Govt waits on 13 dam feasibility studies

The Phnom Penh Post
Monday, 07 September 2009
Chun Sophal

THE government is still waiting on the outcomes of feasibility studies on 13 hydroelectric dams, the construction of which it hopes will allow Cambodia to become a net energy exporter by 2020.

Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy Director General Victor Zona said the 13 potential dams, located mostly in the west and northeast of Cambodia, could produce a combined 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity.

The studies have been approved since 2005, and one - the 420MW Sesan Krom II dam to be built by Vietnam Electricity on Stung Treng province's Sesan River - was expected to be approved for construction next year, Zona said.

Zona said he hoped all 13 dams would be approved and construction completed by 2020 for "consumption and sale".

The government has already approved the construction of seven hydroelectric dams, which are expected to be completed between 2010 and 2015 and will produce almost 1,000MW of electricity.

Zona said a ministry study found that Cambodia will need to produce 3,000MW of electricity by 2020 to meet local needs. With the 20 dams online, the Kingdom would have capacity to produce 5,000MW from hydroelectricity, coal and gas, meaning it would be able to export 40 percent of its total production each year.

According to the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology's National Water Resources Policy, Cambodia has the potential to develop about 10,000 megawatts of hydroelectric power, 50 percent from main rivers, 40 percent from tributaries and 10 percent from coastal areas.

Investing means sounding out markets

The Phnom Penh Post
Monday, 07 September 2009
Trevor Keidan

THE market sentiment is accompanied by a distinct sound, according to one particular American financial expert, and lately that sound might just be laid-back ballads.

According to Phil Maymin, an assistant professor of finance and risk engineering at the Polytechnic Institute of New York University, there is a direct correlation between the volatility of the stock markets and the type of music people like.

Surprisingly enough, at times of high volatility (as has been the case since the start of the downturn), people tend to like soothing music. During periods of low volatility, they prefer heavier music with a more frenetic beat.

Maymin came up with his findings by comparing data marking the standard deviation of the returns of the S&P 500 to the music people listened to during the years 1958 to 2007.

The November 2008 report predicted that people would be listening to less volatile music as a result of the ensuing volatility.

Although Maymin's study provides an interesting aside, the Volatility Index - the ticker symbol for the Chicago Boards Options Exchange (CBOE) - is the main instrument for measuring market ups and downs by tracking volatility S&P 500 index options. It is often referred to as the stock market's fear gauge, and the higher its value the more volatile the market is perceived to be.

Last month the VIX - which tends to rise as investors try to protect themselves against increasing risk by buying options - rose 17 percent during the course of a day's trade, and lately the VIX has been trading in the mid-to-late 20s. Its 52-week high is 89.53, whereas its 52-week low is 19.22.

Volatility breeds uncertainty, and there are those who are reluctant to put money away for their future.

However, now there is a chance to capitalise on this market volatility by investing in structured notes directly linked to the VIX.

Such notes give investors the chance to profit by putting money in a particular segment of the market, and also minimise the potential loss.

If the price on a certain date - a predetermined quarterly date - for each of the first three quarters is equal to or higher than the price at launch, then it will pay out the investment plus a percentage return.

As always, such structured products - even those that specialise in volatile markets - allow an investor to make gains up to a certain amount while at the same time limiting the level of loss.

So, for those with an appetite for the current market volatility, such an investment might be the way forward during a time when little is certain.

For those of us with weaker constitutions, it's probably a time to try to forget about the severe ups and downs that have dominated in recent weeks.

Just keep playing that relaxing music.
________________________________

Trevor Keidan is managing director of
Infinity Financial Solutions. Should you
wish to contact Trevor send an
email to tkeidan@infinsolutions.com

Microfinanciers slash rates

The Phnom Penh Post
Monday, 07 September 2009
May Kunmakara

Micro-lending institutions have been forced to cut their rates to attract customers amid tight competition across the sector

Microfinance lenders have cut interest rates by between 0.2 and 0.5 percent in a bid to attract customers amid an intensely competitive market, the chairman of the Cambodian Microfinance Association (CMA) said Friday.

The cut follows heavy criticism of the Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in recent months over high rates, which sector representatives claimed were necessary to cover costs.

But Hout Ieng Thong said the rate cut would neither threaten profitability nor expose the sector to bankruptcies, as lenders had streamlined operations in recent months.

"Earlier this year we felt that we could not reduce rates because we had some difficulties in terms of operational costs, but we have improved our operations," he said. "We have also taken some measures to improve risk management."

Hout Ieng Thong said Hattha Kaksekar Limited, of which he is chief executive officer, has reduced rates from around 3 percent per month to 2.5 percent. The lender had disbursed $28 million to 44,000 customers, he said.

Prasac Microfinance Institution reduced rates from 3 percent to 2.7 percent per month, while rates on smaller loans were dropped from 2.2 percent to 1.6 percent, after borrower numbers dropped from 100,000 customer last year to 80,000 as of August, General Manager Sim Senacheert said.

"The effect of the economic downturn on people's incomes and tough competition among MFIs are the main factors for the reduction in interest rates," he said.

"We know it will affect our income, but we are willing to take the risk because we have reduced operating costs from 23 percent in 2003 to just 8 percent this year."

CHC Limited General Manager King Kap Kalyan said the rate cut exposed lenders to financial risks.

"MFIs really should not reduce interest rates at this time because our foreign lenders have increased their rates and non-perfoming loans have increased, but we don't have a choice because of market competition," he said.

CHC reduced its average rates last month from 3 percent to 2.6 percent, he said.

Cambodian Economic Association President Chan Sophal applauded the move, saying Cambodian MFIs already charged too much interest compared with lenders in other countries.

"We know that the interest rates charged by MFIs are too high, and they take a lot of profit as a result, so this initiative will give some of those profits back to customers," he said.

Untangling the information about getting cable television

Photo by: Tracey Shelton
As audiovisual technology advances at a rapid pace, consumers in Phnom Penh check out some of the latest widescreen offerings.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After years of static, cambodian television is slowly coming of age.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Phnom Penh Post
Monday, 07 September 2009
Dianne Janes

Why do some people get channels you don’t? How come your landlord insists on a provider, and could you get both? And what’s the skinny on widescreen?

AFTER years of crackly static, lines through the picture and complaints about the programming, Cambodian television is slowly coming of age.

In the last six months, new channels have sprung up regularly, as digital television makes inroads into Phnom Penh.

All over the world, broadcasters are changing from analogue to digital signals, providing noise-free pictures and superior sound quality, with the added bonus of Electronic Programme Guides (EPGs) showing daily information.

With the recent launch of a digital cable television service, we've put together the answers to all your questions about cable TV in Phnom Penh.

The current players
Cambodian Cable Television (CCTV) has been in operation in Phnom Penh since 1995 and has captured the lion's share of the market. It is a Taiwanese-owned company that claims to have around 9,000 to 10,000 subscribers - although it wasn't sure of the numbers.

It offers up to 65 channels including ESPN, Star Movies, HBO, Disney and many more from around the world. Its service is currently analogue cable TV, with their digital service not yet fully functional.

Phnom Penh Cable Television (PPCTV) is the up-and-coming competitor. It has emerged with a progressive business strategy - a digital cable television service in conjunction with broadband Internet.

It launched the digital service about six months ago, with Internet that can be bought separately or in a package deal.

PPCTV has most of the same channels as CCTV, except it did not have Disney or Cinemax, and it has a few exclusive channels such as the BBC, Discovery and MTV.

Subscribers to the new digital service receive up to 25 additional channels including Fox News, the Sci Fi Channel, the History Channel and E! Asia.

Unfortunately, the extra channels are delivered via a set-top box, whereas the other 65 channels come via cable, so there's a bit of fiddling with remote controls to shift between the two.

In the next few years, the service may be streamlined. Currently the EPG doesn't have enough information on it, the PPCTV Web site is always down, and the staff doesn't seem to know what widescreen pictures are.

What's with all those DVDs playing on TV?
Both PPCTV and CCTV offer their own channels which play DVD movies all day. Yes, it's a breach of international copyright law - especially when you tune in and see a yet-to-be-released movie with the words "Property of Columbia Pictures" across the bottom of the screen.

But with copyright laws so rarely policed in Cambodia, they are getting away with broadcasting unlicensed material - for now. The Cambodian government has pledged to get its house in order with regard to pirated material in the next few years.
Broadcast licence fees are expensive, so if a crackdown occurs, expect these channels to disappear overnight.

Why can't I get the BBC?
You need to be a subscriber to PPCTV in order to receive the BBC. Contrary to popular myth, PPCTV is available throughout the capital, not merely in select areas. PPCTV says it has full coverage throughout Phnom Penh and all the way down to Takhmao.

Can I use both cable services?
If you're a TV addict and there are specific channels on both carriers that you just have to have, technically this is possible - you can get two cables hooked up to your premises and build yourself a little switcher box to flick between the two.

Why does my landlord tell me I have to have CCTV and not PPCTV?
Most likely they have paid in advance for six months or a year, so you're stuck with it. Or it could be all the free gifts they get for paying the bill so far in advance. You can never have enough wall clocks.

If possible, when you take out a lease you should specify your preferred option.

How much should it cost?
PPCTV and CCTV both charge $10/month or $50 for six months for the cable service. The PPCTV digital service is an extra $4 or $5 per month, for 20 to 25 extra channels.

Why is the programming so crappy?
Ah, the question on everybody's lips. The channels available are largely the same as throughout the rest of Asia, with programming catering to very broad tastes (ie, "the majority").

Expect lots of unfunny American sitcoms, Steven Seagal movies and Chinese medieval fantasies.

If you hunt around enough, though, there are some unexpected delights to be found, depending on your tastes. Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Sopranos and The Conan O'Brien Show are all screening at the moment, as are lots of good documentaries.

If you need more range, go for the extra digital channels, which have more on offer.

Can I get real widescreen pictures?
If you've splashed out on a widescreen TV and you're wondering why everybody looks fat, it's because none of the television in Cambodia is being broadcast in widescreen (16:9). Even PPCTV's new digital channels, which come via a set-top box, are 4:3 (square-ish) in size, so you'll need to watch TV with black bars down either side, or get used to distorted pictures.

How do I get an advance schedule of what's on?
Neither cable company offers a comprehensive programming schedule. Weekly schedules for some English-language channels are printed in 7Days in the Phnom Penh Post every Friday.

PPCTV has a Channel Guide on Ch2; however, waiting for it to scroll to the channel you want can be excruciating.

CCTV provides a pretty limited photocopied monthly schedule. You have to pick it up from their office yourself.

Happy viewing!

Police Blotter: 7 Sep 2009

The Phnom Penh Post
Monday, 07 September 2009
Thet Sambath

FAST CAR, WOMAN LEAD TO CRASH
A drunk Chinese man crashed his car into a cement barrier on Norodom Boulevard while he was making out with his Vietnamese girlfriend. Witnesses reported that the couple continued to go at it after the car crashed. Neither was injured in the incident.
RASMEY KAMPUCHEA

VILLAGE CHIEF STOPS ATTEMPTED RAPE
A 27-year-old man has been accused of attempting to rape a 40-year-old woman in Kampong Cham province. Ath Thorn allegedly slapped Chreung Chanty repeatedly, told her to be quiet and mounted her while clutching at her throat during the attack, which was thwarted by the village chief. Heng Vuthy, the district police chief, said Ath Thorn had denied the accusation.
KOH SANTEPHEAP

WOMAN ACCUSED OF TRAFFICKING
A 67-year-old Cambodian woman was arrested on Friday by Thai authorities in connection with a cross-border drug-trafficking operation. The woman was identified as Khan Heng, a resident of Banteay Meanchey province. Thai police said they found 151 tablets wrapped in a plastic sack that was tied to her wrist when the arrest was made.
RASMEY KAMPUCHEA

MOTHER-DAUGHTER KILLING IN PURSAT
A woman and her daughter were arrested Wednesday in Pursat province on suspicion of killing another woman. Uk Chhay Y, 53, and her daughter, Phon Sophear, 23, are suspects in the killing last Monday of Svit Nhib. Police said Uk Chhay Y had previously warned Svit Nhib not to contact her husband and had threatened to burn down her house and kill her. Other villagers said the victim was a sweet girl who never had a conflict with anyone.
KAMPUCHEA THMEY

'LET'S BE FRIENDS' LEADS TO SUICIDE
A 25-year-old woman in Kampong Chhnang province on Thursday took her own life by swallowing multiple tablets of an unidentified substance after her boyfriend asked her to be just friends. Keo Chamroeun, 27, had sex with Meas Chandy, 25, then told her he saw her as "more of a simple friend". A dispute between the couple had previously led to Keo Chamroeun's arrest, though he was released after he paid her 500,000 riels (US$121) in compensation.
KOH SANTEPHEAP

Fans treated to 15-goal feast

Photo by: Nick Sells (www.nicksellsphotography.com)
Phnom Penh Crown's Mohamadou Ousmanou celebrates completing a hat trick goal against Spark FC on Saturday.

The Phnom Penh Post
Monday, 07 September 2009
Andy Brouwer

Saturday sees a total of 15 goals scored in two CPL matches, including Crown’s confirming another top league finish courtesy of a stunning 6-3 win over Spark

A goal bonanza ensured Phnom Penh Crown kept their place at the top of the Cambodian Premier league. Striker Mohamadou Ousmanou netted a hat trick to answer that of Cambodian Premier League's leading marksman Prince Justine, who completed his first hat trick of the season but still couldn't prevent Spark from suffering defeat in their final game.

In many ways, a defeat in this game was a bitter pill for Spark to swallow, as they dominated proceedings for much of the match. Crown were out of sorts after their recent adventures in the Singapore Cup, and a victory looked on the cards for the newly promoted side.

Tunji Ayoyinka gave Crown the lead on 28 minutes with an easy tap-in after a blunder by Spark skipper Sun Sovanrotha. However, Crown were outbossed in midfield and found it impossible to shackle the rampant Justine. He was at the heart of Spark's best offensive moments, and there were many.

On 41 minutes, Justine was free in the six-yard box but leaned back and fired his shot wildly over the bar. A minute later, he made amends with a sublime first touch past Crown keeper Sos Brothim, rolling the ball into an empty net to finish off the move teammate Plong Chanthou had begun. Justine even had time before the interval to try his luck with an audacious scissor kick that flew agonisingly wide.

The second half opened to controversy. Justine's 25-yard free kick was fumbled by Sos Brothim, and Puth Savuth knocked in the rebound, only to see his effort disallowed by the assistant referee's flag. Despite Spark's furious protests, the decision stood, and a sense of injustice prevailed to ignite Spark into more pressure on the wilting Crown back line.

On the hour, Justine set off on one of his blistering trademark runs, left two defenders in his wake, and rolled the ball across the keeper and into the far corner to give his side the lead they deserved. It was his 20th goal of the season, in just 18 matches.

Sensing Spark's burning desire to topple the league leaders, Crown brought on two substitutes they'd kept in reserve, Chan Rithy and Keo Sokngorn, who then turned the game completely on its head.

At the start of a thrilling final 15 minutes, Crown levelled through Ousmanou, who calmly rolled the ball under Spark keeper Pouv Raksa after his fellow striker Tunji Ayoyinka outpaced his marker.

Within a minute, Chan Rithy's sweet left foot had left Pouv Raksa grasping thin air when his 20-yard free kick sailed into the top corner to restore Crown's lead.

Not to be outdone, Spark revived again, and after Plong Chanthou had missed a glorious chance, Justine embarrassed another two defenders with his speed and deft touch to complete his first hat trick of the season, with just six minutes remaining.

But two minutes later, Crown were back in front. Ousmanou returned the compliment to his striking partner, and Ayoyinka fired his shot under the body of Pov Raksa. With Spark visibly shaken, two more goals from Ousmanou at the death completed the remarkable comeback from Crown, who'd looked dead and buried earlier in the half.

Ayoyinka provided the pass for Ousmanou to score a minute. Then, in time added on, Chan Rithy's drive was too hot for the Spark keeper, and the Cameroonian struck home to notch up his own hat trick.

Crown, with a midweek game still to be played, will go into the Super 4 playoffs as the team in form, and in top spot in the final CPL standings.

MND 4 Phouchung Neak 2
National Defence Ministry (MND) earned themselves a fifth place finish and a sizeable sum of money with this crushing defeat over the already-relegated Navy team, Phouchung Neak.

The first half was dull and lifeless, although fans were somewhat immunised by the nine-goal thriller of the previous game.

The Army-Navy battle perked up right at the start of the second half, though, when Sin Dalin finished off a sweet cross from Phuong Soksana with less than a minute on the clock.

Dalin was at it again on the hour mark, after Nov Sokseila danced his way past defenders on another of his surging right-wing sprints.

On 65 minutes, Chhin Chhouern gave MND a three-goal lead with a thunderous 35 yard shot that left Navy keeper Thai Sineth no chance.

Joseph Olatubosn sparked a miniature revival from Phouchung Neak with a sweetly struck 20-yard drive on 70 minutes, only for MND substitute Um Kompheak to strike again, 10 minutes later, when Phuong Soksana's header rebounded off the crossbar.

The last word went to Olatubosn, who netted his second on 82 minutes, but it was too little too late, with his team well beaten by their military counterparts on the day.

Super 4 teams rest top men

Photo by: NICK SELLS (www.nicksellsphotography.com)
Kirivong Sok Sen Chey’s Julius Chukwumeka (right) attempts to pass Preah Khan Reach’s Suon Thuon Sunday during their CPL match

The Phnom Penh Post
Monday, 07 September 2009

Andy Brouwer

Sunday's games were academic, so Naga and PKR field teams of reserves

NAGA Corp, already qualified in fourth place for the Super 4 playoffs, fielded a vastly different team Sunday against Post Tel, with five players serving suspensions and another five regulars keeping the bench warm. That gave Post Tel, already relegated from the Cambodian Premier League along with Phouchung Neak, a real opportunity to claim only their fourth win of the campaign, and if truth be told, that's what should've happened.

Instead, Naga scraped by a solitary goal courtesy of a neat near-post header from defensive linchpin Sun Samprathana, who got on the end of a Kim Chanbunrith free kick five minutes into the second half.

Naga had the better of the first period, with Soeung Monyroath gifted two clear-cut chances to put his side ahead. The first on 15 minutes rebounded back off the post, and his second, two minutes later, was a poor header that he sent over the crossbar from inside the six-yard box.
Aside from that, it was a first half riddled with unforced errors, with both teams guilty of wasteful passes and possession in the drizzling rain.

In the second half, Naga scored what turned out to be the decider early on, and that sparked Post Tel into their best spell of the game. On another day, Gafar Durosinmi would've been hailed as the match-winning hero, but not on this occasion, squandering a hat trick of chances that he would normally eat for breakfast. He also found Naga's substitute goalkeeper Pich Yothin in good form, as the stopper got his hand to two of Gafar's efforts to help his side take all the points.

Kirivong 5 Preah Khan 4
With fifth place already beyond them, Kirivong Sok Sen Chey had just their pride at stake in their final game of the league campaign. Preah Khan Reach (PKR) had already booked their spot in the Super 4 and gave the opportunity to some of their second team to gain some match experience, with three players missing through suspension and another seven first-team regulars not included in the starting lineup.

The match began at a frenetic pace, and with both teams displaying some shocking defending, the crowd were treated to half a dozen goals in the first 30 minutes of play.

Kirivong's Vietnamese import Vin Nhek Troeung finished off a cross from Ouk Thorn for the opener after 10 minutes, before two goals in as many minutes from PKR's Olisa Onyemerea nosed his team in front. A powerful header from a Keo Kosal cross on 18 minutes was followed with a deft touch for the Nigerian's second, after a perfect cross from his strike partner Michael Ikenwa.

Not to be outdone, Kirivong carried the game to their opponents. PKR's Suon Thuon tapped the ankles of Julius Chukwumeka - who returned to the team after a lengthy injury layoff - in the area, and the striker picked himself up and dispatched the spotkick with venom.

On 24 minutes, an error by Kirivong goalkeeper Kun Thnou gifted Ikenwa a goal, when he allowed the striker's header to squirm through his hands and over the line. Keo Kosal then netted a fourth for PKR with a well-hit cross-cum-shot on 27 minutes.

Chukwumeka was revelling in his return to action against such a poor defence and threw himself at a centre by Him Salam, sending his header into the bottom right-hand corner on 37 minutes. Two more opportunities came his way before the halftime break, but he blazed one of them over the crossbar from close in, and Preah Khan's goalkeeper Sam Chamroeun blocked the other. PKR headed into the interval leading 4-3.

Before anyone could catch his breath at the start of the second period, Kirivong regained the lead with a quick-fire double strike that left PKR reeling. Him Salam fired them level from close range after less than a minute, and then Chukwumeka headed in his hat trick, just a minute later.

Despite both teams offering up more chances on a platter to their opponents with some comical defending, no one else was able to trouble the scoreboard, and Kirivong ran out 5-4 victors. Kirivong completed their season in equal fifth place on level points with National Defence Ministry (MND), but missed out on the cash prize because of MND's superior record in their head-to-heads, which takes precedence over goal difference in this year's CPL.

Spark's goal machine

The Phnom Penh Post
Monday, 07 September 2009
Andy Brouwer

Despite there remaining one more fixture in the Cambodian Premier League (CPL) 2009 season (Tuesday - Crown v Phouchung), Spark FC's wonder striker Prince Justine has already done enough to claim the 1 million riels (US$242.30) cash prize as the league's top goal-scorer thanks to an unprecedented tally of 21 goals this campaign. At just 18 years old - he will turn 19 at the end of next month - the Nigerian has taken the league by storm, scoring against all opposition, averaging over a goal a game, and accounting for 70 percent of his team's scoring. Justine arrived in Cambodia last November on a mission. "To play football in Nigeria you have to be very good and very strong," he said. "I was just a little boy, and I needed to improve myself abroad before I [could] return to play in my homeland. Many of my fellow countrymen do the same. "Coming to Cambodia, signing my first professional contract, playing with Spark, and scoring so many goals in my first season has been very good for me. I have learnt a lot, and this will help me improve my game," he asserted, after scoring a hat trick Saturday. It remains to be seen whether the young star stays with Spark for next year's CPL season or gets signed by one of the league heavyweights, who have stood witness to the talent of this prolific goal scorer.

The first day of the 'Pchum Ben' festival, or Festival of the Dead, on the outskirts of Phnom Penh September 6, 2009

Cambodians pour water on a Buddha statue at a temple on the first day of the 'Pchum Ben' festival, or Festival of the Dead, on the outskirts of Phnom Penh September 6, 2009. Cambodians visit temples during the 15-day festival to offer prayers to their loved ones who have passed away. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

A Cambodian woman prays near plates filled with fruits and incense at a temple on the first day of the 'Pchum Ben' festival, or Festival of the Dead, on the outskirts of Phnom Penh September 6, 2009. Cambodians visit temples during the 15-day festival to offer prayers to loved ones who have passed away. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

A Cambodian woman prays at a temple on the first day of the 'Pchum Ben' festival, or Festival of the Dead, on the outskirts of Phnom Penh September 6, 2009. Cambodians visit temples during the 15-day festival to offer prayers to loved ones who have passed away. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

Cambodians pray in front of Buddhist monks at a temple on the first day of the 'Pchum Ben' festival, or Festival of the Dead, on the outskirts of Phnom Penh September 6, 2009. Cambodians visit temples during the 15-day festival to offer prayers to loved ones who have passed away.REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

Cambodians pray in front of Buddhist monks at a temple on the first day of the 'Pchum Ben' festival, or Festival of the Dead, on the outskirts of Phnom Penh September 6, 2009. Cambodians visit temples during the 15-day festival to offer prayers to loved ones who have passed away. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

A Cambodian woman holds a plate filled with fruits and incense during prayers at a temple on the first day of the 'Pchum Ben' festival, or Festival of the Dead, on the outskirts of Phnom Penh September 6, 2009. Cambodians visit temples during the 15-day festival to offer prayers to loved ones who have passed away.REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

Cambodian women hold plates filled with fruits and incense as they pray for their deceased loved ones at a temple on the first day of the 'Pchum Ben' festival, or Festival of the Dead, on the outskirts of Phnom Penh September 6, 2009. Cambodians visit temples during the 15-day festival to offer prayers to those who have passed away. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

Cambodia to cut troop numbers at temple site disputed by Thailand

The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com

September 6, 2009

Phnom Penh - Prime Minister Hun Sen has announced he will cut troop levels at the disputed area around Preah Vihear temple in northern Cambodia in response to a similar move by Thailand, local media reported.

Hun Sen said that Thailand has recently cut the number of its soldiers to just 30, the Phnom Penh Post newspaper reported Monday. He did not specify how many Cambodian soldiers would be withdrawn.

"We have a plan to change the deployment a little," Hun Sen said. "If anything happened, it wouldn't take long to send our troops up again, but I hope there won't be any fighting there."

Both nations have had soldiers killed and wounded in clashes in the area since mid-2008, when the temple was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO, the UN's cultural body.//DPA

Thai FM to clarify Thai-Cambodian border negotiation framework

http://enews.mcot.net/

BANGKOK, Sept 6 (TNA) -- Foreign Affairs Minister Kasit Piromya is expected to inform the Thai public regarding the Thai-Cambodian negotiation framework, especially regarding the disputed ancient Preah Vihear temple, on state television Monday, said Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

During his weekly radio and television broadcast, Mr Abhisit said that details of international negotiation frameworks approved by both houses of Parliament last Wednesday were numerous and that the foreign affairs minister needed to explain them on television.

Thailand’s stance in relation to the disputed temple after it was awarded UN World Heritage status remains unchanged, Mr Abhisit said, and the government would put every efforts into preventing such a problem from occurring again.

Troops of both countries remain deployed near the temple. Thailand is finding ways to negotiate to meet the agreement made in 2000, said Mr Abhisit.

Tensions between the two neighbouring countries flared in July 2008 when the temple was awarded UN World Heritage status. Although the World Court ruled in 1962 that it belonged to Cambodia, the most accessible entrance is in Thailand’s northeastern Si Sa Ket province.

Cambodia uses a French colonial map to demarcate the border, which Thailand says favours Cambodia. Thailand relies on a map drawn up later with American technical assistance.

Mr Abhisit said the 2000 agreement calls for a negotiation process and that both countries must refrain from changing the environment of the disputed area in way which could affect the other party’s rights.

The government is not remaining idle as it could affect the country’s sovereignty, the prime minister added. (TNA)

Cambodian Soldiers and Police to get Land for Retirement: PM

http://www.dap-news.com

Written by DAP NEWS -- Sunday, 06 September 2009 09:12

The Cambodian Government will provide land for the families of retried soldiers as a pension, according to a Government press released obtained Saturday.

Soldiers have sacrificed their lives to protect the country and the Government needs to strengthen system of the social safety families, said the statement. The policy will apparently help to encourage and promote the value of the armed forces, as well as actng as a system to strengthen the social welfare and the kingdom’s territorial integrity. The soldiers will not be isolated or marginalized, the Government.

“Prime Minister Hun Sen recommended the withdrawal of all economic concessions that will not be exercised according to contract. Those lands will be divided as social concessions for retired armed forces,” the statement continued.

The Prime Minister request came during a weekly cabinet meeting. He asked the Ministry of Economy and Finance and other relevant agencies to organize the legal regulations for providing a plots of land for retried soldiers, said Khieu Kanarith, Government spokesman and Inform- ation Minister, at a Friday ceremony with Cambodian, Thai, and Vietnam- ese journalists in Kandal province. “The soldier families will get a plot of land about a hectare or two hectares for land for planting agricultural crops and the land will not be able to be sold, transferred, rented, and it will be considered as a pension for their retirement and their valued property,” he said. “The legal procedure will be organized this year and will be implemented in early 2010.”

But not everyone was happy.

“I perhaps will not get a plot of land because I already retired,” said Som Chanthy, a former soldier at the National Defense Ministry. “It is unfortunate for me and my family. I also served the nation for my whole life. But I will wait to see more details about it.” He conceded that he currently receives a monthly pension from the Veteran and Social Work Ministry and added, “my son is very happy about that news because he is a soldier student at That Pong cadet school in Kandal province.”

He said he now works as a phone card vendor near Sampove Meas pagoda in downtown Phnom Penh.

Baby Killed, Mother Injured by Fire

Written by DAP NEWS -- Sunday, 06 September 2009

A two-old-month child was killed on Friday and her mother injured in a fire caused by her father who was drunk.

The fire took place in Chhuk village, Son Dan district, Kampong Thom province. This fire was caused by head of the household who returned drunk and then escaped from the scene. He was arrested by local police later.

According to the local police report, the offender who burnt his own house was Roeun You, aged 23. He killed his only daughter aged two months, who had yet to be named.

“This family live in a small house sized 4 by 5 meters, and both walls and roof were covered by palm tree leaves,” said the local police. “This offender always drank after his wife delivered her daughter.”

“Just a moment before the accident, the offender had a row with her drunken husband, and the husband got away and then burnt the house,” the police confirmed, adding that “While the fire was burning, the mother of the child escaped without bringing her daughter.”

The mother of the child was rushed to hospital while still alive, but she was too seriously injured to survive.

After a careful house to house search, the offender was arrested about 10km from his house.

The police are preparing documents to send the offender to the court.

Fighting Fish Crackdown

Written by DAP NEWS -- Sunday, 06 September 2009

A fish fighting gambling venue on Saturday was raided by Phnom Penh Municipal Police, with cooperation from Sok Roeun, deputy prosecutor of Phnom Penh Municipal court.

The crackdown targeted a location in Toul Svay Prey II Commune, Cham Karmon district, Phnom Penh.

Police arrested 28 gamblers, confiscated 27 motorcycles and 72 fight- ing fish. The gamblers were sent to Phnom Penh Police headquarter for reeducation. The owner of the venue, Lay Chun Hout, 44, was also arrested. “This is the biggest place for fish fighting and many people went to play and spend much money on gaming,” one police who participated in the crackdown told DAP News Cambodia.

Fighting fish were placed in big bottles filled with water to fight one another. Some champion fish can cost between US$10 and US$30.

Police said that a sub-local police station chief did not participate in the crackdown as he was receiving benefits from the bets. “He locked the door and did not to allow us to enter the room of the gaming place,” police told DAP News Cambodia.

This is the first reported crackdown on fish fighting gambling after a series of raids and closures of places offering football gaming. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has ordered all gaming dens closed. However, some illegal gaming places, especially those offering football bets, still linger on in Phnom Penh.

Russey Keo District Authority Gives Security Advice for Jewelry Vendors

http://www.dap-news.com

Written by Administrator -- Sunday, 06 September 2009

Phnom Penh´s Russey Keo district governor on Friday invited all Jewelry vendors to explain how to secure their business after a rash of jewelry robberies in Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh Municipal Police Chief Touch Naroth, Khlaing Hourt Russey Keo district governor, and vice district governor Nut Put Dara attended in a meeting with all Cambodian jewelry vendors in Russey Keo. Chey So Sela, police chief of Russey Keo district, reported at the meeting that 12 of the 175 jewelry shops in the area have been robbed.

In early 2009, Russey Keo saw 90 cases of robbery, including 41 aggravated cases, and all resulted in the loss of jewelry and money, the local authority added.

Khlaing Hourt apologized to all jewelry vendors for what had happened to them, local police said.
“All vendors should investigate suspicious persons and should call police immediately if needed,” Khlaing Hourt said.

Touch Naroth suggested that “All security guards should protect … yourselves first, because it is the best way for the local authority, especially the market chief, who is the main person in this case.”

Naroth had three strategies for jewelry vendors: install a secret alarm, use thicker glass and cooperate to share experience, local police said.

Court Imprisons Arsonist

http://www.dap-news.com

Written by DAP NEWS -- Sunday, 06 September 2009

Phnom Penh Municipal Court convicted and imprisoned for 3 years a Cambodia man for the burning of 98 residences which resulted in the death of a four-year-old girl, a court official said on Saturday.

Phnom Penh Municipal Court Judge Duch Kim San on September 4 convicted Sok Sophorn for the killing of a young Cambodian girl and the burning of residences at Banteay Sloek in the Chamkar Mon district of Phnom Penh on April 16.

One of the victims said called Sok Sophorn “An addicted drug man, drunkard, gambler, jobless, disturbed; all Cambodian neighbors were not calm about this man named Sok.”

“Before this case, Sok asked for his mother-in-law for CR1,000 to join a game, but his mother disagreed, and Sok asked his sister-in-law, but she also did not agree.

So Sok was very angry and he said that he would burn all these houses before he left.”

He made the threat again after the gamblers also refused to lend him money to play, according to local Russey Keo police.

Sok Sophorn denied the charges. “I was at outside,” he said, though he admitted making the threats. “I took a gas cooker to light my cigarette, and then I went for a walk nearly Sovanna supermarket, but I did not burn anything.”

Sok Phirak, the convicted man’s sister-in-law, said that “I heard a voice to burn the gas cooker, and a few minutes later, after Sok left, the fire had started.”
“I saved only two of my children, but another one I could not find, so she died,” Sok Phirak recalled.

Added another witness, Mao Sitha, “I saw So Phorn hold a gas can and he said that ‘I will burn all these houses’.”

Phnom Penh Municipal Court Prospector Ek Chheng Hourt said that “The accused man who is a dangerous person, he burned many houses and killed one girl of only four years old. We consider this the right ruling.”

Day 1 of Kan Bendah Festival Ceremony at Wat Odom Samakum Khmer (CAAI's Temple)

We are member of the Auckland Cambodian Community have gathered and organised to host the first Kan Bindah even at Wat Odom Samakum Khmer Temple and of The Cambodian Association (Auckland) Inc. for the offering to the Monks in order to dedicate, and pass the good deed to our diseased ancestors.

Name of the organisers

Mrs. Houng Eng Ly - Mrs. Ngov Kim Lang Ly - Mr & Mrs. Han Leang Ly - Mr & Mrs Ngov Ing Jung - Mr & Mrs. Hoc Thong Tieu - Mr & Mrs Khy Ung - Mr & Mrs Sam On Kim - Mrs. Guech Huoy Chea - Mr & Mrs Han Veng Ly - Mr & Mrs Sou Hoeung Ly - Mr & Mrs. Song Cao Lam - Mr & Mrs Meng Kaing Taing - Mr & Mrs. Meng Ly - Mr & Mrs. Leang Ly

Khmer Rouge victims boycott Duch trials

Mondulkiri Ethnic Minorities Observe Rituals

Cambodia in Pictures - The Urban's life

The CAAI News Media is welcome to everyone to download thse pictures. For those who want to have these pictures for their blogs or website, please send a request email to us or provide link back to CAAI News Media; Doing so is show kind of respect to each other and respect to the person who has committed their time for all of those pictures. Many thanks for your understanding

Southern Thailand’s Turmoil Grows

A Thai detainee (left) kisses his child as a relative looks on following a gathering in the yard of Narathiwat jail. There are several hundred suspects imprisoned in Thailand's troubled southern provinces, says rights group the Cross Cultural Foundation, and their jail terms often have a devastating effect on their families with many remaining out of contact for long periods of time. (AFP/File/Madaree Tohlala)

A Thai detainee (left) is hugged by his wife following a gathering in the yard of the Narathiwat jail. There are several hundred suspects imprisoned in Thailand's troubled southern provinces, says rights group the Cross Cultural Foundation, where they face security-related charges. (AFP/File/Madaree Tohlala)

A Thai detainee (left) eats lunch with members of his family during a gathering in the yard of Narathiwat jail. There are several hundred suspects imprisoned in Thailand's troubled southern provinces, says rights group the Cross Cultural Foundation, with many remaining out of contact with their families for long periods of time. (AFP/File/Madaree Tohlala)


A soldier stands guard as students leave their school for home in Thailand's Yala province, about 1,084 km (674 miles) south of Bangkok September 2, 2009. REUTERS/Surapan Boonthanom

Rescue workers carry the body of an injured policeman after a car bomb attack, to a hospital in Thailand's Yala province, about 1,084 km (674 miles) south of Bangkok. A bomb in a pick-up truck exploded in Thailand's southern Yala province on Friday, killing a policeman and wounding 10 villagers, police said, the latest deadly blast in a region plagued by insurgent violence. The bomb, hidden in a truck parked near an intersection, exploded as a police officer drove past in his car, a police spokesman said. "His body was trapped and burned," he said. REUTERS/Surapan Boonthanom

A view of the scene of a car bomb attack in Thailand's Yala province, about 1,084 km (674 miles) south of Bangkok . A bomb in a pick-up truck exploded in Thailand's southern Yala province on Friday, killing a policeman and wounding 10 villagers, police said, the latest deadly blast in a region plagued by insurgent violence. The bomb, hidden in a truck parked near an intersection, exploded as a police officer drove past in his car, a police spokesman said. "His body was trapped and burned," he said. REUTERS/Surapan Boonthanom

Policemen inspect the site of a car bomb attack in Thailand's Yala province, about 1,084 km (674 miles) south of Bangkok . A bomb in a pick-up truck exploded in Thailand's southern Yala province on Friday, killing a policeman and wounding 10 villagers, police said, the latest deadly blast in a region plagued by insurgent violence. The bomb, hidden in a truck parked near an intersection, exploded as a police officer drove past in his car, a police spokesman said. "His body was trapped and burned," he said. REUTERS/Surapan Boonthanom

Firefighters extinguish a fire on a pick-up truck after a bomb attack in Thailand's Yala province, about 1,084 km (674 miles) south of Bangkok . A bomb in a pick-up truck exploded in Thailand's southern Yala province on Friday, killing a policeman and wounding 10 villagers, police said, the latest deadly blast in a region plagued by insurgent violence. The bomb, hidden in a truck parked near an intersection, exploded as a police officer drove past in his car, a police spokesman said. "His body was trapped and burned," he said. REUTERS/Surapan Boonthanom

The pig was born Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, with no nose in Svay Chrum village, Kandal province

A Cambodian woman holds a baby pig as it was born Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, with no nose in Svay Chrum village, Kandal province, some 36 kilometers (22 miles) north of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

Cambodian boys, left, look at a baby pig as it was born Saturday, Sept. 5,2009, with no nose in Svay Chrum village, Kandal province, some 36 kilometers (22 miles) north of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

A Cambodian man shows two baby pigs to compare the right one that was born Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, with no nose in Svay Chrum village, Kandal province, some 36 kilometers (22 miles) north of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)