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Articles by Orm Bunthoeurn
Jeeps a hit at Siem Reap temples
April 4, 2024 PHNOM PENH – Classic military jeeps, left over from the civil war era, have been repurposed by an enterprising female entrepreneur in Siem Reap province. Where once they carried grim-faced soldiers to the battlefield, they are now loaded with smiling tourists, who enjoy the open air vehicles as they take in the beauty of rural Siem Reap and the majestic temples of the Angkor Archaeological Park.
Cambodia government enhances measures to protect Mekong’s Irrawaddy dolphins
March 20, 2024 PHNOM PENH – Local authorities and partner organisations have long been engaged in enforcing the law and educating the public on protecting Mekong River Irrawaddy dolphins. However, the death of newborn calves, often due to fishing gear like nets or hooks, remains a common issue. It has been noted that poaching in dolphin sanctuaries likely occurs because fishermen are unaware of the prohibited zones.
Cambodia’s Senate election sees CPP dominate advance results
February 26, 2024 PHNOM PENH – The fifth Senate election went smoothly and peacefully, with the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) leading the vote at each of the voting stations which the Ministry of Information provided provisional results for. The election kicked off at 7am and ended at 3pm, with 11,747 eligible voters, consisting of incumbent lawmakers and commune council members, casting their ballots at 33 polling stations across eight regions nationwide.
No ‘occult’ cure for mental health: Experts
January 30, 2024 PHNOM PENH – A recent spate of murder-suicide and other violent crimes have prompted calls for a better understanding of mental health, and of ways for people to process negative emotions without resorting to harming themselves, or anyone else. Modern science has much to offer in the treatment of mental health with specialists, and even Buddhist monks, calling on people to recognise it as a medical issue and seek professional help.
Pink dolphins frolic in Kampot waters
January 24, 2024 PHNOM PENH – In late 2023, a small team equipped with cameras and aerial drones embarked on a boat trip to witness the revered pink dolphins in the Prek Tnaot protected area. This lively activity was led by Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC), alongside Kampot provincial fishery officials and community members.
Cambodia looking to dominate global cashew nut market
December 5, 2023 PHNOM PENH – A four-day press and study tour of the Cambodian cashew production chain in Phnom Penh, Kampong Thom, Kratie and Stung Treng provinces was organised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce. The visit, which is supported by the EU, is being held from November 29 to December 2.
Siem Reap's vibrant festival draws thousands
November 29, 2023 PHNOM PENH – In Siem Reap, tens of thousands of local and international visitors have been gathering during the Water Festival, thanks to new infrastructure achievements in the province, including the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI). Provincial governor Prak Sophorn stated that the first day of the November 26-27 festival proceeded peacefully, with good public order and safety.
Cambodia’s festival promotes drug, plastic awareness
November 29, 2023 PHNOM PENH – Anti-drug and anti-plastic campaigns are being held during the Water Festival, with authorities expecting their messages to be widely disseminated. The National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD) organised parades which are being held at various locations with large crowds during this year’s celebration to raise awareness about the dangers of drugs.
Preah Sihanouk makes waves in supplying water
Preah Sihanouk makes waves in supplying water Today, water shortages in Preah Sihanouk province are a distant memory, as the current supply is more than capable of meeting the demands of local residents, as well as the tourists who frequently visit the coastal destination.
Smart decision? Cambodian schools’ ban on smartphones gets mixed reactions
November 8, 2023 PHNOM PENH – ‘I believe in this directive as I’ve noticed many students using mobile phones and electronic devices, potentially dulling their cognitive abilities. “If phone use is reduced, it could rejuvenate their minds,” says Hatha Vat, a parent in Banteay Meanchey province, in support of the recent directive by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport banning smartphone use in class.
Angkor causeway symbol of Cambodia-Japan ties
November 7, 2023 PHNOM PENH – In a historic moment marking another milestone in the 70-year-long diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Japan, King Norodom Sihamoni celebrated the formal inauguration of a causeway located to the west of the world-renowned Angkor Wat.
Workshop introduces new safe school guidelines
Workshop introduces new safe school guidelines The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport in partnership with Plan International Cambodia (PIC) and the Child Rights Foundation, held a national workshop for the launch of the Safe Operation of Schools guidelines on October 24. The initiative was funded by the Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of Prudential Financial Inc in Asia.
Lacquer art training aim to preserve Lakhon Khol
October 24, 2023 PHNOM PENH – The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has initiated a training course on lacquer artistry for children living in proximity to Svay Andet pagoda in Kandal province. The goal is to preserve Lakhon Khol, a dance drama genre cherished across the Kingdom for generations. Also known as Khmer Masked Theatre, it was inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2018, officially as Lakhon Khol Wat Svay Andet.
Modern dried fish production around Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia changing lives
October 16, 2023 PHNOM PENH – The Tonle Sap Lake holds significant importance as the nation’s primary fishery resources. People in surrounding provinces depend on the lake’s abundant fish for their daily meals, processing them into dried and fermented fish, which are then sold in markets. Traditionally, those living around the lake primarily make dried fish for their families, sometimes using unhygienic methods.
Modern dried fish production changing lives
Modern dried fish production changing lives The Tonle Sap Lake holds significant importance as the nation's primary fishery resources. People in surrounding provinces depend on the lake's abundant fish for their daily meals, processing them into dried and fermented fish, which are then sold in markets. Traditionally, those living around the lake primarily make dried fish for their families, sometimes using unhygienic methods.
Modern dried fish production changing lives
Modern dried fish production changing lives The Tonle Sap Lake holds significant importance as the nation's primary fishery resources. People in surrounding provinces depend on the lake's abundant fish for their daily meals, processing them into dried and fermented fish, which are then sold in markets. Traditionally, those living around the lake primarily make dried fish for their families, sometimes using unhygienic methods.
GIZ-funded course supercharges veggie production
GIZ-funded course supercharges veggie production The General Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the World Vegetable Centre (WorldVeg), is conducting training on pest and disease management and technical assembly practices. The training aims to boost the production of off-season vegetable crops, such as tomatoes, string beans and white cabbage, in Cambodia.
Manet reveals informal economy reforms
Manet reveals informal economy reforms Prime Minister Hun Manet on October 10 unveiled the National Strategy for Informal Economic Development 2023-28, aiming to alleviate poverty, reduce social inequality, bolster socio-economic resilience and stimulate economic growth. Manet emphasised the strategy's intent to not only enhance protection and resilience within the unregulated sector but also to bolster participation, trade and investment, ultimately improving the populace's living standards.
Assembly passes aviation bill
Assembly passes aviation bill The National Assembly (NA) has passed a draft law on the management of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA). It replaced a previous law, in a bid to ensure that civil aviation legislation aligns with the Kingdom's current development. The law was passed unanimously on October 9 by the 101 lawmakers present, including Prime Minister Hun Manet, in a session chaired by acting NA president Cheam Yeap.
Cambodia urges restraint as Israel fight rages on
Cambodia urges restraint as Israel fight rages on Cambodia condemns all forms of violence and urges all parties involved in the ongoing Israel-Hamas fighting to exercise maximum restraint, as one of its citizens residing in Israel has been killed while trapped in the "red zone". Hamas launched an unprecedented series of coordinated attacks into Israel from the Gaza strip on October 7.
Stung Treng FiA bust more than 100 illegal fishermen
Stung Treng FiA bust more than 100 illegal fishermen Officials from the Fisheries Administration's (FiA) Stung Treng provincial cantonment interceded in just over 100 cases of fishing offences as part of its efforts to protect species during the closed fishing season from May to September. More than 30,000m of fishing nets were seized and over 60 fishermen were issued warnings and made to sign contracts agreeing not to breach fishing regulations again.
Gov't working to repatriate deceased student as Israel fighting intensifies
Gov't working to repatriate deceased student as Israel fighting intensifies Prime Minister Hun Manet has sent his condolences to the bereaved family of the Cambodian student who was killed during an ongoing fighting between Hamas and Israeli forces. The student is one of 450 Cambodian citizens - most of them studying agriculture - in Israel, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Climate change driving rise in natural disasters: NCDM
Climate change driving rise in natural disasters: NCDM Over 100 people have been killed, 250 injured and 10,000 homes damaged by strong winds, lightning and fires across Cambodia in the first nine months of the year, according to a report from the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM). NCDM spokesperson Soth Kim Kolmony highlighted that disasters this year increased compared to the same period last year, which recorded 68 deaths, 4,783 damaged houses and 84 killed cattle.
Freshwater fishing season leads to conservation calls
Freshwater fishing season leads to conservation calls The authorities are encouraging anglers to release endangered fish upon capture during the current freshwater fishing season, which will last until June of next year. This action aims to safeguard endangered species from the brink of extinction. This appeal followed a recent incident in Stung Treng province, where a fisherman caught an endangered Asian giant softshell turtle and a Mekong giant salmon carp.
UN's EW4All early warning initiative hold consultations
UN's EW4All early warning initiative hold consultations Cambodia, in collaboration with the UN and its partners, is working on strategies to support the UN's Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative. This effort aims to bolster the Kingdom's early warning systems, with a focus on adapting to climate change and mitigating the impact of natural disasters.
Manet highlights social support
Manet highlights social support Prime Minister Hun Manet has explained that even though Cambodia is not a wealthy country, the government has demonstrated its will to help the people, with more than $1.2 billion having been distributed through three recent social support schemes. Financial support for pregnant women and new mothers began in June 2019, while the Cash Transfer Programme for those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic began in June 2020.
Australian support ministry gender equality workshop
Australian support ministry gender equality workshop Australia and Cambodia collaborated on a recent consultative workshop which focused on the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation's Gender Mainstreaming Plan (GMAP). The aim is to advance gender equality within the industrial sector and among small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
'No plastic' campaign reaches 1M students
'No plastic' campaign reaches 1M students The "Today I Will Not Use Plastic bags" campaign, initiated by the Ministry of Environment, has now been extended to over 1,000 schools throughout Cambodia, reaching over one million students, said minister Eang Sophalleth. He touted the success of the campaign during a meeting with representatives of the Seoul-based Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) at the ministry headquarters in Phnom Penh on September 26. "Our goal is to reach the whole country.
Kingdom reveals strategy
Tackling drug abuse: Kingdom reveals strategy Drug abuse is a global challenge, and in some countries, such as during the leadership of former President Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines, a notably aggressive approach has been pursued. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in its 2023 report on substance use, highlighted the continued expansion of illicit drug markets, while raising concerns about the safety and human rights implications of such approaches.
Envoy highlights Kingdom to Japan
Envoy highlights Kingdom to Japan Japanese ambassador Atsushi Ueno expressed his commitment to fostering information exchange with the Japanese public regarding Cambodia's current progress. He highlighted the emergence of high-rise buildings, Japanese restaurants and luxury cars in Cambodia, a stark departure from the historical backdrop marked by a genocidal regime.
Ministry expands tracking systems
Ministry expands tracking systems The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries plans to extend its tracking system to include agricultural products beyond those originating in the fisheries sector. During a recent visit to a dried fish factory in Siem Reap province, ministry spokesperson Im Rachna said this system aims to ensure food safety for all and promote Cambodia's agricultural products globally.
Four enterprises preparing for fishery exports to France
Four enterprises preparing for fishery exports to France The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, together with the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), is orchestrating a request to the EU's European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to evaluate Cambodia's food protection system by 2024. As early as next month, UNIDO will introduce four potential enterprises for business matching with buyers in France.
Cambodia, Australia pledge continued cooperation
Cambodia, Australia pledge continued cooperation Prime Minister Hun Manet and Australian foreign minister Penny Wong engaged in discussions aimed at fortifying bilateral relations and resolving differing viewpoints. The talks took place on the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) in the US' New York City on September 22.
UN's Guterres praises Cambodia's strategy alignment
UN's Guterres praises Cambodia's strategy alignment UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres praised the Pentagonal Strategy introduced by the Cambodian government for being consistent with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Guterres made the remarks during his September 22 meeting with Prime Minister Hun Manet in the US' New York City on the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA), according to the latter's social media post after the talks.
CQS sees fishery enterprise leap from basket to factory
CQS sees fishery enterprise leap from basket to factory Yun Samnang's journey from selling items in a basket in Aranya village of Siem Reap commune, town and province to creating dried fish handicrafts with Cambodia Quality Seal (CQS) and generating a monthly income of $4,000 to $5,000 highlights the importance of quality and safety certifications in the food industry.
CQS certification boosts fishery production
CQS certification boosts fishery production Upon receiving the Cambodia Quality Seal (CQS) for food safety, Suong Sophoan, who founded his namesake dried fish enterprise Kampong Thom province's Stoung district, intends to boost monthly production from 500-2,500kg.
Cambodian fisheries eye European market access
Cambodian fisheries eye European market access Shetty Thombathu, chief technical adviser to the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), said the UN agency and the Fisheries Administration (FiA) under Cambodia's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries are collaborating to ensure that the Kingdom's fisheries products meet EU regulations and standards for access to the European market.
Cambodia’s new information minister discusses media’s role with Phnom Penh Post
September 15, 2023 PHNOM PENH – Newly minted Minister of Information Neth Pheaktra on September 13 emphasised the pivotal role that news outlets play as a bridge between the government and the people, during a courtesy call by the management of The Phnom Penh Post.
NACD reports 5K drug cases, 5K arrests to date
NACD reports 5K drug cases, 5K arrests to date The latest update from the National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD) has revealed that as of September 12, this year's anti-drug operations have seen over five thousand drugs cases busted. More than six thousand arrests have been made, with more than three tonnes of illegal drugs and precursor chemicals seized. The report, seen by The Post, detailed the 5,405 cases.
Manet touches down in Beijing for high-level meetings
Manet touches down in Beijing for high-level meetings Prime Minister Hun Manet arrived in Beijing on September 14 for his first official visit to China, where he is slated to attend the 20th China-ASEAN Expo and meet other leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping. Upon his arrival, Manet laid a wreath at the Monument to the People's Heroes, located south of Tiananmen Square across from the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall.
Schools launch plastic waste reduction in K Kong, Kampot
Schools launch plastic waste reduction in K Kong, Kampot Provincial environment departments in Koh Kong and Kampot have initiated campaigns to reduce plastic waste. Siem Reap is also in the planning stages, following an announcement by Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth to cut down on plastic bag usage in schools. Rapid population and economic growth have significantly increased waste production, Sophalleth noted.
OWSO push business licence registrations
OWSO push business licence registrations The One Window Service Office (OWSO) in Srei Santhor district of Kampong Cham province has been directing a campaign since May to encourage business owners with fixed locations to register for a licence as mandated by the Ministry of Commerce. Mobile street vendors are exempt from this requirement. Chamroeun Sopheap, director of the district's OWSO, stated that the initiative aims to streamline the management of local companies.
Pasteur sign food safety MoU with consultants
Pasteur sign food safety MoU with consultants Hospitality, food and beverage consultants from b. Consulting Cambodia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge to launch a new food safety training programme for the Kingdom's hospitality workers. It is hoped that the new programme will make a major contribution to food safety standards across the Kingdom.
Expressway crash leads to drug bust
Expressway crash leads to drug bust After a recent traffic accident led to the discovery of illegal drugs being transported on the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, deputy National Police chief of the Anti-Drug Department Mak Chito urged traffic police to remain alert for any more such cases. Chito explained that the incident took place on September 4.
NatureLife fund Kampong Thom evidence warehouse
NatureLife fund Kampong Thom evidence warehouse NatureLife Cambodia, a conservation NGO, has aided in the creation of a new storage facility near the environmental sub-office in Peam Bang commune's Balot village of Kampong Thom province's Stong district. The building aims to address the need for additional space to house evidence pertaining to fishing offences, as highlighted by the NGO.
NatureLife fund K Thom evidence warehouse
NatureLife fund K Thom evidence warehouse NatureLife Cambodia, a conservation NGO, has aided in the creation of a new storage facility near the environmental sub-office in Peam Bang commune's Balot village of Kampong Thom province's Stong district. The building aims to address the need for additional space to house evidence pertaining to fishing offences, as highlighted by the NGO.
Students aid in building stronger rice seed system
Students aid in building stronger rice seed system Yang Saing Koma, secretary of state for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, said volunteer students have been dispatched to rural areas to collaborate with local farmers in enhancing the quality of paddy rice varieties. The initiative aims to improve the competitiveness of the sector in Cambodia. Koma revealed that the ministry initially planned to deploy 200 volunteers but has so far sent 180, with more to be recruited.
Kantha Bopha records increase in inpatient care
Kantha Bopha records increase in inpatient care Kantha Bopha Children's Hospital - which provides free healthcare for the Kingdom's children - treated 85,806 outpatients in August, a decrease of 573 from July, while admissions increased, with 17,665 inpatients last month, up 876 from the 16,789 in July. The report also noted a surge in dengue fever cases, with 2,912 children treated, an increase of 562 from July's 2,350, according to a September 5 report.
Say Samal encourages increases in efficiency
Say Samal encourages increases in efficiency Minister of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction Say Samal has instructed the leaders of the ministry to work to optimise the institution's functions, and suggested that efficiency competitions be held in all departments. He offered the advice during a September 4 meeting to review and evaluate the progress of the work of the General Secretariat and its vocational training programmes.
Sokha calls for cheaper passports
Sokha calls for cheaper passports New Minister of Interior Sar Sokha has requested that officials in his ministry examine the possibility of lowering the prices of Cambodian passports, noting that current prices are relatively high. Speaking to officials at the Ministry of Interior on September 4, Sokha said the move would be a boon to the Kingdom's citizens. "I urge you all to review the cost of applying for passports of the other countries in the region, especially in ASEAN.
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