Sunday, 22 November 2009

Safe in U.S., genocide survivor still felt soldiers' presence


By Jessica Turnbull, TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, November 21, 2009

(CAAI News Media)

The Cambodia where author Loung Ung grew up was full of beauty and normal activities, such as going to the movies with her family.

But it also was one where the little girl and her family got caught up in violent political upheaval that led to genocide.

Ung, a petite woman clad in a black T-shirt with "Peace Rocks" in red lettering, spoke at an assembly in the Plum School District Friday about her experience surviving the 1970s genocide in the Southeast Asian country.

Plum students read Ung's memoir, "First They Killed My Father," in class and invited Ung to speak. Ung has written two books about her experiences and is working on a third.

Ung, 39, of Cleveland, was born in 1970 in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, one of seven children. She was 8 when the Communist group called the Khmer Rouge began executing fellow Cambodians.

Between 1975 and 1979, about 1.7 million people — or 25 percent of the population — were killed.

"I didn't know about politics. I didn't know about genocide," Ung said. "But I did know that people, little by little, would disappear from the villages."

Her father was executed by Khmer Rouge soldiers. Several months later, worried that keeping the family together hurt their chances of survival, Ung's mother told the children to leave and separate.

Her mother's hard decision is the basis for her third book.

In 1980, Ung escaped with her older brother and his wife to a refugee camp in Thailand, then was sent to Vermont.

She talked about her adjustment to life in America after living through a war that was deeply ingrained in her mind.

"When I would be trying to learn geometry for a test, the soldiers were there looking over my shoulder," she said, describing the difficulty of erasing the traumatic images even once she was safe in America.

She now works as a peace activist, and even returns to Cambodia to aid survivors.

Her main message is that peace is not a given, but a choice that takes hard work.

"We need to take responsibility for others in the world who are less fortunate," Ung said.

Sophomore Adam Albright, 16, of Plum said he liked hearing directly from the author of a book he read in class.

He said her message of peace struck him because America is perceived as a stable country where citizens don't have to worry about peace.

"It's worth fighting for," he said. "It's ironic that you have to fight for peace."

Sophomore Ian Walla, 16, of Plum said he didn't know anything about Cambodia or its war until he read Ung's book.

"It was a really inspiring story," he said. "It makes you think about other places in the world."

He said Ung's message is important so people can learn from past mistakes. He said a saying by his history teacher summed up the importance of Ung's story.

"The reason we teach history is so we don't repeat it," Walla said.

Meet the go-to guy on Cambodia


By SUPALAK GANJANAKHUNDEE
THE NATION
Published on November 22, 2009

(CAAI News Media)

The Thai news media's go-to guy for information about the current row with Cambodia isn't a career diplomat but one of those rare politicos who most people feel they can trust.

Chavanond Intarakomalyasut accepts all reporters' phone calls, whether the questions are about the perils of Phnom Penh or any other issue involving the government or opposition.

He's secretary to Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, and speaks on his behalf and sometimes for the ministry itself in the absence of the customary spokesman, Information Department Director General Wimon Kidchob, a civil servant.

Chavanond is a political appointee of the ruling Democrats, who have him assisting the minister in running foreign affairs.

The assistance takes many forms. Chavanond both helps organise routine programmes and serves as a buffer against opposition attacks on the minister.

Kasit is outspoken in his own right, and as such a ready target. Chavanond takes some of the political bullets so that Kasit can get on with more important work.

"As secretary and spokesman, it's my duty to defend him," he says. "And when the ministry's civil-servant spokesman is not in a position to speak, it becomes my job."

Chavanond was never trained in political communications. He earned a BA in business management at Mahidol University, then attended Yale to extend his master's degree in economics and environmental-resource management.

Originally a planner at the National Economic and Social Development Board, Chavanond handled the think tank's agriculture policy for six years before trying to jump into politics.

He says he learned much at the agency about the country's development and realised he could help more as a politician.

It wasn't unfamiliar territory. His grandfather, Yos Intarakomalyasut, represented Nakhon Ratchasima province in Parliament more than half a century ago, and in 1986 his father Manasak was elected to the post.

"I chose the Democrats," Chavanond says, "because I have faith in the party and admire Abhisit Vejjajiva. He's really my inspiration."

In 2004, at age 30, he contested Bangkok's Chatuchak constituency, but Thaksin Shinawatra's Thai Rak Thai Party was then at the peak of its power.

Defeated at the polls, Chavanond returned to the civil service, this time at the Ministry of Natural Resources, and put his college education to good use.

At the same time he worked part-time for the party, and when Abhisit led the Democrats to power a year ago, he selected staff members to fill political positions at the ministries.

Chavanond became Kasit's secretary at the Foreign Ministry, initially assigned - because of his dual education in economics and the environment - to handle foreign policy on climate change.

He helped the minister prepare papers and a political stance on the issue for presentation at international forums.

Then came Preah Vihear.

Kasit tasked Chavanond with overseeing the complicated dispute over the old Hindu temple on the Cambodian border after the Democrats and People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) objected to Phnom Penh's plan to list it as a World Heritage site.

The PAD demanded that the government take harsh action against Cambodia. It fell to Chavanond to explain the ministry's view and cool things down. He spent a great deal of time researching the temple's history, the vicissitudes of the boundary demarcation and Thailand's relations with its Khmer neighbour.

Cambodia hasn't stopped being a source of grievances since, and Chavanond has kept on top of them all.

Thai reporters have found that the government's spokespeople are the first to speak but often the last to know exactly what's going on. Chavanond is different.

As a secretary to the minister, Chavanond is part of the inner circle, allowed to sit in on the decision-making process at the ministry. He has access to all the pertinent information before he speaks out in public.

And he offers a guarantee: what he tells the public is always based on fact.

Thai official confirms Hun Sen's daughter to take over CATS


2009-11-21

(CAAI News Media)

BANGKOK, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's daughter plans to hold shares in Cambodia Traffic Air Services (CATS) after the Cambodian government has temporarily taken over management of the firm, a Thai senior official confirmed Saturday.

Panitan Wattanayakorn, Thai acting government spokesman confirmed the news report that Hun Sen's daughter is planning to hold shares in CATS.

Having controlled CATS by the Cambodia government occurs after Siwarak Chothipong, a 31-year-old-Thai man, who worked as engineer at CATS, has been arrested from Nov. 11, according to the arrest warrant of prosecutor of Phnom Penh Municipality Court.

Cambodia has charged Siwarak of having had confidential information affecting Cambodia's national security, a senior Thai official said Wednesday.

According to a news report by the Khmer language newspaper Rasmei Kampuchea, Siwarak spied through copying the letters of flights of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Cambodia and Hun Sen from CATS which has duties to control all flights in country and he sent those reports to Thailand.

Siwarak has been detained in a prison in Phnom Penh since last week as the Thai government is now in the process of seeking a release for him.

Chawanon Intarakomalsut, Thai Foreign Minister's secretary said he expected that the process could be completed next week and the engineer's mother could probably visit her son next week.

He also said it would be difficult for any individual to take over the company, but his ministry would try to assist CATS. So far the company has not requested help.

Panithan said that he did not know whether the company could be protected as other companies registered in Cambodia, and it's up to the company to file a request for the Cambodian government to consider.

Thailand and Cambodia have downgraded their diplomatic relations due to conflict over an appointment of Thaksin as an economic advisor to Cambodia's government and Hun Sen on Nov. 4.

A day after the appointment of Thaksin, the Cambodian government announced recall of its ambassador to Thailand in a move to respond to the Thai government's recall of its ambassador to Cambodia.

Thaksin was ousted by the military coup in September 2006, in accusation of corruption, and has been kept in exile since then. He returned to Thailand in February 2008 to face corruption charges, but he later fled into exile again and was convicted in absentia.

Editor: Yan

Cambodian PM's daughter to take over CATS



21 November 2009

(CAAI News Media)

BANGKOK, Nov 21 (TNA) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen’s daughter plans to hold shares in Thai-owned Cambodia Traffic Air Services (CATS) after the Cambodian government has temporarily taken over management of the firm, according to Dr Panitan Wattanayakorn, deputy secretary-general to the Thai prime minister.

Dr Panitan, also acting government spokesman, confirmed the news report that Cambodian leader's daughter is planning to hold shares in CATS.

The plan followed confirmation by the Cambodian government of its temporarily assuming control of the management of the country's air traffic control company following the arrest of CATS employee Siwarak Chutipong on charges of espionage.

Tekreth Samrach, a deputy minister of Cambodia’s Council of Ministers, said in Phnom Penh Friday that his government acted against CATS for the sake of national security and for flight safety. Nine other Thai employees of the company were also banned from the workplace.

Meanwhile, Chawanon Intarakomalsut, the Thai Foreign Minister’s secretary, said in Bangkok that CATS is registered in Hong Kong and it was not possible to determine the identity of its shareholders.

He said, however, it would be difficult for any individual to take over the company, but his ministry would try to assist CATS. So far the company has not requested help.

He said the Thai foreign ministry is studying whether CATS is included in the Thai Cambodian Investment Protection Act as it is registered in Hong Kong.

Dr Panithan said that he did not know whether the company could be protected as other companies registered in Cambodia.

It is up to the company to file a request for the Cambodian government to consider, said Mr Panithan, adding that the firm’s lawyer and Mr Siwarak’s lawyer are different persons.

Referring to the bail request for detained Siwarak, Mr Chawanon said he expected that the process could be completed next week.

Mr Siwarak’s mother could also probably visit her son next week, Mr Chawanon added.

Relations between the two neighbouring countries have been strained after Phnom Penh rejected a formal request from Thailand to extradite Mr Thaksin during his five-day stay in Cambodia, beginning November 10.

The situation deteriorated when ambassadors of the two countries were recalled. Mr Siwarak was apprehended in Phnom Penh on spying charges on November 12 when he was seen releasing flight information on the fugitive former Thai prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra’s, to a Thai embassy official. (TNA)

Smith retains lead in Cambodia


(CAAI News Media)
(UKPA)

Wales' Craig Smith remained on course for a maiden Asian Tour title after maintaining a one shot lead at the Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open with a third round one-under-par 71 at the Phokeethra Country Club in Siem Reap on Saturday.

With Smith progressing to 10-under overall, Thai youngster Annop Tangkamolprasert heads the chasing pack one shot back after a two under 70 with compatriot Sattaya Supupramai moving into third two shots further adrift after a 68.

Malaysia's Shaaban Hussin (72) and Pariya Junhasavasdikul (72) of Thailand share fourth, four shots off the pace, with India's Shiv Kapur (74), Jbe Kruger of South Africa (69) and Thai duo Udorn Duangdecha (71) and Varut Chomchalam (72) a further shot adrift.

Smith reached the turn in level par 36 and was tied for the lead with Annop before sinking a second birdie of the day at the 16th.

"I played very nicely and hit the ball very well on the front nine," said Smith, who has one previous top-10 finish in Asia.

"I had a lot of chances from inside of six feet but couldn't get anything going with the putter.

"I've got a long way to go. I've got a fantastic talent behind me but I am looking forward to the challenge. The key is to keep my head straight and not to get ahead of myself. I still have 18 difficult holes to play."

News in Picture


Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva (pictured in October) visited the north of the country amid heavy security Saturday after receiving death threats over a planned trip to a stronghold of ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra. Some 1,500 police were sent to guard Abhisit as he toured the three northern provinces of Sukhothai, Phitsanulok and Phichit, to inspect government works.(AFP/Pool/File/Pornchai Kittiwongsakul) (CAAI News Media)


Police and soldiers survey the site of a bomb attack in Yala province November 20, 2009. Five soldiers were injured in the bomb attack by suspected Muslim militants during a patrol, police said. REUTERS/Surapan Boonthanom (CAAI News Media)


The puppet of Abhisit Vejjajiva at Preah Vihear has been destroyed. Thai minister of justice have a dream of one day Thai will get Preah Vihear. Kohsantepheap Newspaper. Photo by Vutha (CAAI News Media)

Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter at the inauguration of the New Life Community at Oudong village in Kandal province,


Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter cuts a ribbon next to his wife Rosalynn Carter (2nd R) as Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Council of Ministers Sok An (L) and his wife Annie Sok An (R) look on during the inauguration of the New Life Community at Oudong village in Kandal province, 50 km (31 miles) north of Phnom Penh, November 21, 2009. Sok An and the former U.S. president on Saturday officially opened the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Kandal province where 21 houses were built for poor Cambodians. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea (CAAI News Media)


Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter applauds after cutting a ribbon next to his wife Rosalynn Carter (2nd R) as Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Council of Ministers Sok An (L) and his wife Annie Sok An (R) look on during the inauguration of the New Life Community at Oudong village in Kandal province, 50 km (31 miles) north of Phnom Penh, November 21, 2009. Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister Sok An and the former U.S. president on Saturday officially opened the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Kandal province where 21 houses were built for the poor Cambodians. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea (CAAI News Media)


Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter waves while talking with volunteers at Oudong village in Kandal province, 50 km (31 miles) north of Phnom Penh, November 21, 2009. Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister Sok An and the former U.S. president on Saturday officially opened the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Kandal province where 21 houses were built for poor Cambodians. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea (CAAI News Media)


Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter speaks at the inauguration of the New Life Community at Oudong village in Kandal province 50 km (31 miles) north of Phnom Penh, November 21, 2009. Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister Sok An and the former U.S. president on Saturday officially opened the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Kandal province where 21 houses were built for the poor Cambodians. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea (CAAI News Media)


Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter (2nd R) and his wife Rosalynn Carter (R) greet Cambodian officials upon their arrival at the inauguration of the New Life Community at Oudong village in Kandal province, 50 km (31 miles) north of Phnom Penh November 21, 2009. Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister Sok An and the former U.S. president on Saturday officially opened the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Kandal province where 21 houses were built for poor Cambodians. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea (CAAI News Media)