REAKSMEY KONGKEA

BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA Oknha Rat Sokhorn, Advisor to the National Assembly President Samdech Heng Samrin and President of the Cambodian Table Tennis Federation (CTTF), said that Cambodia has over 20 capable table tennis players. He revealed these figures at interview with The Southeast Asia Weekly on June 25. Sokhorn, who is the former national table tennis champion from 1981 to 1987, said that one of the best table tennis players is Taing Kimhong, 21, who is the only player to win consistently at national table tennis championships from 2006 to 2009. He has been attended many competitions, both local and international; he won a bronze medal in international competition in 2007. “I am proud of Taing Kimhong and I believe that he will continue to train hard and represent Cambodia at international level in the future.” The President said that to improve Kimhong’s table tennis skills, he has used his own money last year to send Taing Kimhong for training in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. He

BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA The S. Korea-Cambodia New Village Movement has organized an Exhibition over three days from 22nd to 24th June at the Chenla Hall Theatre in Phnom Penh. More than 100 images illustrating the results of war between the North and South, including heart-wrenching photos of killings, executions, hunger and destruction were set in contrast to images of development. The New Village Movement Exhibition was organized by the Korean Language Center in Cambodia and supported by the Phnom Penh Municipality. Lee Kung Su, Korean Ambassador to Cambodia, said that this was the first such event to be held in Cambodia and it documented achievements of the people of Korea over 60 years. After the war, South Korea became one of the poorest countries in the world and its situation at that time was worse than that of Cambodia in 1979, according to Lee Kung Su’s opening remarks. However, due to hard work, a sense of direction and commitment to rehabilitation, all South Korean people w

BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA The S. Korea-Cambodia New Village Movement has organized an Exhibition over three days from 22nd to 24th June at the Chenla Hall Theatre in Phnom Penh. More than 100 images illustrating the results of war between the North and South, including heart-wrenching photos of killings, executions, hunger and destruction were set in contrast to images of development. The New Village Movement Exhibition was organized by the Korean Language Center in Cambodia and supported by the Phnom Penh Municipality. Lee Kung Su, Korean Ambassador to Cambodia, said that this was the first such event to be held in Cambodia and it documented achievements of the people of Korea over 60 years. After the war, South Korea became one of the poorest countries in the world and its situation at that time was worse than that of Cambodia in 1979, according to Lee Kung Su’s opening remarks. However, due to hard work, a sense of direction and commitment to rehabilitation, all South Korean people w

BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA The S. Korea-Cambodia New Village Movement has organized an Exhibition over three days from 22nd to 24th June at the Chenla Hall Theatre in Phnom Penh. More than 100 images illustrating the results of war between the North and South, including heart-wrenching photos of killings, executions, hunger and destruction were set in contrast to images of development. The New Village Movement Exhibition was organized by the Korean Language Center in Cambodia and supported by the Phnom Penh Municipality. Lee Kung Su, Korean Ambassador to Cambodia, said that this was the first such event to be held in Cambodia and it documented achievements of the people of Korea over 60 years. After the war, South Korea became one of the poorest countries in the world and its situation at that time was worse than that of Cambodia in 1979, according to Lee Kung Su’s opening remarks. However, due to hard work, a sense of direction and commitment to rehabilitation, all South Korean people w

BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA The first Cambodian Gems and Jewelry Fair was conducted over four days from June 18 to 21 at the Inter-Continental Hotel. Over 30 jewelry companies occupied about 100 booths, with representatives from Cambodia, China and Thailand attending. The gems and jewelry fair was organized by the Ministry of Commerce to promote the Cambodian jewelry industry on both local and international markets. Tep Bopha Prasidh, wife of Cham Prasidh, Senior Minister and Minister of Commerce, said that the Ministry of Commerce has a broad vision in promoting Cambodian trade and this luxury event formed part of that vision. “Cambodia is a golden land with numerous treasures in many areas such as Pailin, Takeo, Rattanakiri and Kampong Thom. Moreover, Cambodian or “Khmer” jewelry has a long history, dating back to the early Angkor era. Unfortunately, the Khmer Rouge regime devastated our golden land, causing collapse of the gems and jewelry trade, resulting in the loss of reputation,” s

BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA The Royal Government of Cambodia has been waiting for compensation for damage to the Preah Vihear temple caused during recent clashes by Thai troops. They are charged with burning down a market in front of the 900-year-old temple on April 3, 2009. Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said that the Government still considers the demand for compensation from the Thai government to be in effect and the government is now waiting for it. The Deputy Prime Minister said his government will not withdraw its demand for damage caused by Thai soldiers, event though the Thai side has currently returned seven ancient statues to Cambodia during an official visit of Her Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. “The Royal Government still demands the Thai side takes full responsibility for damage caused by Thai soldiers and to compensate Cambodian families who have lost their entire livelihood at the Preah Vihear Temple,” h

BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA One of The University of Cambodia’s “Samdech Hun Sen-Handa National Scholarships 2008” students, Ouk Daroath, 27, is working towards a qualification in Information Technology (IT) with The University of Cambodia (UC). Daroath revealed his plans while providing an interview to The Southeast Asia Weekly on June 15. Ouk Daroath has three brothers and three sisters, he being the youngest in the family. He comes from a farming background, his parents cultivating land around Koh Veng village, Boeung Sala Khang Tbong commune in Kampong Trach district, Kampot province. “I became a Buddhist monk in 1999, as I wanted to study the teachings of Buddha, Dharma, and general education. I believed and still do that this would be the best way for me to promote the Buddhist religion, social morality and peace in Cambodia,” he said. “I passed the scholarship exams offered by UC in 2008 and I am certain that an IT qualification from this source will help me advance these ideals.”

BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA About 100 journalists from different newspaper organizations, magazines, and radio and television stations have attended the National Conference on Cambodian Media under the theme “Promotion of Professionalism and Ethnics” on June 17 in Phnom Penh. The training was conducted by the Cambodian Center for Independent Media (CCIM) and the Press Council of Cambodia (PCC) and was funded by the European Community (EU). Thach Phen, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Information, said that the conference was in accordance with the demands for freedom of expression and of the press. These ideals are under constant challenge in any nation and Cambodia is no exception. Therefore, they need to be monitored, as does the implementation of Press Laws and Ethnics. The Secretary of State said that the main challenge for journalists was cooperating to ensure the “Promotion of Professionalism and Ethnics”. This will be advanced through the understanding of the “Rights and Respo

BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA The World Wide Fund for Nature, also known as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) announced that Pollution in the Mekong River has pushed the local population of Irrawaddy dolphins to the brink of extinction. The Mekong River Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) population inhabits a 190km stretch of the Mekong River between Cambodia and Lao PDR. Since 2003, the population has suffered 88 deaths over 60 percent of which were calves under two weeks old. The population is now estimated to stand somewhere between 64 and 76 members. “Necropsy analysis identified a bacterial disease as the cause of the calf deaths. This disease would not be fatal unless the dolphin’s immune systems were suppressed, as they were in these cases, by environmental contaminants,” said Dr. Verné Dove, report author and veterinarian with WWF Cambodia. Dr. Dove said that researchers found toxic levels of pesticides such as DDT and environmental contaminants such as PCBs during analysis of th

BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA The World Wide Fund for Nature also known as World Wildlife Fund (WWF) will set up more camera traps and use tracker dogs to search for tigers in Mondulkiri province. This will help assess the size of the population and prevent its slaughter by traders in exotic medicines. Tep Asnarith, WWF Senior Communication Officer, said his organization plans to introduce further camera traps and extend the use of trained dogs throughout Mondulkiri province. Asnarith said that the objective of the camera traps was to record the tigers and other endangered wild animals living in the Eastern Plains Landscape of Mondulkiri province. “Camera traps and trained dogs are useful tools in researching and monitoring endangered wild animals in Cambodia. They can help us get our work done successfully,” he told The Southeast Asia Weekly during an interview on June 19. Since November 2008, WWF has set up 200 camera traps in Mondulkiri province, said Asnarith, adding that over the next

BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA Six Cambodian table tennis players including four male and two female players have attended the 15th Southeast Asia Junior Table Tennis Championship. The competition will take place over five days from June 18 to 22, 2009 in Bangkok, Thailand. The competition is organized by the Southeast Asian Table Tennis Association (SEATTA), according to representatives of the Cambodian Table Tennis Federation (CTTF). Okha Rat Sokhorn, Advisor to the National Assembly President and President of the CTTF, said the Cambodian delegation would be joined by over ten other countries with membership of SEATTA. Okha Sokhorn has much experience of the game. He too represented his nation in the sport from 1981 to 1987. He said that the main purpose of the competition was to demonstrate the skill of the national team and hopefully come away some medals. In addition to this, the President said that objectives included the strengthening of regional ties through sport and the promotion o

BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA You Khin, 66, veteran professional painter will display his works amongst those of other artists at the French Cultural Centre (FCC) in Phnom Penh. The exhibition will raise the profile of women’s issues and rights. Khin was born in 1947 in Kampong Cham Province and he now has three sons and one daughter. “I loved to draw pictures when I was a child. I never gave up, until now I have reached the point where my works are on display at the FCC. This is my first exhibition since my return to Cambodia in 2004,” he said during an interview with The Southeast Asia Weekly. He said his uncle who painted Buddhist scenes for temples was the first to inspire him. He later went to the National School of Fine Arts, moving on to study at the University of Fine Arts, where he graduated with a degree in Interior Architecture in 1973. In 1974, he was awarded a French scholarship on merit, enabling him to continue his study in Paris. Architectural work in Sudan and the Ivory Co

BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA You Khin, 66, veteran professional painter will display his works amongst those of other artists at the French Cultural Centre (FCC) in Phnom Penh. The exhibition will raise the profile of women’s issues and rights. Khin was born in 1947 in Kampong Cham Province and he now has three sons and one daughter. “I loved to draw pictures when I was a child. I never gave up, until now I have reached the point where my works are on display at the FCC. This is my first exhibition since my return to Cambodia in 2004,” he said during an interview with The Southeast Asia Weekly. He said his uncle who painted Buddhist scenes for temples was the first to inspire him. He later went to the National School of Fine Arts, moving on to study at the University of Fine Arts, where he graduated with a degree in Interior Architecture in 1973. In 1974, he was awarded a French scholarship on merit, enabling him to continue his study in Paris. Architectural work in Sudan and the Ivory Co

BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA About 2,000 People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) have gathered on June 8 in Phnom Penh to recall the thousands who lost their battle against the disease and to encourage individuals, families and the community to commit to abolishing discrimination. They want an end to stigmatization and a little more compassion and support. The event was organized by the National AIDS Authority in the Ministry of Health in collaboration with United Nations Theme Group (UNTG) and other development partners working in Cambodia. Dr. Nuth Sokhom, Senior Minister and Chairman of the National AIDS Authority (NAA) said that it marked the tenth year that NAA has organized this important event in Cambodia. Dr. Sokhom said the purpose of the event is to remember the dead. The gathering will also call for more support from political leaders, scientists and executives. They will also seek access to up-to-date scientific information on HIV/AIDS. The gathering will also raise their profile i

BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA About 2,000 People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) have gathered on June 8 in Phnom Penh to recall the thousands who lost their battle against the disease and to encourage individuals, families and the community to commit to abolishing discrimination. They want an end to stigmatization and a little more compassion and support. The event was organized by the National AIDS Authority in the Ministry of Health in collaboration with United Nations Theme Group (UNTG) and other development partners working in Cambodia. Dr. Nuth Sokhom, Senior Minister and Chairman of the National AIDS Authority (NAA) said that it marked the tenth year that NAA has organized this important event in Cambodia. Dr. Sokhom said the purpose of the event is to remember the dead. The gathering will also call for more support from political leaders, scientists and executives. They will also seek access to up-to-date scientific information on HIV/AIDS. The gathering will also raise their profile i

BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA One of The University of Cambodia’s “Samdech Hun Sen-Handa National Scholarships 2008”students, Keo Bunthoeun, 22, was born in 1988 in Oudong district, Kampong Speu province. He is the second brother, alongside two brothers and one sister in the family and they are now living in Prey Phdao Village, Prey Krasaing Commune, Oudong district, Kampong Speu province. He is studying English Literature with The University of Cambodia (UC) in Phnom Penh. Bunthoeun earned his Baccalaureate when he studied at Sokha-Phally High School in Kampong Speu province in 2008. Having thus prepared the ground, he later applied to study English Literature at UC. This move was made possible by the introduction of the “Samdech Techo Hun Sen Vision 100”scholarship and the “Samdech Hun Sen-Handa National Scholarships 2008”. He now takes the utmost advantage of this generosity and works hard to make a better life for himself and all who will come to depend on him. “I am very pleased to hav

BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA The Royal Government of Cambodia has taken measures to improve the provision of midwifery care, alongside improvements in reproductive, maternal and neonatal health. Sok An, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Council of Ministers, said that encouraging improvements in performance, deployment, competency and the status of midwives was part of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG); and these improvements should be effected by 2015. In essence, the plan is quite simple: “No Woman Should Die Giving Life”. The government gives full support to midwives operating in public health facilities. There will be increased wages for midwives at all state referral hospitals and health centers, according to Sok An. There will also be training for midwifery students and at least one midwife will be present at all health centers from 2009. “Despite the government’s hard work, the child and mother fatality rate is still high compared to other countries in the region,” Sok

BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA Young Cambodian football players have attended a friendly competition over one week from June 1-8, 2009 in Japan. The delegation included 18 players below the age of 15, 3 coaches and 1 medical doctor. They join other youth football players from the Mekong River region including teams from Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. Many of the games, including the final match will be held in the Japanese capital Tokyo, according to the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths Program (JENESYS). Sao Sokha, Chief of the Military Police and President of the Football Federation of Cambodia (FFC), said that this marked the first time for Cambodian players to participate in the youth tournament. He said participation would allow Cambodian competitors to improve and provide the opportunity to exchange techniques and playing experiences in preparation for future international competitions. Teamwork and solidarity will also be encouraged and the tournament

BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA Young Cambodian football players have attended a friendly competition over one week from June 1-8, 2009 in Japan. The delegation included 18 players below the age of 15, 3 coaches and 1 medical doctor. They join other youth football players from the Mekong River region including teams from Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. Many of the games, including the final match will be held in the Japanese capital Tokyo, according to the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths Program (JENESYS). Sao Sokha, Chief of the Military Police and President of the Football Federation of Cambodia (FFC), said that this marked the first time for Cambodian players to participate in the youth tournament. He said participation would allow Cambodian competitors to improve and provide the opportunity to exchange techniques and playing experiences in preparation for future international competitions. Teamwork and solidarity will also be encouraged and the tournament

BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA The Cambodian Government plans to send 60 soldiers to attend a multi national exercise codenamed “Garuda Shield 2009” scheduled from the 9th to 30th June in Indonesia. The exercise is organized by the Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense, in partnership with the American Military Academy and supported by the United Nations. The exercise will strengthen cooperation, solidarity and friendships among soldiers in region, according to General Ker Savoeun, Director of Cambodian Peace Keeping Forces and the International Office in charge of the United Nations Mission with the Ministry of National Defense. General Savoeun said that 13 countries would also be sending their troops to attend the exercises at the Indonesia Military Training Center. “This is the third time for Cambodia to send its troops to participate in multi national exercises abroad,” Savoeun said during a telephone interview with The Southeast Asia Weekly on June 4. The main purpose of the military exercise

BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA Phath Chinda, 17, one of the University of Cambodia’s “Samdech Hun Sen-Handa National Scholarships 2008” students, described her learning experience when she provided an interview to The Southeast Asia Weekly. Chinda is the oldest of four sisters and she now lives in Kraing Leav village, Dang Tong district, Kampot province. She was born there on June 24, 1991. Her father is Director of Kraing Leav primary school. Chinda is now studying English Literature with The University of Cambodia (UC) as well as Accounting at the Vanda Institute of Accounting in Phnom Penh. She passed the scholarship exams offered by UC in Phnom Penh on September 22, 2008. The English Literature scholar student Chinda pointed out that she heard about the scholarship program via Southeast Asia Radio FM 106. Chinda continued to say that she decided to study English Literature with UC because she thought that this major would ensure employability in the future. Chinda earned her Baccalaureat

BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA Phath Chinda, 17, one of the University of Cambodia’s “Samdech Hun Sen-Handa National Scholarships 2008” students, described her learning experience when she provided an interview to The Southeast Asia Weekly. Chinda is the oldest of four sisters and she now lives in Kraing Leav village, Dang Tong district, Kampot province. She was born there on June 24, 1991. Her father is Director of Kraing Leav primary school. Chinda is now studying English Literature with The University of Cambodia (UC) as well as Accounting at the Vanda Institute of Accounting in Phnom Penh. She passed the scholarship exams offered by UC in Phnom Penh on September 22, 2008. The English Literature scholar student Chinda pointed out that she heard about the scholarship program via Southeast Asia Radio FM 106. Chinda continued to say that she decided to study English Literature with UC because she thought that this major would ensure employability in the future. Chinda earned her Baccalaureat

BY BUITH REAKSMEY KONGKEA The Government will reduce the rate of infection and mortality caused by Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/AIDS. The deadline for this project falls at the end of 2012. The specific plan was revealed by Dr. Mean Chhi Vun, Director of the National Centre for HIV/AIDS, Dermatology and STDs (NCHADS) in the Ministry of Health. The government, in collaboration with involved ministries, institutions and development partners will do every thing possible to reduce prevalence by the deadline, said Dr. Vun. He added that the Ministry of Health and related development partners will conduct screening sessions to locate infected people towards the end of this year. According to the Health Ministry’s plan, a total of 230 public hospitals and health centers in cities and provinces will be selected for the TB/HIV diagnosis and screening program. “I note that the prevalence of HIV associated with TB in Cambodia is still high compared to other countries in Southeast Asia,” said Dr. Vu

BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA The Royal Government of Cambodia plans to open a new national airline next month to be known as “Cambodia Angkor Air.” This follows the temporary suspension of the state-run Royal Air Cambodge in 2001. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism, said that the Government has invested capital in a joint venture with Indonesian organizations to establish the new national airline. The first flights are scheduled for July 1. “Cambodia Angkor Air is the only national airline in Cambodia after the state-owned Royal Air Cambodge ceased business in 2001. The new national airline will begin operations from July 1, 2009,” the Minister said during a telephone interview with The Southeast Asia Weekly on June 3. The Minister continued that in the first phase, local flights would be between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap province and between Phnom Penh to Sihanouk province. For international flights, the airline will operate from Phnom Penh to Bangkok in Thailand, Vientiane in Laos and Hanoi

BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA The Cambodian Government plans to send 60 soldiers to attend a multi national exercise codenamed “Garuda Shield 2009” scheduled from the 9th to 30th June in Indonesia. The exercise is organized by the Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense, in partnership with the American Military Academy and supported by the United Nations. The exercise will strengthen cooperation, solidarity and friendships among soldiers in region, according to General Ker Savoeun, Director of Cambodian Peace Keeping Forces and the International Office in charge of the United Nations Mission with the Ministry of National Defense. General Savoeun said that 13 countries would also be sending their troops to attend the exercises at the Indonesia Military Training Center. “This is the third time for Cambodia to send its troops to participate in multi national exercises abroad,” Savoeun said during a telephone interview with The Southeast Asia Weekly on June 4. The main purpose of the military exercise

BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA The Cambodian Government plans to send 60 soldiers to attend a multi national exercise codenamed “Garuda Shield 2009” scheduled from the 9th to 30th June in Indonesia. The exercise is organized by the Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense, in partnership with the American Military Academy and supported by the United Nations. The exercise will strengthen cooperation, solidarity and friendships among soldiers in region, according to General Ker Savoeun, Director of Cambodian Peace Keeping Forces and the International Office in charge of the United Nations Mission with the Ministry of National Defense. General Savoeun said that 13 countries would also be sending their troops to attend the exercises at the Indonesia Military Training Center. “This is the third time for Cambodia to send its troops to participate in multi national exercises abroad,” Savoeun said during a telephone interview with The Southeast Asia Weekly on June 4. The main purpose of the military exercise