AKP - Agent Kampuchea Press

via CAAI

AKP, Phnom Penh, January 12, 2011


A meeting for launching the law on Anticorruption, Asset and Debt Declaration is held today at the Ministry of Information under the presidency of H.E. Khieu Kanharith, Minister of Information Ministry and H.E. Seang Borat, Vice Chairman of Anticorruption Unit and Representative of H.E. Om Yin Tieng, Chairman of Anticorruption Unit with the participation of 131 Information Ministry’s officials who are required to declare their assets.

Photo: Hun Yuth Kun

AKP, Phnom Penh, January 12, 2011

Oknha Thai Seng Long, President of Huot Tra Ko Company together with Phnom Penh Municipality officials on Jan. 11, cut threads of groundbreaking to build a gathering hall with dimension of 34m×36m worth USD 320,000 as charity fund at Phnom Penh’s Taing Krasaing Pagoda.

Photo: Suos Samreith.

AKP, Phnom Penh, January 12, 2011


H.E. Aun Poanmoniroth, Delegate Minister Attached to the Prime Minister, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Economy and Finance meets here on Jan. 10 with a delegation of Rota Mission Team led by Mrs. Muna Elkhawad, Program Specialist.

Photo: Hun Yuth Kun

PM Receives Newly-appointed Australian and Swedish Ambassadors

Phnom Penh, January 12, 2011 AKP –

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen met separately here yesterday with newly-appointed Ambassador of Australia to Cambodia, Mrs. Penelope Ann Richards, and the first Ambassador of Sweden to Cambodia, Mrs. Anne Hoglund.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen warmly welcomed the diplomatic mission of both ambassadors to Cambodia and asked them to continue to promote Cambodia-Australia and Cambodia-Sweden cooperation as well to encourage more investors and tourists to the Kingdom, according to Ieng Sophalet, assistant to the Cambodian premier.

He also expressed deep thanks to Australia and Sweden for their assistance to Cambodia since the 1980s.

In reply, the two newly-appointed ambassadors are determined to further strengthen and expand Cambodia-Australia and Cambodia-Sweden relationship and cooperation. –AKP

Article in Khmer by CHEY Phum Pul

Article in English by KHAN Sophirom

Cambodia Demands Bangkok Post to Publish Correction to Misquoted Article

Phnom Penh, January 12, 2011 AKP –

The Press and Quick Reaction Unit of the Office of the Council of Ministers of Cambodia has sent a letter to the editor of the Bangkok Post Newspaper, demanding for a correction to its misquoted article published on Jan. 11, 2011.

The full letter reads as follows:

Letter to the Editor

BANGKOK POST NEWSPAPER

136 NA RANONG ROAD,

KLONG TOEY, BANGKOK 10110

Fax: +02 2403666,

Email: postbag@bangkokpost.co.th

Dear Editor,

The Press and Quick Reaction Unit (PRU) of the Office of the Council of Ministers (OCM) of the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) demands vigorously that the Bangkok Post, which is a professional newspaper, to publish immediately a correction to the misquoted article under the title: “Court slaps 2 Thais with spying charge,” published on 11 January 2011 at 12:00AM in the Newspaper section: News, stating that “…… Hun Sen said that on the night of December 29, Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya called him about 10 times, but he did not answer the phone.” This was in fact wrong, misleading, and speculative, which led to create confusion and misunderstanding between the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Thai Royal Government.

The truth is that Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, in his address during the degree conferment at the National Institute of Education on the 10th January, 2011, had clearly stated that “… He had found about 10 missed international incoming calls in his mobile phone on the night of December 29, 2010. He failed to answer those calls given the fact that he had earlier set his cell phone on silent mode”. Prime Minister Hun Sen did not reveal who were trying to call him, especially he did not say even a single word referring to the name of Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya.

To put the record straight, the Press and Quick Reaction Unit (PRU) insists that a correction must be published immediately the clarified article on the same page so that the Thai and international public could obtain the factual situation on the ground in order to help them to make their proper opinions concerning the arrests and charges of the 7 Thai trespassers who had illegally intruded into Cambodian territory on December 29, 2010.

Sincerely,

Phnom Penh January 11, 2011

The Press and Quick Reaction Unit

–AKP

Risks Faced by Cambodian Youths

Phnom Penh, January 12, 2011 AKP –

Newly released Cambodia 2010 survey result emphasized that alcohol, illegal drug and reproductive health issues are primary risks faced by the young people.

Conducted by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, the survey shows that 90 percent of male and 70 percent of female young people interviewed reported they drank either wine or beer, which they perceived as a way of socialization.

Youths of both sexes who consumed alcohol also viewed that it constitutes to reducing their stress and making them feel stylist and well-off. With all these said, awareness of bad affects of alcoholism cannot stop them from desiring the drink.

Around 3.5 percent of female and 15.2 percent of male youths surveyed confessed that they used to take illicit drug, like yama, yaba and methamphetamine. Friend’s persuasion, stress, happiness and family problems are motives behind this consumption.

The survey also indicates that condom use increases to 83 percent among youths seeking outdoor sex service. The concern of unprotected sexual intercourse emerges among girl friend and boy friend relationship because 31 percent of girls and 58 percent of boys did not use condom.

1,253 male and 1,236 female young people, ages from 10 to 24, have been sampled by the survey entitled “Most at Risk Young People”. The survey means to inform decision and policy makers about potential behavior and condition of Cambodian youths these days. –AKP

By MOM Chan Dara Soleil

General also charged in ’01 weapons case

via CAAI

Wednesday, 12 January 2011 15:02 Thet Sambath

A BRIGADIER general arrested this week for possessing illegal weapons faced similar charges in 2001 but was never brought to trial, national military police commander Sao Sokha said yesterday.

Samith Virak, deputy director of the materials and technology department at the defence ministry, was arrested at his home on Monday. Police at the scene said he was under investigation for “other issues” in addition to the weapons charge, but declined to elaborate.

Sao Sokha said yesterday that Samith Virak was also arrested in September 2001 on suspicion of involvement with a group called the Cambodian Freedom Fighters, which staged a terrorist attack in 2000 in Phnom Penh, firing guns and rockets at the Ministry of Defence and the Council of Ministers.

While the CFF link was never substantiated in court, Sao Sokha said Samith Virak had been charged with illegal detention, possession of illegal weapons and illegally possessing a military uniform before being released on bail by the military court in January 2002.

Sao Sokha said he was unsure of why the case was never brought to trial, or why Samith Virak was able to secure a government position despite the charges against him.

“We are investigating to find out who allowed this man to get a position at the Ministry of Defence,” Sao Sokha said, adding that police were also investigating “whether this man trafficked weapons or created any illegal movements or insecurity in the country”.

Ney Thol, head of the military court, declined to comment both on the current case and on why Samith Virak never faced trial following his 2001 arrest.

“I can’t say anything about it now because the investigation is ongoing,” Ney Thol said.

Sao Sokha said “Samith Virak” was an alias, and that the suspect’s real name was Pich Thoeun. Police confiscated 12 illegal firearms from the general’s office and five from his house, Sao Sokha added.

Chhun Yasith, the Cambodian-American leader of the CFF, received a life sentence in a US court last year for his involvement in the 2000 attack.

Workers fear factory closure

Photo by: Will Baxter

A garment worker exits the PCCS garment factory in September of last year.

via CAAI

Wednesday, 12 January 2011 15:02 Tep Nimol

REPRESENTATIVES of about 1,000 factory workers at a garment factory in Phnom Penh’s Sen Sok district said yesterday that the owner had continued moving equipment out of their workplace this week, leading them to doubt promises that the business would remain open.

The Ministry of Labour convened a meeting on Thursday of last week in an attempt to resolve a lingering dispute between the workers and management of at PCCS Garments Ltd.

The meeting was called in response to a December 11 complaint filed by worker

representatives, who had become concerned that the factory might be closed down after orders began drying up, production at the factory became irregular and equipment was shipped out.

Workers demanded that in the event of a closure the factory management offer benefits they claim they are entitled to under the Kingdom’s Labour Law.

Tep Somaly, a representative of the workers, said yesterday that company representatives had promised during last week’s meeting that the factory would not be closed. He said, however, that workers were still concerned the owner might close the factory “without paying them compensation”.

Huon Sophorn, another representative, said “most” of the sewing and ironing machines had been removed from the factory.

PCCS representative You Meng Try said yesterday that there were no immediate plans to close the factory. He said it was “normal” for factories to get rid of old equipment.

Prum Veasna, deputy director of the Labour Ministry’s Department of Labour Disputes, said the case had been referred to the Arbitration Council after participants at last week’s meeting failed to reach an agreement.

Jailed prosecutor retracts bail request

via CAAI

Wednesday, 12 January 2011 15:02 Mom Kunthear

A LAWYER for a provincial prosecutor awaiting trial on corruption charges said yesterday that he had retracted a request that his client be released on bail on the grounds of ill-health.

Pursat provincial prosecutor Top Chan Sereyvuth and two personal bodyguards were apprehended on November 29 in the first high-profile arrests made by the recently established Anticorruption Unit.

The following day, all three were charged with corruption, extortion and false imprisonment and were imprisoned at Pursat provincial prison, where they await trial.

Defence lawyer Kea Chhay said late last year that he planned to seek bail for his client after Top Chan Sereyvuth fell ill and was rushed to hospital on December 26.

A prison official said at the time that the accused was suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes and pain in his right leg.

Yesterday, however, Kea Chhay said he would withdraw the bail request following instructions from his client.

“He told me there was no need to request his release on bail because his case is under investigation,” he said, adding that Top Chan Sereyvuth had a well-ventilated prison cell with a “good atmosphere”.

Kea Chhay said his client had cited a desire to aid the progress of his case as his reason for choosing to remain in prison.

“He told me that it can affect the court’s investigation if he is released on bail and he also said he does not have a problem with staying in the prison,” Kea Chhay said.

He noted, however, that though his client’s health had improved in recent weeks, Top Chan Sereyvuth still could not walk without assistance.

Ngoun Lay, director of the provincial prison, said yesterday that Top Chan Sereyvuth’s health had stabilised and that it was not necessary for him to be released on bail.

“His health is normal, he can eat, drink and sleep,” he said.

ACU head Om Yentieng could not be reached for comment.

Top border negotiators meet

Photo by: Heng Chivoan

Var Kimhong (right) speaks to reporters alongside his Thai counterpart, Asda Jayanama, at the Council of Ministers yesterday.

via CAAI

Wednesday, 12 January 2011 15:01 Cheang Sokha

THE top border negotiators from Cambodia and Thailand met in Phnom Penh yesterday, pledging to speed up the protracted demarcation process despite the tensions between the two countries.

Asda Jayanama, a career diplomat and Thailand’s new chairman of the bilateral Joint Border Committee, joined Cambodian counterpart Var Kimhong for a meeting at the Council of Ministers, pledging to carry forward the oft-delayed work of the committee.

JBC talks have been stalled since 2009 pending approval of the latest round of negotiations in the Thai parliament. This approval was delayed again earlier in November when, in lieu of a vote, Thai lawmakers set up a committee to study the negotiations and report back to the parliament within 90 days.

“This border committee has to continue. It is something necessary for the benefit of both Cambodia and Thailand,” Asda, a former ambassador to the United Nations, said yesterday. “In whatever form, I think it is necessary for us to exist.”

One member of the Thai parliamentary committee reviewing the JBC agreements, the Bangkok Post reported, is Panich Vikitsreth, a lawmaker from Thailand’s ruling Democrat Party who was arrested in Banteay Meanchey province last month for trespassing on Cambodian territory. Panich was arrested along with six other Thais who joined him on the expedition to “investigate” the border demarcation process.

The group have been charged with illegal entry and unlawfully entering a military base, charges that carry a combined maximum sentence of 18 months in prison. Two members of the group were also charged this week with collecting information that may damage national defence, a charge carrying a possible 10-year sentence.

Thai premier Abhisit Vejjajiva has admitted dispatching Panich to the border area, but says he did not order the MP to cross into Cambodia. A trial date has yet to be set in the case.

Although fresh JBC talks are off the table for the moment, Var Kimhong said yesterday that he had proposed that the JBC dispatch a technical team to plant border markers 1-23, already approved by the committee, along the border of Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces. Asda said he would check with officials in Bangkok to see whether this project could be undertaken without parliamentary approval.

Asda replaces former Thai border negotiator Vasin Teeravechyan, who stepped down in November.

During the most recent JBC and foreign ministerial talks, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to undertake joint demining and demarcation projects along the border near Preah Vihear temple, and to redeploy troops in the area in a bid to ease tensions.

Thai man arrested at borderAlso yesterday, a 78-year-old Thai national was arrested in Banteay Meanchey province’s Poipet town for allegedly illegally entering Cambodia.

“This old Thai man came to play games at the casinos in Poipet and he entered Cambodia without the legal documents,” said Men Sarom, Poipet military police chief.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA

Military commander issues gun warning

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Wednesday, 12 January 2011 15:01 Sen David and Phak Seangly

THE national commander of the military police warned yesterday that officials under his authority would be removed from their posts for drug trafficking, possession of illegal weapons or “anarchically” firing military-issue weapons.

Speaking during an annual meeting at military police headquarters in Phnom Penh yesterday, Sao Sokha blasted officials who misuse their weapons, noting that “most of them are military police officers”.

“I do hate military police firing anarchically,” he said, calling on trigger-happy officials to instead put their enthusiasm to good use.

“Some military police are good at firing anarchically; they should go to the border to fight with enemies. [Border officials] reserve the right to hold 40 kilogramme weapons.”

He said that “even rich or powerful” military officials would be dismissed from their posts if caught discharging their weapons recklessly. He also warned that the involvement of military officials in drug trafficking would not be tolerated.

“Regarding the drug issue, it is also related to military police over all the country due to those military police taking money – that means taking bribes – from drug smugglers,” he said.

“I confirm that it is illegal. I do not forgive military officials who commit this. Please stay far away from drugs.”

Chan Soveth, head of monitoring for the rights group Adhoc, yesterday welcomed the cautionary comments.

“Poor residents can’t buy guns to fire anarchically, so most of the time it is military police or powerful people who fire anarchically and keep illegal weapons,” he said.

As well as posing a threat to local residents, illegal weapon use could harm the Kingdom’s tourism industry, he said, noting that stray bullets kill and injure indiscriminately.

“Anarchic firing is a very bad act. It looks like [we have] a country without law,” he said. “It affects the public security as well as tourists because weapons do not have eyes.”

Mu Sochua, a lawmaker for the opposition Sam Rainsy Party, also welcomed the cautionary comments, but noted that military officials improperly using their weapons should be prosecuted in addition to being dismissed from their posts.

British man charged in Siem Reap

via CAAI

Wednesday, 12 January 2011 15:01 Cheang Sokha and Chrann Chamroeun

SIEM Reap provincial court charged a British man yesterday with purchasing child prostitution and committing indecent acts with minors, a court prosecutor said.

Siem Reap provincial prosecutor Sok Keo Bandith said the court had charged Robert Layland, 54, and forwarded the case to an investigating judge following interrogations of Layland and four boys, aged between 14 and 18, whom the Briton allegedly abused.

“Further decisions will be made by the investigating judge,” Sok Keo Bandith said. “The accused person, however, has denied the charge.”

Layland was arrested on Monday afternoon in Siem Reap town. Sok Keo Bandith said the four boys were junk collectors and street children, and Layland confirmed during his interrogation that he had invited them to work in his souvenir shop.

Sun Bunthorn, chief of the provincial anti-human trafficking and juvenile protection office, said on Monday that Layland had promised the four boys a monthly salary of US$50 in October, but the boys said in interviews that they had never been paid.

Cheu Sok, the investigating judge, and Sun Socheat, Layland’s defense lawyer, could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Rubber firm accused of grabbing land

via CAAI

Wednesday, 12 January 2011 15:01 Chhay Channyda

ETHNIC Phnong villagers in Mondulkiri province yesterday accused a local development company of clearing more than 2,000 hectares of communal land in Pech Chreada district’s Krang Tes commune without their permission.

Kteas Teunh, a village representative, said DTC Group began clearing the land in early December to make way for a rubber plantation, a development that has displaced 112 families so far.

He said villagers last month filed a complaint to district officials, who were currently in the process of measuring out land for the villagers – a solution he described as “unacceptable”.

“Our community was recognised by the Ministry of Interior in November 2010 and land is reserved for us to register for a communal land title,” he said. “We don’t want measurement”.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture’s website, DTC Group signed a 70-year contract with the ministry in March 2009 to develop 4,000 hectares of land for rubber plantations in Pou Chrei, Krang Tes and Sre Ampoum communes, all in Pech Chreada district.

District governor Nuon Saron said yesterday that the development did not affect communal land in Krang Tes village.

He said the disputed area was “not reserved land for the villagers, but state forest land”.

“We have reserved land for them at the north side and the company’s land is at the south side,” he said.

DTC Group representatives could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Police Blotter: 12 Jan 2011

via CAAI

Wednesday, 12 January 2011 15:01 Sen David

Man arrested over theft of friend’s bike

An 18-year-old man was arrested in Phnom Penh’s Dangkor district on Saturday after he sold a motorbike that he had borrowed from a friend. The victim said his friend had asked to borrow his motorbike so he could go and buy some chicken to go with the wine they were sharing. The victim said he filed a complaint to police after he “waited such a long time” for his friend to return with the chicken and realised he was not coming back. Police said the suspect had already sold the motorbike by the time he was arrested.

RASMEY KAMPUCHEA

Tree falls in wrong direction for farmer

A 22-year-old man died immediately when a tree he was cutting down fell on him in Battambang province’s Kors Kralor district on Saturday. The victim’s widow said she had told her husband not to fell the tree, which he had wanted to remove from their farmland property for some time. The woman said, however, that her husband was “very stubborn” and had insisted that the tree had to go. Police said the victim “had no technique” and was “not very careful” in cutting down the tree.

RASMEY KAMPUCHEA

Violent motorbike thieves arrested

Police have arrested four men accused of stealing a motorbike from a man in Phnom Penh’s Daun Penh district on Thursday. Police said the suspects had threatened the victim and his date with knives before stealing the vehicle. The victim filed a complaint to police and the suspects were arrested on Saturday after they were caught attempting to steal another motorbike in the same area. Police said the suspects admitted to stealing the motorbike, which they had already sold by the time they were arrested.

KOH SANTEPHEAP

Student injured after daredevil taxi stunt

A 19-year-old student was seriously injured while trying to climb onto the roof of a moving taxi in Phnom Penh’s Dangkor district on Saturday. Police said the young man had opened the door of the moving vehicle and fell out onto the road as he was attempting to climb onto the roof.

RASMEY KAMPUCHEA

Deposits returned, layoffs made at ACB

Angkor Capital Bank on Norodom Boulevard, Phnom Penh, yesterday. Photo by: Pha Lina

via CAAI

Wednesday, 12 January 2011 15:01 Jeremy Mullins

ANGKOR Capital Bank has returned nearly all deposits from its 990 customers after transforming its business from a commercial to a specialised bank at the beginning of the year, associate Robert Jamar said yesterday.

Angkor Capital’s board of directors determined in August that it was in the shareholders’ best interest to reclassify it as a specialised bank beginning in 2011.

This meant it was not required to meet a National Bank of Cambodia move to triple minimum capital for the Kingdom’s banks, according to statement from Angkor Capital Bank.

“The move allows us to focus on our core competencies of lending and loan syndication, and avoid the costly business of trying to attract depositors in Cambodia’s highly-competitive commercial banking sector,” Chairman John K Baldwin stated in a press release yesterday.

The bank also freed up cash for investments that would otherwise have gone to meeting the NBC’s requirement, he claimed.

In 2008, the National Bank of Cambodia issued a prakas requiring commercial banks to triple minimum capital of at least one hundred fifty billion riel (US$37 million) by the end of 2010 unless at “least one influential shareholder [is] a bank or financial institution" with a rating “investment grade,” according to an unofficial translation.

ACB first opened as a full-service commercial bank in October 2008.

It is independent, but supported by investors and advisory services from Bridge Capital LLC.

Robert Jamar wrote that the process of returning deposits involved personalised phone calls or visits to depositors to explain that the transition to a specialised bank would preclude Angkor Capital from holding deposits.

“To date all deposits have been returned, saved for a handful that had specialised terms,” such as being pledged as collateral, he said.

The move had necessitated some layoffs – claiming there was no need for tellers without deposits, for example – but Jamar said experienced bankers tellers would be able to find work in the Kingdom's comptetative sector.

He added he was unsure if other banks had similarly reclassified, but said “to the best of my knowledge we're the only bank to publicly announce our strategy.”

New car sales trend positively in 2010

via CAAI

Wednesday, 12 January 2011 15:00 May Kunmakara

THE Kingdom’s automotive dealers said sales of new cars are trending positively, but most said the sector still has a way to go to reach crisis figures.

Toyota Cambodia claims to have reached its target of selling 500 vehicles in 2010, said president Kong Nuon.

“We met our target, which was slightly better compared to 2009. I did not see the industry change too much compared to a year earlier, however it did not move backward,” he said.

Sales to its NGO customers declined noticeably last year, with the majority of customers now Cambodian households, he said. Toyota Cambodia targets moving 600 units in 2011.

Another importer of Japanese vehicles, Narita Motorcare Cambodia, claimed a 15 percent increase in vehicle sales, though the firm declined to release sales figures for 2010, managing director Long Nartih said. Last year, he said the firm’s sales had declined 50 percent.

“My sales have picked up since the third quarter as I am imported new models in Q4,” he said.

Chevrolet importer Auto Sale (Cambodia) said sales increased 22 percent last year, compared to the year previous, largely on the back of new models.

However, Ford importer RM Asia said they saw sales fall short of its target 400 units last year, despite a recovering economy.

Meanwhile, new entrants claimed the first year in the Kingdom had been challenging, but added hopes that sales would improve.

Worldwide Garage – importer of new Great Wall vehicles from China – set up shop early last year.

In 2010, sales attained about 40 percent of its target of 150 units, said its chairman and CEO Peang Mann. The dealership is aiming to sell 150 to 200 vehicles this year.

He added that it was likely between 2,500 and 3,000 units are sold in Cambodia per year, with more than 10 official dealers in operation.

Export moves: PM urges diversified exports

via CAAI

Wednesday, 12 January 2011 15:00 RANN REUY

PRIME Minister Hun Sen has urged Cambodia to diversify its export markets in the wake of the financial crisis, but said the coming year bodes well for the Cambodian economy.

“2011 is the year that we strive to help the economy recovery and the poverty rate drop,” he said at a graduation ceremony at the National Institute of Education in Phnom Penh on Monday.

The premier also encouraged policy and decision makers to look at the possibilities of exporting to new markets.

“We turn to face outside [markets],” he said. “Before this, we basically turned outside toward the USA and Europe. Now we continue to turn to outside [markets] by two main activities.

“First, we have to maintain and extend our existing American and European markets. Secondly, we have to arrange activities in other markets besides the US and Europe – there are markets in Asian countries and Africa as well.”

Cambodian Economic Association president Chan Sophal said the Kingdom is on the right track for economic growth, pointing to an increasing agricultural sector.

The economy could grow by more than the five or six percent most experts predict, he said, pointing to increased amount of land titling as unlocking loan potentia for start-up businesses.

Teams whittle down in Cup

via CAAI

Wednesday, 12 January 2011 15:00 Seng Sovan

Former Phnom Penh Crown forward Heng Sok Ly kept up his fine form in front of goal with a four-goal haul for new club Build Bright United as they rolled over Oddar Meanchey 6-0 in their 2011 Samdech Hun Sen Cup group match yesterday. With the defeat, the provincial side were condemned to elimination, while group B hosts Battambang grabbed the remaining qualification place via a 7-1 battering of winless Pailin 7-1.

Meanwhile, Kouch Sokumpheak scored twice to take his personal tally to eight as Phnom Penh Crown brusdhed aside Baksey Chamkrong from Siem Reap 5-0.

Neak Khiev capped off their notable debut in domestic competition by grabbing second place in group D behind Crown with a 7-1 spanking of host side Kampong Thom.

Defending champions National Defence secured first place in group F after beating fierce rivals National Police Commissary 3-1. However, both sides are set to feature in the knockout stage in Phnom Penh after Prey Veng drew 2-2 with Life University.

Kirivong Sok Sen Chey topped group H with their third win of the campaign, a 4-1 victory over Kampot. Koh Kong snatched the runners-up spot after overcoming Kampong Speu 4-0. For Kampong Speu, it was a tournament to forget, having scored just once but conceeding 34 in their three outings.

Villagers eat, love and pray to ‘magical’ tree

Shrines have been set up around the bodhi tree in Sanlong commune that sprang back to life after being cut down. Photo by: ROTH MEAS

via CAAI

Wednesday, 12 January 2011 15:00 Roth Meas

VILLAGERS in Kandal province have been praying to a bodhi tree and drinking tea made from its roots and bark after it suddenly sprang upright, having been cut down and knocked over last year.

The 200-year-old tree in Sanlong commune, about 40 kilometres from Phnom Penh, attracted curiosity when its trunk, which was lying on the ground, began standing upright again two weeks ago. “My dog was barking, so my wife looked out from the house and saw the tree base was slowly standing upright again,” said villager Khai Lorn, 48.

Buddhist priest Sok Suon said a man who lived next to the tree dreamed that its spirit was helping to bring it back to life, so monks erected umbrellas and a tent nearby for people to gather and pray.

“The bodhi tree is supposed to be a magical tree because the Buddha gained enlightenment under one” said the priest.

The tree was felled to make way for a road-widening project on November 18. Over the past two weeks, said Sok Suon, hundreds of people have come to pray to the tree and cut bits of root or bark off it in the hope that it will help cure diseases.

Health officials in Kandal province stressed that drinking bark or roots from a bodhi tree was a folk remedy and not supported by medical evidence. Prak Phan, deputy director of the province’s department of health, said medical workers would educate people nearby so they could avoid any danger.

However, practicioner of traditional Khmer medicine Phka Chhouk, said that trees of the fig family were often used to cure ailments, and could help treat syphilis.

One keen to try the tree was Srey Sorn, 60, of Prey Chrouk village in Kandal’s Bak Dav commune. “I got some bark to boil after I prayed to the tree to cure my stomach disease. The traditional medicine man says that so far, roots or bark from the tree haven’t poisoned anyone.”

Village chief Ly Chamroeun, 45, said that the tree had now been moved to private land so people could keep praying to it.

Superstition runs rife in the countryside. Last week, people in Kandal province's Saang district organised a spirit wedding for two snakes.

5 Cool Things by Ngo Meng Hourng

via CAAI

Wednesday, 12 January 2011 15:00 Ngo Meng Hourng

Wearing newspaper

There are many ways to protect our environment; being a vegetarian, planting trees and reducing air pollution, but, frankly, these are all uncreative. Wearing newspaper is the kind of innovative idea that will help save the earth. It makes a fashion statement and conserves our natural resources. So don’t throw all your newspapers away. Cut them into pieces and ask someone to stick all those pieces on your body and you will soon be mother nature’s best, and most stylish, friend.

Ming your language

When you are bored or stressed and you don’t know what to do, watch a video of Mind Your Language. It is a comedy series featuring some hilarious scenes. The show will not only make you laugh and relax, you can also improve your English language skills with pronunciation, vocabulary, speaking and grammar. If you are interested in watching this movie, you can find it on YouTube by searching for “Mind Your Language”, or you can look around DVD stores for a copy of the series. I would suggest getting it for free on the internet though, and any time you are with a friend near  a computer you can show it to them as well and open a whole new world of laughs and learning.

Novels
Are you a person who loves reading books? If not, readjust your priorities and turn the page in your life so you can start to be more knowledgable. There is a Khmer proverb which says “the more you read the more you learn”. It’s pretty self explanatory. If you want to stay stupid, stay away from books. I can understnad, however, if you find it difficult to know which book to read, since there are so many out there.  I have found that novels are the best choice for beginning readers, since they will pull you in, regardless of your reading level. A good novel will expose you to a whole range of emotions, from romance to sadness to anger. Once you start reading, you will be addicted, and that means it won’t be long before you’re the smartest kid on the block.  So start reading more books.

Bananas
Everyone knows bananas are delicious and nutritious, and you can thank me for finally spreading the word that they are the coolest fruit on trees. If you have illnesses such as stomach aches or constipation, arming your body with the three sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose - will help you fight off the infection. Even if you aren’t sick, you can’t go wrong if you eat two or three bananas as part of your morning routine. Give it three or four days and watch your energy levels reach previously unknown highs. I am frustrated by my inability to convey the coolness of bananas in words. Honestly, you need to get serious about your banana intake. They can help improve your memory, save you money on medicine and make you a happier person. This is one thing that monkeys don’t play around with. They eat them; and you should too.

Small Mirror

We all care about our looks, and many of us spend a lot of time looking in a mirror. When you’re at home, it is easy to primp and preen until perfection is achieved. However, looking like a million bucks away from home is a whole different challenge. If you are too shy or lazy to find the nearest rest room, but if you want to achieve  style comparable to mine in the photo to the left, carrying a small mirror on your person is a habit you need to form. It is so easy to carry a small mirror, and then any time you can have a look at yourself and feel more confident as you strut your stuff around town. It will only cost a few bucks at the market, so go get one and watch your self confidence soar.

Constructive Cambodian: The importance of HIV/AIDS education

via CAAI

Wednesday, 12 January 2011 15:00 Keo Kounila

The Constructive Cambodian

 
Keo Kounila talks about the importance of HIV/AIDS education

A recent study said that youth are the most vulnerable group in Southeast Asia and asked the question: “Is there enough work being done to make sure that AIDS doesn’t start to spread among Cambodia’s youth?”

It does not take a rocket scientist to see that AIDS is indiscriminate and can happen to anybody, rich or poor, white or black. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome came to light in the early 1980s in the US and for more than 20 years has been the subject of fierce debate and countless arguments around the globe.

Its impact on humans is terrifying. The effectiveness of the human immune system is weakened by the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, making patients susceptible to infections and tumors.

In Cambodia, the number of new HIV infections has dropped from an estimated 15,500 per year during the peak of the epidemic in the early 1990s to about 2,100 last year, according to a report written by Cambodian experts working closely with the United States-based Result for Development Institute.

In Cambodia 67,000 people are living with HIV, 37,000 get treatment and 10,000 are waiting for treatment, USAIDS country director Tony Lisle told the Post in December. This means Cambodia has fared well, getting treatment for more than 95 percent of those in need.

But the authors of the recent report warned that Cambodia has become complacent after its “major success” in reduction and has loosened its grip on AIDS prevention, leading to a possibly rise in numbers.

A 2006 global report by USAIDS revealed that one third of the 40 million worldwide infected with HIV are youth – they are sexually active and the most vulnerable group to AIDS. Have we done enough to ensure Cambodia’s youth avoids this fate?

I dare say that Cambodian youth are most at risk in Southeast Asia. Why? Young people are vulnerable to HIV/AIDS for numerous reasons. Because of their age, physical changes, emotions and other factors they have less control over their bodies. These factors are even more intensified in times of war and poverty, which we have seen in this country.

For example, impoverished families are unable to educate their children or provide good medical care.

In the absence of school, youths wander the streets, passing their time by having sex and therefore becoming infected with HIV, which they cannot afford to treat.

The traditional customs and habits of many Cambodian parents even reinforce the vulnerability of youth. Parents have been tight-lipped about sex education at home and parents are shy and can’t talk with their children about it. Therefore, education about HIV is almost non-existent because parents do not take the trouble to explain it, or they assume that children learn about it at school.

In contrast, schools teach no more than the definition and some superficial prevention methods, leaving many young people curious, so they go and have sex but don’t protect themselves.

But there some effective organisations in Cambodia that have engaged youth and taught them the risks of unsafe or unprotected sex and contraceptive methods against HIV/AIDS and unwanted pregnancies. But this is not enough. Most young people spend their whole day at school, but don’t learn enough at home.

It is at home where young people should receive hands-on education about HIV/AIDS from their parents. Schools also cannot ignore this challenge or put the burden on the government or non-governmental organisations.

Sex education is still a controversial subject in many countries. Many argue that even young children deserve to be taught for their own safety, while others argue that these lessons can lead to sex at a tender age.

Discrimination and stigma against the HIV/AIDS positive people is still prevalent. People discriminate against the victims of AIDS or rape.

In a bid to curb the spread of AIDS among Cambodia’s youth, parents have to do more, as well as schools, NGOs and the government. With the news that foreign donors are expected to decrease funding between 50 and 90 percent over the next two decades, this issue is a high priority. Cambodia’s youth are now more at risk as sexual liberation is taking off in the Kingdom and entertainment venues are not properly regulated. We cannot be complacent, but must put more effort into taking care of the wellbeing of the youth, the new hope of Cambodia.

Lesson for 2011

via CAAI

Wednesday, 12 January 2011 15:00 Post Staff

Beware of big animals

Cows seemed to be running amok on a monthly basis, getting in the way of traffic and wandering wherever they pleased. Than Sambo the elephant stole the show when he began his week-long rampage on residents in Kampong Speu. After days of inaction, government and animal experts were finally able to subdue the 53-year-old beast and bring him to Tachmau Zoo, where he is now posing no danger to onlookers.

Watch what you say

It wasn’t a good year for opposition voices. Sam Rainsy and Mu Sochua, perhaps the two most well known members of the Sam Rainsy party, were both punished for their critical actions and comments towards the government, and Ros Soket, an opposition newspaper man, also spent time in jail. He clearly did not learn his lesson, however, since he said he would focus his efforts to expose corruption on Hun Sen the same day he was released from jail.

Protect yourself in bed

Cambodia has been a success story for the fight against HIV/AIDS in the past decade, however the threat of the disease has not gone away, and world health groups have said that because of a lack of education and concern among youth in the region, teenagers and young adults are the most vulnerable group to see a rise in the prevalence of HIV/AIDS. As it is becoming more common for Cambodian youth to be more sexually active, the need to use condoms is higher than ever.

Go see your country

You have probably seen some of Cambodia already, but surely there are many places you have yet to see. You might think that they will still be there, and still be beautiful for your whole life, but due to industrial projects and population expansion, Cambodia’s natural wonders are rapidly changing. If there is a trip you have been waiting to take, go do it now, you never know when it will change.

Be careful crossing borders

Borders have been a risky place to be this last year. Members of the Sam Rainsy party had multiple run ins on the Vietnamese border, including one that left Sam Rainsy and two villagers facing charges of disinformation in court. More recently, Thai government officials were found on the wrong side of their border with Cambodia, and now their fate is also in the hands of Cambodia’s courts.

Wednesday, 12 January 2011 15:00 Dara Saoyuth and Sun Narin

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Dara Saoyuth and Sun Narin talk to TVs top newsmen to find out if we can believe what we sees on TV.

According to a census taken of Cambodia’s population in 2008, 58.41 percent of households own at least one television set. News programmes are what every station cannot do without. Cambodia’s television stations present a variety of both national and international news to their audiences and also produce some other programmes including live reports and news analysis.

Huot Kheangveng, the deputy general director of the Bayon station which is owned by Prime Minister Hun Sen’s daughter, said his station tries to cater to its audience’s needs, adding that the audience likes news which impacts their lives and is a bridge between the government and the people.

Pen Samithy, the president of the Club of Cambodian Journalists and editor of the Raksmey Kampuchea newspaper, said that developing a variety of news for television was good for the people and the country as a whole since people can learn what’s happening around them. He said, however, there were not very many local television programmes and they were not updated.

Information Minister and Government Spokesman Khieu Kanharith said making shows for TV is a big expense, and added that just to get a good camera like the ones being used at TVK costs about $30,000 to $40,000.

He said that privately-owned television stations have to make money, so they are not able to have lots of people capturing the news from all over the country.

“Most of the news focuses on the government’s achievements and is positive,” said Pen Samithy. “I just want all the news that impacts the people.”

Lift conducted a survey of 100 university students in Phnom Penh and the results showed that 70 percent said the news is biased towards the government.

However, Huot Kheangveng said his television station carried both the positive and negative points of the government to let people know about its achievements and also to constructively criticise government.

“We have references, real sources and our reporters do it professionally. We disseminate the truth only,” he said.

Launched in March 2003, the Cambodian Television Network, or CTN, is the most popular station in Cambodia and is now broadcasting news for seven hours each day. Its programmes include the morning news, which has been running for the past year.

“Any bad news has already been reported by some radio stations and newspapers, so we don’t have to follow because it’s not good,” said Som Chhaya, CTN’s deputy director general and news editor, explaining that the market for news is very small and they cannot survive on news shows alone.

“As you can see, some newspapers are still printed in black and white and have not changed to colour printing like the others.”

Som Chhaya also said there are some obstacles he and his crews face in getting news. Getting information is sometimes difficult for him because some departments and ministries don’t have any spokesperson, so he has to try to contact other relevant sources who sometimes cannot be reached.

Now most television stations produce news programmes and analysis, which Som Chhaya compares with having a meal that is delicious after adding the seasoning, more meat and more vegetables, meaning that news analysis provides more detail for the audience to better understand a situation.

Soy Sopheap, a news analyst at Bayon TV, said he always recaps and analyses the important news of the week, but acknowledged that “it’s not correct all the time, but we say what is true and adhere to our profession as journalists”.

However, Khieu Kanharith stressed that news analysis is not news but opinion.

“They have the freedom to express their opinions,” he said, adding that some people are not very professional in their analysis, but the majority of them are.

Can TV save Cambodian culture?

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If i think the style is cool, I will try to follow it. I don't take on anything I think is too sexy though

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via CAAI

Wednesday, 12 January 2011 15:00 Ouk Elita

Regardless of preference for genre, we’re all familiar with watching TV, and there are many things to like about the TV programmes available in Phnom Penh. Maybe the presenter is entertaining, the content is interesting, or the creativity is impressive. However, there are just as many reasons to dislike our TV programmes. There may be too many advertisements, some of the shows simply lack substance, or some are just plain boring.

Veteran TV presenter Soun Bophanith, also known as VJ Danny, thinks he may know why there is such a great discrepancy. “There are many difficulties (involved) for a programme to operate well,” he said, “Sometimes it is not what we expected, (and) it does not turn out as well as what we think.” Soun Bophanith hosts two popular programmes in Cambodia: Pop Quiz on MyTV, “Cambodia’s first everyouth channel” targeted at young people, and CTN Dance Contest at CTN. He’s also produced and presented the well-received Cellcard Scene, a fun talk show that discusses various topics, from Kung Fu to Manga.

Soun Bophanith explained that concepts sometimes need to change and a show tested before it airs, which contribute to the inconsistency in quality. “We also have to think of a programme that we do not have already,” he said. “And then propose a concept (for) approval. Another factor (we need) to consider is the budget: budget to initiate a programme and a monthly budget.”

Heang Nicole, an 18-year-old student at the Institute of Foreign Languages, said she doesn’t watch Cambodian channels very often. “I do like some programmes on TVK and CTN,” she said, “especially Jrung Mouy Ney Komnet on Bayon. I watch foreign channels on cable TV more, because they have programmes that we don’t (have). They explore many aspects of the world, such as geography and art.”

Phal Samphors, a 19-year-old Pannasastra University student, said she likes to watch MyTV, partly for the fashion trends the channel portrays. “If I think the style is cool, I will try to follow it,” she said. “I don’t take on anything I think is too sexy though. ” Phal Samphors said that TV programmes also have educational value: “Listening to English songs can help us improve (our English listening) skills.”

Khem Sarith, the secretary of state at the Ministry of Culture, said TV channels always have a very strong impact on viewers. “Wherever it airs, there will be an impact. That’s why we are very careful,” he said. “If there is a mistake, there will be an impact, and it’s hard to turn (it) back.” Although the Ministry of Culture doesn’t necessarily have control over what is being shown, “when the Ministry of Culture feels that a particular TV show is against the belief or value of Cambodian culture, it can (terminate that) TV station,” Khem Sarith said. “It is the responsibility of the stations to decide (what they air) and be accountable for whatever happens.”

Despite the Ministry of Culture’s lack of direct control, Khem Sarith said he has noticed a love and respect for culture from TV stations. “I can see that TV stations love (our) culture,” he said. “When we (inform them of) their mistakes, they usually stop.”

Soun Bophanith said diversity is also important for TV programmes and catering to the audience. “Pop Quiz is a show for anything related to Pop, (and) we have songs from everywhere,” he said. “Most teenagers nowadays like Korean songs, but sometimes we also have Khmer songs to surprise the audience.”

On the other hand, Iep Poachean, an 18-year-old student at the University of Cambodia, sees a problem with this degree of diversity. He said that while “some of them have educational value, it can make us lose our culture if there is too much. I think the reason is because Khmer movies and songs are not so (appealing) yet; I hope they will make better ones”.

Youth of the Week: Sao Sokhim

via CAAI

Wednesday, 12 January 2011 15:00 Tang Khyhay

Have you ever thought that because of your failure you can find success? For Soa Sockhim, a seventeen year old gymnast, failure allowed her to achieve the successes she sought. Before she had a chance to join the second aerobic gymnastics championship in Asia, where she won the bronze medal, she had previously lost many competitions. It is true she lost the rivalry but what she focuses on is keeping her high commitment and motivation.

Born to a family of nine brothers and sisters, Sao Sockhim is the youngest daughter in her family. Her father passed away and her mother is a farmer. She started doing gymnastics at eleven years old. She said “Learning aerobics is not difficult as long as you have talent. In order to do this sport well, you have to be patient while your body becomes accustomed to exercising.” When she first started to practice, Sao considered her primary challenges to be the technique and the risk. Early on, she suffered a sprain while training with her brother. An unexpected challenge she has faced has been the uniforms that she is expected to wear in competition, which she said are more revealing than she is comfortable with.

To manage her time as a student athlete, she has to set a strict schedule. “I need to have good time management otherwise both my studies and my opportunities to follow my ideal career in gymnastics will fall apart,” she said.

Noy Phana, the team’s head coach, said that Soa Sokhim is different from other students. Whether she is sick or not, she is willing to train, while such complications would prevent her peers from participating. He added that she is good, diligent, and she will have a bright future.

Soa Sockhim said that the chance to compete in Vietnam was invaluable to her future, and not only as a gymnast. She was able to see the world away form Cambodia for the first time, and once the games began, she could see what kind of talent gymnasts outside of the Kingdom actually have. She was also able to meet some of the best gymnasts in the region and, most importantly, she was able to represent her country and bring honor to Cambodia.

Sao Sokhim’s advice to other youth is to spend their time doing something they love, whatever that might be, rather than waste free time doing nothing.

“In the future I not only want to be the most famous gymnast in Cambodia, I want ot be the most famous in Asia,” she said.