CP aims to boost sales of young chickens

via CAAI News Media

Tuesday, 09 February 2010 15:01 Chun Sophal

BABY chickens worth a total of US$2.73 million will be sold to farmers by animal feed producer CP Cambodia Co Ltd this year, according to the company’s vice president.

Wittaya Kreangkriwit said on Monday that CP plans to sell 3.9 million chicks to 300 farming families in Kandal and Kampong Speu provinces at about US$0.70 each.

The farmers are then obliged, as part of an agreement, to buy animal feed from CP to nourish the chickens to maturity.

In 2009, the business sold 3 million 21-day-old chicks at $0.50 each, making $1.5 million in revenues.

“We hope that our sales strategy will be successful, because we believe the number of people raising chickens in Cambodia is increasing,” Wittaya said.

Chhay Sok Huon, president of Chicken Farming Association, which represents 50 chicken farmhouses in Kandal and Kampong Speu provinces, agreed that demand for eggs and chicken meat has increased this year. It intends to buy more chicks from CP.

He added: “But we want the company to sell chicks at a lower price to allow farmers to benefit more and expand. This would ensure there is a sufficient supply of eggs and chicken meat to markets, reducing the need for imports.”

He said that at present about 700,000 eggs and hundreds of kilograms of chicken are imported from Vietnam and Thailand into Cambodia.

Kao Phal, director of the Department of Animal Health and Production, said that such imports have caused problems for local farmers, due to market competition.

“We are trying to reduce the quota of egg imports and meat from other countries gradually in order to encourage domestic animal farming,” he said.

A report from the department showed that in 2009 Cambodia raised about 20 million chickens and ducks, compared to 16 million in 2008.

Kao Bunheng sends Loek Vibol packing Sunday

Kao Roomchang (right) outpointed Sarim Vonthon in their inconsequential light-middleweight tournament bout Sunday at TV5 boxing arena. AFP

via CAAI News Media

Tuesday, 09 February 2010 15:00 Robert Starkweather

Kao Bunheng knocked off veteran Loek Vibol to secure a spot in the semifinals of the light-middleweight tournament

KAO Bunheng outpointed Loek Vibol Sunday to clinch a semifinal spot in the light-middleweight tournament at the TV5 boxing arena in Takhmao.

Kao Bunheng kicked relentlessly and used his superior fitness to power past the 32-year-old veteran, who started strong but faded and fought the final two rounds largely in survival mode.

The eight-man light-middleweight (63.5 kilograms) tournament began in January. Group A concluded the opening stages Sunday. Kao Bunheng and Kao Roomchang will advance. Loek Vibol and Sarim Vonthon will not.

For Kao Bungheng and Loek Vibol, who both entered the ring with 1-1 tournament records, the Sunday bout was do-or-die.

Loek Vibol, a southpaw, came out strong early, attacking in the first round with hard jab-low kick combinations, and by the end of the round Kao Bunheng’s left leg was red and welted above and below the knee.

Kao Bunheng responded in the second, pressing forward with kicks to the body and forcing Loek Vibol to fight from the back foot.

Loek Vibol tried to retake the momentum with a series of head-snapping left hands to open the third round. But Kao Bunheng, among the most durable fighters in the division, dismissed the attack with a nod of the head and a continued assault of kicks.

By the fourth Loek Vibol looked tired, and his offensive output dwindled to nearly nothing. In the final round he stood at times with his gloves at his side, visibly spent.

“I’m exhausted,” he said afterward, his shoulders slumped with disappointment.

Sarim Vonthon goes fighting

In the second tournament match Sunday, Sarim Vonthon lost a decision to Kao Roomchang in a bout of little significance.

Kao Roomchang had secured a spot in the semifinals two weeks earlier with a win over Kao Bunheng, and Sarim Vonthon, winless in two tournament fights, had no chance of advancing.

Still, Sarim Vonthon, bleeding from a cut on his chin before the fight even started, refused to go quietly. With the crowd behind him, he caught Kao Roomchang with flush overhand lefts and hard knees in every round, and made Kao Roomchang battle until the final second of the fight.

Kao Roomchang showed little trouble maintaining the pace. He thrilled the crowd with flashy spinning back kicks and surprising displays of power.

A front push kick in the second round sent Sarim Vonthon across the ring and crashing into the turnbuckle so hard he nearly tumbled to the canvas. A face kick at center ring in the fourth landed with such ferocity that Sarim Vonthon ended up halfway through the ropes.

Sarim Vonthon took it all and kept coming. Even in the final minutes, with the fight largely decided and little on the line but pride, he gave an inspired fifth-round charge, scoring with hard lefts and strong clinch work, and forcing Kao Roomchang to defend until the final bell.

There are no tournament fights scheduled for next week. Group B returns Feb 21.

Game week 25 winner

via CAAI News Media

Tuesday, 09 February 2010 15:00 Dan Riley

Game week 25 provided some more thrills and spills, with players from the two front runners of the Premier League – Man United and Chelsea – proving most profitable for our fantasy managers. Head and shoulders above the rest was Bun Sobott’s Garuda FC, who netted a total of 85 points with the dreamy strike partnership of Rooney (captain for 22 points) and Drogba (13 points), and the likes of Evra (9) and Lampard (8). Sobott wins the weekly prize of a US$20 phone voucher and T-shirt courtesy of Cellcard. Midweek fixtures means you’ll have to make transfers by 2:30am tonight, so don’t delay.

Phnom Penh targets 26% growth in 2010

Cambodian port is targetting strong revenue growth this year

http://www.portstrategy.com/

via CAAI News Media

08 Feb 2010

Phnom Penh Autonomous Port will maintain a recovery into 2010 with projected 26% revenue growth, the facility's director general, Hei Bevy has said as the inland port continues to benefit from connections to Cai Mep deepwater port in Southern Vietnam.

It has signed up shipping line Maersk in connecting to the new Vietnamese port, said Hei Bevy, and is now targeting $6.25m in revenues for 2010.

The port suffered a 2% fall in revenues last year to $4.93m following an 8.8% drop in volumes, according to figures printed in one Cambodian newspaper. These better a January 3 projection by the Phnom Penh Autonomous Port’s deputy director Eang Veng Sun who estimated that revenues had dropped 15% last year, without giving a revenue forecast.

The newly issued figure for Phnom Penh also beat the downturn in Cambodian trade as the capital’s port benefited from the July 2009 opening of the Cai Mep facility, which allows more convenient connections down the Mekong and cuts days off passage to North America by avoiding other, less convenient Asian hubs, particularly Singapore and Hong Kong.

Prosecutor: Drunken Driver Asleep At Wheel

via CAAI News Media

Father Of 7 Killed In Methuen

February 8, 2010

BOSTON -- A drunken driver was asleep at the wheel when he struck and killed a jogger in Methuen last week, according to prosecutors.

Police say David Diaz, 23, was driving on Route 110 Friday morning when he struck Lay Bou, 56, who was out for his regular morning run. Bou was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead after the 8:30 a.m. crash.

Prosecutors say Diaz claims he fell asleep and doesn't remember the crash. Officials said three witnesses identified Diaz as the driver.

"The officer approached the defendant, asked what happened, his response was, 'I don't know what happened,'" prosecutor Jennifer Kunsch said.

Diaz told police he left work at 3 a.m. and went to a friend's house, where he consumed several beers.

A not guilty plea was entered for Diaz on motor vehicle homicide, operating under the influence and a marked lanes violation.

"This is a tragic circumstance for all parties. The family of my client wishes to express their heart-felt condolences," defense attorney John Valerio said.

Bail was set at $10,000 and Diaz was ordered not to drink and not to drive if he posts bail.

He was also ordered to submit to bi-weekly breathalyzer tests and told to surrender his passport.

Diaz suffered minor injuries in the crash and was taken to a hospital, where his blood-alcohol content was .16, police said. The case was continued to March 4.

Bou, who immigrated to the state from Cambodia, was a retired machine operator for Colombo yogurt. He had seven children.

Bou's family was in the courtroom, but too distraught to talk after hearing the details of the crash. On Thursday night, they described their father has a hard-working family man.

"He did really well and worked really hard to support the family," one family member said.

Hun Sen Calls Thai Premier ‘Stupid,’ ‘Crazy’

By Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer

Original report from Phnom Penh

08 February 2010

via CAAI News Media

Prime Minister Hun Sen directly insulted the prime minister of Thailand as “stupid” and “crazy” on Monday, as he continued a four-day tour of disputed border regions in the north.

The remarks, aimed at Abhisit Vejjajiva, were a reaction to the Thai premier’s criticism of Hun Sen’s visit in military uniform to the temple of Preah Vihear on Saturday, in a continuing row between the two national leaders.

Cambodia and Thailand have thousands of heavily armed troops entrenched along the border, engaged in a 19-month military standoff over disputed border regions. The standoff has led to a handful of skirmishes, leaving at least eight soldiers dead.

Hun Sen visited Preah Vihear temple on Saturday, telling soldiers there he supported them in their defense of the border against potential “invasion.” He appeared with his wife, Bun Rany, wearing military fatigues.

Abhisit responded to the visit in Thai media, saying Hun Sen’s appearance in uniform was merely for political gain.

“My statement today is not good listening for the Bangkok leaders,” Hun Sen told soldiers near the Ta Moan temple complex, on the border of Oddar Meanchey province, Monday. “It displeases your mind that I have worn a military uniform my whole life.”

“Prime Minister Abhisit is stupid and crazy today,” he continued. “You have no right to ban me from wearing a military uniform. The wearing of the uniform is up to me, and I haven’t wronged the Cambodian constitution or law.”

Cambodia and Thailand are at diplomatic loggerheads over the appointment of ousted Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra as an economic adviser to Hun Sen. Both countries have withdrawn their ambassadors over Thaksin, who is wanted in Thailand on corruption charges.

New Documentary Raises Arsenic Alarm

By Men Kimseng, VOA Khmer

Original report from Washington

08 February 2010

via CAAI News Media

In “Born Sweet,” a new documentary underscoring the dangers of arsenic, a rural Cambodian boy struggles with questions of fate after he is poisoned by a contaminated well.

The 28-minute film, produced by American Cynthia Wade, follows a skinny and pale boy named Vinh as he struggles with his poisoning, as well as other diseases, parasites and malnutrition.

Many of Vinh’s neighbors in Kandal province’s Prek Russey village also suffer from arsenic poisoning.

“Too many people have died,” Vinh says. “I am afraid I will be next.”

The film won honorary mention at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah last month.

Wade, an Oscar winning director, said she became interested in the arsenic issue after learning about the work of Resource Development International’s Cambodia office.

RDI-Cambodia uses a mobile karaoke van to help educate people about the poison, which contaminates well water and threatens an estimated 137 million people in 70 countries worldwide.

“My hope with this film is that the issue of arsenic in the water is out there on the table and that, internationally, countries can begin to address this problem for Cambodia, for Bangladesh, for Vietnam, for Thailand,” Wade told VOA Khmer. “The government [of Cambodia] needs to acknowledge it, needs to put funding behind it, and the government needs to work with groups like RDI, work with international groups, so that mass poisoning stops.”

Seven Cambodian provinces along the Mekong river have been identified as at risk for arsenic contamination, according to Mao Saray, director of the Ministry of Rural Development’s water supply department.

“The government has come up with a solution to address the arsenic problem by providing alternative water sources like rainwater harvesting, shallow wells, community piped water systems and household treatment to treat surface water because some underground water sources are problematic,” he said.

Approximately 140 families totaling more than 300 people in Kandal and Prey Veng provinces were identified with symptoms of suspected arsenic poisoning in 2006, according to Unicef. Since then, no other suspected cases have been reported.

Hilda Winarta, a Unicef water and sanitation specialist, said the UN agency is working with Cambodia on several activities to mitigate arsenic risks. This includes testing and marking wells that are the most dangerous.

“Approximately 2.2 million people live in the areas that have been identified to be at risk of arsenic contamination,” Winarta said in an e-mail.

In “Born Sweet,” young Vinh dreams of becoming a karaoke star. Eventually, the people of his village gain access to safe drinking water. Unfortunately, the poison in their bodies remains.

More See Country Going ‘Wrong’: Survey

By Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer

Original report from Phnom Penh

08 February 2010

via CAAI News Media

An increasing number of people, especially those with higher incomes, feel the country is moving in the wrong direction, according to a recent survey.

Approximately 20 percent of 2,000 people surveyed in August 2009 were unhappy with the direction of the country, according to the International Republican Institute, a US democracy group.

The most unhappy were those who earned more than $300 per month; 26 percent of them said they thought the country was going in the wrong direction.

Of those surveyed, 79 percent said they thought the country was generally moving in the right direction, a decline from 82 percent in November 2008. It was the first decline in the survey since August 2006.

Despite the high number of positive respondents, Cambodia remains plagued by corruption and crimes like land-grabbing, said Ke Sovanaroth, secretary-general of the opposition Sam Rainsy Party.

Of those unhappy with the direction of the country, 38 percent said it was because of more corruption, according to the survey; 11 percent said they were unhappy with “threats to take land from people.”

Kuol Panha, executive director of the Committee for Free and Fair Elections, said that since 1993, Cambodia had been heading in the right direction, including multi-party elections, a free market and respect for human rights.

However, ongoing problems with Thailand and in internal politics had caused a drop in those surveyed, he said.

Phay Siphan, a spokesman for the Council of Ministers, said the survey showed pride among Cambodian people and was a reflection of the government’s development strategy.

The survey was conducted between July 31 and August 26, 2009, and the results were issued last week.

Hun Sen calls down curse on Thai PM over land row

via CAAI News Media

By Supalak Ganjanakhundee

The Nation

Published on February 9, 2010

Border tensions died down yesterday but the war of words flared up with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen reciting a curse on Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva for his comments on disputed territory.

Thai security forces had been put on alert over the weekend as Hun Sen toured the border near overlapping areas including the Preah Vihear Temple.

The PM arrived in the vicinity of Ta Muen Thom Temple but did not visit the ruins.

Colonel Thanet Wongcha-um, chief of staff of the Suranaree Task Force, which oversees the area, said Thai authorities on the ground informed Hun Sen's advance team the situation was not safe due to the presence of yellow-shirt protesters.

Before leaving the area, Hun Sen presided over the inauguration of Ta Moan village in Oddar Meanchey province, some five to six kilometres away from the temple, Thanet said. Thai troops retreated after his departure, he said.

During the opening ceremony, Hun Sen launched a verbal attack on Abhisit.

Abhisit said on Sunday that Hun Sen's visit to Preah Vihear would help Thailand claim possession of the area surrounding the temple.

Hun Sen visited the temple on Saturday and accused Thai troops of invading Cambodia. Abhisit said later that day that Hun Sen's accusation meant the Cambodian leader accepted Thai ownership.

Hun Sen put a curse on Abhisit.

"If you don't tell the truth about Thai troops invading Cambodia, let magic objects break your neck, may you be shot, be hit by a car, may you be shocked by electricity or [may you be shot] by misfired guns."

"Will Abhisit swear on having all his family members killed and having them [perish] in a plane crash, if [he still claims] that Thai troops did not invade Cambodia?" Hun Sen was quoted as saying by Cambodian website Deum Ampil News.

The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that Preah Vihear is located in territory under the sovereignty of Cambodia. Abhisit argued that the court was referring only to the stone remains but the area adjacent to the temple belongs to Thailand.

He said again yesterday that Thailand would never surrender any of its territory.

Relations with Cambodia turned sour after Abhisit took power due to his stance against Cambodia over the Preah Vihear issue.

Hun Sen criticised Abhisit for supporting the yellow-shirt movement, which helped set the stage for the military coup in 2006 and seized Suvarnabhumi Airport in 2008, paving the way for Abhisit to assume power.

Chavanond Intarakomalyasut, secretary to the foreign minister, said Thailand regretted learning about Hun Sen's harsh statement.

Such an outburst would undermine attempts to restore diplomatic relations, he said.

Thailand tightens security ahead of Thaksin ruling

A young monk plays with pigeons at Sanam Luang Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, in Bangkok, Thailand. Bangkok authorities have closed the parade grounds near the Royal Palace for renovation and are planning to capture and relocate the park's pigeons. Sakchai Lalit / AP Photo

via CAAI News Media

Posted on Monday, 02.08.10

The Associated Press

BANGKOK -- Thailand has started deploying about 20,000 security forces to brace for protests ahead of a widely anticipated court ruling on the $2.2 billion fortune of deposed leader Thaksin Shinawatra, a spokesman said Monday.

Supporters of Thaksin have stepped up anti-government demonstrations ahead of the Feb. 26 Supreme Court ruling on whether to seize Thaksin's assets. The former tycoon's riches were frozen after he was ousted by a coup in 2006.

Government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said more than 13,000 army, police and civilian security officers will be deployed across Thailand's 38 provinces. About 6,000 additional security will be deployed in the capital, where 200 checkpoints will be set up at "every entrance into Bangkok," he said.

"We started to deploy forces earlier this month, but it will increase after Feb. 15," Panitan told reporters. "This is to prevent any uncertain situation from arising."

Thaksin was removed from power after being accused of massive corruption while in office but remains a politically divisive figure in Thailand, where his supporters say he was unjustly treated and are demanding fresh elections.

The Supreme Court will decide whether Thaksin's assets in Thailand were obtained through corrupt means and should be confiscated by authorities.

Thailand has been gripped by pro-Thaksin and anti-Thaksin protests for more than three years. Thaksin supporters staged rallies in April that turned violent and the army had to be called in to restore order.

"We don't want a repeat of what happened last April when the troops came out a little late," Panitan said, adding authorities hoped to avoid invoking stringent security laws to keep order. "For now, we will use the normal laws. It depends on the situation."

Thailand won't give up disputed area

via CAAI News Media

Published: 8/02/2010

Online news: Breakingnews

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Monday stood firm that his government would not give up the contested 1.8 square miles (4.6 sq km) area adjacent to the ancient Preah Vihear temple to Cambodia, saying the area which is owned by Thailand must belong to the kingdom.

He said the government would send a letter asking the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)'s World Heritage Committee to review the map which Cambodia earlier submitted to it and would give a Thai opinion to the UNESCO committee.

The World Heritage Committee will soon meet to consider Cambodia's application to list the ancient temple and its surrounding areas contested by the two neighbouring countries as a World Heritage site.

Mr Abhisit said Cambodia has been trying to acquire the area for two years but his government would not budge and would not accept any disputed map submitted by the neighbouring country.

The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that Preah Vihear temple belongs to Cambodia, but Thailand holds that the 1.8 square miles (4.6 sq km) area surrounding the ancient temple belongs to Thailand.

Border demarcation in the area remains unresolved and sporadic clashes have occurred recently.

The Thai prime minister said the Thai-Cambodia border has returned to normal after Mr Hun Sen cancelled his planned visit to Ta Muen Thom temple ruins in Thailand's northeastern province of Surin.

He also shrugged off reports that Cambodia has changed the name of the village opposite Ta Muen Thom ruins as Ta Muen Village, saying the matter will not cause any misunderstanding nor confusion as Thailand can prove that the area belongs to the kingdom.

Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters led by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) or the Yellow Shirts have dispersed after receiving confirmation that Mr Hun Sen had cancelled his planned visit and returned to Phnom Penh.

The PAD leaders said they have successfully put pressures and force the Cambodian leader not to enter into Thai soil.

Thai military personnel remain stationed at the Ta Muen Thom ruins and are closely monitoring Cambodian military movements. The area has been declared a restricted zone as the situation is considered risky. (TNA)

Cambodia-Israel Chamber of Commerce was inaugurated in Phnom Penh

via CAAI News Media
Feb 8, 2010

The inauguration is part of an Israeli effort announcedlast year to expand economic and political ties with Cambodia

Cambodia-Israel Chamber of Commerce, a bi-national business association with the mission of increasing economic development by fostering understanding, cooperation, and business relationships between Israel and Cambodia, was inaugurated last week in Phnom Penh.

Tzahi Selzer, the Israeli economic and trade attaché in Bangkok said that the inauguration is part of an Israeli effort announcedlast year to expand economic and political ties with Cambodia. Selzer added that "There is huge interest in Cambodia in Israel.

Israeli-Cambodian trade and investment is rather small, and only about 30 Israelis live in Cambodia, said the embassy.

In 2008 Israel was ranked the fourth-largest foreign investor in Cambodia in terms of value of projects approved, with 2.75% of total investment, or US$300 million, according to Cambodian Investment Board figures.

Israel's export to Cambodia in 2009 was up 97% from US$631,000 in 2008 to US$1.25 million. Although level of trade is low the potential is high and create a great deal of interest among Israeli business firms.

Thailand won't give up disputed area to Cambodia: Abhisit

http://www.mcot.net/

via CAAI News Media

BANGKOK, Feb 8 (TNA) - Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Monday stood firm that his government would not give up the contested 1.8 square miles (4.6 sq km) area adjacent to the ancient Preah Vihear temple to Cambodia, saying the area which is owned by Thailand must belong to the kingdom.

He said the government would send a letter asking the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)'s World Heritage Committee to review the map which Cambodia earlier submitted to it and would give a Thai opinion to the UNESCO committee.

The World Heritage Committee will soon meet to consider Cambodia's application to list the ancient temple and its surrounding areas contested by the two neighbouring countries as a World Heritage site.

Mr Abhisit said Cambodia has been trying to acquire the area for two years but his government would not budge and would not accept any disputed map submitted by the neighbouring country.

The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that Preah Vihear temple belongs to Cambodia, but Thailand holds that the 1.8 square miles (4.6 sq km) area surrounding the ancient temple belongs to Thailand.

Border demarcation in the area remains unresolved and sporadic clashes have occurred recently.

The Thai prime minister said the Thai-Cambodia border has returned to normal after Mr Hun Sen cancelled his planned visit to Ta Muen Thom temple ruins in Thailand's northeastern province of Surin.

He also shrugged off reports that Cambodia has changed the name of the village opposite Ta Muen Thom ruins as Ta Muen Village, saying the matter will not cause any misunderstanding nor confusion as Thailand can prove that the area belongs to the kingdom.

Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters led by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) or the Yellow Shirts have dispersed after receiving confirmation that Mr Hun Sen had cancelled his planned visit and returned to Phnom Penh.

The PAD leaders said they have successfully put pressures and force the Cambodian leader not to enter into Thai soil.

Thai military personnel remain stationed at the Ta Muen Thom ruins and are closely monitoring Cambodian military movements. The area has been declared a restricted zone as the situation is considered risky. (TNA)

Bomb hits truck carrying Thai soldiers; 7 wounded

Cambodian soldiers are seen by a machine gun as they guard along the Cambodia-Thailand border near Preah Vihear temple, Preah Vihear province, about 245 kilometers (152 miles) north of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Friday, Feb. 5, 2010. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen is scheduled to pay his first official visit on Saturday to his troops at the disputed territory near the historic temple. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith) (Heng Sinith - AP)

via CAAI News Media

The Associated Press

Monday, February 8, 2010; 8:15 AM

BANGKOK -- Police say suspected insurgents detonated a bomb as two truckloads of soldiers passed, wounding seven troops in Thailand's restive south.

Police Lt. Heraman Jehdee says the attack happened Monday afternoon soon after the vehicles with 38 soldiers left a camp in Bo-ngo sub-district in Narathiwat province. He says police found a gas canister at the scene used to plant the mobile phone-triggered explosive device.

More than 4,000 people have been killed in Thailand's three southern provinces since an Islamist insurgency flared in 2004. The provinces are the only Muslim-majority areas in the predominantly Buddhist country, and Muslims have long complained of discrimination by the central government.

Cambodia's banking sector recovers with enlargement growth: report

http://www.investors.com/

via CAAI News Media

PHNOM PENH, Feb 08, 2010 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- Cambodia's banking sector which was dead and paralyzed for several decades is now recovering well with enlargement growth, according to a government's report released on Monday.

Currently, there are 27 commercial banks, six specialize banks, and 20 micro financing institutions, the report said.

Compared to 2008, the banking and financial institutions was on better growth with 3.8 percent increase in loans as it represented from 10,905.7 trillion riel (about 27.2 million U.S. dollars) to 11,317.7 trillion riel (about 28.2 million U.S. dollars) in 2009.

The report also showed that the number of banks' clients increased 9.4 percent from 1,082,204 in 2008 to 1,184,042 in 2009.

The deposit also increased 32.7 percent as it rose from 10,313 trillion riel (about 25.7 million U.S. dollars) to 13,685 trillion riel (about 34.2 million U.S. dollars).

On the automatic transferring machine, known as ATM which was introduced to Cambodia several years ago has reached 371 across the country.

After the country had met a few decades of civil war, many Cambodians do not trust the banking system and they prefer to keep their money under the pillows or coffers at home, but recently, the concept of the people have changed.

Australian Baptist church opens new building – in Cambodia

Paul Summers cuts the ribbon to formally open the new building (Martin Johnson)

via CAAI News Media

Monday, 8 February 2010

On February 4, members of the Gymea Baptist Church mission team, currently in Cambodia, attended the opening of a Child Safe Zone building funded entirely by the Gymea church. Paul Summers, Pastor for Mission and Evangelism represented the church at the opening. The building is adjacent to an Internally Displaced People (IDP) camp at Veals Pov just out of Phnom Penh.

In May last year members of Gymea Baptist Church raised $64,000 to fund the project.

The building is a joint partnership between Gymea Baptist, international aid and humanitarian agency Samaritan’s Purse and a local Cambodian Church, on whose land the IDP camp and the Child Safe Zone have been built.

“The project will care for orphans and vulnerable children in Cambodia’s growing IDP camps, where the poor are being sent as de-facto refugees in their own country,” said Paul. “Due to economic hardship, parents who live in these camps are often forced to leave their children alone for up to 10 hours a day while they find work, even those five years old,” he said. “This leaves them vulnerable to outside influences.”

Country Director for Samaritan’s Purse Jason Berry, who spoke at the opening, said that when they were considering where to build the Child Safe Zone, they looked for a community where the church was sustainable and had a prominent community role.

“We recognized that Child Safe Zone could really strengthen the churches witness. Pastor Soren and his wife at Veals Pov have a lot of credibility in the community and we felt that a Child Safe Zone would really help them in their ministry. The building will accommodate 65 children and the local church is providing teachers from 7am to 5pm six days a week,” said Jason.

“We have told the local church here that whilst the building is a gift from Gymea, it’s their project. We’re going to start you off, but you’ve got to run it. Ladies of the church have trained for 12 weeks developing the curriculum for the 88 families who live in the IDP camp immediately behind the Child Safe Zone. The building will also be used for church services,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of Gymea Baptist Church at the opening, Paul Summers spoke of the project being a perfect example of the philosophy of Gymea Baptist Church.

“As a church we seek to empower, love and engage with our community whether that community is local, national or international. Working with Samaritan’s Purse to build the Child Safe Zone in Cambodia is wonderful way of empowering the church here at Veals Pov, enabling them to be more effective in impacting their local community,” Paul said.

On the web: www.cambodia2010.com

Thai-Cambodian border tension eases as Hun Sen returns to Phnom Penh

http://www.mcot.net/

via CAAI News Media

SURIN, Feb 8 (TNA) - Rising tension along Thai-Cambodia border eased Monday after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen returned to his capital without visiting the Ta Muen Thom temple ruins as earlier requested.

Lt-Gen Veevalit Chornsamrit, Thailand's 2nd Army Area Commander, said Monday that group of 20 unarmed Cambodian soldiers have requested Thailand for permission to visit Ta Muen Thom temple in Surin, however the 2nd Army explained to them that the situation was unfavourable for their visit

for fear of possible confrontation with protesters from the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) gathering near the temple.

Gen Veevalit said the Khmer soliders now better understand the situation and agreed not to enter the temple area.

Thai reporters said the Cambodian leader returned to Phnom Penh after attending a ceremony for a battalion and a new route as well as for a border village inside Cambodian territory without visiting Ta Muen Thom as earlier requested.

Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban earlier reaffirmed that Mr Hun Sen can visit the Thai temple ruins but Thai troops will not be withdrawn from the ruins which belong to Thailand.

"We have been taking care of and and [holding in our] possession the area [of the Ta Muen Thom ruins]. Cambodia cannot claim its right over the area," said Mr Suthep."It's unlike the case of Preah Vihear temple in which the dispute was brought to the International Court of Justice."

The Cambodian prime minister and his wife on Saturday visited the 11th century Preah Vihear temple.

The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that the Preah Vihear temple belongs to Cambodia, but Thailand holds that the 1.8 square miles (4.6 sq km) area surrounding the ancient temple belongs to Thailand.

Border demarcation in the area remains unresolved and sporadic clashes have occurred since then.

The deputy premier commented that Mr Hun Sen's recent move is aimed at convincing the World Heritage Committee that he can resolve the Thai-Cambodian border conflict despite the fact that the dispute is far from being solved.

Mr Suthep also urged the public not to rally against Mr Hun Sen's visit as it will obstruct the work of Thai security officials.

Thai News Agency reporter reported from Surin that checkpoint has been set up not far from the Ta Muen Thom ruins to prevent Thai protesters from marching into the area. Only food is allowed to be sent to the the group of protesters led by the People's Alliance for Democracy who gathered at the area near the ruins since Sunday.

The TNA reporter said security personnel have been on standby near the PAD venue, together with a fire engine to disperse the crowd in case they attempt to break through the security line into the ruins.

The reporter added that tension along the Thai-Cambodian border flared up following the planned visit of Mr Hun Sen.

Thai army personnel have been reinforced around the Ta Muen Thom ruins, while Cambodia also reinforced its troops to provide security for Mr Hun Sen. (TNA)

Cambodia's Tourism on Steady Growth, Report Shows

http://english.cri.cn/

via CAAI News Media

2010-02-08

Xinhua

Web Editor: Hu Weiwei

Cambodia's tourism sector has been on steady growth over the past five-year period, according to a report released on Monday by the government.

The report titled "tourism highlights" showed that there was one million foreign tourists visited Cambodia in 2004, and the number has been increased on yearly basis.

In 2009, the number of foreign tourist arrivals was 2.161 million an increase of 1.7 percent compared to 2008 with 2.125 million despite the global economic crisis.

According to the report, there were 1.421 million in 2005, and 1.7 million in 2006 and 2.015 million in 2007.

Among the foreign arrivals, Vietnamese was recorded as the largest number in 2009 with 319,202, followed by South Korean with 197,725 and the American with 148.482.

In 2008, South Koreans were the largest of foreign tourist arrivals to Cambodia with 266,525, followed by Vietnamese at 209, 516 and the third was from Japan at 163,806.

Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen has pinpointed for several times that tourism is a locomotive for economic growth in his country and vowed to accelerate it to one of the world's most wanted tourism sites.

Cambodia's Angkor Wat Temple, built between 9th to 12th century -- is one of the world's famous tourist sites. Angkor Wat Temple was registered as the world heritage site.

Cambodia is also proud to claim the country is rich in eco- tourism in addition to its already outstanding cultural tourism.

Hun Sen skips Ta Muen Thom temple visit

via CAAI News Media

Published: 8/02/2010

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen cancelled his planned visit to Ta Muen Thom temple in Surin province and returned home by helicopter on Monday, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya's secretary Chavanond Intarakomalyasut said.

Hun Sen decided not to visit Ta Muen Thom ruins after Thai authorities insisted his military escort could not carry weapons, Mr Chavanond said.

The Cambodian premier said he understood the regulations and did not want to create tension between soldiers from the two countries, even though he just wanted to travel as a tourist, he said.

Foreign Ministry Information director-general Wimol Kidchob said Mr Hun Sen's visit did not violate the sovereignty of Thailand.

Earlier, 2nd Army commander Lt-Gen Weewalit Chornsamrit said on Monday that a group of Cambodian soldiers had requested Thai permission to visit Ta Muen Thom temple without their weapons, but he explained to them that the situation was unfavourable for their visit because of a possible confrontation with supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

PAD leader Veera Somkwamkid led about 150 protesters who gathered near the temple to oppose Mr Hun Sen's visit.

Lt-Gen Weewalit said the Cambodian soldiers understood the situation and agreed not to enter the temple area.

The Cambodian government had previously twice asked Thai authorities for permission for Mr Hun Sen to visit the ancient Khmer temple.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said after the cancellation of Mr Hun Sen's visit that the situation along the border had returned to normal.

Mr Abhisit said that Cambodia's tactic to name a nearby village Ta Muen, like the name of the temple, would not affect Thailand. Cambodia had the right to name a village.

In the morning, Mr Hun Sen officially opened a road leading to the temple and to Ta Muen village. The village has about 400 houses and is about 4 kilometres from Ta Muen Thom temple.

Mr Abhisit also said Thailand has made clear its opposition to Unesco's approval of the listing of Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage site administered by Phnom Penh.

The government would request the voiding of the listing because the area involves disputed land, he added.

Unesco's World Heritage Committee will rule on July 15 whether to continue listing Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage site.

Border situation returns to normal

via CAAI News Media

Published: 8/02/2010

The situation along the Thai-Cambodian border has returned to normal after Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen cancelled his visit to Ta Muen Thom temple on Monday, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said.

Mr Abhisit said that Cambodia's tactic to name a village "Ta Muen", like the name of the temple, does not affect Thailand. However, Cambodia has the right to do so.

In the morning, Mr Hun Sen officially opened a road leading to the temple and Ta Muen village, which is close to the Thai border. The village has about 400 houses and is about 4 kilometres from Ta Muen Thom temple.

Mr Abhisit also said Thailand has made its opposition clear to the listing of Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage site by Unesco at the request of Phnom Penh.

The government would give Unesco information clarifying that Cambodia's plan to manage the area around the ancient Khmer temple includes the disputed land, he added.

Unesco's World Heritage Committee will rule on July 15 whether to continue listing Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage site.

KHMER PREMIER'S BORDER VISIT : Tension eases as Hun Sen returns to Phnom Penh

via CAAI News Media

Mon, February 8, 2010

Tension along the Thai-Cambodia border seemed to ease after Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen cancelled his schedule to visit Ta Muen Thom temple ruins and returned to Phnom Penh on Monday.

Hun Sen and his wife; Bunnari, arrived at Oh-room-jong Village in Banteay Ambrel of Udon Mechai province by helicopter at about 9am. He presided over an opening ceremony of a battalion and a village which are about four kilometers from Ta Muen Thom temple in Cambodian soil.

His visit was made amidst tight security which included tanks and heavily-armed soldiers. He spent about half and hour there before boarding a helicopter back to Phnom Penh.

A Thai army officer said that Hun Sen normally spent about two hours to visit his soldiers at the border. But this time he spent only half and hour probably because he was worried about the reports that some groups of Thai activists planned to rally near the site.

Earlier reports said that Hun Sen's visit to Preah Vihear area which started on Saturday until Tuesday.

Hun Sen also cancelled a plan to visit Ta Muen Thom temple in Surin province, the site which has been claimed by both countries. The Thai side which claimed ownership of the temple insisted that Hun Sen has to ask permission if he wanted to visit the temple.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban earlier said that Cambodian side had notified the Thai side that Hun Sen would visit the temple ruins.

Suthep said the Thai troops will not be withdrawn from the ruins which belong to Thailand.

"We have been taking care of and and [holding in our] possession the area [of the Ta Muan Thom ruins]. Cambodia cannot claim its right over the area," said Mr Suthep."It's unlike the case of Preah Vihear temple in which the dispute was brought to the International Court of Justice."

CP to raise feed production in Cambodia

http://www.allaboutfeed.net/

via CAAI News Media

08 Feb 2010

Cambodia’s biggest animal feed producer CP Cambodia announced that it would increase production 20 percent this year in a bid to respond to farmers' demand.

Wittaya Kreangkriwit, Vice President of CP Cambodia, a subsidiary of its Thai parent firm, said that his company would produce 144.000 tonnes of animal feed to sell throughout the country at US$ 500 per tonne.

"We want to encourage more and more farmers to raise animals in order to reduce meat imports from other countries into Cambodia," he said.

In 2009, the company, which is located in Phnom Penh, sold 120,000 tonnes of feed to its customers at US$ 460 per tonne, according to company data. Total sales were worth $55.2 million. This year, sales are expected to reach $72 million, the firm estimates.

According to Wittaya, in 2010 the company expects to buy 100,000 tonnes of red corn, 6,000 tonnes of cassava and 1,500 tonnes of soybeans.

Rising domestic production

Kao Phal, director of the Department of Animal Health and Production at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, said Thursday that increasing animal feed production would lead to a rise in domestic meat production.

He added that many farmers are raising pigs, chickens and ducks on both subsistence and commercial farms because of high demand.

"Animal feed will, in the future be used more and more as a basis for expanding animal farms to meat exports support needed by international markets," he added.

Experts said they believed that farming in Cambodia is gradually becoming more commercial.

Celebrate International Women's Day in Siem Reap

via CAAI News Media

2010-02-08

Cambodia's cities will be marking International Women's Day on March 8th.

Like many other countries around the world, Cambodia observes an official public holiday on International Women's Day.

The event takes place on March 8th every year and traditionally inspires a number of special events in cities such as Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

In previous years, UNESCO has sponsored the Ministry of Women's Affairs of Cambodia to organise countrywide celebrations to mark

the day, which first took place in the US in 1909.

The lead-up to International Women's Day in 2005 included a cultural show in one of Phnom Penh's public markets and a theatrical performance that was attended by the prime minister Hun Sen and his wife.

Around the world the day is viewed as a celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women.

It is now customary for men to give gifts to mothers, wives, girlfriends and daughters on International Women's Day, which has come to be regarded as the equivalent of Mother's Day in some countries.

People using accommodation in Siem Reap

(www.asiarooms.com/cambodia/siem_reap.html) on March 8th may like to take the opportunity to explore the city's historic sites, such as the nearby Angkor Wat temples

Diarrhea deaths lead to hygiene campaign in Cambodia

via CAAI News Media

English.news.cn

2010-02-08

PHNOM PENH, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Ministry of Health has launched a nationwide sanitation and hygiene awareness campaign following a series of deaths across the country caused by diarrhea, local media reported on Monday.

Ly Sovann, deputy director of the ministry's Communicable Diseases Control Department, said that as part of the campaign, which began on Saturday, officials had been stationed on the ground in every province to treat cases of diarrhea.

He said that diarrhea is of particular concern during the dry season because people are driven to drink unsanitary water.

"We are concerned about diarrhea this month, and for this campaign we have scattered expert officers to all 24 provinces in Cambodia," he was quoted by the Phnom Penh Post as saying.

A 11-year-old boy in Ratanakkiri province died after a bout of diarrhea last Thursday, and another person died of diarrhea the following day, said Pon Pun, the chief of Lonk Khon commune in Borkeo district, where the deaths occurred.

A series of reports of diarrhea and suspected cholera cases have recently sprung up in Prey Veng, Takeo and Kandal provinces, the newspaper reported.

Ly Sovann said authorities were also concerned about a potential cholera outbreak, but he said he could not confirm whether any cases had been detected, and he also could not provide specific information on the number of diarrhea cases reported nationwide.

The World Health Organization country representative Pieter Van Maaren said he also did not have data on the total number of diarrhea cases, but he said that outbreaks during the dry season were common.

Editor: Deng Shasha

Hun Sen visit helps Thai land case - PM

via CAAI News Media

Khmer leader's actions support border claims

Published: 8/02/2010

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's border visit will help Thailand press its case for ownership of disputed areas along the border, Abhisit Vejjajiva says.

Hun Sen's remarks and actions during his three-day tour would be sent to Unesco's World Heritage Committee to back Thailand's claim to the disputed land, the prime minister said yesterday.

The area adjacent to Preah Vihear temple belongs to Thailand, he said. Hun Sen had tacitly acknowledged it was not Cambodian property, which helped Thailand's case.

Mr Abhisit also insisted that Thai troops would not be withdrawn from the Ta Muan Thom temple in Surin during Hun Sen's visit today as requested by the Cambodia premier.

Hun Sen has been touring the Thai-Cambodia border, including disputed areas.

The World Heritage Committee meets in the middle of this year to consider Cambodia's application to list Preah Vihear temple and the adjacent areas claimed by both countries as a World Heritage site.

The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that the 11th-century Hindu temple belongs to Cambodia, but Thailand insists a 4.6 sq km tract of scrub near the temple is Thai territory.

Demarcation of the border area remains unresolved and sporadic clashes have occurred between troops from the two countries.

Government spokesman Panitan Wattanayakorn said the Cambodian prime minister had accepted Thailand's demand to send its representatives to join him during his visit to the disputed areas.

He said Hun Sen had followed international principle and agreements on disputed areas, whereby each side would send its representatives to join the other side whenever it enters a disputed area.

"This mean Cambodia accepts that the area surrounding Preah Vihear does not belong to Cambodia," Mr Panitan said.

Hun Sen visits Ta Muen Thom temple today. Mr Abhisit said Thai authorities would greet him there because it is Thai territory.

He turned down Hun Sen's demand that Thai troops withdraw from the area for his visit.

Mr Abhisit said Hun Sen's tour of the border was motivated by political interests in Cambodia and the World Heritage decision on Preah Vihear temple.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry yesterday welcomed Hun Sen and confirmed that his visit would not affect legal claims over Thai territory.

"The government has no objections if the Cambodian prime minister wishes to enter Thai territory," it said in a statement.

"However, the Cambodian side must first inform and request prior permission from the government."

Thailand will then send a representative to welcome him.

"The visit would not have any effect in any way on the legal claims made by Thailand over Thai territory. Such claims remain valid and Thailand still fully retains all her rights applicable under international law," the statement said.Hun Sen was near the Chong Bok border pass in Ubon Ratchathani yesterday but had his subordinates meet Thai authorities at the border.

The Cambodian prime minister was at the bottom of the mountain which forms the border between Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. He was there to open a road which is part of a project to develop the Emerald Triangle. The road stretches from the heart of Chom Krasan district in Cambodia's Preah Vihear province.

At the border, Viroj Meekaew, deputy governor of Ubon Ratchathani, Itthiporn Boonprakong, deputy director-general of the Foreign Affairs Ministry's Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs, and Maj Gen Chavalit Choonprasarn, commander of the Suranaree Task Force, met the Cambodian delegation including Lt Gen Sor Thavy, deputy governor of Preah Vihear province, and Lt Gen Sarai Duek, the commander of Cambodia's 3rd supportive division.

In Surin, soldiers of both sides agreed yesterday they would remain in their camps when Hun Sen arrives near Ta Muen Thom temple today.

Col Adul Boonthamcharoen, commander of the 26th pararanger military regiment from the Suranaree Task Force, met Veera Somkwamkid, a leader of the anti-Thaksin Shinawatra People's Alliance for Democracy, and asked his group not to cause trouble today during Hun Sen's visit. Mr Veera led about 150 protesters to Ta Muan Thom temple.

The PAD opposes Hun Sen's visit.

Roadside reminder

Photo by: Rick Valenzuela

via CAAI News Media

Monday, 08 February 2010 15:03 Rick Valenzuela

Soeng Sreymom holds out a Cambodian Red Cross pennant to remind drivers to halt at the stop line on the eastbound lane of Charles de Gaulle Boulevard west of Monivong Boulevard on Sunday. The 17-year-old and her two classmates from Yukonthor High School said they volunteer with the CRC at intersections every Sunday.

Checking out the chickens

Photo by: Rick Valenzuela

via CAAI News Media

Monday, 08 February 2010 15:04 Rick Valenzuela

Heng David, 3, looks at chicken displayed for sale at the corner of Street 174 and Street 63. Health officials on Sunday warned against eating and selling meat that may have been taken from fowl infected with the A(H5N1) influenza virus, or bird flu, following the cull of hundreds of ducks and chickens last week in Takeo province.

Hun Sen visits Preah Vihear

Photo by: Heng Chivoan

Prime Minister Hun Sen and his wife, Bun Rany, participate in a ceremony at Preah Vihear temple on Saturday. heng chivoan

via CAAI News Media

Monday, 08 February 2010 15:05 Vong Sokheng and James O’toole

Preah Vihear Province

PRIME Minister Hun Sen, dressed in full military fatigues, made an official visit to Preah Vihear temple on Saturday, during which he accused neighbouring Thailand of planning to invade Cambodia and called on troops to defend the Kingdom’s borders.

Joined by his wife, Bun Rany – who also donned camouflage gear – Hun Sen briefly toured Preah Vihear temple under heavy security, also inspecting weaponry and troops stationed near the contested border with Thailand.

“The border issues with Thailand have to be resolved through negotiation, but we will use force when Thai troops are invading Cambodia. The tanks and weapons are not here for exhibition only – they are here to fight against the enemy and invaders,” Hun Sen said. Thai officials, he added, “still keep it in their mind to invade Cambodia and do not know when they will stop”.

The border area, where a total of seven soldiers from both sides have been killed since July 2008, remains a potential flash point, with the opposing forces opening fire on one another last month in a series of skirmishes in which no one was hurt. Around the temple and central to the dispute is a 4.6-square-kilometre piece of land that each side claims as its own.

“Where is the 4.6 kilometers squared of land [claimed by Thailand]? It is a claim by Thai invaders,” Hun Sen said.

The premier picked up on similar themes in a speech on Sunday in the Mom Bey area of Preah Vihear province, promising not to back down in his ongoing war of words with Thai leaders.

“If the Thais keep up verbal attacks on Cambodia, then tomorrow I will keep up with verbal attacks on Thailand,” he said.

Despite his harsh remarks, however, Hun Sen received Thai Lieutenant General Veerawit Kajornrith and several colleagues who joined in a Buddhist ceremony on Saturday at the temple to pray for peace in the area.

“We are neighbouring countries, so we cannot be enemies forever,” Hun Sen told Veerawit, urging frequent talks between Thai and Cambodian commanders to avoid further armed confrontations. Veerawit thanked the prime minister for the welcome and assured him that the respective forces “often talk, and have tried to avoid all problems”.

Photo by: Heng Chivoan

Royal Cambodian Armed Forces soldiers gather at Preah Vihear temple during Prime Minister Hun Sen’s visit over the weekend.

In addition to his trip to the temple, Hun Sen attended the opening of a nearby school and distributed gifts and supplies to local villagers. He also visited the site near the temple of a market that was destroyed by Thai rocket fire last April. There he said it was up to Thailand to decide whether to pay compensation for the incident.

Thai government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said Sunday that Bangkok was unconcerned by Hun Sen’s trip, though he asserted his country’s claim to both the land surrounding Preah Vihear temple and to Oddar Meanchey province’s Tamone Thom temple, which Hun Sen reportedly plans to visit today.

“We have a normal procedure to receive the official visitors within our own area … so that should be the same as any other visit,” Panitan said.

Panitan declined to comment on Hun Sen’s invasion accusations, but said that should the Cambodian premier choose to visit Tamone Thom, a Thai delegation would be there to welcome him.

“I think when authorities are talking to a domestic audience, we will not comment on that, but our position is clear: Tamone Thom temple is on Thai territory,” he said.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Koy Kuong said there was “no need for the Thai side to send anybody to welcome [Hun Sen] and his delegation”, and that Tamone Thom has long belonged to Cambodia.

“If [Thai officials] come as guests, the cabinet delegation led by Prime Minister Hun Sen may welcome them,” Koy Kuong said.

In a statement released on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected Thai claims to both Tamone Thom and the land surrounding Preah Vihear.

“It is very surprising and beyond comprehension that Thailand would consider sending a high-level official to welcome Samdech Techo Hun Sen, who is on a tour in the territory of Cambodia,” the statement read.

Also on Friday, Svay Sitha, chairman of the Press and Quick Reaction Unit at the Council of Ministers, wrote to Internet search engine Google to protest against maps appearing on the company’s mapping Web site that show Preah Vihear temple partially inside Thai territory.

Svay Sitha called the maps “devoid of truth and reality, and professionally irresponsible, if not pretentious”. He asked the company to take down the maps in question and replace them with an “internationally recognised map” that places Preah Vihear exclusively in Cambodia.

Last month, attempting to prove the legality of opposition leader Sam Rainsy’s uprooting of border posts in Svay Rieng province on the Vietnamese frontier in October, the Sam Rainsy Party released information based in part on Google-hosted maps of the Cambodian-Vietnamese border. These maps, the party argued, prove conclusively that the posts uprooted by Sam Rainsy had been placed on Cambodian territory.

Sam Rainsy, currently abroad, was sentenced in absentia to two years in jail in connection with the incident.

Google, in the terms of service for its mapping programme, says it “[makes] no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of any content or the products”.