Television ad production increases in Cambodia

via CAAI

January 12, 2011

Cambodia is slowly shifting away from repackaged foreign television advertisements to Cambodian-produced ads, which are increasing their presence on local television, local media reported on Wednesday, citing production companies and advertisers.

Ad producers say that in recent years, the sophistication of the advertising sector has grown and ads budgets have risen, prompting more local companies to opt for television ads, and more international companies to turn toward Cambodian-produced ads for the growing local market.

"There are more commercials produced locally now than before. Before, they just took the foreign ads and just overdubbed it with Khmers," the Cambodia Daily quoted Rick Lore, creative director of Avalon Production House as saying. Rick Lore added that his company produced 20 percent more TV ads in 2010 than in 2009.

Bunseng Chuor, creative managing director of Satra Multimedia was quoted as saying that he has more interest in Cambodian- produced ads, and his company has seen its profits increase 10-20 percent from 2009 to 2010.

While he attributed some of this to improvement in the economy, he said that over the years more companies are recognizing that Cambodian companies can produce television ads and can answer the growing demand.

Eung Song Leap, general manager of Rasmey Hang Meas film production, was quoted as saying that the increase is also a response to the desire of Cambodians to see fellow Cambodians selling them their products.

Even so, Kimhak To, managing director of Ads Com advertising, said locally produced ads reflect the relatively small budgets, compared to international ads.

"One good quality spot could cost between 40,000 U.S. dollars to 50,000 dollars. But some only pay 400 U.S. dollars to 500 dollars," he was quoted as saying. "We have to produce a local spot with international quality."

Source:Xinhua

LB Wat Willow abbot was 66

Rev. Kong Chhean

via CAAI

By Greg Mellen, Staff Writer

Posted: 01/11/2011

LONG BEACH - For more than 30 years, the Rev. Kong Chhean helped give Cambodian refugees a spiritual sense of home in a foreign land.

Chhean died Friday at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center after battling a series of ailments. He was 66.

Chhean was the head monk or abbot at the Khemara Buddhikarama Temple, popularly called Wat Willow, Long Beach's largest Cambodian Buddhist temple.

Born in 1945 in Cambodia, Chhean was ordained as a monk after he entered the temple at the age of 12. He studied Buddhist religious thought at Benares Hindu University in India, receiving a doctorate in 1975.

The Buddhist monk came to the United States in 1979 with the first wave of refugees, who fled Cambodia after the Vietnamese drove the genocidal Khmer Rouge from power.

Upon arriving in the U.S., Chhean set up his first temple in an apartment on Clarkdale Avenue in Hawaiian Gardens and his second in a Lakewood home. When the Lakewood site proved too small, Chhean began holding services at El Dorado Park before moving to the current site, a former union hall on the industrial Westside border with Wilmington.

The building was renovated and decorated with distinctive Khmer artwork and architecture, including signature curved spires and red tile roofing.

In addition to leading his congregation, Chhean worked as a mental health counselor and earned a master's degree in psychology from Pepperdine University in 1986 and a doctorate in clinical psychology in 1989.

He worked for the Long Beach Asian Pacific Mental Health Program, part of the Los Angeles County Mental Health Department.

Because of his background both as a Cambodian and a monk, Chhean was uniquely suited to treat Cambodians suffering from mental disease and trauma, such at post traumatic stress disorder and depression.

"He helped a lot of Cambodians with mental problems," said Borann Duong, a member of the temple and its board of directors. "He was on call all the time, and he was very good when we had problems."

Describing his approach to therapy to the Press-Telegram about nine years ago, Chhean said, "Rational living creates balance in the mind and body, but for many people suffering from mental illness, medicine and therapy must also be used. There is no reason for the spiritual and medical treatments to be mutually exclusive."

In its early years, Wat Willow also offered a variety of social, community and cultural services, including weekend basketball tournaments for Khmer youth and adult day care for the elderly parents of working adults.

Recently it has been more concentrated on religious activities.

Buddhist ritual services will be held at Wat Willow, 2100 W. Willow St., daily between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. through Thursday. Viewing and Buddhist memorial services will be held at the Wat on Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

A funeral service will be held Sunday from 1 until 3 p.m. at All Souls Mortuary, 4400 Cherry Ave. The service will be followed by a funeral procession to Wat Willow where the final Buddhist ritual service will be held. The cremation will be staged at Stricklin Snively Mortuary, 1952 Long Beach Blvd.

Anyone wishing to make a donation in Chhean's memory can make it to Khemara Buddhikarama Temple, 2100 W. Willow Street, Long Beach, CA 90810. A Khmer language announcement of services is at www.presstelegram.com.

For more information, contact Pinthuy Tim at 562-980- 6710, e-mail: pinrt301@yahoo.com  or Borann Duong, 562-577-5481, e-mail: Borannd@hotmail.com .

greg.mellen@presstelegram.com , 562-499-1291

Cambodian Princess to attend Czech Opera Ball

via CAAI

12 January 2011

Prague, Jan 11 (CTK) - Cambodian Princess Norodom Arunrasmy, sister of King Norodom Sihamoni who studied in Prague, will be the patron of the traditional Czech Opera Ball to be held in the State Opera building in Prague centre on February 5, 2011, its organisers announced Tuesday.

The event will be held under the aegis of the Prague and Vienna mayors, and in the Cambodian colours since Princess Arunrasmy will attend it this year.

Part of the profits from the raffle will go to charity purposes. The money will be divided between the foundation of Czech-born top model Tereza Maxova in support of abandoned children, and charity projects in Cambodia.

"People will come not only for entertainment but they also want to do something good. This is why we have focused on relations with the Cambodian royal family," ball artistic director Renata Sabongui told CTK, adding that the ball's symbolic motto is "For Life."

The princess's brother, King Norodom Sihanomi, has close links to the Czech Republic. He lived in Prague in 1962-1975 when he attended primary and secondary schools and then studied ballet at the Prague conservatory. He can speak Czech fluently.

On the occasion of the Opera Ball, Princess Arunrasmy will present Cambodian culture in Prague.

A performance of Cambodian dancers along with the Prague Conservatory's dancers will open the ball's programme. Then a Czech band will play songs of swing legend Frank Sinatra.

The Canbodian princess will dance with Czech ballet master Vlastimil Harapes, who also graduated from the Prague conservatory.

The tickets cost from 3000 to 8000 crowns per person.

The guests can win prizes in the raffle for one million crowns in total, including a trip to Cambodia, jewels and a luxurious bed.

The tradition of opera balls in Prague was restored in 2009 after a 14-year break. The first event took place in the State Opera in 1948. Others were held only after the communist regime collapsed, in the first half of the 1990s.

The balls have been attended by famous cultural personalities, such as actors Alain Delon and Peter Ustinov, businessmen, politicians, diplomats and members of royal families.

My visit no bearing on Cambodian ties: Suthep

via CAAI

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban insisted on Wednesday his inspection trip to Si Sa Ket province had no bearing on the Thai-Cambodian relations.

He was speaking before departing for Si Sa Ket, which is adjacent to Cambodia.

"My trip is about a reafforestation project in honour of His Majesty," he said. He denied any linkage to today's Cambodian judicial inquiry on additional espionage charges against two of seven detained Thais in Phnom Penh.

Accompanied by Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha, Suthep said he wanted to thank soldiers and participants for reafforestation in Kanthararak district.

When asked about the detained Thais, he said the government had already assigned the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be the primary agency in charge of assisting in the legal defence and commenting on related issues.

He said, however, that he understands the Cambodian court is expected to rule on the case within this week.

He reaffirmed good neighbourly ties with Cambodia in every aspect.

Cambodian court formally charges Veera with spying

via CAAI

By The Nation

A Cambodian court on Wednesday accused two Thais including Veera Somkwamkit, a leader of Thai Patriots Network of spying.

Another Thai charged with spying is Ratree Pipattanapaibul, secretary of the network.

The two were among seven Thais already accused of illegally entering Cambodia and entering a Khmer military post without permission. One of the seven was Panich Vikitsetr, a Democrat MP.

The seven were arrested on December 29 while inspecting a field in Sa Kaew's Kok Sung district, opposite to Banteay Meanchay province of Cambodia.

Thai Foreign Ministry's spokesman Thani Thongpakdee said Wednesday that after charging them, the Cambodian court allowed Veera and Ratree to testify against the charge.

Chavanond Indharakomalasutr, Thai FM's secretary, said in Bangkok that Veera refused to testify through an interpreter of the Cambodian court.

Veera said he would testify only through an interpreter provided by Thai embassy in Phnom Penh. Chavanond said Thai embassy is willing to do as requested but Cambodian law seems to prohibit to do so.

So the embassy will seek permission for Veera's wishes.

Chavanond said he has not yet received reports about Ratree.

Veera used to be arrested on charge of illegal entry last year near the site where he was held this time.

After the hearing, the two were brought back to Prey Sor jail where they were detained since they were taken from the border to Phnom Penh, Thani said.

Referring to five others suspects, Thani said the Cambodian side has not yet set date of delivering the verdict.

The seven Thais last week testified against charge of illegal entry. They told the court that they entered Cambodia by accident.

Meanwhile Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban visited border province of Si Sa Ket which is adjacent to Cambodia.

He was accompanied by Army Commander in Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha.

Suthep insisted that his inspection trip to Si Sa Ket had no bearing on the Thai-Cambodian relations.

"My trip is about a reafforestation project in honour of His Majesty, and he wanted to thank soldiers and participants for reafforestation in Kanthararak district.

He denied any linkage to today's Cambodian judicial inquiry on additional espionage charges against two of seven detained Thais in Phnom Penh.

When asked about the detained Thais, he said the government had already assigned the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be the primary agency in charge of assisting in the legal defence and commenting on related issues.

He said, however, that he understands the Cambodian court is expected to rule on the case within this week.

He reaffirmed good neighbourly ties with Cambodia in every aspect.

Viet Nam, Cambodia inaugurate international border gate

via CAAI

January, 12 2011

LONG AN – An international border crossing that links the Mekong Delta province of Long An and Cambodia's Svay Rieng Province officially opened its gates to trade yesterday in Binh Hiep Commune, Moc Hoa District.

The crossing has been upgraded following decisions by the Vietnamese and Cambodian governments to allow trade as well as civilian traffic to pass through, and becomes the 20th official overland trade link in Viet Nam.

The crossing links Viet Nam's National Highway 62 with Cambodia's Route 314 and the Asian transnational highway, connecting countries in the Mekong Subregion with the whole of ASEAN and Asia.

Nguyen Xuan Hong, deputy director of Long An Province's Department of Industry and Trade, said the new crossing would shorten transportation routes because before, products manufactured in Long An such as home appliances and fertiliser were exported to Cambodia via roundabout routes through other provinces including An Giang and Tay Ninh.

Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Duong Quoc Xuan said in the future, the province would continue to upgrade the 25km road from Moc Hoa District to Svay Rieng City. The province would also quickly implement regulations governing trade operations at Binh Hiep border gate to create favourable conditions for enterprises from both countries to expand co-operative relations and boost import-export activities.

He said plans for a border gate economic zone revolving around Binh Hiep were underway. - VNS

Two of seven Thais detained in Cambodia taken to court for hearing on spying charge

via CAAI

PHNOM PENH, Jan 12 -- Two of the seven Thai nationals detained here were taken to Phnom Penh Municipal Court Wednesday morning for a hearing on spying charges on top of the illegal entry and trespassing into a Cambodian military area.

The Cambodian government prosecutor earlier has added espionage to the charges levelled against Veera Somkwamkid, Secretary General of the People’s Network Against Corruption and leader of the Thailand Patriot Network and his secretary Ratree Pipattanapaiboon, citing they gathered security information that could pose a severe threat to Cambodian security.

The two were seen as having worried expressions on their faces during they were taken into the court premises.

Mr Veera reportedly told the media waiting outside the court that there was an attempt to frame him with the new charge.

According to Cambodian laws, the two people may face five to 10 years imprisonment if found guilty.

The two were among the seven Thais, including Democrat Member of Parliament for Bangkok Panich Vikitsreth, who were arrested Dec 29, by the Cambodian authorities for illegal entry into Cambodian territory in Banteay Meanchey province and are now being detained in Phnom Penh's Prey Sar Prison.

The Cambodian court finished the first hearings last Thursday.

The detainees face two initial charges -- illegal entry into the Cambodian kingdom, with possible punishment of three to six months jail and deportation, and also trespass into a Cambodian military zone, punishable by three to six months jail and Bt7,500-15,000 in fines. (MCOT online news)

Cambodian villagers pray to "sacred" tree trunk that righted itself

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/

via CAAI

Jan 11, 2011

Phnom Penh - The stump of a 200-year-old tree that was recently felled has become an object of veneration for Cambodian villagers, local media reported Wednesday.

Villagers in Sanlong commune near Phnom Penh said the stump of the bodhi tree, which had lain on its side since being cut down in a road-widening project in November, righted itself of its own accord overnight 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,' villager Khai Lorn told The Phnom Penh Post newspaper.

Monks placed umbrellas and a tent near the 2-metre-tall stump to allow people to pray and leave offerings, a local monk said.

'The bodhi tree is supposed to be a magical tree because the Buddha gained enlightenment under one,' monk Sok Suon said.

He added that hundreds of people had since come to the tree to pray and remove bits of bark or root to make healing cups of tea.

Cambodia is a predominantly Buddhist nation, and superstitions run deep in rural areas. Last week, villagers outside Phnom Penh held a wedding ceremony for two pythons in a bid to ensure good fortune.

Vietnam-Cambodia border gate opens

via CAAI

The Binh Hiep-Prayvo international border gate between Long An province of Vietnam and Svay Rieng province of Cambodia opened on January 11.

The gate played an important role in taking advantages of both provinces’ potential, especially in welcoming international travellers, Deputy Chairman of the Long An provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Nguyen said.

The border gates were upgraded from the existing ones following the decisions of the Vietnamese and Cambodian governments.

The Binh Hiep border gate of Long An province, which connects to road number 314 of Svay Rieng province and the Asian transnational highway, is considered as a bridge to other countries in Southeast Asia.

DAP News. Breaking News by Soy Sopheap

via CAAI

River Closure for 246 Megawatts Hydropower Plant of Cambodia’s Koh Kong Province

Wednesday, 12 January 2011 10:19 DAP-NEWS/VIBOL

CAMBODIA, PHNOM PENH, Jan 12, 2010-Cambodian PM Hun Sen on Wednesday presided over the river closure ceremony of building 246 megawatts hydropower plant in Koh Kong Province, southwestern region of Cambodia.

“This plant will help reduce the shortage of the electricity demand in the country while the 50 per cent of village now could access the power,” PM said in the ceremony.

He also appealed the private sector to take part in investment of building electricity network, and hydropower plant in Cambodia to boost the economic growth.

This new plant developed by Chinese company, china heavy machine corporation with $540 million. PM Hun Sen thanked Chinese side that has helped provide loan, grant aid to help the country.

Television Ad Production Increases in Cambodia

Wednesday, 12 January 2011 08:01 DAP-NEWS

PHNOM PENH, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia is slowly shifting away from repackaged foreign television advertisements to Cambodian-produced ads, which are increasing their presence on local television, local media reported on Wednesday, citing production companies and advertisers.

Ad producers say that in recent years, the sophistication of the advertising sector has grown and ads budgets have risen, prompting more local companies to opt for television ads, and more international companies to turn toward Cambodian-produced ads for the growing local market.

"There are more commercials produced locally now than before. Before, they just took the foreign ads and just overdubbed it with Khmers," the Cambodia Daily quoted Rick Lore, creative director of Avalon Production House as saying. Rick Lore added that his company produced 20 percent more TV ads in 2010 than in 2009.

Bunseng Chuor, creative managing director of Satra Multimedia was quoted as saying that he has more interest in Cambodian- produced ads, and his company has seen its profits increase 10-20 percent from 2009 to 2010.

While he attributed some of this to improvement in the economy, he said that over the years more companies are recognizing that Cambodian companies can produce television ads and can answer the growing demand.

Eung Song Leap, general manager of Rasmey Hang Meas film production, was quoted as saying that the increase is also a response to the desire of Cambodians to see fellow Cambodians selling them their products.

Even so, Kimhak To, managing director of Ads Com advertising, said locally produced ads reflect the relatively small budgets, compared to international ads.

"One good quality spot could cost between 40,000 U.S. dollars to 50,000 dollars. But some only pay 400 U.S. dollars to 500 dollars," he was quoted as saying. "We have to produce a local spot with international quality."

Cambodian Court Officially Charges Two Detained Thais for Espionage: Lawyer

Wednesday, 12 January 2011 07:59 DAP-NEWS

PHNOM PENH, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Phnom Penh Municipal Court's investigating judge Chaing Sinat on Wednesday upheld a new additional charge on two of the seven arrested Thais, said a defense lawyer.

The two Thais are Veera Somkwamkid, a core member of the Thailand Patriot Network, and Ratree Taiputana Taiboon, known as Veera's secretary.

On Jan. 10, the court's deputy prosecutor Sok Roeun applied a new additional charge on the two Thais with an attempt in " collecting information which might damage Cambodia's national security."

The charge that could face between five and 10 years in jail if found guilty, according to the article 446 of the Cambodia's new penal code.

"The investigating judge upheld the charge on the two Thais for spying," Pich Vicheka, one of the two defense lawyers for the seven arrested Thais, confirmed to Xinhua on Wednesday after more than three hour inquest on the two Thais at the court.

He said that so far, the court has not set the date for a trial for the seven detained Thais.

Chaing Sinat did not pick up the phone after repeated calls by reporter on Wednesday.

The seven arrested Thais are a Democrat Member of Parliament for Bangkok Panich Wikitsate, Veera Somkwamkid, Thailand Patriot Network core member, Samdin Lersbusya, secretary for Heaven and Earth Party, Kochpontorn Chusanaseree, assistant to Panich, Taynae Moongmachon, pressperson, Ms. Naruemol Chitwaratana, house keeper and Ms. Ratree Paiputana Paiboon, vendor and known as Veera's secretary.

They were arrested on Dec. 29, 2010 by Cambodian border protection troops for illegal entry into Cambodian territory in Banteay Meanchey province and now are being detained in Phnom Penh' s Prey Sar prison.

They were charged on Dec. 30 last year for illegal entry into Cambodia and unlawful entry into military zone. They may face up to 18 months in prison and fine from 1 to 2 million Cambodian riels (250 U.S. dollars - 500 U.S. dollars) if found guilty.

Press and Quick Reaction Unit Demands Bangkok Post Newspaper to Publish Immediately Correction

Wednesday, 12 January 2011 02:08 DAP-NEWS

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

via CAAI

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.