reserved for those using “small-scale” family fishing gear.

But locals say enforcement is weak, and that the arrival of the large fishing boats, banned from operating in waters less than 20 metres deep, leaves small fishing boats with little to catch.

Prom Phul’s neighbour, Uy Heng, who has been a fisherman since 1993, said the larger fishing boats first appeared off the Stung Hav coast in 2005, originating mostly in Vietnam and Thailand.

Initially, there were between 10 and 20 operating in the area, but he said that by 2009, the number had crept up to around 200.

Such boats deploy large fishing nets, known as muong hor, or “flying nets”, that can extend for up to 200 metres in length.

Uy Heng said the nets are banned in shallow waters, where they not only capture mature fish but also scoop up everything else in their path, devastating fish and crab breeding grounds. Authorities often allow larger fishing boats to operate illegally in community areas after accepting bribes of 1 to 2 million riels ($250-$500), he added.

Uy Heng said falling fish catches have left him unable to repay his debts to the bank, and blamed the local authorities for not doing enough to enforce fisheries laws.

“The authorities just bar the poachers with their mouths, but big fishing nets are rampant like mushrooms in the rain. The authorities just catch and punish them for money, but don’t send them to court,” he said.

Om Deng, the chief of the Stung Hav fishing community, which stretches along the Stung Hav coast, says that 99 fishermen in Village 3 are in debt, and that many are avoiding bank staff after having defaulted on payments.

Meanwhile, the government claims to have cracked down on illegal fishing, though the number of illegal operators in Stung Hav has “doubled” in recent years. “Until now there has been not even one solution for the fishermen,” he said.

Another fisherman, Thach San, said the Stung Hav coast, stretching north to Sre Ambel in Koh Kong province, is especially rich in fish, but that since 2006, overfishing has damaged breeding grounds and reduced catches.

“Before I could catch 30 to 40 kilogrammes of fish per hour, but [some days] now I can’t catch even a single fish,” he said.

After the natural resources are damaged, the fishermen will not know how to make a living: few of them own farmland, living in basic shelters along the beach.

“I appeal for the officials to respect the laws and to make sure the laws are not only implemented with the poor. If not, we’ll die and people will maybe flee from their homes because they don’t have money to pay off the bank debt,” he said.

However, fisheries officials say they have made a demonstrated commitment to cracking down on illegal operations on the coast.

“We are determined that we will take action and that our prohibitions are aimed at avoiding fishermen who catch fish in shallow waters,” said Nao Thuok, director of the Fisheries Administration. He added, however, that “flying nets” were not outlawed in deeper waters.

The levying of 1 or 2 million-riel fines was national policy, Nao Thuok said, since most fishing offences were not serious enough to be prosecuted in court.

Duong Sam Ath, director of the Preah Sihanouk Fisheries Administration office, said offenders were fined on the spot, and that repeat offenders could face legal action.

“We warned them to fish in the delimited areas. In the case that they are still stubborn, we send them to the court,” he said.

But Chhuon Bunnara, an officer for Fisheries Action Coalition Team in Preah Sihanouk, said that if the authorities do not introduce measures to prohibit “flying nets” and other drag nets in shallow waters, it could impact biodiversity, destroy fish catches and force fishermen and their families into destitution.

“If the fishing gains go down, the fishermen will face increasing debt,” he said.

For 46-year-old Uy Hy, another Village 3 resident who has caught saltwater shrimp and squid in the area since 1986, the drop-off in fish catches has resulted in a sharp decline in profits.

He said that fishermen used to make between 200,000 and 400,000 riels ($50-$100) per day but now sometimes return from their daily fishing trips practially empty-handed.

“When the fisheries authorities catch [illegal operators], they get money and release them”, he said.

“And then they come back to do the same illegal activities.”

Funcinpec still opposed to royalist merger

Photo by: Sovan Philong

Prince Norodom Ranariddh speaks during an interview with The Post last month.

via CAAI

Sunday, 02 January 2011 20:06 Meas Sokchea

Leaders of the royalist Funcinpec party have reaffirmed their opposition to a merger with Prince Norodom Ranariddh’s self-named party, only weeks after the former prime minister floated the proposal.

Prince Ranariddh, who made a surprise return to political life last month, has proposed the creation of a new party – to be called Funcinpec 81 – as a means of reuniting and reinvigorating the Kingdom’s flagging royalist movement.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the heads of Funcinpec, which is now in government as the minor coalition partner of the Cambodian People’s Party, said the party would not take part in any merger.

“The Funcinpec party would like to deny and reject completely a request or any initiative about the merger of the Funcinpec 81 movement,” read the statement.

It added that a December 6 meeting between the Norodom Ranariddh Party head and Funcinpec president Keo Puth Reaksmey was private and did not indicate any agreement on the merger plan.

The statement did not indicate why Funcinpec was rejecting the Prince’s proposal, but early last month Funcinpec officials said that relinquishing the Funcinpec name would disrupt the party’s historical continuity and impact its popularity.

Since Funcinpec’s victory in the elections in 1993, the royalist movement has been on a steady decline. In 2008, both royalist parties won a combined four seats in the 123-seat National Assembly.

On Sunday, NRP representatives expressed regret at Funcinpec’s position on the merger.

“I am so regretful about the Funcinpec party’s rejection,” said NRP spokesman Pen Sangha. “I’m not saying that the present Funcinpec has walked far from its previous principles; I want to keep and defend Funcinpec’s principles ... The best way is the merger of both royalist parties.”

Keo Puth Reaksmey could not be reached for comment Sunday, but Funcinpec spokesman Tom Sambol reiterated that his December meeting with Ranariddh was private in nature.

65 ‘illegal’ workers arrested in Malaysia

via CAAI

Sunday, 02 January 2011 20:48 Buth Reaksmey Kongkea

A total of 65 Cambodian nationals – including 15 children – have reportedly been arrested and detained by Malaysian immigration police, an official at a migrant worker advocacy organisation said Sunday.

Meas Saneth, programme director for the NGO Coordination of Action Research on AIDS and Mobility, said the group was arrested on Saturday.

As well as 15 children, the group included 37 female and 13 male workers, he said.

“These Cambodian people were arrested by Malaysian immigration police because they were staying and working illegally in Malaysia,” he said.

“My organisation now is working hard to contact them in order to know about their living conditions and their health.” The workers had likely been sent to Malaysia by illegal recruitment agencies that had “cheated” them, he said.

Koy Kuong, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Sunday that he had heard unofficial reports of the arrests, which authorities were still trying to substantiate.

“Our embassy is now working hard and contacting Malaysian authorities about this information,” he said.

He added that if Cambodian nationals had been arrested in Malaysia, the two countries would work together to repatriate the group.

“I think that if there is such a thing happening there, our embassy will handle this issue with Malaysian authorities in order to get them back to Cambodia,” he said.

Raja Saifful Ridzuwan, minister counsellor at the Malaysian embassy in Phnom Penh, was also unable to confirm the reported arrests on Sunday, but said the embassy would look into the matter.

Malaysia has become an increasingly popular destination for Cambodian migrant workers, with the number of Cambodians seeking work there increasing by about four times over the past two years.

According to figures provided by the Malaysian embassy in October, a total of 20,909 Cambodians – among them 18,038 domestic workers – were given visas between January and August.

A total of 12,682 visas were issued in all of 2009, and 5,304 were issued in 2008.

However, the sharp increase has coincided with mounting concern over the welfare of Cambodian workers, fuelled by a recent spate of complaints from people who claim to have suffered abuse from Malaysian employers.

'Patriots' rally to demand Thais' release

via CAAI

Protesters say accused were not trespassing

Published: 3/01/2011

The Thai Patriots Network is hoping to mobilise thousands of people to join a rally in Sa Kaeo tomorrow to increase the pressure on Phnom Penh to release seven Thais being held for alleged illegal entry into Cambodia.

Supporters in Bangkok will gather at Government House at noon today before travelling to Sripen Road in Sa Kaeo. Network co-leader Chaiwat Sinsuwong expects at least 5,000 people to join the protest.

The seven being held in Phnom Penh include Democrat Party MP for Bangkok Panich Vikitsreth and a leading member of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), Veera Somkwamkid.

Mr Panich is a serving member of the Joint Boundary Committee which is made up of representatives from Thailand and Cambodia.

The group was arrested last Wednesday while inspecting a disputed border area near Ban Nong Jarn in Sa Kaeo's Khok Sung district. The Phnom Penh Municipal Court charged them on Thursday with encroaching on Cambodian territory and entering a military area.

The Thai Patriots Network says the group was on Thai territory. It backs its claim with land documents and receipts of tax payments.

An adviser to the network, former senator Karun Saingam, said Thai landowners had been unable to secure title deeds as land officials could not enter and measure the area because it was occupied by Cambodian soldiers.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Thani Thongphakdi said relatives of the detainees were likely to meet them at Prey Sor prison in Phnom Penh today.

The relatives, who were already in Phnom Penh, were awaiting final approval for the visit from the Cambodian authorities, he said.

Democrat Party deputy leader Kraisak Choonhavan, chairman of a party panel on political development and public participation, said yesterday the arrests could have a "ripple effect on politics", especially on the rally planned by the PAD for Jan22.

The PAD is heading protests against what it sees as territorial losses to Cambodia along the eastern border.

The deputy spokesman of the opposition Puea Thai Party, Jirayu Huangsap, said yesterday the Democrat-led government was trying to mend the relationship with Phnom Penh, but things had now been complicated by one of its MPs teaming up with a member of the PAD to work on border issues.

Activists to rally at border, demanding release of Thai detainees

via CAAI

BANGKOK, Jan 2 -- Thailand Patriot Network (TPN) representatives on Sunday gathered at Government House to protest the case of seven Thais detained in Cambodia and announce their plans to rally at the Thai-Cambodian border in Sa Kaeo on Tuesday, aiming to pressure the neighbouring country to release the group.

Chaiwat Sinsuwong and Karun Sai-ngam on Sunday led the civil society activists to gather at the gate of Government House to issue a proclamation on the case of the seven Thais alleged to have trespassed on Cambodian territory last week.

The activists said that the seven Thai nationals who are detained in Prey Sar prison did not intrude onto Cambodian soil but were nonetheless captured by the Cambodian military on charges of illegal entry.

The seven, including Democrat Party member of parliament Panich Vikitsreth, and members of the so-called 'Yellow Shirt' People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protest movement, were charged by the Phnom Penh Court with illegal entry and illegally entering a military base along the border, crimes carrying penalties of up to six months and one year, respectively.

To support the announcement, the activists displayed documents showing the border area at Boundary Marker No. 46, where the seven Thais were detained by Cambodia, is located in Thai territory and belongs to a Thai villager who has paid land tax to the Thai authorities.

In addition, Mr Karun also displayed Thai residents’ land deeds showing that several plots of land were possessed during 1944-1952 and claimed that the land currently was occupied by the Cambodian military. He said that Sa Kaeo’s Khok Soong Land Office cannot measure and survey these areas.

In case of Democrat MP Panich Vikitsreth, in his capacity as a member of the joint House and Senate panel to examine the three memos provided by the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), was also apprehended while inspecting areas where local residents complained that their rice fields were occupied by Cambodian soldiers for about two months and that their complaints have been ignored by concerned agencies.

As scheduled, the Thailand Patriot Network will gather at Government House Monday at noon to demand that Cambodia free the Thai detainees. TPN will rally and speak at a Thai village border area at Boundary Marker No. 46 on Tuesday. (MCOT online news)

PAD calls anti-Cambodia rally

via CAAI

Published: 2/01/2011 at 04:09 PM

Online news:

Members of the yellow-shirt people group and the Thailand Patriot Network will hold a protest in the eastern province of Sa Kaew on Tuesday, Jan 4, to call for a the release of detained seven Thais, core leader of the network Chaiwat Sinsuwong said in a press conference on Sunday.

The yellow-shirt supporters of the People’s Alliance for Democracy and the Thailand Patriot Network are now staging protest against the government in front of Government House for failing to rapidly seek the release of their leaders and colleagues being jailed in Cambodia.

Mr Chaiwat said the Tuesday rally against Cambodian government will be held on Sripen road in Sakaew province.

“The yellow-shirts will continue rallying in front of Government House on Monday, Jan 3, and on Tuesday, they will regroup at the venue in Sa kaew as planned”, He said.

He expected at least 5,000 yellow-shirts would join the planned anti-Cambodian government rally.

Minebea: To Spend Y5 Billion To Build New Motor Plant In Cambodia

 via CAAI

By Hiroyuki Kachi
Sunday January 2, 2011

TOKYO -(Dow Jones)- Minebea Co. (6479.TO) said Monday it will spend about Y5 billion to construct a new motor plant in Cambodia

The Japanese precision component company said the plant will be its first major new production facility since it built a plant in Shanghai in 1994.

Aimed at strengthening its production network in Southeast Asia, the new facility will receive parts from a Minebea plant in Thailand, and will manufacture small and mid-sized motors for home electronics and other uses.

Minebea said it will first lease production facilities in the Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone and will kick off production there from April 2011. The company will then construct a new plant in the zone, which is slated to begin production by the end of 2012 with a maximum of 5,000 workers.

- By Hiroyuki Kachi, Dow Jones Newswires; 813-6269-2789; Hiroyuki.Kachi@dowjones.com  

UN urged to help Arrested 7

via CAAI

Published: 2/01/2011

The Thai Patriots Network has asked the United Nations to help secure the release of seven Thais held in Phnom Penh on charges of illegal entry into Cambodia, and claims to have proof of their innocence.

The network, led by Somboon Thongburan and allied to the People's Alliance for Democracy, gave a petition to the UN at its regional headquarters on Ratchadamnoen Avenue yesterday.

The petition included a copy of land title deeds and receipts of tax payments on the land, which is said to prove that the Thais, including Democrat MP Panich Vikitsreth, were actually arrested on Thai soil in Khok Sung district, Sa Kaeo.

Mr Somboon said the land belonged to Khem Paengsungnern and was connected to border marker No 46, and the Thais were about 300m from the border mark when they were arrested last Wednesday.

This contradicts findings by the Thai Foreign Ministry, which admitted earlier that the Thais were about one kilometre inside Cambodian territory at the time of the arrest.

Thai ambassador to Cambodia, Prasas Prasasvinitchai, has visited the seven Thais at Prey Sor prison on the outskirts of Phnom Penh.

The detainees are poised to meet family members when Cambodian officials resume work after New Year.

Chavanond Komalayasut, secretary to the Thai foreign minister, said Mr Panich's wife, Patchareeporn Vikitsreth, left Bangkok yesterday for Phnom Penh, where she will wait for approval for the prison visit.

Lawyers plan to file bail requests to the court for the Thais as soon as the court resumes duty next week.

Yellows to rally against Cambodia in Sa Kaew

via CAAI

Published: 2/01/2011

Members of the yellow-shirt people group and the Thailand Patriot Network will hold a protest in the eastern province of Sa Kaew on Tuesday, Jan 4, to call for a the release of detained seven Thais, core leader of the network Chaiwat Sinsuwong said in a press conference on Sunday.

The yellow-shirt supporters of the People’s Alliance for Democracy and the Thailand Patriot Network are now staging protest against the government in front of Government House for failing to rapidly seek the release of their leaders and colleagues being jailed in Cambodia.

Mr Chaiwat said the Tuesday rally against Cambodian government will be held on Sripen road in Sakaew province.

“The yellow-shirts will continue rallying in front of Government House on Monday, Jan 3, and on Tuesday, they will regroup at the venue in Sa kaew as planned”, He said.

He expected at least 5,000 yellow-shirts would join the planned anti-Cambodian government rally.

Film mogul to charity angel: how tip trip made millionaire Scott Neeson join slumdogs

via CAAI

Published Date: 02 January 2011

By Emma Cowing

EIGHT years ago, Edinburgh-born Scott Neeson was one of the most powerful men in Hollywood, with a 36ft yacht, a mansion and a $1.5 billion (£960 million) budget overseeing the release of blockbuster movies including Braveheart, Titanic and X Men.

Today he lives in the slums of Phnom Penh, where he has dedicated his life to turning round the fortunes of Cambodia's poorest children.

Now Neeson is bringing his charity, the Cambodian Children's Fund, to the UK. Previously active in America - where Neeson has used his Hollywood connections to attract big name investors including media mogul Sumner Redstone - he is now hoping to attract donors from his homeland to help poverty stricken Cambodians living in some of the world's most deprived conditions.

Neeson first visited Cambodia in 2003 during a sabbatical from his glitzy Hollywood lifestyle, where he was president of 20th Century Fox International and on first name terms with A-list stars such as Tom Cruise and Harrison Ford.

"I finished up my contract at Fox in July 2003 and was starting a new contract five week later with Sony Pictures," he told Scotland on Sunday this weekend.

"It had been a very stressful few years with movies like Titanic and Braveheart and I went travelling in Asia. I ended up in Phnom Penh and while I was there I was taken to see the garbage dump just outside the city. That turned my whole life upside down."

Neeson was so shocked by the poverty-stricken conditions he saw, where more than 1,000 children lived and worked on the rubbish dump, that he wanted to move there immediately and do what he could to help.

"I was certain at the time I wanted to do this but I was 45 years old and wondered if it could be a middle aged crisis, so I made myself a promise. I'd give myself 12 months back in Los Angeles in my new job before I did anything rash. Twelve months to the day I resigned and came over here," he said.

"It really was a calling, something I felt I could do, something I was good at. Really, it's about what you want your life to be about. That was the most important part for me."

Initially the charity helped change the lives of 45 children who lived and worked in the city's notorious rubbish dump. "What we have now is close to 1,000 children either in direct school or using our services and we also have families, parents and siblings who are living in squalor that we are trying to help," he said. "You'd be amazed how similar the problems are here with those of a Western family

It's just that the circumstances are more extreme."

Speaking from Cambodia, Neeson, who moved from Scotland to Australia with his family as a child, said: "We're moving towards a programme of trying to link communities and have more engagement with the UK. What I'd love to see is families in Scotland sponsoring families here in Cambodia, and having that human contact with whole families across the world."

Since the launch of the charity in 2004, the Cambodian Children's Fund has come to the aid of more than 700 children from Phnom Penh's slums, through teaching programmes and helping families climb out of poverty through work and employment schemes and food programmes. The charity also runs an active sponsor project that allows donors to sponsor individual children or families.

The charity launched its UK arm in December and now has a base in London overseeing its UK operations. Its patrons include Michael Mansfield QC. And Neeson is also exploring the possibility of bringing a children's dance troupe from the charity to this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

"I used to come back to Scotland every 18 months or so but since I've been in Cambodia I haven't had the opportunity. I'm thinking about getting across for the 2011 Fringe with the dance troupe - it would be an amazing experience for the kids."

Neeson says that, although he hasn't lived in Scotland since he was a child, he still retains a Scottish identity.

"I've always felt Scottish. I went back to Scotland in my early 20s and went up the West Highland Way and it's a stunning country, it really is amazing. I consider myself a Scot."

He acknowledged that, with the economic downturn, not everyone may have the means to dig deep into their pockets for a charity that helps people half way round the world.

"It depends on what you want out of life. Most definitely things are tough at the moment, particularly in Scotland with the high unemployment rate, it's hard. But there's nothing worse than this place - anyone who sees it can see that. If you truly want to help then give what you can. Five pounds here will buy enough rice to feed a family for two weeks. It's all relative."

Neeson, who still goes back to Los Angeles several times a year but says he won't move back there, says the most rewarding part of his job now is also the most simple.

"It's seeing the difference you can make to a child who has been through things so awful you just couldn't even describe them. Within two months of coming here you've got this whole new child with a sparkle in their eye. They laugh and play and you can see that change. That's what it's all about."

Auckland (New Zealand) New Year 2011 at Sky Tower - Firework

Yellow shirts appeal to UN

via CAAI

Published: 1/01/2011 

Online news:

Thailand Patriot Network representatives on Saturday submitted a letter to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, asking for justice, humanity and to respect the civil rights of seven Thais currently detained in Cambodia.

The group, led by Somboon Thongburan and Tossapon Kaewtima, left the letter with a United Nations security officer at the world body's Bangkok office on Ratchadamnoen Road.

The seven detained Thais, including Democrat Party member of parliament Panich Vikitsreth and members of the Peoples Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protest movement, also known as yellow shirts.

They were apprehended by Cambodian troops along the Thai border with Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey province. Cambodia said the seven Thais intruded onto its soil, a claim that has not been contested by Thai authorities.

The Patriot Network took land documents to the UN office. According to the Network activists, a temporary office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was located there in 1977-1978 during the war in Cambodia at Boundary Marker No 46, currently in the area of Thailand's Prachin Buri, the province adjacent to Sa Kaeo. (Agencies)

Thai officials conduct investigation to secure release of Thai detainees in Cambodia

via CAAI

BANGKOK, Jan 1 – The Thai government has assigned officials to inspect the area where seven Thais were taken into custody by the Cambodian army Wednesday to gather information to contest a court trial in Phnom Penh, Secretary-General to the Foreign Minister Chavanont Intarakomalsut said on New Year’s Day.

The investigation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Royal Thai Survey Department will determine if the group intruded into Cambodian territory and how far. If they trespassed as far as one kilometre as said in some news report, it is deemed an offense, Mr Chavanont said.

The Thai government continues to help seven Thais including Bangkok Democrat MP Panich Vikitsreth and members of the so-called 'Yellow Shirt' People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protest movement after they were detained by Cambodian troops Wednesday as they inspected the border of Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province and Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey province.

They have been held in prison after they were charged by the Court with illegal entry and illegally entering a military base along the border, crimes which in Cambodia carry penalties of up to six months and one year, respectively.

MP Panich’s wife Phachareeporn Vikitsreth on Saturday flew to visit her husband. It was expected that she would be allowed to see him in one or two days.

Mr Chavanont said next week when the case is brought to court, it will become clearer and the Thai-retained lawyer can seek bail immediately. It depends upon the court whether to grant bail or not.

The Thai government is not ignoring to help the seven detainees. Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya met his Cambodian counterpart Hor Namhong seeking cooperation and Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is concerned and ordered securing their quick release.

However, the issue will not have an impact on the relations of the two countries, the secretary-general said. (MCOT online news)

Wishing you all a Happy New Year 2011

Phnom Penh - A City Revitalized

Visitors to Phnom Penh can discover its tragic past and experience creativity of a youthful population intent on building a more positive image

via CAAI

Published: 31/12/2010

Phnom Penh is a city revitalized. The skyline of Cambodia's once sleepy capital is being pierced by its first high-rise, and the red dirt roads, now sealed, swarm with SUVs and motorcycles. For a city that has endured more than its share of bloodshed and destruction, today's youthful exuberance and palpable energy are a welcomed by locals and visitors. Yet despite the positive change being witnessed today, any time spent in Phnom Penh must still include reflective visits to the sites of the country's horrific past. Two of the most visited places in Phnom Penh are still Camp Cheoung Ek, one of many infamous Killing Fields sites, and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high school that became a torture centre known as S-21.

Camp Cheoung Ek lies 15 kilometres southwest of the city and was the burial site for those tortured and killed in S-21. In 1980, 129 mass graves were found here and 8,985 corpses unearthed. Today, a large stupa contains the bones and remnants of clothing as a memorial to the victims. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is located in a suburb of Phnom Penh. The building is thought to have witnessed over 20,000 citizens pass through its doors to be tortured and murdered by the Khmer Rouge. On the ground floor, rooms with a single bed and leg irons where torture was carried out now envelop visitors in an eerie silence. One of the most haunting experiences, however, is looking at the thousands of black and white images of victims displayed on boards throughout the building. Like all regimes that committed genocide, the Khmer Rouge was meticulous in documenting those it killed.

Rediscovering Khmer arts

It's hard to comprehend but the genocide committed by the Khmer Rouge wiped out so many artists and craftsmen that the country's traditional arts were almost lost. Today, following a concerted effort to retrain young people Cambodian crafts have emerged as some of the finest in the region.

Artisans d' Angkor was established in 1998 and has played a significant role in saving and promoting the country's rich cultural heritage. Originally under EU funding, the business is now totally self-financing and trains dozens of artisans each year, many of whom set up on their own. In Phnom Penh, Artisans d' Angkor have a boutique in front of the post office on Street 13, and at Phnom Penh International Airport. The shops sell lacquerware, stone carving, high quality hand woven silk, silverware and much more. Visit http://www.artisansdangkor.com for further details about the inspirational projects.

The recent blossoming of Khmer arts and crafts has also seen many other boutiques open in Phnom Penh. There are several clustered on Street 240 and a host of art galleries close to the National Museum on Street 178, commonly referred to as Art Street.

One of the joys of travelling in Asia is visiting the vibrant markets. Phnom Penh is no exception and is home to the fabulous Psar Thmei, also known as the Central Market, a striking art deco building dating back to 1935. Here you can buy just about anything from shoes and clothing to souvenirs and jewellery. In Phnom Penh there are also many sprawling fresh markets to explore. Colourful, chaotic and not for the squeamish, they are the heart of the city. Check out the old market of Psar Chas on Street 9 and 11 which is open throughout the day and in the evening. For a colourful fresh market, head over Monivong Bridge in the early morning and you'll discover the wonderful Psar Chhbar Ampoeu.

Former glories

Despite wanton destructive within Phnom Penh during the Khmer Rouge years, much of the capital's former glories survived. The Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda within its compound are well worth a visit. The complex dates from 1866 and is filled with Buddha statues, and religious and royal artefacts including an emerald Buddha encrusted with jewels. Entry is $3, plus $2 if you wish to use a camera. It is open every day from 8 a.m. - 11.30 a.m. and 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Nearby, the beautiful red building of the National Museum houses a wonderful collection of over 5,000 Khmer art and sculpture.

Getting around Phnom Penh

The moto-romuak, Cambodia's answer to the tuk-tuk, are an excellent way to get around, and preferable to the confines of a car. You can hire a moto-romuak and driver for between $10- 15 a day for running around town. For longer trips to places outside the city expect the fee to rise. Drivers usually wait around near hotels and the concierge should be able to assist with negotiations.

Where to stay

The InterContinental Phnom Penh was the city's first international five-star hotel. The 346-room hotel is located in the heart of the city and 20 minute's drive from the airport. Guests can enjoy luxurious rooms and suites, and excellent service. Dining includes the Regency Cafe and the Deli Cafe. There's also a spa, fitness centre, and outdoor swimming pool. 296 Boulevard Mao Tse Tung, Phnom Penh. Visit the website at http://www.intercontinental.com

The latest addition to booming Phnom Penh is the Sofitel Penh Phkeethra. The brand new hotel occupies a riverside location in the city's old quarter and is close to many of the main attractions. Inspired by colonial era architecture, the hotel offers 201 rooms and suites with views across the Mekong and Bassac rivers.

Facilities include elegant restaurants and bars, two pools and a stylish spa. 26 Old August Site, Sothearos Boulevard, Sangkat Tonle Bassac, Phnom Penh. Visit the website at http://www.sofitel.com

Getting there

Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways fly daily to Phnom Penh.

A visa on arrival is available at the airport for a fee of $20. One passport photograph is required. A departure tax of $25 is also charged.

More images of Phnom Penh can be seen at http://www.mickshippen.com/

Yellow-shirts rally at Govt House

via CAAI

Published: 1/01/2011

Online news:

Members of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) on Saturday morning rallied in front of Government House, demanding the government to rapidly seek the release of the seven detained Thais, reports said.

The protesters showed placards saying they opposed the arrest of the seven Thais, including PAD co-leader Veera Somkwamkid and a Democrat MP, on charges of intruding Cambodian territory by Cambodian soldiers.

They called on the government to pressure Cambodia to release the seven Thais immediately and to rapidly settle the border dispute with the neighbouring country.

Police were deployed inside the government building compound and nearby areas to maintain peace and order.

Visitors to Cambodia's Preah Vihear temple increase sharply in 2010

via CAAI

English.news.cn

2011-01-01

PHNOM PENH, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Tourists visiting Cambodia's Preah Vihear temple increased by 3.6 folds in 2010 thanks to good security and better infrastructure in the area, director of Preah Vihear province's tourism department Kong Vibol said on Saturday.

There had been 80,356 people visiting the temple in 2010, increased by 3.6 times from 17,174 people in 2009, he told Xinhua by telephone. Of the figure, the domestic visitors were up 3.7 times to 78,419 from 16,405 and the foreign tourists increased by 1.5 times to 1,937 from 769.

"It's a huge increase of the tourists to the temple in 2010 due to better security and stability as the border tension with Thailand has been eased, and the good condition roads--easy to travel,"said Kong Vibol, adding "so visitors feel safe and more confidence to visit the temple."

Cambodia's Preah Vihear temple was enlisted as World Heritage Site on July 7, 2008. Just a week after the enlistment, Cambodia and Thailand have had border conflict due to Thai claim of the ownership of 1.8 square miles (4.6 sq km) of scrub next to the temple, triggering a military build-up along the border, and periodic clashes between Cambodian and Thai soldiers have resulted in the deaths of troops on both sides.

The border issue, however, has been eased as the top leaders of Cambodia and Thailand have held four meetings since September.

In 2010, the province as a whole received 135,657 tourists, up 119 percent from 61,903 in 2009, Kong Vibol said. Of the figure, foreign tourists were up 32 percent to 11,249 from 8,512 in 2009.

Preah Vihear province has three attractive ancient temples for tourists. They are Preah Vihear temple, Koh Ker temple and Preah Khan Kampong Svay temple.

Editor: Zhang Xiang

ohor Immigration Department Detains 65 Illegal Immigrants In Ops Sapu

via CAAI

JOHOR BAHARU, Jan 1 (Bernama) -- The Johor Immigration Department arrested 65 illegal immigrants from Cambodia in an operation dubbed 'Ops Sapu' in Kampung Mulia, Sungai Tiram, here early today.

Its deputy assistant director II Amzari Abdul Jalil said the operation, mounted by 80 enforcement officers, began at 2.30am and ended two hours later.

"The Cambodian nationals arrested during the operation comprised 13 men, 37 women and 15 children, all of whom were aged between three months and 45 years," he told reporters here.

Amzari said all the immigrants claimed that they had a permission letter, which they deemed as passport, to work and stay legally in Malaysia.

"They showed us the 'passport', which is actually a piece of paper bearing the official stamp and signature of the Secretary of Cambodian Community Special Committee for Peramu Jaya state constituency in Pekan, Pahang," he said.

Amzari said the immigrants were believed to have been cheated by a syndicate and further investigations were being carried out.

All immigrants were taken to the Pekan Nanas Detention Depot, he said.

Situation Along Khmer-Thai Border Remain Normal

Photos By DAP (Deum Ampil Newspaper)