Nuon Soriya storms Europe

Photo by: Virginie Noel

Cambodian Nuon Soriya (left) registered a decision victory over Moroccan Yassim Lamidi in Frameries, Belgium, on Saturday in his European boxing debut.

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

Tuesday, 17 November 2009 15:00 Virginie Noel

Cambodian kickboxing veteran Nuon Soriya makes a triumphant debut to the European scene, hammering Morrocan Yassim Lamidi in Frameries, Belgium

Frameries, Belgium

NUON Soriya prepared for his fight Saturday against Morrocan Yassim Lamidi in Frameries, near Mons, Belgium, with a zen-like calm. Arriving from Cambodia two days previously, he was excited by the prospect of his first fight in a European ring despite suffering from jet lag and facing the cold temperatures of the Belgian winter.

The match, which was organized by Thai promoter and trainer Suruswadee Thong, was part of a long night of 17 amateur and professional fights. Nuon Soriya was welcomed by a crowd of young local Cambodians, who had been looking forward to seeing a boxer from their homeland fight in their Belgian hometown.

Nuon Soriya’s opponent Yassim Lamidi, from the renowned Muay Thai Chakuri Gym in Holland, weighed in at 70kg, 3 kilos more than the Cambodian. However, with this slight weight disadvantage and a shorter height, Soriya proved to be the stronger fighter.

Shortly before the fight, Yassim Lamidi requested to change the rules from Muay Thai to K1, thus disallowing elbows. The request was granted, although it added an additional challenge for Soriya.

Nuon Soriya shows class

The fight lasted five rounds of three minutes each, and Nuon Soriya demonstrated his superb technical skill throughout, as well as his ability to bounce back after taking a string of punches. Both boxers fought with strong English-style hands, but Soriya landed more repeated kicks, which eventually wore his adversary down.

The 29-year-old kickboxing veteran seemed to improve in form as the rounds went on, with an explosive fifth round sealing victory. When the points decision was announced, Nuon Soriya made frog jumps into the air, accompanied by his Cambodian fans’ cheers.

“I am so happy,” he said with a wide grin after the fight. “It was my first fight in Europe, and I’ve won it.”

Sebire helps promote sport

Philippe Sebire, the French trainer who had brought over Nuon Soriya to replace injured Sen Bunthen for this fight, was delighted at the result. Sebire’s motivation for bringing Cambodian boxers to Europe stems from a desire both to help them gain international recognition, and to give them the opportunity to earn greater prize money than the purses available in Cambodia. The Frenchman is also campaigning to promote the Cambodian kickboxing form of Kun Khmer in Europe.

As Sebire explains: “It is a great achievement for me to be able to work together with a Thai promoter to bring Khmer fighters to an international stage. It helps the fighter, it helps Kun Khmer, and it increases knowledge about Kun Khmer in the Muay Thai-dominated European kickboxing scene.” Sebire had even more reason to celebrate on the night, as his 16-year-old son, Benjamin Sebire – alias Preap Sarin – also won with a TKO in the second round.

Officials play friendly game

Photo by: RANN REUY

Tournament winners and dignitaries pose at the award ceremony at Sofitel Hotel in Siem Reap Sunday. (From left to right) Siem Reap Governor Sou Phirin, RCAF adviser Seng Vanthy, Minister of National Defence and Cambodian Golf Federation President Tea Banh and Rural Development Minister Chea Sophara.

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

Tuesday, 17 November 2009 15:00 Rann Reuy

Govt and embassy officials join on golf course to help promote tourism

Siem Reap

SIXTY golfers constituting high-ranking Cambodia government officials, ambassadors and embassy staff members working in Cambodia and Thailand gathered at Siem Reap’s Phokeethra Country Club over the weekend to play in a friendly golf tournament.

Seng Vanthy, adviser to the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, was crowned champion of the event Sunday, while Siem Reap Governor Sou Phirin was the runner-up, and Rural Development Minister Chea Sophara took third.

Thong Khon, minister of tourism and president of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia, said that he hoped the tournament would help promote tourism in the Kingdom.

“This is the first-ever friendly golf tournament organised by the Ministry of Tourism in cooperation with relevant ministries and institutions,” he said, adding that this event is also aimed at exposing the recent development of good overland access for tourists into Cambodia, particularly in connecting the Poipet international border with Thailand with the famous cultural tourism sites of Siem Reap and Preah Vihear.

According to Ministry of Tourism, the first nine months of this year has seen a total of 1.57 million visitors, a 1.7 percent increase compared to the same period the previous year.

Sou Phirin said his second placing was a great honour for him because he has only just learned how to play golf.

Phokeethra Country Club is preparing to host the Johnnie Walker Cambodia Open from Thursday to Sunday, when professional golfers from 22 countries around the world take part in the annual Asian Golf Tour event, now in its third edition.

Police Blotter: 17 Nov 2009

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

Tuesday, 17 November 2009 15:01 Vong Sokheng

DRUNKEN HUSBAND CUTS WIFE WITH KNIFE

A 50-year-old man in Preah Vihear province’s Roveang district attacked his wife with a knife on Thursday after she said he was too drunk to work outside. The man from Damdeck village injured his wife on the left hand when was trying to protect her neck during the attack. His wife said that she was telling her drunk husband not go harvest rice and catch fish while intoxicated when he suddenly pounced on her.

KAMPUCHEA THMEY

DRIVE-BY SHOOTING INJURES COP, BARANG

A 25-year-old Cambodian police officer and a 30-year-old Irishman were injured on Saturday when gunmen shot at them as they were eating at a restaurant in Preah Sihanouk province. The two men were having dinner on Ochheuteal Beach when four gunmen pulled up on motorbikes and opened fire as they sped away. The Irishman was hit on the right hand while the police officer’s was struck in the back. The shooters are currently being hunted by police.

KAMPUCHEA THMEY

LOCAL BUSINESSMAN GUNNED DOWN

A 41-year-old man in Chamkarmorn district was opening the door of his house when he was shot dead by unknown gunmen on Friday. The victim, Chao Huy, owner of the Unitech Water company, was gunned down when he was trying to enter his house on Mao Tse-tung Boulevard. The murderers fled the crime scene and remain at large. Local authorities are currently looking for the killers and believe that the murder is connected to an unresolved dispute.

RASMEY KAMPUCHEA

RAPIST ROUNDED UP IN BATTAMBANG

A 30-year-old man in Battambang province’s Banon village was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of raping a mentally disabled girl. The victim’s mother said her daughter had gone out of their house to dispose of garbage at a site 200 metres away when she was attacked. The suspect later confessed to the deed, police said.

RASMEY KAMPUCHEA

PURSAT GIRL RAPED WHILE HERDING COWS

A 25-year-old man in Pursat province’s Veal Veng district was arrested on Thursday in connection with the rape of an 18-year-old girl. At the time of the crime, authorities say the suspect was hiding in the bushes 150 metres behind the victim’s house. When the girl and the cows she was tending approached the bushes, the suspect allegedly ambushed the girl and forcefully undressed her. Police apprehended him after the victim’s parents filed a complaint.

RASMEY KAMPUCHEA

The Phnom Penh Post News in Brief

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

In Brief: Govt seeks end to duties

Tuesday, 17 November 2009 15:00 May Kunmakara

CAMBODIA will ask the United States government to drop duties on Cambodian garment exports when representatives of the two countries meet in Washington on Saturday to mark a decade of bilateral trade, Coalition of Cambodian Apparel Workers Democratic Union (CCAWDU) President Ath Thorn said Monday. The Cambodian delegation, which leaves today, will be led by Commerce Minister Cham Prasidh and include garment sector representatives. Bilateral trade dropped 22 percent year on year to US$1.54 billion in the first nine months of 2009, US census bureau figures showed.

In Brief: ITC holds data seminar

Tuesday, 17 November 2009 15:00 Nguon Sovan

THE International Trade Centre (ITC) introduced government officials to a range of analytical tools Monday at the start of a two-day workshop for government officials designed to improve import, export and foreign direct-investment processes. Joseph Wozniak, a programme manager at ITC, a joint agency of the World Trade Organisation and United Nations, said the tools would help officials analyse trade statistics, customs tariffs and foreign direct investment information. “This should help the government and private sector identify opportunities for investment by country and by sector,” he said.

Please save my boy

By Jednipat Chansopeekul
The Nation
Published on November 17, 2009

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

Mum worried about health of son who has serious heart condition and is detained by Cambodia which alleges he is a spy

Siwarak Chutipong is either a perfect spy or a perfect victim of a dysfunctional diplomacy. A good son who called his mother every week while on a job abroad and a good pal who is well loved by friends, he is - by appearance at least - someone you would least suspect of trying to steal national security information of utmost importance.

His mother, Simarak, does not believe the Cambodians, who have put him in jail for alleged spying, knew something she did not. The woman is strongly convinced her son is a victim in the Thai-Cambodian showdown over Thaksin Shinawatra.

In an interview yesterday with The Nation, Simarak, a teacher at Nakhon Ratchasima Technical College, pleaded with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to help her son, who was still in Cambodian detention yesterday after being charged with stealing Thaksin's flight schedule.

Contradicting accounts

Adding to her growing concern, Bangkok and Cambodia yesterday gave contradicting accounts over whether her son had been allowed a first visit by a Thai official.

Siwarak, an engineer at Samart subsidiary Cambodia Air Traffic Services (CATS), was arrested last week, and those wanting to contact him from the Thai side have been given no access to the man. Although Cambodia claimed a visit was allowed yesterday afternoon, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya denied knowledge of such permission. This has aggravated Simarak's anxiety, because her son has heart problems and needs daily medication.

"We planned to see a doctor during his next vacation to discuss a heart operation, which is the only way to cure his problem," she said.

"All I want is for the prime |minister to help my son. I can't and won't do anything at the moment - until I'm certain there's no progress, that is."

Cambodia said a Thai Embassy representative met Siwarak in prison yesterday. But Koy Kuong, a Cambodian Foreign Ministry spokesman, provided no other details except that the visit took place at 2pm, while in Bangkok Foreign Minister Kasit told reporters Thai officials had still been unable to see the suspect.

"Since he was arrested, Thai Embassy officials have kept contacting Cambodian officials to |seek permission to visit him, but it has not been granted yet," Kasit said.

"The visit is an international standard for whoever has been arrested. So far, there is no official charge either. The Thai Foreign Ministry has sent a letter asking, and there has been no reply from Cambodia."

Siwarak's plight will feature during today's Thai Cabinet meeting, among other issues related to the bilateral conflict. Thailand has stood firm on its denial of any attempt to steal classified information and insisted the charges against Siwarak are politically motivated.

Simarak described Siwarak as a "very good son who has never done anything to upset the family".

"He's gentle, likeable and has a lot of friends," she said. "We talk on the mobile phone once or twice a week. He always tells me everything, and I've never heard him discuss or debate politics."

Siwarak, the oldest of Simarak's two children graduated from |the Suranaree University |of Technology in Nakhon Ratchasima and started working for Samart in Thailand after graduation. Almost 10 years ago, he was sent to work at CATS, which remained his employer on the day he was arrested.

In many ways Thaksin, Hun Sen are political clones

By Sopon Onkgara

The Nation

Published on November 17, 2009

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

IF fugitive Thaksin Shinawatra is predictable in any way, it is that he never admits any wrongdoing. Call it a sense of survival or deniability. It just does not make any difference. In his own view, he is a man who does no wrong.

Shortly after somebody hurled a grenade into the rally site of the People's Alliance for Democracy on Sunday night, causing several injuries, Thaksin wrote on Twitter that he had nothing to do with the act. But nobody had yet to accuse him of anything. It was the purpose of deniability, all the same.

There was something quite odd about the content of his denial. He was profusely forceful in the message that such an act should be condemned, and that he professed a peaceful path in dealing with conflicts. Such comments are alien to the nature of a man who made rousing speeches instigating red shirts to create havoc in Bangkok during the last Songkran festival.

Or is it because he does not want Thais to forget him so quickly that he must get himself in the news by whatever means? Of course, nobody would imagine that it was his hand that triggered the attack after jetting away from Cambodian soil a day earlier.

His habits show. Thaksin is a man who sees an opportunity in any crisis. The number of people killed or injured by whatever cause won't trouble his conscience, judging from the thousands of victims murdered by the police during his "war against drugs" several years ago.

In that "war", he claimed heroic deeds were done, though many of the victims were killed mercilessly and without recourse to justice. Investigations moving at a snail's pace have yielded nothing substantive, failing to punish any culprits.

But the crisis Thaksin has created in souring relations between Thailand and Cambodia continues to raise doubts as to the consequences. Big bully Hun Sen still enjoys one-upmanship when he deals with Prime Minister Abhisit. It's like a cat and mouse game, and he knows well that he looks like a villain in the eyes of the international community.

Why did Thaksin leave in a hurry despite his earlier hints that he might stay on for a few more days in Cambodia? The country serves as a safe refuge despite a Thai request for his extradition to serve his two-year jail term.

He must have sensed something quite eerie during his presence. The boastful style, being Mr Know All in giving a lecture on "Thaksinomics" for 300-plus Cambodian economic planners and businessmen - failed to make a positive impression on the doubting Cambodians, who have never trusted Thais during our long and sometimes bitter history.

Thaksin might not be sure that Hun Sen still has a firm control now that the conflict with Thailand has escalated and that Cambodian people stand to suffer - especially if the border is closed. With casinos counting less revenue from Thai gamblers, the financial fortunes of Hun Sen also dwindle.

Surely not all the smiles directed at Thaksin during his stay as an adviser to the Cambodian government were genuine. The Cambodians too know the art of hiding long fangs; they went through a long and bloody civil war when they murdered one another in the killing fields. That brutality ranks not far behind the Nazi holocaust.

Some Cambodians such as Sam Rainsy view Thaksin as an opportunist who likes to fish in somebody else's pond and troubled waters if he can make some money. The opposition leader had his parliamentary privilege revoked yesterday, and that will cause more resentment towards Hun Sen among Cambodians.

Deep in his heart, Thaksin realises that he is the cause of these worsening diplomatic ties. Hun Sen took the matter personally due to the stake he has with Thaksin in oil and gas ventures offshore, and other spoils they intend to share. Cambodia will be a land of opportunity for Thaksin unless the people rise against the village tyrant who has ruled the country for 24 years.

By leaving Phnom Penh, Thaksin can at least focus on his own increasing troubles resulting from his miscalculations in his continuing attempt to regain political power. His setback after giving a damaging interview to TimesOnline can never be amended. It is best, therefore, to let Hun Sen sort out his own problems with Thailand.

After tallying the score, the two friends in deed should find that they share a mutual loss in all regards, with hardly any recognition left in the international community. There is nowhere to go but down. It's just a matter of sooner or later.

Hun Sen is the Robert Mugabe of Asia, and Thaksin can never dream of being Nelson Mandela, as he likes to portray himself. Both are just partners in crime. In some negative views, they are just common crooks and criminals with self-perceived class.

Cambodia warned on handling of 'spy'

By The Nation
Published on November 17, 2009

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

Formal explanation of arrest sought; PM threatens cutback on financial aid

The Cabinet will today discuss ways to put the squeeze on Cambodia should the country not comply with international norms in its treatment of a Thai national arrested for allegedly spying for the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday threatened to take stronger action against Cambodia, including more cutbacks in financial assistance, should the country refuse to abide by the accepted standards.

Abhisit said the government would discuss possible action at today's Cabinet meeting when the entire Thai-Cambodian relations would come under review. He said he had been informed about a Thai national being arrested for "spying" in Cambodia.

The prime minister has told the Foreign Ministry to seek a formal explanation as to why Siwarak Chothipong, 31, a Thai national working for the Cambodia Air Traffic Service (CATS), had been arrested.

A Thai Embassy staff member was permitted to visit Siwarak yesterday afternoon, but Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said he had yet to receive a report of the outcome of the meeting.

"Today, we agreed to allow [the diplomat] to visit the man at 2pm in the prison where he is being temporarily detained," Cambodian foreign ministry spokesman Koy Kuong said.

Siwarak's family is concerned about his detention, saying he has a heart condition and is on medication.

Thai-Cambodian relations went into a tailspin after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen appointed fugitive Thaksin Shinawatra as his economic adviser and gave him red-carpet treatment during a four-day visit last week.

Siwarak was accused of allegedly trying to steal information about Thaksin's flight schedule and giving it to the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh.

Chavanond Intarakomalyasut, secretary to foreign minister, said the charges against Siwarak were politically motivated and the government "will not permit any of its citizens to be treated this way".

"We have requested the Cambodian government supply us with a formal explanation as to why Siwarak Chothipong was arrested," he said.

Bangkok was outraged by Thaksin's appointment and ties between the two governments went down to one of their lowest ebbs after Cambodia refused to extradite him.

Thailand and Cambodia recalled their respective ambassadors and Thaksin accused the Democrat-ruled government of "false patriotism" during an economic lecture last Thursday in Phnom Penh.

Seh Daeng 'sneaked' into Cambodia to see Thaksin

Published on November 17, 2009

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

Maj Gen Khattiya Sawatdiphol yesterday admitted he had sneaked into Cambodia to meet ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Cambodian premier Hun Sen last week.

The politically active Army specialist better known as Seh Daeng said he managed to slip past immigration at the checkpoint by using his connections with Cambodian troops along the border.

"I was a warrior in Prachin Buri and know Cambodian soldiers very well. I was a trainer for many Cambodian military commanders," he said.

While in Siem Reap, he met Thaksin, who hugged him and introduced him to Hun Sen as "this warrior [who] used to fight against you at Ta Phraya and Chong Bok", referring to the scenes of two border battles in the 1980s.

Hun Sen shook his hand and said: "I saw you many times."

Later, he had his photo taken, flanked by Hun Sen and Thaksin. In the photo, Khattiya wore a red shirt and a black jacket carrying the logo of his political party, Khattiyatham.

"It was worth it. But I did not stay there too long. I had to climb the fence back into the house," he said.

Earlier, he denied entering Cambodia, saying the man in the photo was a look-alike.

Thaksin was in Cambodia as a "shadow prime minister who does not want to cut ties with Cambodia", he said.

The government of Abhisit Vejjajiva seemed to become envious after the Pheu Thai Party's chief adviser, Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, met with Hun Sen and then Thaksin became Cambodia's economic adviser, he said.

"The two countries fought from 1979-89, but bilateral ties were not cut. Now Abhisit is prime minister, and the ties are cut. He has been prime minister for 10 months, and he challenges Cambodia to a war," Khattiya said.

A military source in Sa Kaew province yesterday said Khattiya entered Cambodia last Friday without undergoing immigration procedures. He passed through the Klong Luek border checkpoint in Sa Kaew and was picked up by a Cambodian-government vehicle on the other side of the border, said the source.

Another Army source said an initial investigation found Khattiya had not requested permission to travel to a foreign country. Defence Ministry regulations require any military officer to ask for permission from the Army and the defence minister before leaving the country.

The Army will likely set up a fact-finding team to investigate Khattiya's trip to Cambodia to determine whether he had sufficient reason to leave the country without first seeking permission from his supervisors, said the source.

Thailand gives UAE details on Thaksin

2009/11/16

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

Thailand said Monday it had passed information to the United Arab Emirates proving that Thaksin Shinawatra is living in Dubai, as Bangkok pushes to bring home the fugitive former premier.

A Thai foreign ministry official met the Emirati envoy to Bangkok to discuss Thaksin, who was toppled in a bloodless 2006 coup and lives in self-imposed exile to avoid a jail term for corruption.

The move came days after Cambodia turned down a request from Thailand for the extradition of Thaksin, who had visited the neighbouring country to take up a new role as an economic adviser. Thaksin has said he spends much of his time in Dubai. Thailand has previously sought the UAE’s assistance but the two countries have not signed an extradition treaty.

Panich Vikitsreth, vice minister at the Thai ministry, said he had

“briefly” met UAE ambassador Mohammed Ali Ahmed Omran Al Shamsi on Monday “to discuss information related to Thaksin”. “We submitted information showing that the former premier has been located there,” Panich told AFP.

“The ambassador responded very warmly to our information. He affirmed the UAE’s principle that it will not allow anyone to use it as a political base to attack other countries.” He said the details provided included an interview with British newspaper The Times, which had taken place in Dubai, and comments from a Thaksin aide who said the ex-premier left Cambodia for Dubai on Saturday.

Thaksin, the former owner of Manchester City Football Club, lived in Britain for almost two years after the Thai army ousted him in September 2006. He returned home in February 2008 but fled again the following August ahead of a court ruling sentencing him in absentia to two years in jail. Britain cancelled his visa in November 2008 and Thailand revoked his passport in April.

Thaksin has continued to stir up protests by the so-called “Red Shirt” movement against the current government, often phoning in or giving speeches by video link from undisclosed foreign locations.

Cambodia to hold WOVD World Cup 2009 in December

http://english.sina.com/

2009-11-16
Xinhua English

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

PHNOM PENH, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia will host World Organization Volleyball for Disabled (WOVD) World Cup 2009 in Phnom Penh on Dec. 15-20, official news agency AKP reported on Monday.

This event is organized by the Cambodian National Volleyball League Disabled (CNVLD) and supported by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, it said.

Christopher Minko, general secretary of CNVLD, told reporters last week that six countries - Germany, Slovakia, Poland, Malaysia, Laos and Cambodia - had decided to join the tournament, but Canadaand Vietnam had not replied yet.

The Cambodian players have been selected from ten teams in Cambodia, he added.

Cambodia had hosted such a tournament in 2007.

PM urges Cambodia to apply international practice on 'spy case'

http://enews.mcot.net/

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

BANGKOK, Nov 16 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva urged his Cambodian counterpart Prime Minister Hun Sen to apply international practice in dealing with the Thai engineer who was detained in Phnom Penh on charges of spying, but has so far brushed aside an offer by convicted ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra to help release the engineer.

Mr Abhisit said that until now there was no clarification from Phnom Penh on the fate of 31-year-old Siwarak Chothipong who was arrested last week and accused of giving Mr Thaksin’s flight schedule to the first secretary at the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh.

He said Cambodia has not given permission to Thai officials to visit Mr Siwarak and there was no clear information that what specific charges have been made.

As for the report that Noppadon Pattama, a legal adviser to the fugitive ex-premier, saying that Mr Thaksin offered to help gain Mr Siwarak’s release from the Cambodian authorities if asked by the government, Mr Abhisit said that Mr Thaksin was the cause of the problem, and declined the offer. Why was it, he wondered, why Mr Thaksin did not consider the national interest in the first place but chose to create trouble.

Mr Abhisit added that there was no necessary to telephone Mr Hun Sen for talks over the matter, but he would like to urge the Cambodian leader to apply international practice such as giving permission to visit the detained engineer.

The Cabinet will evaluate Thailand’s economic cooperation projects with Cambodia, he said, at its weekly meeting on Tuesday, as proposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs because the country may now be at a disadvantage as ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra in now economic adviser to the Cambodian government.

Mr Chavanond Intarakomalyasut, Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, told the media that the ministry had sent letter to Cambodia requesting evidence that led to the arrest of Mr Siwalak under Vienna convention.

He said that Mr Chalothorn Phaowibul, charge d'affaires at the Thai Embassy in Phhom Penh, had contacted the Cambodian Department of Consular Affairs to ask for permission to meet Mr Siwarak.

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya had discussed with Mr Abhisit finding a way to return him to Thailand as soon as possible, he said.

However, Thai government did not give any deadline, he said.

Mr Kasit said the Thai government would do it best to help Mr Siwalak and that he had tried to contact the Cambodian authorities and to telephone Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong, now in Italy, to discuss the matter.

As for the news report that Cambodia had allowed a Thai official to visit Mr Siwalk, Mr Kasit said that he was waiting for confirmation from Cambodia.

Agence France-Presse (AFP) news agency quoted Cambodia’s foreign ministry spokesman Koy Kuong as saying that the Cambodian government had agreed to allow a Thai diplomat to visit Mr Siwalak at 2 pm in the prison where he is being temporarily detained.

Meanwhile Simarak na Nakhon Phanom, mother of the Thai engineer said her son was definitely not a spy.

Mrs Simarak said she was very worried after learning that her son was detained as he suffers from asthma and sinusitis and needs regular medications. She was afraid that her son may die as his father did if he did not access to the medicine.

She also asked the government to help secure her son's release as soon as possible.

Mrs Simarak said she was very close to his son and could confirm that he was not spy and was uninterested in politics.

She said her son had just returned to Cambodia to work on November 9 and received his call that he was safely in Phnom Penh. On November 13 his son’s friend called, reporting that he was detained. (TNA)

Glowing bugs could find landmines

Monday, 16 November 2009

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

Some 87 countries are riddled with minefields

Bacteria which glow green in the presence of explosives could provide a cheap and safe way to find hidden landmines, Edinburgh scientists claim.

The bugs can be mixed into a colourless solution, which forms green patches when sprayed onto ground where mines are buried.

Edinburgh University said the microbes could be dropped by air onto danger areas.

Within a few hours, they would indicate where the explosives can be found.

The scientists produced the bacteria using a new technique called BioBricking, which manipulates packages of DNA.

Alistair Elfick, from the university's school of engineering, who supervised the student-led project, said: "This anti-mine sensor is a great example of how innovation in science can be of benefit to wider society.

"It also demonstrates how new scientific techniques can allow molecules to be designed for a specific purpose."

Each year, between 15,000 and 20,000 people are killed or injured by landmines and unexploded ordnance, according to the charity Handicap International.

Some 87 countries are riddled with minefields, including Somalia, Mozambique, Cambodia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Cambodia and Thailand in new spying row

http://news.asiaone.com/

Mon, Nov 16, 2009

AFP

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

PHNOM PENH - Cambodia and Thailand reignited their diplomatic row Monday over fugitive former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra, giving disputing accounts over consular visits to a Thai man accused of spying.

The Cambodian foreign ministry said a Thai embassy official was allowed on Monday to visit Siwarak Chothipong, 31, who was arrested Thursday on charges of supplying details of Thaksin's flight schedule to his country's embassy.

But Bangkok, already furious over Phnom Penh's refusal to extradite Thaksin when he visited Cambodia last week, denied that its diplomats had been granted access to the man, an employee at the Cambodia Air Traffic Service.

"Today, we agreed to allow (a Thai diplomat) to visit the man at 2:00 pm (0700 GMT) in the prison where he is being temporarily detained," Cambodian foreign ministry spokesman Koy Kuong told AFP.

The spy allegations prompted Phnom Penh to expel the Thai embassy's first secretary Thursday and Thailand reciprocated hours later.

Thaksin, who visited under his new role as economic adviser to Cambodia, left the country on Saturday, ending a contentious four-day visit that deepened a diplomatic storm between already bickering Bangkok and Phnom Penh.

The Thai government was outraged by the appointment, causing the neighbours to recall their ambassadors. Cambodia refused to extradite Thaksin on the grounds that his graft conviction was politically motivated.

Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said diplomats had not yet been able to visit Siwarak.

"Since he was arrested, Thai embassy officials have kept contacting Cambodian officials to seek permission to visit him, but we have not been granted it yet," Kasit told reporters.

"The visit is an international standard for whoever has been arrested. So far there is no official charge either, the Thai foreign ministry has sent a letter asking and there is no reply from Cambodia."

Thailand has put all talks and cooperation programmes with Cambodia on hold, torn up an oil and gas exploration deal signed during Thaksin's time in power and placed under review two road-building projects worth 42 million dollars.

Tensions were already high between the two countries following a series of deadly military clashes over disputed territory near the 11th century Preah Vihear temple on their shared border.

Twice-elected Thaksin fled Thailand in August 2008, a month before a court sentenced him to two years in jail in a conflict of interest case.

He has retained enormous influence in Thai politics by stirring up protests against the current government and analysts said that in Cambodian Premier Hun Sen he had found a new way to push for a return to power.

Seminar held to promote China-Cambodia trade cooperation

http://www.chinaview.cn/

2009-11-16

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

PHNOM PENH, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- A seminar of China-Cambodia Business and Investment was held Monday in Phnom Penh with the participation of more than 100 Cambodian and Chinese business people.

The seminer was co-sponsored by Cambodia Chamber of Commerce and China Council for the Promotiong of International Trade.

The seminer was aimed at strengthening the understanding between two countries' business people and further promoting the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

Kith Meng, president of Cambodia's Chamber of Commerce said at the meeting that China has been the leading investment partner with Cambodia over the past 15 years with which the total investment was 6 billion U.S. dollars.

According to the government's data, China's main investments to Cambodia are on hydropower, trading, tourism, agriculture, telecommunication and infrastructure.

Besides the investment sector, China is also considered one of the biggest donors to Cambodia after Japan.

Prime Minister Hun Sen has recently lauded China's assistance to Cambodia and that he said it has helped improved the livelihood of the Cambodian people, especially, the assistance in infrastructure such as bridges and roads.

Sun Weiren, the economic and commercial counsellor of Chinese Embassy in Cambodia said China has built more than 1,500 kilometers of roads in Cambodia and now hydropower is one of the main projects being implemented in the country.

He said there are seven projects involving in hydropower and power connection lines in Cambodia, totaling more than 720 million U.S. dollars, and there are about 700 Chinese companies are running businesses in Cambodia including the small scale business, garment factories and other enterprises.

Editor: Yan

Cambodia not to respond to Thailand about arrested Thai man

November 16, 2009

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

Cambodia has not responded to a Thai request to visit a Thai engineer, who has been arrested of allegedly spying since last week, according to local media Monday.

There was no concrete response from Cambodia concerning the arrested Thai man, Thai News Agency quoted Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva as saying.

However, Abhisit said that at this point there was no need to discuss with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Siwarak Chothipong, a 31-year-old Thai man, worked as an engineer in at Cambodia Air Traffic Services Co Ltd, was arrested on Nov. 11 according to the arrest warrant of prosecutor of Phnom Penh Municipality Court.

"He spied through copying the letters of flights of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Cambodia and Prime Minister Hun Sen from CATS - Cambodia Air Traffic Services Co Ltd which hasduties to control all flights in country...and he sent those reports to Thailand," the Khmer language newspaper Rasmei Kampuchea reported.

"The Thai side wants Cambodia to officially send written documents to explain to the Thai government about the allegation against Mr. Siwarak and his being," Thai News Agency quoted foreign minister's secretary Chawanon Intarakomalsut as saying.

In a related development, Thai Justice Minister Pheerapan Saleerathawipark said that the ministry will cooperate with the Thai Foreign Ministry in a bid to help Mr. Siwarak in legal terms.

Source: Xinhua

Thai-Cambodia Dispute Raises Nationalist Sentiment in Bangkok

Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, during meeting at Hun Sen's residence in Takhmua, Kandal province, 11 Nov 2009

By Ron Corben
Bangkok
16 November 2009

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

The dispute between Thailand and Cambodia over a visit to Phnom Penh by Thailand's former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, is drawing Thais to the streets. The visit has prompted an anti-Thaksin rally in Bangkok, and there are expectations of more protests.

A crowd of around 15,000 people listens to nationalist songs and speeches attacking former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

They gathered in a Bangkok park Sunday to protest Mr. Thaksin's arrival in Cambodia last week, and Phnom Penh's rejection of Bangkok's request to extradite him.

Mr. Thaksin fled Thailand last year to avoid a two-year prison sentence on corruption charges. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has appointed Mr. Thaksin as his economic adviser, calls the charges politically motivated.

Dispute worsens

The issue has worsened a dispute over an ancient temple just on the Cambodian side of the border, and is raising nationalist feeling in Bangkok.

Sondhi Limthongkul, leader of the anti-Thaksin People's Alliance for Democracy, says Sunday's rally supported the Thai government's diplomatic efforts to ease the tensions.

"It's something all the Thais who love our King want to come out and show the support to the government in responding to Mr. Hun Sen's and Mr. Thaksin's collaboration to sabotage Thailand," Sondhi said. "So all of us are coming out in real support and show our spiritual support peacefully."

A short time after Sondhi gave this interview, a small explosive went off near the stage as he was speaking, injuring several people. News reports say one man was arrested in connection with the blast.

Protestor, Nat Yontarak, at Rally Bangkok, 15 Nov 2009

Patriotism is motivator

Nat Yontarak, a musician and teacher, says patriotism brought people to the rally, where paper flags were abundant.

"People feel we need to show the power that we really love the country and the dignity and our pride of our country because what Thaksin has been doing is really unacceptable," Nat said. "This time with Cambodia, with Hun Sen it's too much, it's really ridiculous."

This woman, who gave her name as Suchada, calls Mr. Thaksin disloyal for going to Cambodia.

"This situation, yes [Thaksin] come to Cambodia," Suchada said. "I think he's not a Thai. But the story is he to destroy the Thailand. He don't love the Thailand, he's not a Thai."

Some demonstrators said they attended because they were angry at comments about the monarchy that Mr. Thaksin made in a British newspaper interview. The monarchy is the country's most beloved institution and little criticism of it is tolerated.

Will dispute lead to military conflict?

The dispute has raised concerns in Southeast Asia, and there are fears that it could end in military conflict. The two sides have exchanged gunfire near the disputed temple on a few occasions in the past year.

Officials in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, of which Cambodia and Thailand are both members, have urged them to settle the dispute quickly. And Indonesia has offered to mediate.

Recent political polls show a surge in popularity for Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's government because of Mr. Thaksin's visit to Cambodia.

Sign critical of former leader, Thaksin Shinawatra's visit to Cambodia, 15 Nov 2009

Long term effects unclear

But Chris Baker, an author and commentator on Thai politics, says the long-term effect of the visit is less clear. Mr. Thaksin, ousted in a coup in 2006, maintains strong support among the urban and rural poor and working class. The urban middle class accuses Mr. Thaksin of corruption and authoritarianism.

"Superficially, it looks as if Thaksin has lost badly to identify yourself with a rather unpopular neighbor, it's not good," Baker said. "So I think things have hardened against him. But I'm not really sure whether for many of his core supporters that may not matter too much at all. Perhaps by making himself so visible in the media for several days at a time he's actually revived his position a little bit."

Baker says the question is now whether Mr. Abhisit's Democrat Party will try to press the political advantage by spurring nationalist sentiment.

"The issue is now how does he [Abhisit] sustain that [advantage] or does he want to sustain that? Does it mean that this government now has to play this nationalist card very hard and very constanstly and that of course would be very dangerous," Baker said.

But Baker says he expects the cross-border dispute to ease "quite quickly" and that the Democrat Party will "lapse back" into trying to work with its neighbor to resolve the temple dispute.

However, in Thailand, political analysts warn that domestic divisions could worsen in the weeks ahead as Mr. Thaksin's supporters hold rallies.

Over the past two years, massive rallies of Mr. Thaksin's supporters and opponents have at times paralyzed Bangkok. In April, pro-Thaksin rallies turned violent and a year ago, anti-Thaksin forces closed the country's main international airport for a week, stranding tens of thousands of travellers at the start of the peak tourism season.

Yudhoyono: Thailand, Cambodia can still solve border conflict bilaterally

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

Monday, November 16, 2009

Singapore (ANTARA News) - Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has expressed the view that Thailand and Cambodia should solve their border conflict bilaterally without referring it to an ASEAN forum.

In statements at the Marina Mandarin Hotel here on Monday morning before returning to Jakarta after attending a series of APEC meetings here, Yudhoyono said, "In my opinion, there are still opportunities for Thailand and Cambodia to solve their border issue bilaterally, and our foreign affairs minister will maintain communication with their Thai and Cambodian counterparts about the matter," the president said.

Therefore, he said, Indonesia would wait and see how things between Thailand and Cambodia developed while hoping they could eventually find the best possible way out of their dispute.

"Then, whenever in their discussions they agree there is something positive other ASEAN countries can contribute, we will certainly be ready to do so," Yudhoyono said.

He said said he had met and talked with both Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen separately on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in Singapore.

"I don`t want to take any further steps because I met with the Thai and Cambodian prime ministers in a friendly atmosphere," Yudhoyono said, adding that at the meetings, he had suggested the two ASEAN member countries solve their border problem bilaterally.

"On the occasion I said it`s better for the two leaders to overcome the problem bilaterally without bringing it to an ASEAN forum or to make it an international issue because it would not be good for ASEAM as a whole," Yudhoyono said.

Tensions on the disputed border between Thailand and Cambodia have existed for some years but they increased since July last year, after Unesco granted world heritage status to the ancient Preah Vihear temple.

The dispute led to violence last April when soldiers of the two countries clashed twice near the ancient temple where two Thai soldiers and two Cambodian soldiers died in the fighting while nine Thai soldiers were wounded.

Govt rejects Thaksin's offer of help

Published: 16/11/2009

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

The government has rejected an offer from former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to ask the Cambodian government to ensure a Thai engineer arrested for spying is fairly treated by the courts.

The offer was conveyed by lawyer Noppadon Pattama, a close Thaksin associate. He said had talked the matter over with his boss, who said he was ready to help if asked by the Thai government.

He said Thaksin could not be seen as trying to meddle in Cambodia's justice system and internal affairs, but was willing to ask Cambodia to ensure that the suspect, Siwarak Chothpong31, is fairly treated by the courts and that his relatives be allowed to visit him.

Thaksin's offer to help was promptly turned down by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who said although Thai officials had not been allowed access to Mr Siwarak the government did not need to ask Thaksin for help.

'In fact, it was him (Thaksin) who caused the problem," Mr Abhisit said.

The prime minister said it was not necessary for him to talk directly with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on the telephone over this matter. The Foreign Affairs Ministry was handling it.

Nor was there need for the president of Indonesia to act as mediator.

Mr Abhisit admitted that if Cambodia continued to deny Thailand's request for access to the uspect, the conflict between the two countries might escalate.

He said he still did not know exactly what the charges are against Mr Siwarak.

Earlier today, Newin Chidchob, de facto leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, said Thaksin, who is now economic adviser to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, should ask Cambodia to release the Thai engineer.

"Thaksin is trusted by Prime Minister Hun Sen. He should use his close relationship with Cambodia to help the Thai engineer, if he still thinks he represents Thai people and considers himself a Thai person," Thaksin's former right-hand man said.

Mr Newin, however, said he would not phone Thaksin to beg for his help.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Wimon Kidchob said Thai charge d'affaires Chalothorn Paovibul had made an official request to visit Mr Siwarak. Mr Chalothorn would like to visit Mr Siwarak himself and meet with Camboldian officials handling the matter. Cambodia had not yet replied to the request, she said.

Mrs Wimon said it was not unusual for Mr Siwarak to personally know the first secretary at the Thai embassy, who has been expelled from Phnom Penh.

She declined to say what action would be taken if Cambodia rejected the request for access to the prisoner.

Cambodian opposition leader stripped of immunity

Cambodian police try to block opposition party leader Sam Rainsy (C) and supporters in Phnom Penh in August

Cambodian opposition members of parliament march along a street during a protest in support of Sam Rainsy

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

PHNOM PENH — Cambodia's parliament stripped immunity from main opposition leader Sam Rainsy Monday, clearing the way for charges against him for uprooting markings at the border with neighbouring Vietnam.

"The National Assembly has lifted the parliamentary immunity of Sam Rainsy," said a statement from the legislative body.

The statement went on to say Sam Rainsy, currently abroad, had committed acts of "uprooting border posts between Cambodia and Vietnam, and inciting (people) to commit criminal offences" in southeastern Svay Rieng province.

The move permits court action against Sam Rainsy, who removed six markers at the border during a march in Svay Rieng last month, alleging that they were illegally placed by Vietnam.

Lawmakers from his eponymous Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) boycotted Monday's closed parliamentary vote and held aloft a map of Cambodia as they marched through the capital's streets, denouncing the decision as "political intimidation".

The French-educated former finance minister is the main rival to Prime Minister Hun Sen. He touts liberal democracy and human rights, while promising to raise wages and fight corruption.

Son Chhay, chief of the party's members of parliament, called the decision a "threat or intimidation against the party leader... (with) political intention to shut up the opposition party".

Vietnam condemned Sam Rainsy for uprooting the border posts, and asked Phnom Penh to protect the two nations? sensitive demarcation process.

Sam Rainsy has said he believed the border markers were erected unilaterally by Vietnamese authorities, and that villagers had removed similar posts in the area early this year.

Cambodia and Vietnam officially began demarcating their contentious border in September 2006, in a bid to end decades of territorial disputes.

The border row has sparked virulent anti-Vietnamese sentiment in Cambodia, fuelled by resentment of Vietnam's expansion over the centuries.

The 1,270-kilometre (787-mile) border has remained essentially unmarked and vague since French colonial times, with stone markers and boundary flags having disappeared, while trees lining it were cut down.

Man killed after online hook-up

2009-11-16

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

Phnom Penh - A Swedish businessman visiting Cambodia has been murdered and his body dumped outside Phnom Penh, reportedly after he met a woman with whom he had corresponded online, national media reported on Monday.

The Swedish embassy in Phnom Penh confirmed the victim was Jan Ola Jordansson, 45.

The embassy's counsellor, Karl-Anders Larsson, said he believed Jordansson was visiting the country when he was killed, but had previously lived in Cambodia.

"He had been managing a hotel in [the coastal resort of] Sihanoukville but I understand he was living in Sweden and was on a short visit to Cambodia," he said.

Larsson said the embassy was waiting for the results of the police investigation.

The Cambodia Daily newspaper reported on Monday that Jordansson had died from blows to the back of his head and neck, and said his pockets had been emptied. His hotel room was also robbed.

The Swedish newspaper Kvallsposten reported that Jordansson had gone missing late last week after meeting a woman on Thursday in Phnom Penh with whom he had corresponded online.

Police suggested that the victim had been killed elsewhere and then dumped at the scene. His body was discovered on Saturday.

Grenade caused anti-Thaksin rally blast: Thai police

Demonstrators from Thailand's royalist "Yellow Shirt" movement wave national flags during a rally in Bangkok

Demonstrators from Thailand's royalist "Yellow Shirt" movement wave national flags

Yellow Shirt founder Sondhi Limthongkul now heads the movement's new political party, the New Politics party

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

BANGKOK — Thai police said Monday that a grenade was responsible for a blast at a rally by opponents of fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, as the number of injured rose to 12.

Organisers said the small explosion at the protest in central Bangkok late Sunday was caused by a firecracker thrown by men on a motorcycle, but police said they now believed it was a more serious attack.

The rally by around 20,000 "Yellow Shirts" was held to condemn Thaksin's visit to neighbouring Cambodia last week and his appointment by Phnom Penh as a an economic adviser to the government.

"This M-79 grenade was likely fired from the side of the venue, where the defence ministry and a court are located," said Lieutenant General Worapong Chewpreecha, chief of Bangkok Metropolitan Police.

"But it was far away so its power was lower and did not cause many injuries," he told reporters, adding that he had ordered the inspection of closed-circuit television cameras in the area.

He said that of the 12 people wounded in the blast three remained in hospital, one of them in intensive care. Two children were among those hurt, he added.

Photographs of the scene showed a small crater in a paving stone and a number of supporters of the yellow-clad People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) suffering from slight cuts.

Yellow Shirt founder Sondhi Limthongkul said Sunday that two men on a motorbike had thrown a large firecracker, which caused the explosion.

The royalist PAD said they were also protesting against comments about the monarchy made by billionaire Thaksin, who was ousted in a bloodless coup in September 2006.

The Yellow Shirts held mass rallies in the months before the coup and took to the streets again in 2008, blockading Bangkok's airports to drive out the then pro-Thaksin government.

The group has however also held protests in recent weeks asking the current government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, a bitter foe of Thaksin, to take stronger action against Cambodian territorial claims.

Previous rallies by the Yellow Shirts have been hit by grenade blasts while Sondhi escaped a gun attack on his car in April.

Sondhi was in October voted leader of the movement's new political party, the New Politics Party.

Thaksin's visit to Cambodia sparked a diplomatic crisis between Bangkok and Phnom Penh, with relations already tense after a series of deadly clashes in the past year over disputed land around a temple on the border.

Anti-Thaksin rally in Bangkok

The protesters expressed anger over Thaksin's new job and his comments on the monarchy [Reuters]

Monday, November 16, 2009

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

Thousands of people have marched in the Thai capital to protest against Thaksin Shinawatra, the country's former prime minister, and the Cambodian government for appointing him as economic adviser.

Monday's rally in Bangkok, led by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), the so-called Yellow Shirts, was to express outrage at Cambodia's refusal to extradite Thaksin during his four-day visit to the country.

The PAD also criticised Thaksin for comments that he made in a newspaper interview calling for reform of institutions around Thailand's revered monarchy.

Protesters sang along to folk songs and jazz music composed by the king, waved the national flag, and shouted, "Long Live The King".

On stage, in front of a sign reading "Fight for Thailand, Fight For Our King", speakers led the crowd in condemning Thaksin and his followers as "People who sell the country".

Prestige at stake

"Our duty is to protect and preserve the country's honour and dignity and the monarchy. Cambodia violated the extradition treaty and allowed a convicted person to be its adviser," Somsak Kosaisuk, a senior PAD leader, said.

"This action harms our country's prestige. We will denounce both convicted Thaksin and Hun Sen [Cambodia's prime minister] at the protest."

Several people were hurt in an explosion at Sunday's rally in central Bangkok [EPA]

The PAD had led mass anti-Thaksin protests before he was toppled in a 2006 military coup, and blockaded Bangkok's airports in late 2008 to force his allies out of government.

Meanwhile, the Thai police said they were investigating a blast which injured a dozen people including two children at the Sanam Luang parade ground near the area where about 20,000 people had gathered on Sunday.

According to the protest organisers, the small explosion was caused by a firecracker thrown by two men on a motorcycle, but police said on Monday that the cause was still not clear.

Thaksin's visit to Cambodia has sparked a diplomatic crisis between Bangkok and Phnom Penh, with relations already tense after a series of deadly clashes in the past year over disputed land around an ancient temple on the border.

Thaksin's comments on the Thai monarchy have also proved sensitive because King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 81 has been in hospital for the past two months. He is seen as a major force for stability in the politically divided nation.

Tit-for-tat expulsions

The two governments recalled their respective ambassadors and expelled the first secretaries of each other's embassies on Friday.

Cambodian police have also charged a Thai man with spying for the Thai embassy.

Early last week, the Thai government announced the cancellation of an oil and gas exploration deal agreed with Cambodia when Thaksin was prime minister.

Two road construction projects with Cambodia involving loans of more than $42 million to Phnom Penh were ordered to be reviewed.

Thaksin, who has been in self-imposed exile since the 2006 coup, returned home briefly last year but fled before being found guilty and was sentenced in absentia to two years in jail for corruption.

Thai authorities have also frozen $2.2bn worth of the assets owned by Thaksin, who remains popular in the Thai political scene especially among the rural poor.

His red-shirted supporters have themselves staged several massive protests over the past year, including the disruption of a summit of Southeast Asian leaders and subsequent riots in April.

But analysts warned that by siding with Cambodia Thaksin could lose public support.

"To identify yourself with Hun Sen is a terrible political mistake," said Chris Baker, a Bangkok-based political analyst who authored a biography of Thaksin.