By Soy Sophea
In order to enhance the welfare of people living atop the Dong Rek Mountain and to amplify the life affirming news of the Preah Vihear temple complex’s induction to the World Heritage Status List, a local charity organization has plans to contribute thousands of US dollars to build a new and fully equipped health care center.
Moeung Son, President of the Khmer Civilization Organization, told the Cambodia Weekly July 15 that his newly-established organization had a plans to invest up to US $30,000 in the new health care center. The project is to be funded by donations from Cambodian charitable organizations, both inside and outside the nation. He added that his vision has been approved by Hong Soth, Secretary General of the Preah Vihear National Committee.
The Khmer Civilization Organization was launched on July 11, under the presidency of Meoung Son, who is also the chairman of Eurasie Travel Co. Ltd.
“I am very concerned about health conditions over there. It is difficult to find medical treatment at the top of the mountain and sometimes the inhabitants of the region are forced to cross the border to Thailand for medical treatment,” he said.
Moeung Son said that he had received a recommendation from Cambodia’s Former King Norodom Sihanouk, following a meeting between his committee members and the Royal Palace, July 9. He said that the King’s Father Norodom Sihanouk gave his team the green light to build the health center, naming it the Samdech Ouv Health Center.
Hong Soth, Secretary General of the Preah Vihear National Committee, told the Cambodia Weekly that he has agreed to the organization’s proposal. However, his Committee had not reached complete agreement over the location and suitability of a plot of land on which to construct the health center. This question is exercising the minds of committee members, according to Soth.
He said that people at the top of the mountain face regular bouts of diarrhea, with many inhabitants affected by dengue fever and malaria. He said that the only option for those who chose not to cross the border was the Provincial Hospital, a costly 50 kilometers away from the mountain top and downtown Preah Vihear.
To enable access to medical care, Moeung Son added he will open the center 24 hours a day.
Chea Bunthoeun, 29, originally from Kampong Cham province, said he and fellow mountain dwellers are very happy to hear that there will be a health care center to cover the mountain top.
“It will be a weight off our minds to have confidence in our nation’s healthcare delivery,” Bunthoeun said. “Naturally, as a proud Cambodian, I prefer my country’s health care centers rather than those cross the border.”
Bunthoeun said that to date there are no arrangements for dealing with medical emergencies on top of the mountain. He repeated claims that those who were sick crossed the border to Thailand to get medical treatment. Furthermore, he complained that it cost him 100 Thai Baht (roughly 12 000 riel) to receive treatment in Thailand.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Price of Cement Statues Goes Up
BY SOY SOPHEA
Sim Vanarith, eyes narrowed and fixed on the concrete pillar before him applies delicate layers of golden paint. Working from the bottom to the top, he creates a vision of beauty to reflect the pearlescent brilliance of a Cambodian summer sun obscured by haze.
The 28-year-old Vannarith, with 8 years of experience producing cement Buddha statues said that he always cares deeply about his products because they are statues of the most important figures in the spiritual life of the nation.
He reported that his business is brisk, despite the rise in price earlier this year of the raw materials used to create the holy images. According to his accounts, the price of cement has risen to $84-$85 per tone, almost double the price of 5 years ago. This, coupled with the rise in iron prices, the two main raw materials of his trade, would inevitably be offset by a rise in the price of a Theravada.
He said that a small but complete Theravada home now stands at $30, compared to only $20 last year. A small plinth and a sleeping Buddha statue may now be bought for $80 whereas the same items only cost $60 last year.
Son Sanara, the owner of a statue shop located near the Independence Monument said that the price of all materials has increased. He said that he did not want to increase the price for theses sacred items but the current inflationary situation forced him do so.
Sanara said that he sold the statues and Theravada homes, as well as other items at a 30 percent higher price than previous years. “That which was sold last year for $25 I sell now for $30.” He said that the customers did not complain however. “They know the situation, everything has become expensive.”
Each day, he sells at least three Theravada statues and 10-15 Buddhist statues.
Sin Sokun, 55, said that she used to purchase cement Buddha statues and has spent nearly $1000 on four of these items over the last three years. A real connoisseur of statuary, she maintained that, “I really do not care so much about the price, but I do care deeply about the quality and beauty of the statues.”
She said that she bought the statues at a well-known statue workshop near Psar Chbar Ampov in Phnom Penh.
According to a layman at Prek Luong pagoda in Kandal province, his pagoda is full of Buddha statues housed in appropriate temples, all supplied by the charitable hearts of laypeople at the request of the temple committees.
Chan Thiv, 62, said that he too was concerned about the increase of the cement Buddha statues as he was in the process of raising money for six statues.
“It used to be the case that if we spent $1,000, we got four Buddha statues,” he said. “But now we have to spend $1,500 for the same number.”
Seng Vicheth, architectural student at a university in Phnom Penh, said that last month, he bought a new medium sized Theravada home for his villa located in Tuol Tompuong commune, Chamkarmon district. He did not however bemoan the fact that this year he had to spend $50 on these items, rather than the $35 he would have spent last two years.
Sim Vanarith, eyes narrowed and fixed on the concrete pillar before him applies delicate layers of golden paint. Working from the bottom to the top, he creates a vision of beauty to reflect the pearlescent brilliance of a Cambodian summer sun obscured by haze.
The 28-year-old Vannarith, with 8 years of experience producing cement Buddha statues said that he always cares deeply about his products because they are statues of the most important figures in the spiritual life of the nation.
He reported that his business is brisk, despite the rise in price earlier this year of the raw materials used to create the holy images. According to his accounts, the price of cement has risen to $84-$85 per tone, almost double the price of 5 years ago. This, coupled with the rise in iron prices, the two main raw materials of his trade, would inevitably be offset by a rise in the price of a Theravada.
He said that a small but complete Theravada home now stands at $30, compared to only $20 last year. A small plinth and a sleeping Buddha statue may now be bought for $80 whereas the same items only cost $60 last year.
Son Sanara, the owner of a statue shop located near the Independence Monument said that the price of all materials has increased. He said that he did not want to increase the price for theses sacred items but the current inflationary situation forced him do so.
Sanara said that he sold the statues and Theravada homes, as well as other items at a 30 percent higher price than previous years. “That which was sold last year for $25 I sell now for $30.” He said that the customers did not complain however. “They know the situation, everything has become expensive.”
Each day, he sells at least three Theravada statues and 10-15 Buddhist statues.
Sin Sokun, 55, said that she used to purchase cement Buddha statues and has spent nearly $1000 on four of these items over the last three years. A real connoisseur of statuary, she maintained that, “I really do not care so much about the price, but I do care deeply about the quality and beauty of the statues.”
She said that she bought the statues at a well-known statue workshop near Psar Chbar Ampov in Phnom Penh.
According to a layman at Prek Luong pagoda in Kandal province, his pagoda is full of Buddha statues housed in appropriate temples, all supplied by the charitable hearts of laypeople at the request of the temple committees.
Chan Thiv, 62, said that he too was concerned about the increase of the cement Buddha statues as he was in the process of raising money for six statues.
“It used to be the case that if we spent $1,000, we got four Buddha statues,” he said. “But now we have to spend $1,500 for the same number.”
Seng Vicheth, architectural student at a university in Phnom Penh, said that last month, he bought a new medium sized Theravada home for his villa located in Tuol Tompuong commune, Chamkarmon district. He did not however bemoan the fact that this year he had to spend $50 on these items, rather than the $35 he would have spent last two years.
Former ADB President Tadao Chino Dies
By Sophea
Tadao Chino, former President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), passed away in Tokyo, Japan, Thursday at the age of 74, according to an ADB’ press release dated July 18. Serving as President from 1999 to 2005, Mr. Chino steered the ADB through a challenging period that included providing assistance to several developing member countries still suffering from the effects of the 1997-1998 financial crisis. The statement added that soon after Chino’s arrival, ADB approved its Poverty Reduction Strategy, declaring poverty reduction its overarching goal.
Tadao Chino, former President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), passed away in Tokyo, Japan, Thursday at the age of 74, according to an ADB’ press release dated July 18. Serving as President from 1999 to 2005, Mr. Chino steered the ADB through a challenging period that included providing assistance to several developing member countries still suffering from the effects of the 1997-1998 financial crisis. The statement added that soon after Chino’s arrival, ADB approved its Poverty Reduction Strategy, declaring poverty reduction its overarching goal.
Microsoft Launches Wave of 2008 Products
By Soy Sophea
The giant Microsoft Company introduced three new products to Cambodia; Windows Sever 2008, Visual Studio 2008 and SQL Server 2008. The rollout was held at the Intercontinental Hotel on July 9.
Pily Wong, General Manager of Microsoft MDP Cambodia, said together these products will deliver the most reliable, powerful and security-enhanced platform in order to satisfy the most demanding IT professional. These products will be able to accomplish the most complex tasks required to support the largest businesses and institutions.
Beside the introduction of the latest Microsoft products, there was also a Product Expo with 13 IT companies (PTC, Neeka, Conical Hat, Khmer Dev, Anana, Blue Technology, Net-I Solutions, Baktouk Computers, Financial Service Systems, the Ong Institute, Trust Global Services, Campura System Corporation and Manich Enterprise) hosting a booth to introduce their latest solutions based on Microsoft Technology.
Sor Thida, Marketing Manager at Manich Enterprises, said that she was proud to contribute her service to the participants and members of the public. She foresaw a future in which Cambodia could have easy access to the best hard and software, as is the case with other countries.
The giant Microsoft Company introduced three new products to Cambodia; Windows Sever 2008, Visual Studio 2008 and SQL Server 2008. The rollout was held at the Intercontinental Hotel on July 9.
Pily Wong, General Manager of Microsoft MDP Cambodia, said together these products will deliver the most reliable, powerful and security-enhanced platform in order to satisfy the most demanding IT professional. These products will be able to accomplish the most complex tasks required to support the largest businesses and institutions.
Beside the introduction of the latest Microsoft products, there was also a Product Expo with 13 IT companies (PTC, Neeka, Conical Hat, Khmer Dev, Anana, Blue Technology, Net-I Solutions, Baktouk Computers, Financial Service Systems, the Ong Institute, Trust Global Services, Campura System Corporation and Manich Enterprise) hosting a booth to introduce their latest solutions based on Microsoft Technology.
Sor Thida, Marketing Manager at Manich Enterprises, said that she was proud to contribute her service to the participants and members of the public. She foresaw a future in which Cambodia could have easy access to the best hard and software, as is the case with other countries.
Cambodia Still Lacks Midwives
By Soy Sophea
Cambodia requires the services of more midwives to serve the needs of expectant mothers, according to health officials.
Chheang Sena, Deputy Director of Kampong Cham Provincial Health Department, said around a third of the 98 health centers in his province lacked midwives.
He stated, “We always ask the Ministry of Health to send 40 midwives per year to serve the public in our province but we receive no more than three or four.”
Sena said that this shortage could be explained by the low salaries a professional midwife can expect, working in a Public Health Center. These compare unfavorably with the wage a qualified midwife can expect to command in the private sector.
Huot Than, Director of Kampong Speu Provincial Health Department, told the Cambodia Weekly that his province also lacks midwives.
“Clearly, we want our mothers-to-be to deliver their babies safely,” he said.
It would seem then that the demand for the services of midwives in Cambodia is outstripping the supply of properly qualified practitioners.
Oum Sophal, Rector of the University of Health Science, said that for this study year (2008-2009), only 20-25 students had chosen courses in midwifery. This statistic gives cause for concern as the Ministry of Health requires his university to offer 40 scholarships in midwifery.
“I am concerned about the number of students registering for these courses as we are unable to meet the Ministry of Health’s goals. This means that large swathes of the remoter parts of our nation are not as properly covered as they should be,” the Rector said.
Kom Kanal, Director of the National Maternity Center, told local newspaper, Rasmei Kampuchea that today Cambodia needs the services of thousands of fully trained midwives to serve the 900 health centers throughout the country.
According to a 2005 World Health Organization (WHO) survey, there is a ratio of 473 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in Cambodia. This compares to 370 in Papua New Guinea, 172 in the Philippines and 158 in Mongolia. This information, often referred to as the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) reflects a woman's basic health status, her access to health care and the quality of care that she receives.
The report added that in fact 40 percent of the Region's maternal deaths occur in Cambodia, the Lao PDR, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines. Tragically, the majority of these deaths are preventable.
So far the Cambodian government has employed a significant portion of the national budget to improve the quality and increase the number of health centers and health center officials. This is according to Prime Minister Hun Sen’s statement on the occasion of World Population Day, held July 11. The statement announced that the number of secondary midwives had increased from 1,790 in 2003 to 1,848 in 2007. Furthermore, the statement added that the Cambodian government has continued to strengthen the public health sector by cooperating with other development partners.
Kim Chantha, Phnom Penh-based ADB Communications Officer, told the Cambodia Weekly that ADB and the Royal Government of Cambodia signed an agreement in February 2003 amounting to US $20 million. The goals of this project are to improve the delivery of health services, especially to women and the less well-off in rural areas. The fund also serves to provide training for staff at health centers and referral hospitals in nine provinces.
He added that the targeted provinces of the project include Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Koh Kong, Mondulkiri, Sihanoukville, Svay Rieng and Takeo provinces.
Cambodia requires the services of more midwives to serve the needs of expectant mothers, according to health officials.
Chheang Sena, Deputy Director of Kampong Cham Provincial Health Department, said around a third of the 98 health centers in his province lacked midwives.
He stated, “We always ask the Ministry of Health to send 40 midwives per year to serve the public in our province but we receive no more than three or four.”
Sena said that this shortage could be explained by the low salaries a professional midwife can expect, working in a Public Health Center. These compare unfavorably with the wage a qualified midwife can expect to command in the private sector.
Huot Than, Director of Kampong Speu Provincial Health Department, told the Cambodia Weekly that his province also lacks midwives.
“Clearly, we want our mothers-to-be to deliver their babies safely,” he said.
It would seem then that the demand for the services of midwives in Cambodia is outstripping the supply of properly qualified practitioners.
Oum Sophal, Rector of the University of Health Science, said that for this study year (2008-2009), only 20-25 students had chosen courses in midwifery. This statistic gives cause for concern as the Ministry of Health requires his university to offer 40 scholarships in midwifery.
“I am concerned about the number of students registering for these courses as we are unable to meet the Ministry of Health’s goals. This means that large swathes of the remoter parts of our nation are not as properly covered as they should be,” the Rector said.
Kom Kanal, Director of the National Maternity Center, told local newspaper, Rasmei Kampuchea that today Cambodia needs the services of thousands of fully trained midwives to serve the 900 health centers throughout the country.
According to a 2005 World Health Organization (WHO) survey, there is a ratio of 473 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in Cambodia. This compares to 370 in Papua New Guinea, 172 in the Philippines and 158 in Mongolia. This information, often referred to as the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) reflects a woman's basic health status, her access to health care and the quality of care that she receives.
The report added that in fact 40 percent of the Region's maternal deaths occur in Cambodia, the Lao PDR, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines. Tragically, the majority of these deaths are preventable.
So far the Cambodian government has employed a significant portion of the national budget to improve the quality and increase the number of health centers and health center officials. This is according to Prime Minister Hun Sen’s statement on the occasion of World Population Day, held July 11. The statement announced that the number of secondary midwives had increased from 1,790 in 2003 to 1,848 in 2007. Furthermore, the statement added that the Cambodian government has continued to strengthen the public health sector by cooperating with other development partners.
Kim Chantha, Phnom Penh-based ADB Communications Officer, told the Cambodia Weekly that ADB and the Royal Government of Cambodia signed an agreement in February 2003 amounting to US $20 million. The goals of this project are to improve the delivery of health services, especially to women and the less well-off in rural areas. The fund also serves to provide training for staff at health centers and referral hospitals in nine provinces.
He added that the targeted provinces of the project include Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Koh Kong, Mondulkiri, Sihanoukville, Svay Rieng and Takeo provinces.
Buddhist Lent Celebrated in Every Pagoda throughout Cambodia
By Soy Sophea
Thursday July 3, marked the beginning of Buddhist Lent—a three-month period marking efforts to renew spiritual vigor. Ideally, Buddhist monks should remain on their temple rounds and many laypeople choose to adopt more ascetic practices.
Meach Pon, Advisor to the Khmer Traditional Council, told the Cambodia Weekly that during the three-month period of Buddhist Lent, monks are only permitted to leave their temples in exceptional cases such as illness in their family, to attend special events and so forth.
Pon said that the Buddhist discipline requires them to be absent from their temple of residence for no more than six days and they must return before dawn on the sixth day without delay. Monks are also not permitted to disrobe until the end of Buddhist Lent.
Buddhist Lent begins on the first full moon day of Asarth [the eighth month in the Khmer lunar calendar corresponding to June and July].
“In ancient times before temples were established, monks often roamed around giving sermons and providing lessons relating to dharma,” Pon said. “But they avoided traveling during the rainy season for fear that they might disturb farmers at work in their fields or destroy their very young crops.”
He said that it was thought that this tradition might have initiated a move towards communal living among Buddhist monks.
Sar Seda, 55, a Buddhist woman, on July 6 brought 2 pairs of candles or Tean Vosa, to be lit in her pagoda at Pursat province. She said that her behavior was a token of respect towards the monks who are representatives of Buddha.
“Every year during Buddhist Lent, my family and I always bring candles to the pagoda where my husband’s parents died and my husband found protection from the Pol Pot regime,” she said.
As usual, she said that this year she brought some food, drink, monk’s robes and one hundred liters of diesel for the pagoda’s electricity generator.
“I do believe that what I have done for Buddha, will be returned to me in the form of happiness and prosperity,” she said pointing with pride to her luxury Land Cruiser. She said she also attended other Buddhist celebrations, as well as Lent.
Sin Sokuna, 53, Seda’s sister-in-law, said that since 2000, she often took food, dried fish, milk, noodles, candles, incense sticks and some money for monks at the pagoda.
Meach Pon indicated that on the first day of Buddhist Lent, Cambodians present the candles and other offerings to the monks following a colorful Tean Vosa parade to their local temples. After reaching the temple, the procession circles the temple three times in a clockwise direction before presenting their items to the monks.
He added that during the three months of Buddhist Lent, monks strictly adhere to Buddhist disciplines, including the performance of rituals, conducting study and discussions of Buddhist doctrine, and providing instruction to Buddhist devotees about the precepts. Buddhist Lent is also considered an auspicious time for young men to enter the monkhood and for laypeople to become ordained temporarily as monks.
Chhorn Eam, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Cults and Religions, told the Cambodia Weekly that Buddhist Lent is a time for Cambodians to present the offerings to monks at each of the 4,135 Buddhist temples throughout the nation.
He said that in addition to the four basic offerings and donations of items that are meant to help in the upkeep of the temple during Buddhist Lent, large candles that are over one meter long and composed of pure bees wax and kerosene are offered to the monks. The monks use the candles and kerosene lamps to keep their temples alight for the three months.
According to Buddhism, he added the lighting of candles and lamps represents the light of wisdom illuminating the darkness of ignorance.
Thursday July 3, marked the beginning of Buddhist Lent—a three-month period marking efforts to renew spiritual vigor. Ideally, Buddhist monks should remain on their temple rounds and many laypeople choose to adopt more ascetic practices.
Meach Pon, Advisor to the Khmer Traditional Council, told the Cambodia Weekly that during the three-month period of Buddhist Lent, monks are only permitted to leave their temples in exceptional cases such as illness in their family, to attend special events and so forth.
Pon said that the Buddhist discipline requires them to be absent from their temple of residence for no more than six days and they must return before dawn on the sixth day without delay. Monks are also not permitted to disrobe until the end of Buddhist Lent.
Buddhist Lent begins on the first full moon day of Asarth [the eighth month in the Khmer lunar calendar corresponding to June and July].
“In ancient times before temples were established, monks often roamed around giving sermons and providing lessons relating to dharma,” Pon said. “But they avoided traveling during the rainy season for fear that they might disturb farmers at work in their fields or destroy their very young crops.”
He said that it was thought that this tradition might have initiated a move towards communal living among Buddhist monks.
Sar Seda, 55, a Buddhist woman, on July 6 brought 2 pairs of candles or Tean Vosa, to be lit in her pagoda at Pursat province. She said that her behavior was a token of respect towards the monks who are representatives of Buddha.
“Every year during Buddhist Lent, my family and I always bring candles to the pagoda where my husband’s parents died and my husband found protection from the Pol Pot regime,” she said.
As usual, she said that this year she brought some food, drink, monk’s robes and one hundred liters of diesel for the pagoda’s electricity generator.
“I do believe that what I have done for Buddha, will be returned to me in the form of happiness and prosperity,” she said pointing with pride to her luxury Land Cruiser. She said she also attended other Buddhist celebrations, as well as Lent.
Sin Sokuna, 53, Seda’s sister-in-law, said that since 2000, she often took food, dried fish, milk, noodles, candles, incense sticks and some money for monks at the pagoda.
Meach Pon indicated that on the first day of Buddhist Lent, Cambodians present the candles and other offerings to the monks following a colorful Tean Vosa parade to their local temples. After reaching the temple, the procession circles the temple three times in a clockwise direction before presenting their items to the monks.
He added that during the three months of Buddhist Lent, monks strictly adhere to Buddhist disciplines, including the performance of rituals, conducting study and discussions of Buddhist doctrine, and providing instruction to Buddhist devotees about the precepts. Buddhist Lent is also considered an auspicious time for young men to enter the monkhood and for laypeople to become ordained temporarily as monks.
Chhorn Eam, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Cults and Religions, told the Cambodia Weekly that Buddhist Lent is a time for Cambodians to present the offerings to monks at each of the 4,135 Buddhist temples throughout the nation.
He said that in addition to the four basic offerings and donations of items that are meant to help in the upkeep of the temple during Buddhist Lent, large candles that are over one meter long and composed of pure bees wax and kerosene are offered to the monks. The monks use the candles and kerosene lamps to keep their temples alight for the three months.
According to Buddhism, he added the lighting of candles and lamps represents the light of wisdom illuminating the darkness of ignorance.
World Bank Signs US $30 Million Credit to Support Cambodia’s Health
By Soy Sophea
July 17: Cambodia and the World Bank inked an agreement detailing US $30 million in credit to support Cambodia’s new Strategic Health Plan through the Second Health Sector Support Program (HSSP2). The plan aims to improve health care and preventive health services for Cambodian people, with particular emphasis on women, children and the poor.
According to the World Bank’s press statement, the credit will be used to finance the Second Health Sector Support Program (HSSP2) which, over the next five years, will receive a total of US $120 million from six development partners. On the World Bank side, the credit will be provided by the International Development Association (IDA).The support comes from the UK’s Overseas Development Agency, the Department of International Development (DFID), the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and French Development Cooperation (AFD). Other development partners are expected to join the program during its implementation.Nuth Sokhom, Minister of the Ministry of Health, said that the HSSP2 is expected to significantly increase resources available to improve health of mothers and children as well as to tackle new health problems such as injuries and non-communicable diseases.
The minister also thanked the Development partners who always back the Cambodian government’s effort to enhance public welfare. He said that these activities also demonstrated the care of the Cambodian Government for the people.
The press release stated that it would improve the quality of training of health professionals, including midwives; strengthen health service delivery at health centers and referral hospitals through provision of service delivery grants; and support the Government in its role as the steward of the health system. More poor people would benefit from the program as it intends to scale up support for Health Equity Funds to help the poor access essential health care.
It continued that the program was also expected to facilitate the role of civil society and non-governmental organizations in local health planning. The project was approved by the World Bank Group’s Board of Directors in June.The HSSP2 will use the government’s health planning and results monitoring mechanisms and provide for joint management arrangements and pooled resources. The program is designed to help Cambodia improve health outcomes by strengthening institutional capacity and mechanisms by which the Government and development partners can achieve more effective and efficienthealth sector performance.World Bank’s Country Director for Cambodia, Ian Porter said as quoted in the press release that, “Cambodia is internationally renowned for policy innovations in the health sector including,the use of equity funds for the protection of the poor; contracting for service delivery; and the use of community-based health insurance.”
During the signing ceremony, H.E. Senior Minister Keat Chhon, Minister of Economy and Finance expressed his appreciation for the World Bank’s support and the input from development partners.
July 17: Cambodia and the World Bank inked an agreement detailing US $30 million in credit to support Cambodia’s new Strategic Health Plan through the Second Health Sector Support Program (HSSP2). The plan aims to improve health care and preventive health services for Cambodian people, with particular emphasis on women, children and the poor.
According to the World Bank’s press statement, the credit will be used to finance the Second Health Sector Support Program (HSSP2) which, over the next five years, will receive a total of US $120 million from six development partners. On the World Bank side, the credit will be provided by the International Development Association (IDA).The support comes from the UK’s Overseas Development Agency, the Department of International Development (DFID), the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and French Development Cooperation (AFD). Other development partners are expected to join the program during its implementation.Nuth Sokhom, Minister of the Ministry of Health, said that the HSSP2 is expected to significantly increase resources available to improve health of mothers and children as well as to tackle new health problems such as injuries and non-communicable diseases.
The minister also thanked the Development partners who always back the Cambodian government’s effort to enhance public welfare. He said that these activities also demonstrated the care of the Cambodian Government for the people.
The press release stated that it would improve the quality of training of health professionals, including midwives; strengthen health service delivery at health centers and referral hospitals through provision of service delivery grants; and support the Government in its role as the steward of the health system. More poor people would benefit from the program as it intends to scale up support for Health Equity Funds to help the poor access essential health care.
It continued that the program was also expected to facilitate the role of civil society and non-governmental organizations in local health planning. The project was approved by the World Bank Group’s Board of Directors in June.The HSSP2 will use the government’s health planning and results monitoring mechanisms and provide for joint management arrangements and pooled resources. The program is designed to help Cambodia improve health outcomes by strengthening institutional capacity and mechanisms by which the Government and development partners can achieve more effective and efficienthealth sector performance.World Bank’s Country Director for Cambodia, Ian Porter said as quoted in the press release that, “Cambodia is internationally renowned for policy innovations in the health sector including,the use of equity funds for the protection of the poor; contracting for service delivery; and the use of community-based health insurance.”
During the signing ceremony, H.E. Senior Minister Keat Chhon, Minister of Economy and Finance expressed his appreciation for the World Bank’s support and the input from development partners.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
More Tourists to Visit Preah Vihear after Inclusion on World Heritage Site List
By Soy Sophea
Cambodian travel agent officers and government officials have expressed their optimism over the Hindu temple known as Preah Vihear. They foresee it becoming the most attractive historical tourist site after being included on the World Heritage Site List early next month.
Ho Vandy, President of the Cambodian Association of Travel Agents (CATA), said that he was impressed with the temple as a tourist attraction and his association was ready to promote the site, not only to Cambodian people, but also to international tourists.
He said that the Hindu temple will provide a new tourism opportunity for the Royal Government of Cambodia and relevant agencies and they are looking forward to promoting the beauties of the structure to the world. “We are Cambodians, we are great nation and justly proud of our heritage, our culture and our customs,” he said.
He also predicted that after the listing of temple on the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)’s world heritage site, there will be a significant increase in the number of visitors.
Perched on a 525-metre high cliff on the Dangrek Mountain range, Preah Vihear provided an ideal setting for a temple dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva by the past monarchs of the Brahman-influenced Khmer Empire. It is believed that construction on the temple, built in several stages starting with the Shiva sanctuary at the top and moving down the mountain side in four levels, began some time in the ninth century, well before Cambodia's spectacular Angkor Wat complex was built.
The Preah Vihear temple complex runs 800 meters along a north-south axis. The southern tip sits on a cliff top about 120 meters above its northern end and 525 meters above the Cambodian plain below. The temple has five gopuras or entrance buildings and a sanctuary that is accessible via two successive courtyards.
Ros Heng, Director of Preah Vihear Border, told the Cambodia Weekly on June 21 that he was ready to welcome all tourists to the site. He promised that simply because it is a listed construction of world significance, there will be no barriers to visitors.
He also mentioned the road from Kampong Thom province to Preah Vihear that is now under construction. “I believe,” he said. “That tourists from Cambodia and abroad will increase when construction of the road reaches completion within the next two years.”
Ho Vandy expected that the Preah Vihear temple would become the most interesting historical and natural tourism site after Angkor Wat. The latter site attracted 2 million visitors in 2007.
Nuon Mony, Archeologist and Deputy Director of the Heritage and Resort Department of the Preah Vihear National Committee, said his group has begun cleaning the site up in preparation for all of the anticipated international attention.
He said that some parts of the temple were in a bad condition, the worst parts being in danger of collapse. However, timely attention spent on these areas would prevent any further decline. He added that there were 30 personnel serving as security guards.
The Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sok An, Minister of the Council of Ministers, left Cambodia for Quebec, Canada on Tuesday June 24, to attend a meeting of UNESCO. At this meeting, the temple is expected to be inducted formally into the World Heritage List.
Var Kimhong, Chairman of the Government Border Committee, told reporters at Phnom Penh International airport on June 24 that the meeting would also leave no doubt as to Cambodia’s ownership of the structures.
“Everything has been done,” he said. “We are simply waiting for the formalities and official announcements relating to the temple [as a world heritage site].”
Cambodian travel agent officers and government officials have expressed their optimism over the Hindu temple known as Preah Vihear. They foresee it becoming the most attractive historical tourist site after being included on the World Heritage Site List early next month.
Ho Vandy, President of the Cambodian Association of Travel Agents (CATA), said that he was impressed with the temple as a tourist attraction and his association was ready to promote the site, not only to Cambodian people, but also to international tourists.
He said that the Hindu temple will provide a new tourism opportunity for the Royal Government of Cambodia and relevant agencies and they are looking forward to promoting the beauties of the structure to the world. “We are Cambodians, we are great nation and justly proud of our heritage, our culture and our customs,” he said.
He also predicted that after the listing of temple on the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)’s world heritage site, there will be a significant increase in the number of visitors.
Perched on a 525-metre high cliff on the Dangrek Mountain range, Preah Vihear provided an ideal setting for a temple dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva by the past monarchs of the Brahman-influenced Khmer Empire. It is believed that construction on the temple, built in several stages starting with the Shiva sanctuary at the top and moving down the mountain side in four levels, began some time in the ninth century, well before Cambodia's spectacular Angkor Wat complex was built.
The Preah Vihear temple complex runs 800 meters along a north-south axis. The southern tip sits on a cliff top about 120 meters above its northern end and 525 meters above the Cambodian plain below. The temple has five gopuras or entrance buildings and a sanctuary that is accessible via two successive courtyards.
Ros Heng, Director of Preah Vihear Border, told the Cambodia Weekly on June 21 that he was ready to welcome all tourists to the site. He promised that simply because it is a listed construction of world significance, there will be no barriers to visitors.
He also mentioned the road from Kampong Thom province to Preah Vihear that is now under construction. “I believe,” he said. “That tourists from Cambodia and abroad will increase when construction of the road reaches completion within the next two years.”
Ho Vandy expected that the Preah Vihear temple would become the most interesting historical and natural tourism site after Angkor Wat. The latter site attracted 2 million visitors in 2007.
Nuon Mony, Archeologist and Deputy Director of the Heritage and Resort Department of the Preah Vihear National Committee, said his group has begun cleaning the site up in preparation for all of the anticipated international attention.
He said that some parts of the temple were in a bad condition, the worst parts being in danger of collapse. However, timely attention spent on these areas would prevent any further decline. He added that there were 30 personnel serving as security guards.
The Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sok An, Minister of the Council of Ministers, left Cambodia for Quebec, Canada on Tuesday June 24, to attend a meeting of UNESCO. At this meeting, the temple is expected to be inducted formally into the World Heritage List.
Var Kimhong, Chairman of the Government Border Committee, told reporters at Phnom Penh International airport on June 24 that the meeting would also leave no doubt as to Cambodia’s ownership of the structures.
“Everything has been done,” he said. “We are simply waiting for the formalities and official announcements relating to the temple [as a world heritage site].”
Waste Management in Cambodia under Control
By Soy Sophea
Every morning before leaving home for work, a mother of a one-and-half-year-old daughter looks carefully for used batteries.
Sen Sereyroathana, 23, started collecting used batteries after she saw a TV promotion urging citizens to separate used batteries from other household rubbish. She said that following the TV spot, she now understands about the impact spent batteries have on the environment. She added that her husband uses at least five pairs of batteries per month to power his interest in digital photography.
Returning to environmental considerations, Sereyroathana said she used to attempt to lure her husband into cooperating with her plans for safe battery disposal, especially since the family has a young and inquisitive daughter to protect. However, as is the case with many husbands, she said hers remained somewhat careless in following her commands.
“I now have to take the used batteries the moment they are spent and my husband has no more use for them. Otherwise, they roll around the house for months and I live in fear of my daughter swallowing one of them.”
According to Mann Chhoeurn, Deputy Governor of the Phnom Penh Municipality, Cambodia imports 5,000 tones of batteries from neighboring countries each year.
In order to assist Cambodia manage her waste chemical management procedures, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has recently started an 18-month project that will cost US $198,420. This project has been managed by the Ministry of the Environment, with participation and cooperation from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy and the Customs Department.
Lay Khim, Team Leader for the UNDP’s Energy and Environment project, said, “The project aims to integrate chemical management into the country's development planning processes.”
“It will assess the management of the chemical regimes adopted by individual industrial sectors, as well as establishing an umbrella or overall plan to begin addressing gaps in the national regime,” Khim said. “It also aims to improve the incorporation of chemical management priorities and procedures into the national development discourse and planning agenda.”
He explained that Cambodian industry, as with industries across the world, is a consumer of chemical substances. Therefore, it needs to review carefully the management of substances in order to protect the health of the people and the health of the environment. The Team Leader added that in the last five years, the nation’s consumption of industrial chemicals had increased dramatically. The need then for a proper system of chemical management was clear.
Ou Bun, Deputy Governor of Phnom Penh Municipality, said that preventing potentially dangerous disposal practices and educating people about the impact of chemicals on the environment were priorities for local authorities. He also said that the Phnom Penh Municipality has created a number of strategies to enhance the beauty of the city.
The Deputy Governor said at a medical waste management symposium on May 21 this year that the improved management of liquid and solid waste is just one of the municipality’s goals. He also said that at least 1,000 tones of all kinds of wastes were being transported to the dump sites everyday. He said that according to a recent report commissioned by the Phnom Penh Municipal Health Department, 1.5 tones of hazardous used medical equipment was transported to the Stung Meanchey dump site each day.
Referring to waste management, Pa Socheate Vong, Deputy Governor of Phnom Penh Municipality, said he knew that changing residents’ behavior and implementing improved waste disposal habits was not going to be easy. He said, “We have to be prepared and geared towards affecting change in our peoples’ habits through education.”
Pa Socheate Vong said that the project, with support from the UNDP, which has been in operation since last month, could help Phnom Penh’s Municipality control litters.
According to the UNDP’s resident expert, the Cambodian people, especially the poor, will benefit from the project.
Every morning before leaving home for work, a mother of a one-and-half-year-old daughter looks carefully for used batteries.
Sen Sereyroathana, 23, started collecting used batteries after she saw a TV promotion urging citizens to separate used batteries from other household rubbish. She said that following the TV spot, she now understands about the impact spent batteries have on the environment. She added that her husband uses at least five pairs of batteries per month to power his interest in digital photography.
Returning to environmental considerations, Sereyroathana said she used to attempt to lure her husband into cooperating with her plans for safe battery disposal, especially since the family has a young and inquisitive daughter to protect. However, as is the case with many husbands, she said hers remained somewhat careless in following her commands.
“I now have to take the used batteries the moment they are spent and my husband has no more use for them. Otherwise, they roll around the house for months and I live in fear of my daughter swallowing one of them.”
According to Mann Chhoeurn, Deputy Governor of the Phnom Penh Municipality, Cambodia imports 5,000 tones of batteries from neighboring countries each year.
In order to assist Cambodia manage her waste chemical management procedures, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has recently started an 18-month project that will cost US $198,420. This project has been managed by the Ministry of the Environment, with participation and cooperation from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy and the Customs Department.
Lay Khim, Team Leader for the UNDP’s Energy and Environment project, said, “The project aims to integrate chemical management into the country's development planning processes.”
“It will assess the management of the chemical regimes adopted by individual industrial sectors, as well as establishing an umbrella or overall plan to begin addressing gaps in the national regime,” Khim said. “It also aims to improve the incorporation of chemical management priorities and procedures into the national development discourse and planning agenda.”
He explained that Cambodian industry, as with industries across the world, is a consumer of chemical substances. Therefore, it needs to review carefully the management of substances in order to protect the health of the people and the health of the environment. The Team Leader added that in the last five years, the nation’s consumption of industrial chemicals had increased dramatically. The need then for a proper system of chemical management was clear.
Ou Bun, Deputy Governor of Phnom Penh Municipality, said that preventing potentially dangerous disposal practices and educating people about the impact of chemicals on the environment were priorities for local authorities. He also said that the Phnom Penh Municipality has created a number of strategies to enhance the beauty of the city.
The Deputy Governor said at a medical waste management symposium on May 21 this year that the improved management of liquid and solid waste is just one of the municipality’s goals. He also said that at least 1,000 tones of all kinds of wastes were being transported to the dump sites everyday. He said that according to a recent report commissioned by the Phnom Penh Municipal Health Department, 1.5 tones of hazardous used medical equipment was transported to the Stung Meanchey dump site each day.
Referring to waste management, Pa Socheate Vong, Deputy Governor of Phnom Penh Municipality, said he knew that changing residents’ behavior and implementing improved waste disposal habits was not going to be easy. He said, “We have to be prepared and geared towards affecting change in our peoples’ habits through education.”
Pa Socheate Vong said that the project, with support from the UNDP, which has been in operation since last month, could help Phnom Penh’s Municipality control litters.
According to the UNDP’s resident expert, the Cambodian people, especially the poor, will benefit from the project.
King Norodom Sihamoni to Visit Vietnam This Week
By Soy Sophea
This week, Preah Karuna Preah Bath Samdech Preach Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni will pay a three-day state visit to Vietnam, from June 24 to 26. He will be responding to a gracious invitation from Nguyen Minh Triet, Head of State of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
The three-day state visit will strengthen the relationship between the neighboring nations, according to a press release issued on June 20 by the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
This week, Preah Karuna Preah Bath Samdech Preach Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni will pay a three-day state visit to Vietnam, from June 24 to 26. He will be responding to a gracious invitation from Nguyen Minh Triet, Head of State of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
The three-day state visit will strengthen the relationship between the neighboring nations, according to a press release issued on June 20 by the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Cambodian delegation Attending ASEAN-UN International Pledging Conference
By Soy Sophea
A Cambodian delegation led by the Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC), will attend an ASEAN-UN International Pledging Conference in Yangon, the Union of Myanmar, May 25.
The conference is to help the victims of Cyclone Nargis and the rebuilding of affected areas, according to a press release issued May 22 by the Department of Information and Documentation of the Ministry of MoFAIC. On May 7, the Cambodian government donated US $50,000, with a further US $10,000 from the Cambodian Red Cross to victims of Myanmar’s recent cyclone.
A Cambodian delegation led by the Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC), will attend an ASEAN-UN International Pledging Conference in Yangon, the Union of Myanmar, May 25.
The conference is to help the victims of Cyclone Nargis and the rebuilding of affected areas, according to a press release issued May 22 by the Department of Information and Documentation of the Ministry of MoFAIC. On May 7, the Cambodian government donated US $50,000, with a further US $10,000 from the Cambodian Red Cross to victims of Myanmar’s recent cyclone.
Four Cambodian Athletes to Participate in the Beijing Olympics
By Soy Sophea
Cambodia will send four athletes to participate in the Beijing Olympics this year, said Meas Sarin, Secretary General of Cambodia’s Olympic Committee.
Sarin told the Cambodia Weekly May 15 that Cambodian athletes will contend in two events this year, including swimming and sprinting. For each of these sports, Cambodia will send one male and one female contender.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen announced last month that King Norodom Sihamoni will take part in the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. This will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral links between China and Cambodia.
Cambodia will send four athletes to participate in the Beijing Olympics this year, said Meas Sarin, Secretary General of Cambodia’s Olympic Committee.
Sarin told the Cambodia Weekly May 15 that Cambodian athletes will contend in two events this year, including swimming and sprinting. For each of these sports, Cambodia will send one male and one female contender.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen announced last month that King Norodom Sihamoni will take part in the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. This will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral links between China and Cambodia.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Press Members Demand Access to Information
By Soy Sophea
Members of the Cambodian press, celebrating World Press Freedom Day, May 5, urged all involved parties to ease access to information to help them bring the facts and informed points of view to the public’s attention.
Oum Sarin, President of the Cambodia Press Council, said during World Press Day celebrations held at Phnom Penh Hotel that it was vital for journalists to access all kinds of information, for they served an important role in promoting the nation’s interests.
“Clearly, development and decision-making is dependant on information and Cambodians must be made familiar with this information in an unbiased and timely manner,” Sarin said. “Otherwise, the wrong decisions are likely to be made; when this happens, the situation becomes uncertain and uncertainty breeds crisis.”
This year, World Press Freedom Day was celebrated under the banner “Freedom of Expression, Access to Information and Empowerment of People.” The title was proposed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Pen Samithy, president of the Club of Cambodian Journalists, said that his members have done much to bring real information to the public. However, he added that the access to information in Cambodia was still limited.
The UNESCO Secretary General, Koichiro Matsuura also said that press freedom and access to information feed into wider development objectives by giving people the information that can help them gain control over their own lives.
“This empowerment supports participatory democracy by giving citizens the capacity to engage in public debate and to hold governments and others accountable,” Koichiro said. “But this flow of communication does not happen automatically.”
Thieng Vandarong, Undersecretary of state at the Ministry of Information, recognized that press freedom in Cambodia was getting better compared to other countries in the region.
According to the Reporters Without Borders Organization, based in Paris, Cambodia ranked 85 in the world in 2007 while Freedom House listed Cambodia in 26th place out of 40 countries in the Asia Pacific region in 2007.
Members of the Cambodian press, celebrating World Press Freedom Day, May 5, urged all involved parties to ease access to information to help them bring the facts and informed points of view to the public’s attention.
Oum Sarin, President of the Cambodia Press Council, said during World Press Day celebrations held at Phnom Penh Hotel that it was vital for journalists to access all kinds of information, for they served an important role in promoting the nation’s interests.
“Clearly, development and decision-making is dependant on information and Cambodians must be made familiar with this information in an unbiased and timely manner,” Sarin said. “Otherwise, the wrong decisions are likely to be made; when this happens, the situation becomes uncertain and uncertainty breeds crisis.”
This year, World Press Freedom Day was celebrated under the banner “Freedom of Expression, Access to Information and Empowerment of People.” The title was proposed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Pen Samithy, president of the Club of Cambodian Journalists, said that his members have done much to bring real information to the public. However, he added that the access to information in Cambodia was still limited.
The UNESCO Secretary General, Koichiro Matsuura also said that press freedom and access to information feed into wider development objectives by giving people the information that can help them gain control over their own lives.
“This empowerment supports participatory democracy by giving citizens the capacity to engage in public debate and to hold governments and others accountable,” Koichiro said. “But this flow of communication does not happen automatically.”
Thieng Vandarong, Undersecretary of state at the Ministry of Information, recognized that press freedom in Cambodia was getting better compared to other countries in the region.
According to the Reporters Without Borders Organization, based in Paris, Cambodia ranked 85 in the world in 2007 while Freedom House listed Cambodia in 26th place out of 40 countries in the Asia Pacific region in 2007.
Master Boxkator Performer Hopes to Integrate Boxing into the Public School Program
By Soy Sophea
Grand Master Sean Kim San, who has devoted most of his entire life to Khmer traditional boxing, says he has only one goal. That is to introduce traditional Khmer boxing, known as Boxkator to public schools.
Grand Master Kim San said that Khmer Boxkator has a pedigree stretching back 2,000 years in Cambodia but it remained a forgotten art for centuries, after the fall of the Khmer Empire. However, knowledge of the martial art was passed down from generation to generation, surviving even the ravages of the Khmer Rouge insanity, the secret remaining safe in the hearts of surviving Boxkator enthusiasts.
He realized that the majority of younger Cambodian people may never have heard of Boxkator as there have been no public demonstrations of the art. This in part is due to memories of the French colonialists’ repressive response to Boxkator performers. The authorities viewed the performers as manifestations of resurgent Khmer identity and they were imprisoned.
Today, under very much happier conditions, Grand Master Kim San surveys with pride the over one thousand new Boxkator performers, proud to demonstrate their art. “They all belong to the Boxkator Federation, established in 2004,” he said.
Kim San’s ambition has global reach, as he wants to see the art recognized throughout the world. He looks forward to the day when he will see the Cambodian flag flying over an international competition. He recalled days when the flag used to fly at Udo and karate competitions, but theses were products of other cultures.
Grand Master Kim San equipped himself with the basics of Udo and Habkido after twenty years of training in the U.S. He returned to Cambodia in 1995 to revive interest in the martial arts.
“I was happy then, teaching the arts of China and Japan but I wondered why the arts of the former Khmer Empire appeared to have disappeared without a trace.” he said.
The 63 year old Grand Master embarked upon a period of research into Khmer Boxkator performers. The result was a combination of performing styles that preserves the art for future generations of Cambodians.
“I want the next generation to know that this art springs from the deepest origins of Khmer culture. It has a long and noble record in the protection of our national borders and history records the many invaders who rued the day he ever met an expert Boxcator practitioner,” Kim San said. “Indeed, Boxkator was practiced by Khmer kings and generals. It was invaluable in winning wars against both the Cham and Thai empires.”
Boxkator bouts are depicted in the carvings on the walls of Jayavarman VII’s temples including those at Bayon, Angkor Wat and Preah Lean Chal Damrey.
The Grand Master said that despite this illustrious past, the future of Boxkator remains uncertain. He urged all Cambodians to preserve this martial art, which he refers to as a “Diamond of Khmer culture”.
Over the past five years, he has assembled a group of teachers from different provinces—Kampot, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Kandal, Kratie, Battambang, Kompong Cham, Takeo, Seam Reap, Kompong Chhnang, and Phnom Penh. The Grand Master’s Phnom Penh school has students from across the world, including pupils from Germany, America, Switzerland and France as well as Cambodia.
Grand Master Kim Hok, Chairman of the Kampot Boxkator Federation, said that he established the federation after Grand Master Kim San persuaded him to reveal his long-hidden martial arts.
“Since, I have established the federation I feel happier to see young Cambodians coming to learn about their martial heritage. This is the last and probably the most important thing I will do in my life,” he said.
Grand Master Kim Hok, 62, who gained his skills from his grand father and other old men in his village, added that, although he has trained nearly 300 combatants, he wanted to see many more, for the sake of the art’s future. He too saw the education system as key to its survival.
However, Bou Chomserey, Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, said that his ministry cannot accept the Boxkator Federation’s request. He explained that if the education ministry gave a green light to the Federation, the ministry would be forced to introduce lessons in all the other martial arts too.
“We must be fair to all, not only Boxkartor,” he said. “Every federation wants the Education Ministry to integrate their activities into the public school curriculum.”
//
Grand Master Sean Kim San, who has devoted most of his entire life to Khmer traditional boxing, says he has only one goal. That is to introduce traditional Khmer boxing, known as Boxkator to public schools.
Grand Master Kim San said that Khmer Boxkator has a pedigree stretching back 2,000 years in Cambodia but it remained a forgotten art for centuries, after the fall of the Khmer Empire. However, knowledge of the martial art was passed down from generation to generation, surviving even the ravages of the Khmer Rouge insanity, the secret remaining safe in the hearts of surviving Boxkator enthusiasts.
He realized that the majority of younger Cambodian people may never have heard of Boxkator as there have been no public demonstrations of the art. This in part is due to memories of the French colonialists’ repressive response to Boxkator performers. The authorities viewed the performers as manifestations of resurgent Khmer identity and they were imprisoned.
Today, under very much happier conditions, Grand Master Kim San surveys with pride the over one thousand new Boxkator performers, proud to demonstrate their art. “They all belong to the Boxkator Federation, established in 2004,” he said.
Kim San’s ambition has global reach, as he wants to see the art recognized throughout the world. He looks forward to the day when he will see the Cambodian flag flying over an international competition. He recalled days when the flag used to fly at Udo and karate competitions, but theses were products of other cultures.
Grand Master Kim San equipped himself with the basics of Udo and Habkido after twenty years of training in the U.S. He returned to Cambodia in 1995 to revive interest in the martial arts.
“I was happy then, teaching the arts of China and Japan but I wondered why the arts of the former Khmer Empire appeared to have disappeared without a trace.” he said.
The 63 year old Grand Master embarked upon a period of research into Khmer Boxkator performers. The result was a combination of performing styles that preserves the art for future generations of Cambodians.
“I want the next generation to know that this art springs from the deepest origins of Khmer culture. It has a long and noble record in the protection of our national borders and history records the many invaders who rued the day he ever met an expert Boxcator practitioner,” Kim San said. “Indeed, Boxkator was practiced by Khmer kings and generals. It was invaluable in winning wars against both the Cham and Thai empires.”
Boxkator bouts are depicted in the carvings on the walls of Jayavarman VII’s temples including those at Bayon, Angkor Wat and Preah Lean Chal Damrey.
The Grand Master said that despite this illustrious past, the future of Boxkator remains uncertain. He urged all Cambodians to preserve this martial art, which he refers to as a “Diamond of Khmer culture”.
Over the past five years, he has assembled a group of teachers from different provinces—Kampot, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Kandal, Kratie, Battambang, Kompong Cham, Takeo, Seam Reap, Kompong Chhnang, and Phnom Penh. The Grand Master’s Phnom Penh school has students from across the world, including pupils from Germany, America, Switzerland and France as well as Cambodia.
Grand Master Kim Hok, Chairman of the Kampot Boxkator Federation, said that he established the federation after Grand Master Kim San persuaded him to reveal his long-hidden martial arts.
“Since, I have established the federation I feel happier to see young Cambodians coming to learn about their martial heritage. This is the last and probably the most important thing I will do in my life,” he said.
Grand Master Kim Hok, 62, who gained his skills from his grand father and other old men in his village, added that, although he has trained nearly 300 combatants, he wanted to see many more, for the sake of the art’s future. He too saw the education system as key to its survival.
However, Bou Chomserey, Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, said that his ministry cannot accept the Boxkator Federation’s request. He explained that if the education ministry gave a green light to the Federation, the ministry would be forced to introduce lessons in all the other martial arts too.
“We must be fair to all, not only Boxkartor,” he said. “Every federation wants the Education Ministry to integrate their activities into the public school curriculum.”
//
Opportunity Can Turn into Hell
BY SOY SOPHEA*
POIPET, Cambodia — Instead of going to school everyday, 16-year-old Khon Nor and her four siblings crossed the nearby border into Thailand daily to toil in sugarcane farms in Aranyaprathet district in Sakeo province.
They earned 50 baht (1.25 U.S. dollars) a day, but this was never sufficient for the needs of the family that has a drunken stepfather. It was not long before Nor decided it was time to go into Thailand — and stay there.
After all, she had always thought of Thailand as heaven for people like her. Every morning at seven, the border checkpoint to Thailand opens after the Cambodian national anthem fades away, and thousands of Cambodians make their way across to what many think would be the land of milk and honey.
With the help of an agent, Nor, and other women like her found work in a small family-run garments business. She earned 4,000 baht (about 100 dollars) a month. Nor was extremely happy with her wages, which she hoped would help support her family. Little did she know that she was actually a victim of trafficking.
"After working from morning till late at night for nearly three months, I started getting tired and felling dizzy," she said. "The Thai boss raped me and ordered me to take heroin. In the end, I realised that I had become a drug addict. I only wanted to be sent back home," she said, obviously upset.
"I used to think that Thailand was heaven for me and for other poor Cambodians, but actually it is hell," she added.
With help from the Cambodian Women's Crisis Centre (CWCC) in Banteay Meanchey province, along the Thai border, Nor was able to escape. According to a CWCC official in Banteay Meanchey, who did not want to be named, Nor was heavily addicted to drugs but "she is now getting better and is able to speak to her friends at the centre."
According to CWCC officials, thousands of Cambodian women are in a situation similar to Nor's.
Thai immigration officials estimate that some 10,000 Cambodians cross into Thailand everyday, with one-day passes. However, many do not return home and become undocumented migrants in Thailand. According to Oung Chanthol, CWCC director, at least 9,000 Cambodians, many of whom are women and children, are smuggled into Thailand every year and forced to work as beggars and sex workers.
While there is no reliable data on the trafficking of children in the Mekong Region, estimates by groups like the Bangkok-based Child Workers in Asia say that some 200,000 children from Burma, Cambodia and Laos have been trafficked into Thailand, the main magnet for migrants in the region. Many are trafficked for sex and construction work, and to work in sweatshops.
The group also estimates that 95 percent of child beggars in Thailand are from Cambodia. In March 2004, the Thai police deported 236 Cambodians, of whom 142 were children.
"Our task is to follow up some reports from radio, newspapers, or other communities that have such kinds of cases," explained Moung Mearedey, project coordinator of CWCC that works in the areas of domestic violence, trafficking of women and rape.
"Then, we go to investigate. We often ask the police and the local authorities for intervention to help release victims," she added. "For instance, when we have enough evidence indicating that a brothel or a pimp has cheated a woman into sex work, we have to cooperate with the police and the local authorities to release her."
The organisation also trains women on how to avoid being tricked into being trafficked. "Most victims", she said, are lured by traffickers who tell them, 'If you want to earn a lot of money, please go to work in Thailand where much money is waiting for you.'
After arriving in Thailand, some get jobs as waitresses or fruit vendors for a few days, but soon thereafter they are sent to work in the city's red light areas, and similar places. The best option for victims like these is to run away from the brothels and report to the police, explains Moung Mearedey.
The CWCC offers meals and accommodation to the rescued victims. It also provides them with skills in Khmer literature, sewing, and hairdressing for some six months until they feel more confident to return home.
"The main reason for trafficking is poverty. Therefore, traffickers can easily lure poor women. If the government creates more job opportunities and more development, the number of migrants will go down," said Moung Mearedey.
Besides the CWCC, there are other organisations working with vulnerable groups at the border like the Don Bosco Children's Centre, an Italian-based Catholic organisation here in Poipet, which is known as a hub for business and criminal activities. The centre takes in not only trafficked children but vulnerable children, says Kong Chamroeun, supervisor of the children's centre. The 35 children there now are provided meals, clothing and study materials.
Twelve-year-old Chey Khon, like many of the children at the centre, was brought to Thailand to work as a beggar.
"It was the most terrible situation I have ever been in," said 12-year-old Chey Khon, who hails from Cambodia's eastern province of Kampong Cham. She dropped out of school and decided to go to Thailand with her 10-year-old sister to work as beggars. "I did not know where Thailand was, but I just knew that I had to earn money for my family," she said.
In September 2004, she and her sister were detained for begging. She said that while in Bangkok, they begged money from foreign tourists but not Thais because "The Thai people hated Cambodian people. I did not know why," she said.
On the Thai side of the border, in Aranyaprathet, the World Vision Foundation of Thailand has been trying to tackle the issue of child trafficking from the receiving end. Project Coordinator Yuwarat Chuachuaychoo explains that the project has set up a cross-border network, a drop-in centre in the Rongklua market area, and a referral system -- to ensure the children's safe return home to Cambodia.
The project also provides informal education in Thai, Khmer, math and agriculture and has facilities for sports, and counselling.
According to Yuwarat, about 250 children attend her drop-in centre every month. "We want to reduce the number of children exploited along the border of Thailand and Cambodia," she said. "I believe that if they all get an education they will not go to Thailand,"
Choun was brought to Bangkok to beg. "I was hit if I did not get money," the 12-year-old explained.
She came to Thailand after her father remarried when her mother passed away. A Cambodian couple told her that she could earn a lot of money in Bangkok - and promised to take her to the Thai capital if she agreed to share her earnings with them.
Bangkok was a totally different experience. Choun Thon travelled to many places to beg and earned between 300 to 500 baht (7.5 to 12.5 dollars) a day, though half of this went to the agents. She said she dreamt of earning lots of money, eating delicious food and buying nice clothes.
"I felt okay because it was not only I who was begging, but also many other Cambodians. I was really happy to make so much money on the streets," she recalled.
However, things soon changed for the worse. After a month in Bangkok, the Thai police arrested her and other beggars while they were asking money from foreigners. They were sent back to Poipet after being detained for a few days in a Thai jail. "Now I know Bangkok. It is heaven, but for beggars it is hell," said Chuon Thon, who is still a beggar in Poipet.
In Cambodia, the weak enforcement of anti-trafficking laws has ensured that the trade in human beings continues. According to the law, traffickers face 15 to 20 years in prison. "Law enforcement is still poor," said an NGO worker who asked not to be named. "Bribery is also widespread amongst Cambodian officials," he added.
According to a report from Mahidol University's Institute of Population and Social Research in Thailand, trafficked youngsters suffer the most from exploitative child labour. "Children living in a foreign country with foreign customs and language are easily deceived and often treated like slaves," said the report. "In their isolation, they do not know where to turn for help. They cannot use normal channels, and often face discrimination and harassment."
The report, commissioned by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), defines a trafficked child as one "who is recruited and transported from one place to another across a national border, with or without the child's consent". (END)
*Soy Sophea wrote this article under the 'Our Mekong: A Vision amid Globalisation' programme.
POIPET, Cambodia — Instead of going to school everyday, 16-year-old Khon Nor and her four siblings crossed the nearby border into Thailand daily to toil in sugarcane farms in Aranyaprathet district in Sakeo province.
They earned 50 baht (1.25 U.S. dollars) a day, but this was never sufficient for the needs of the family that has a drunken stepfather. It was not long before Nor decided it was time to go into Thailand — and stay there.
After all, she had always thought of Thailand as heaven for people like her. Every morning at seven, the border checkpoint to Thailand opens after the Cambodian national anthem fades away, and thousands of Cambodians make their way across to what many think would be the land of milk and honey.
With the help of an agent, Nor, and other women like her found work in a small family-run garments business. She earned 4,000 baht (about 100 dollars) a month. Nor was extremely happy with her wages, which she hoped would help support her family. Little did she know that she was actually a victim of trafficking.
"After working from morning till late at night for nearly three months, I started getting tired and felling dizzy," she said. "The Thai boss raped me and ordered me to take heroin. In the end, I realised that I had become a drug addict. I only wanted to be sent back home," she said, obviously upset.
"I used to think that Thailand was heaven for me and for other poor Cambodians, but actually it is hell," she added.
With help from the Cambodian Women's Crisis Centre (CWCC) in Banteay Meanchey province, along the Thai border, Nor was able to escape. According to a CWCC official in Banteay Meanchey, who did not want to be named, Nor was heavily addicted to drugs but "she is now getting better and is able to speak to her friends at the centre."
According to CWCC officials, thousands of Cambodian women are in a situation similar to Nor's.
Thai immigration officials estimate that some 10,000 Cambodians cross into Thailand everyday, with one-day passes. However, many do not return home and become undocumented migrants in Thailand. According to Oung Chanthol, CWCC director, at least 9,000 Cambodians, many of whom are women and children, are smuggled into Thailand every year and forced to work as beggars and sex workers.
While there is no reliable data on the trafficking of children in the Mekong Region, estimates by groups like the Bangkok-based Child Workers in Asia say that some 200,000 children from Burma, Cambodia and Laos have been trafficked into Thailand, the main magnet for migrants in the region. Many are trafficked for sex and construction work, and to work in sweatshops.
The group also estimates that 95 percent of child beggars in Thailand are from Cambodia. In March 2004, the Thai police deported 236 Cambodians, of whom 142 were children.
"Our task is to follow up some reports from radio, newspapers, or other communities that have such kinds of cases," explained Moung Mearedey, project coordinator of CWCC that works in the areas of domestic violence, trafficking of women and rape.
"Then, we go to investigate. We often ask the police and the local authorities for intervention to help release victims," she added. "For instance, when we have enough evidence indicating that a brothel or a pimp has cheated a woman into sex work, we have to cooperate with the police and the local authorities to release her."
The organisation also trains women on how to avoid being tricked into being trafficked. "Most victims", she said, are lured by traffickers who tell them, 'If you want to earn a lot of money, please go to work in Thailand where much money is waiting for you.'
After arriving in Thailand, some get jobs as waitresses or fruit vendors for a few days, but soon thereafter they are sent to work in the city's red light areas, and similar places. The best option for victims like these is to run away from the brothels and report to the police, explains Moung Mearedey.
The CWCC offers meals and accommodation to the rescued victims. It also provides them with skills in Khmer literature, sewing, and hairdressing for some six months until they feel more confident to return home.
"The main reason for trafficking is poverty. Therefore, traffickers can easily lure poor women. If the government creates more job opportunities and more development, the number of migrants will go down," said Moung Mearedey.
Besides the CWCC, there are other organisations working with vulnerable groups at the border like the Don Bosco Children's Centre, an Italian-based Catholic organisation here in Poipet, which is known as a hub for business and criminal activities. The centre takes in not only trafficked children but vulnerable children, says Kong Chamroeun, supervisor of the children's centre. The 35 children there now are provided meals, clothing and study materials.
Twelve-year-old Chey Khon, like many of the children at the centre, was brought to Thailand to work as a beggar.
"It was the most terrible situation I have ever been in," said 12-year-old Chey Khon, who hails from Cambodia's eastern province of Kampong Cham. She dropped out of school and decided to go to Thailand with her 10-year-old sister to work as beggars. "I did not know where Thailand was, but I just knew that I had to earn money for my family," she said.
In September 2004, she and her sister were detained for begging. She said that while in Bangkok, they begged money from foreign tourists but not Thais because "The Thai people hated Cambodian people. I did not know why," she said.
On the Thai side of the border, in Aranyaprathet, the World Vision Foundation of Thailand has been trying to tackle the issue of child trafficking from the receiving end. Project Coordinator Yuwarat Chuachuaychoo explains that the project has set up a cross-border network, a drop-in centre in the Rongklua market area, and a referral system -- to ensure the children's safe return home to Cambodia.
The project also provides informal education in Thai, Khmer, math and agriculture and has facilities for sports, and counselling.
According to Yuwarat, about 250 children attend her drop-in centre every month. "We want to reduce the number of children exploited along the border of Thailand and Cambodia," she said. "I believe that if they all get an education they will not go to Thailand,"
Choun was brought to Bangkok to beg. "I was hit if I did not get money," the 12-year-old explained.
She came to Thailand after her father remarried when her mother passed away. A Cambodian couple told her that she could earn a lot of money in Bangkok - and promised to take her to the Thai capital if she agreed to share her earnings with them.
Bangkok was a totally different experience. Choun Thon travelled to many places to beg and earned between 300 to 500 baht (7.5 to 12.5 dollars) a day, though half of this went to the agents. She said she dreamt of earning lots of money, eating delicious food and buying nice clothes.
"I felt okay because it was not only I who was begging, but also many other Cambodians. I was really happy to make so much money on the streets," she recalled.
However, things soon changed for the worse. After a month in Bangkok, the Thai police arrested her and other beggars while they were asking money from foreigners. They were sent back to Poipet after being detained for a few days in a Thai jail. "Now I know Bangkok. It is heaven, but for beggars it is hell," said Chuon Thon, who is still a beggar in Poipet.
In Cambodia, the weak enforcement of anti-trafficking laws has ensured that the trade in human beings continues. According to the law, traffickers face 15 to 20 years in prison. "Law enforcement is still poor," said an NGO worker who asked not to be named. "Bribery is also widespread amongst Cambodian officials," he added.
According to a report from Mahidol University's Institute of Population and Social Research in Thailand, trafficked youngsters suffer the most from exploitative child labour. "Children living in a foreign country with foreign customs and language are easily deceived and often treated like slaves," said the report. "In their isolation, they do not know where to turn for help. They cannot use normal channels, and often face discrimination and harassment."
The report, commissioned by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), defines a trafficked child as one "who is recruited and transported from one place to another across a national border, with or without the child's consent". (END)
*Soy Sophea wrote this article under the 'Our Mekong: A Vision amid Globalisation' programme.
Cambodia Celebrates ICJ’s Decision on Preah Vihear Temple
By Soy Sophea
Cambodia on June 15 celebrated the 46th anniversary of the verdict of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that Preah Vihear belongs to Cambodia. The celebration was organized in front of Wat Botum Vadei in Phnom Penh by a group of local NGOs. Officials from civil societies took part in the event and a performance group acted out stories related to the history of Preah Vihear temple.
Meoung Son, Organizer of the event, said it was the first time such a ceremony had been held since Cambodia obtained the Hindu temple from the Hague-based ICJ on June 15, 1962.
He said that, “The purpose of the ceremony was to remind Cambodians of this aspect of the nation’s history, and the background issues used to justify the presentation of the temple buildings to Cambodia in perpetuity.”
He added that the ceremony also publicized the Cambodian government’s effort to enter the temple into UNESCO’s (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) world heritage list in July 2008.
Sok Samoeun, president of a local NGO, said that this temple absolutely belongs to Cambodia according the verdict of the ICJ.
Eang Sithul, president of the Khmer Artists Association, also promised that the ceremony would be held every year to commemorate the induction of the Preah Vihear Temple complex into the World Heritage list.
Cambodia on June 15 celebrated the 46th anniversary of the verdict of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that Preah Vihear belongs to Cambodia. The celebration was organized in front of Wat Botum Vadei in Phnom Penh by a group of local NGOs. Officials from civil societies took part in the event and a performance group acted out stories related to the history of Preah Vihear temple.
Meoung Son, Organizer of the event, said it was the first time such a ceremony had been held since Cambodia obtained the Hindu temple from the Hague-based ICJ on June 15, 1962.
He said that, “The purpose of the ceremony was to remind Cambodians of this aspect of the nation’s history, and the background issues used to justify the presentation of the temple buildings to Cambodia in perpetuity.”
He added that the ceremony also publicized the Cambodian government’s effort to enter the temple into UNESCO’s (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) world heritage list in July 2008.
Sok Samoeun, president of a local NGO, said that this temple absolutely belongs to Cambodia according the verdict of the ICJ.
Eang Sithul, president of the Khmer Artists Association, also promised that the ceremony would be held every year to commemorate the induction of the Preah Vihear Temple complex into the World Heritage list.
Dog Meat Flavor of the Month for Some Young Cambodians: The Older Generation Shudders
By Soy Sophea
A growing number of Cambodians are starting to develop a taste for Man’s Best Friend, though this dish has never formed a part of the traditional Khmer dinner table.
“Dog meat tastes delicious,” said Sok Nika, a 29-year-old consumer who buys the meat from a specialist butcher, located on the corner of the roads 205 and 374, about 300 meters from a major Phnom Penh hotel. “We are regular customers. I come to have dog meat here with a friend of mine,” said Nika “and we just can’t get enough of the stuff. We love it.”
The tall, sleek, well padded young gentleman added that he recommended the place to all, as it made excellent value for money. Yet even his high society friends did not look down on the dog shops as they too had become dog-meat aficionados.
Tes Bunrith, 22, a construction worker also enjoys eating dog meat. According to him, it makes a tasty alternative to pricey beef dishes and when he visits Phnom Penh’s beer gardens, he is able to keep his friends well fed for hours with doggie dishes.
He said he couldn’t care less for the opinions of those who criticized consumers of the flesh of dogs. He saw the issue in terms of rights and as there is no law prohibiting consumption, he was going to exercise those rights. “I have heard it said that dogs are friendly and useful to man and that those who eat them are behaving immorally. Whatever!”
A waiter who works at a shop selling dog meat said in anonymity that his shop serves grilled, fried, boiled or curried puppies. Over the past three years, on an average day, we get through nearly 20 kilograms of dog. That boils down to around five units per day. We have some regular customers and they would not be pleased if they had to go without.
He added that grilled dog meat sells for 15,000 riel per kilogram. He added that the dogs were taken from Kampong Chhnang, Kandal, Takeo, Kampot and Battambang provinces. “We serve dog meat, so the dogs can come from Sirius as far as we’re concerned,” he said. “We care about profit and customer satisfaction.”
An angry dog owner, San Vicheth, who has lost ten of his pets so far to the trade, urged all those who eat dog meat to give up.
“They protect our homes and they are honest and friendly to us. In return, we eat them. That is just wrong on so many levels.” Vicheth said. “I am not a man given to violent passions, but I hate those who killed my dogs. They were German Shepard dogs, a beautiful but expensive breed.”
Meach Ponn, Advisor to the Khmer Traditional Council, said in general, Cambodian people have never eaten dog meat and when they have it was a sign that all was not well.
Ponn remembered a time during the Pol Pot regime, when his friends invited him to eat dog meat, but he preferred to starve, rather than to eat dog meat.
“In my life I have never eaten any dog meat although I keep a couple of dogs at home. They are such useful animals for looking after livestock and hunting. Eating dog meat? No, not for me, thanks.”
A growing number of Cambodians are starting to develop a taste for Man’s Best Friend, though this dish has never formed a part of the traditional Khmer dinner table.
“Dog meat tastes delicious,” said Sok Nika, a 29-year-old consumer who buys the meat from a specialist butcher, located on the corner of the roads 205 and 374, about 300 meters from a major Phnom Penh hotel. “We are regular customers. I come to have dog meat here with a friend of mine,” said Nika “and we just can’t get enough of the stuff. We love it.”
The tall, sleek, well padded young gentleman added that he recommended the place to all, as it made excellent value for money. Yet even his high society friends did not look down on the dog shops as they too had become dog-meat aficionados.
Tes Bunrith, 22, a construction worker also enjoys eating dog meat. According to him, it makes a tasty alternative to pricey beef dishes and when he visits Phnom Penh’s beer gardens, he is able to keep his friends well fed for hours with doggie dishes.
He said he couldn’t care less for the opinions of those who criticized consumers of the flesh of dogs. He saw the issue in terms of rights and as there is no law prohibiting consumption, he was going to exercise those rights. “I have heard it said that dogs are friendly and useful to man and that those who eat them are behaving immorally. Whatever!”
A waiter who works at a shop selling dog meat said in anonymity that his shop serves grilled, fried, boiled or curried puppies. Over the past three years, on an average day, we get through nearly 20 kilograms of dog. That boils down to around five units per day. We have some regular customers and they would not be pleased if they had to go without.
He added that grilled dog meat sells for 15,000 riel per kilogram. He added that the dogs were taken from Kampong Chhnang, Kandal, Takeo, Kampot and Battambang provinces. “We serve dog meat, so the dogs can come from Sirius as far as we’re concerned,” he said. “We care about profit and customer satisfaction.”
An angry dog owner, San Vicheth, who has lost ten of his pets so far to the trade, urged all those who eat dog meat to give up.
“They protect our homes and they are honest and friendly to us. In return, we eat them. That is just wrong on so many levels.” Vicheth said. “I am not a man given to violent passions, but I hate those who killed my dogs. They were German Shepard dogs, a beautiful but expensive breed.”
Meach Ponn, Advisor to the Khmer Traditional Council, said in general, Cambodian people have never eaten dog meat and when they have it was a sign that all was not well.
Ponn remembered a time during the Pol Pot regime, when his friends invited him to eat dog meat, but he preferred to starve, rather than to eat dog meat.
“In my life I have never eaten any dog meat although I keep a couple of dogs at home. They are such useful animals for looking after livestock and hunting. Eating dog meat? No, not for me, thanks.”
“Sacred Legacy” Photo Exhibition held in Phnom Penh
By Soy Sophea
The American “Sacred Legacy” photo exhibition was on display at the Sovanna Shopping Centre Phnom Penh, early last week. The photo exhibition was organized by the Embassy of the United States in Cambodia. It has been held from June 14-29, 2008. The full title reads “Sacred Legacy: Edward Curtis and the North American Indian”.
“The subject matter was fascinating and it was well worth a second look to see long-lost photos on display in a modern setting,” said a Cambodian professional photographer, casting an educated eye over the images of the past on display in the shopping mall.
Mak Remissa, a photographer with 12 years professional experience, could not contain his enthusiasm when he saw the free-to-enter photo gallery visit Phnom Penh. He has also seen the exhibition in Canada, France, and the United States.
Sao Phearak, an architecture student said that he was impressed with the vision displayed by the American photographer Edward Curtis who devoted his life to taking photographs that captured images of a fast disappearing way of life.
Phearak said that he wanted to see Cambodian photographers to do the same, focusing their lenses on the indigenous peoples of North East Cambodia—Rattanakiri, Mondolkiri provinces.
Joseph A. Mussomeli, the US Ambassador to Cambodia, said that the exhibition illustrates the broad and extraordinary diversity among the indigenous peoples of North America. He said that the exhibition featured 60 photographs that many people consider the definitive images of the North American Indians—celebrating the native peoples of North America, their history and their culture.
“The exhibition’s sixty museum-quality fine art photographic prints are recreations of an extremely rare process originally employed by Curtis for his most prized images. He used various papers and processes that combined materials such as silver, platinum, various pigments and so on,” said the US Ambassador.
The Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sok An said that the exhibition was a great symbol of the friendship between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Cambodia. He also admired the photographer’s ability to create stunningly rich visual impressions some one hundred years after their images were created.
In his lifetime, Edward Curtis created 45,000 photographic images of Native Americans, constituting the most comprehensive ethnographic record of this society.
His pictures are serene and hauntingly beautiful. They depict men and women in their daily routines, with their animals, becoming one with their surroundings and nature.
The American “Sacred Legacy” photo exhibition was on display at the Sovanna Shopping Centre Phnom Penh, early last week. The photo exhibition was organized by the Embassy of the United States in Cambodia. It has been held from June 14-29, 2008. The full title reads “Sacred Legacy: Edward Curtis and the North American Indian”.
“The subject matter was fascinating and it was well worth a second look to see long-lost photos on display in a modern setting,” said a Cambodian professional photographer, casting an educated eye over the images of the past on display in the shopping mall.
Mak Remissa, a photographer with 12 years professional experience, could not contain his enthusiasm when he saw the free-to-enter photo gallery visit Phnom Penh. He has also seen the exhibition in Canada, France, and the United States.
Sao Phearak, an architecture student said that he was impressed with the vision displayed by the American photographer Edward Curtis who devoted his life to taking photographs that captured images of a fast disappearing way of life.
Phearak said that he wanted to see Cambodian photographers to do the same, focusing their lenses on the indigenous peoples of North East Cambodia—Rattanakiri, Mondolkiri provinces.
Joseph A. Mussomeli, the US Ambassador to Cambodia, said that the exhibition illustrates the broad and extraordinary diversity among the indigenous peoples of North America. He said that the exhibition featured 60 photographs that many people consider the definitive images of the North American Indians—celebrating the native peoples of North America, their history and their culture.
“The exhibition’s sixty museum-quality fine art photographic prints are recreations of an extremely rare process originally employed by Curtis for his most prized images. He used various papers and processes that combined materials such as silver, platinum, various pigments and so on,” said the US Ambassador.
The Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sok An said that the exhibition was a great symbol of the friendship between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Cambodia. He also admired the photographer’s ability to create stunningly rich visual impressions some one hundred years after their images were created.
In his lifetime, Edward Curtis created 45,000 photographic images of Native Americans, constituting the most comprehensive ethnographic record of this society.
His pictures are serene and hauntingly beautiful. They depict men and women in their daily routines, with their animals, becoming one with their surroundings and nature.
Lesbians Demand Official Recognition for Same Sex Marriages: Officials Say “Need More Time”
By Soy Sophea
27-year-old Chok Sophoan, a lesbian and steely opponent of all who look down on her kind was subdued when discussing her life. She was of the opinion that the world often either misrepresents or reacts with outright hostility to the orientation.
Sophoan said she wants everyone to call her “Mr.” as she believes she is in possession of a male mind, trapped however within a distinctly female biological vehicle. Since the age of six, her behavior has been that of the Tomboy, despite her parents’ pleas to change. Naturally, she appreciates the quality of femininity in other women, but on a personal level, she thinks, eats, sleeps, loves and persists in the form of a man; a gentleman at that-one who professes to enjoy all the public and private delights of a healthy, monogamous marriage.
She said that her marriage had received neither traditional, nor official sanction, and this is a matter of some concern for her. “I want everyone, not only my family, to recognize our right to a traditional marriage and a legally binding married relationship thereafter. These are rights enjoyed by the whole of humanity, but apparently our sexuality makes us somewhat less than human in the eyes of the world, for these rights are denied us.”
Su Sotheavy, Director of the Women’s Network for Unity, a local Cambodian non-governmental organization, said that her organization sought to promote a clearer, kinder and legally balanced response to the existence of people with alternative sexual identities.
Sotheavy’s organization currently has 5,000 members. “We believe that the network will go nationwide in the near future, but for now we are going to learn to walk before we can run and we will limit our operations to educating the populace. We hope this will result in the reduction of discrimination.”
Pich Sochea, 42, a transvestite and member of the network, also called for an end to discrimination. As is the case in other countries, he asked legislative and executive officials to allow them to have the right to a legally binding same-sex marriage.
Moreover, he wanted authorities to record his gender as female, even though he is a biological male. “I’m Everywoman and I want society to recognize that fact, not turn away, wishing I was something else. Our existence as a persecuted minority is an indication of separation within Cambodian society, a separation that must be healed, if there is to be national unity.”
Thun Saray, President of ADHOC (Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association), said that the requests of same-sex lovers ran parallel to laws that uphold the United Nations. Although international law allows anyone to get married with whom they like, the concept was considered to be novel and somewhat outlandish when placed in the context of Cambodian society.
He continued, “I think it would be an excellent idea to allow same sex marriages. It seems a little odd now, but after a proper period of debate, these ideas will find acceptance. At the moment, though, I simply cannot understand humanity’s fear of difference or change. Without these qualities, life would never get beyond the single cell stage. It seems clear to me at least, that the recognition of these minorities can only bring an additional vibrant and colorful dimension to Cambodian society. They did not ask to be born this way, but they are proud of who they are and they have rights just like every other Cambodian.”
Cheam Yeap, Permanent Commission Member of the National Assembly, said, “Personally, I want them to have the same rights to marriage as anybody else, but in a Nation still very much governed by tradition, this will be a huge step. It will require a period of very earnest and clear sighted debate before it can be accepted. However, the relatively small numbers involved should result in laws produced in a reasonable time. Beyond this, I can be no more specific as to a timeline.”
27-year-old Chok Sophoan, a lesbian and steely opponent of all who look down on her kind was subdued when discussing her life. She was of the opinion that the world often either misrepresents or reacts with outright hostility to the orientation.
Sophoan said she wants everyone to call her “Mr.” as she believes she is in possession of a male mind, trapped however within a distinctly female biological vehicle. Since the age of six, her behavior has been that of the Tomboy, despite her parents’ pleas to change. Naturally, she appreciates the quality of femininity in other women, but on a personal level, she thinks, eats, sleeps, loves and persists in the form of a man; a gentleman at that-one who professes to enjoy all the public and private delights of a healthy, monogamous marriage.
She said that her marriage had received neither traditional, nor official sanction, and this is a matter of some concern for her. “I want everyone, not only my family, to recognize our right to a traditional marriage and a legally binding married relationship thereafter. These are rights enjoyed by the whole of humanity, but apparently our sexuality makes us somewhat less than human in the eyes of the world, for these rights are denied us.”
Su Sotheavy, Director of the Women’s Network for Unity, a local Cambodian non-governmental organization, said that her organization sought to promote a clearer, kinder and legally balanced response to the existence of people with alternative sexual identities.
Sotheavy’s organization currently has 5,000 members. “We believe that the network will go nationwide in the near future, but for now we are going to learn to walk before we can run and we will limit our operations to educating the populace. We hope this will result in the reduction of discrimination.”
Pich Sochea, 42, a transvestite and member of the network, also called for an end to discrimination. As is the case in other countries, he asked legislative and executive officials to allow them to have the right to a legally binding same-sex marriage.
Moreover, he wanted authorities to record his gender as female, even though he is a biological male. “I’m Everywoman and I want society to recognize that fact, not turn away, wishing I was something else. Our existence as a persecuted minority is an indication of separation within Cambodian society, a separation that must be healed, if there is to be national unity.”
Thun Saray, President of ADHOC (Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association), said that the requests of same-sex lovers ran parallel to laws that uphold the United Nations. Although international law allows anyone to get married with whom they like, the concept was considered to be novel and somewhat outlandish when placed in the context of Cambodian society.
He continued, “I think it would be an excellent idea to allow same sex marriages. It seems a little odd now, but after a proper period of debate, these ideas will find acceptance. At the moment, though, I simply cannot understand humanity’s fear of difference or change. Without these qualities, life would never get beyond the single cell stage. It seems clear to me at least, that the recognition of these minorities can only bring an additional vibrant and colorful dimension to Cambodian society. They did not ask to be born this way, but they are proud of who they are and they have rights just like every other Cambodian.”
Cheam Yeap, Permanent Commission Member of the National Assembly, said, “Personally, I want them to have the same rights to marriage as anybody else, but in a Nation still very much governed by tradition, this will be a huge step. It will require a period of very earnest and clear sighted debate before it can be accepted. However, the relatively small numbers involved should result in laws produced in a reasonable time. Beyond this, I can be no more specific as to a timeline.”
Hotel Chefs Insist Cambodian Farmers Produce More Vegetables
By Soy Sophea
Chefs at luxury hotels in Cambodia urged Cambodian farmers to do their best to challenge the marketing conditions of local vegetables in order to serve more of them at high level hotels. But Farmers themselves said they need more help and technical assistance.
Ker Sokuthea, Chief at Sunway Hotel in Phnom Penh, said that the quality of vegetables produced by Cambodian farmers is not good enough compared to the vegetables imported from Vietnam.
Sokunthea, 44, who has served as a chef for 15 years, added that nowadays, among the 80 kilograms of vegetables that his Sunway Hotel uses per day, only 20 percent of them were local ones. He said he wanted to use 40% of local vegetables at his hotel in the future. And he urged Cambodian farmers to produce more vegetables to supply the market’s demand.
He said, “We really want to buy more vegetables from our local farmers, but they cannot meet our demand.”
Sokunthea explained that local suppliers cannot meet the hotel’s demand regularly. When the hotel orders much more, they are hardly able to supply the need. He added that local vegetable producers do not serve as the wholesalers and they supply just a small amount for daily use. “We need a regularly supply in terms of quality and quantity.”
He said that his Sunway Hotel buys vegetables from a wholesaler who imports from Vietnam. “The vegetables imported from Vietnam have good quality and meet our standards,” he said.
Sokunthea suggested to local farmers that in meeting the marketing challenging, they must update their techniques and improve the quality of the products, especially packaging.
“Even though our products [vegetables] are cheap to buy, at the same time the quality and quantity must also be improved,” he said.
“Hotel customers have never complained about the quality although we buy local products,” he said. “We choose good ones.”
Kuy Thy, 28, Chef at the Phnom Penh Hotel, said that he was impressed with local vegetables and they were fit to serve at a quality hotel. He said that his hotel used at least 100 kilograms of vegetables, around 80 percent of them local. He said that local vegetables now have good quality and are cheaper compared to imported products.
“We use local products because they are cheap and have good quality,” Thy said.
He added that the vegetables are taken from Kampong Cham, Kampong Speu, and Kandal provinces.
He added that he wanted to see Cambodian vegetable used at other quality star-rated hotels. He urged Cambodian farmers or anyone who wanted to invest in the area to increase the yield and quality whilst maintaining reasonable prices.
A farmer at Mean Chey district in Phnom Penh said he planted vegetables including tomatoes, cabbages and cucumbers without using chemical fertilizers in order to attract buyers. Chey Sambo, 51, who plants vegetables on a half hectare of land, said that he wanted to plant regularly to supply the demands of restaurants and hotels in Phnom Penh but due to land limitations, he cannot increase the yield.
Yang Saing Koma, President of the Cambodia Center for Study and Development in Agriculture (CEDAC), said the quality and quantity of vegetables grown in Cambodia is still not good enough. He said that Cambodian farmers producing vegetables are able to supply household demands, but this was not a suitable foundation for investment.
He said that the local product does not meet domestic demand, so that more products have been imported which is normal in free markets. “We cannot blame those who import products, but farmers have to combine as groups to plant regularly, to ensure even standards of quality and quantity.”
He said that in the current situation, there is no investment in vegetables and there should be to serve people, especially the nearly two million tourists visiting Cambodia. He added that if there is investment, the quantity and quality of local vegetables will improve.
Chefs at luxury hotels in Cambodia urged Cambodian farmers to do their best to challenge the marketing conditions of local vegetables in order to serve more of them at high level hotels. But Farmers themselves said they need more help and technical assistance.
Ker Sokuthea, Chief at Sunway Hotel in Phnom Penh, said that the quality of vegetables produced by Cambodian farmers is not good enough compared to the vegetables imported from Vietnam.
Sokunthea, 44, who has served as a chef for 15 years, added that nowadays, among the 80 kilograms of vegetables that his Sunway Hotel uses per day, only 20 percent of them were local ones. He said he wanted to use 40% of local vegetables at his hotel in the future. And he urged Cambodian farmers to produce more vegetables to supply the market’s demand.
He said, “We really want to buy more vegetables from our local farmers, but they cannot meet our demand.”
Sokunthea explained that local suppliers cannot meet the hotel’s demand regularly. When the hotel orders much more, they are hardly able to supply the need. He added that local vegetable producers do not serve as the wholesalers and they supply just a small amount for daily use. “We need a regularly supply in terms of quality and quantity.”
He said that his Sunway Hotel buys vegetables from a wholesaler who imports from Vietnam. “The vegetables imported from Vietnam have good quality and meet our standards,” he said.
Sokunthea suggested to local farmers that in meeting the marketing challenging, they must update their techniques and improve the quality of the products, especially packaging.
“Even though our products [vegetables] are cheap to buy, at the same time the quality and quantity must also be improved,” he said.
“Hotel customers have never complained about the quality although we buy local products,” he said. “We choose good ones.”
Kuy Thy, 28, Chef at the Phnom Penh Hotel, said that he was impressed with local vegetables and they were fit to serve at a quality hotel. He said that his hotel used at least 100 kilograms of vegetables, around 80 percent of them local. He said that local vegetables now have good quality and are cheaper compared to imported products.
“We use local products because they are cheap and have good quality,” Thy said.
He added that the vegetables are taken from Kampong Cham, Kampong Speu, and Kandal provinces.
He added that he wanted to see Cambodian vegetable used at other quality star-rated hotels. He urged Cambodian farmers or anyone who wanted to invest in the area to increase the yield and quality whilst maintaining reasonable prices.
A farmer at Mean Chey district in Phnom Penh said he planted vegetables including tomatoes, cabbages and cucumbers without using chemical fertilizers in order to attract buyers. Chey Sambo, 51, who plants vegetables on a half hectare of land, said that he wanted to plant regularly to supply the demands of restaurants and hotels in Phnom Penh but due to land limitations, he cannot increase the yield.
Yang Saing Koma, President of the Cambodia Center for Study and Development in Agriculture (CEDAC), said the quality and quantity of vegetables grown in Cambodia is still not good enough. He said that Cambodian farmers producing vegetables are able to supply household demands, but this was not a suitable foundation for investment.
He said that the local product does not meet domestic demand, so that more products have been imported which is normal in free markets. “We cannot blame those who import products, but farmers have to combine as groups to plant regularly, to ensure even standards of quality and quantity.”
He said that in the current situation, there is no investment in vegetables and there should be to serve people, especially the nearly two million tourists visiting Cambodia. He added that if there is investment, the quantity and quality of local vegetables will improve.
Mekong Flood Warnings to Come Earlier
By Soy Sophea
Warnings of flooding along the Mekong River and its tributaries should come earlier in future, thanks to investments currently being made in the regional forecasting system through the Mekong River Commission’s (MRC) Flood Management and Mitigation Programme.
According to a press statement dated May 27, delegates at the Sixth Annual Flood Forum, held in Phnom Penh May 27-28, addressed the issue of people vulnerable to flooding in the Lower Mekong Basin. They should soon receive better warning of inundation events. Improvements in technology and cooperation among the MRC member states, Cambodia, the Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam, plus enhanced capacity in data gathering and analysis services in each country, means that maximum advanced notice for forecasting floods will increase from five days to ten before the next rainy season.
The statement also raised the recent tragic events in Myanmar as justification for the need to analyse weather and development patterns carefully, and to share information on a real-time basis to judge the threats of flooding.
Vice Chairman of Cambodia’s National Mekong Committee, Sin Niny, told the meeting that rapid population growth in the region, together with urbanisation and changes in land use and river morphology, mean that the existing flood warning capacity needs upgrading. In accord with this, the four countries that constitute membership of the MRC are to develop a new system that can provide medium-term flood forecasts.
The annual forum, organised by the MRC’s Regional Flood Management and Mitigation Centre in Phnom Penh, is held to improve scientific and logistical cooperation and aims to ensure that people along the Mekong and its tributaries are less vulnerable to flood damage, but can continue to benefit from the positive aspects of annual inundation. This year’s forum is held under the theme “Integrated Approaches and Applicable Systems for Medium-term Flood Forecasting and Early Warning in the Mekong River Basin”.
Warnings of flooding along the Mekong River and its tributaries should come earlier in future, thanks to investments currently being made in the regional forecasting system through the Mekong River Commission’s (MRC) Flood Management and Mitigation Programme.
According to a press statement dated May 27, delegates at the Sixth Annual Flood Forum, held in Phnom Penh May 27-28, addressed the issue of people vulnerable to flooding in the Lower Mekong Basin. They should soon receive better warning of inundation events. Improvements in technology and cooperation among the MRC member states, Cambodia, the Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam, plus enhanced capacity in data gathering and analysis services in each country, means that maximum advanced notice for forecasting floods will increase from five days to ten before the next rainy season.
The statement also raised the recent tragic events in Myanmar as justification for the need to analyse weather and development patterns carefully, and to share information on a real-time basis to judge the threats of flooding.
Vice Chairman of Cambodia’s National Mekong Committee, Sin Niny, told the meeting that rapid population growth in the region, together with urbanisation and changes in land use and river morphology, mean that the existing flood warning capacity needs upgrading. In accord with this, the four countries that constitute membership of the MRC are to develop a new system that can provide medium-term flood forecasts.
The annual forum, organised by the MRC’s Regional Flood Management and Mitigation Centre in Phnom Penh, is held to improve scientific and logistical cooperation and aims to ensure that people along the Mekong and its tributaries are less vulnerable to flood damage, but can continue to benefit from the positive aspects of annual inundation. This year’s forum is held under the theme “Integrated Approaches and Applicable Systems for Medium-term Flood Forecasting and Early Warning in the Mekong River Basin”.
PAGODAS REMAIN GOOD PLACES FOR THE POOR
By Soy Sophea
It took nearly ten years for Chham Roeung, 30, to become properly qualified and later, employed, after leaving high school in Prey Veng province.
Roeung was born in Mesang district of Prey Veng, about one hundred kilometers east of the capital. He decided to fi nd a new life in Phnom Penh and pagodas played a vital role in helping him reach these goals.
In retelling his life story, Roeung said he became a Pagoda Boy in 1998. He said that staying at Wat Than, located located on Norodom Boulevard about one kilometer from the Independence Monument, gave him support necessary over the four years it took to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. It has all been well worth the effort, for as the enthusiastic graduate said of himself, “I have changed my life from being a farmer to being an NGO offi cer and eventually, I hope, a successful businessman. Without the helpof the pagoda, I would have gained nothing.”
Moreover, the man who wants to progress towards postgraduate qualifications advised all students to take their work seriously and study hard.
“Time doesn’t wait for you and four years at university seems to be over in the blink of an eye. If you neglect your studies, you will get left behind very quickly,” said Roeung.
Long Heng, 28, who has also stayed at pagoda for many years, was born in Kroch Chmar district, Kampong Cham province. He moved to the Sampov Meas pagoda in Phnom Penh in 1994.
He said the reason why he moved away from his family was because he saw no prospects in his homeland, about 150 kilometers from Phnom Penh.
He went on to describe his life at the pagoda. When he first arrived, he found it hard to adjust to pagoda life. He made his living selling newspapers and bread, but now he
is able to make a better living as a journalist.
He said in 2006, he studied hard at university and was then qualified to work as a journalist for Xinhua News Agency in Phnom Penh office.
“Life was limited for me at my homeland,” he said. “I can say that the pagoda has changed my life in countless ways and turned me into a good, productive citizen.”
He said he learnt a lot about life at the pagoda by listening to monks’ advice. He
also praised the pagoda boy’s capacity for empathy and solidarity with his fellows.
“As a pagoda boy, I benefited from the learning of monks. It is now my turn to
share knowledge and experience among our pagoda boys,” he said. “They are good
at studying and appreciate the effort.”
The Venerable Huot Nget, 40, Director of Choun Narth Library at Wat Than, said that a pagoda provides good shelter for all, not only the poor but also those who want to study as well. He has supported nearly one hundred pagoda boys over the years. Those boys have gone on to become doctors, government officials, NGO operatives and shining examples of the benefits of the pagoda tradition.
The phrase Pagoda Boy is known throughout Cambodia. Decades ago, all men needed to serve their time as monks before they could get married, otherwise the parents of marriageable ladies would not allow their daughters to tie the knot. At that time, there were fewer public schools than there are today. The majority of schooling was conducted in pagodas and men with academic dreams therefore had to become monks in order to study. This situation change independence from the French Colonial in 1953. (CW)
It took nearly ten years for Chham Roeung, 30, to become properly qualified and later, employed, after leaving high school in Prey Veng province.
Roeung was born in Mesang district of Prey Veng, about one hundred kilometers east of the capital. He decided to fi nd a new life in Phnom Penh and pagodas played a vital role in helping him reach these goals.
In retelling his life story, Roeung said he became a Pagoda Boy in 1998. He said that staying at Wat Than, located located on Norodom Boulevard about one kilometer from the Independence Monument, gave him support necessary over the four years it took to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. It has all been well worth the effort, for as the enthusiastic graduate said of himself, “I have changed my life from being a farmer to being an NGO offi cer and eventually, I hope, a successful businessman. Without the helpof the pagoda, I would have gained nothing.”
Moreover, the man who wants to progress towards postgraduate qualifications advised all students to take their work seriously and study hard.
“Time doesn’t wait for you and four years at university seems to be over in the blink of an eye. If you neglect your studies, you will get left behind very quickly,” said Roeung.
Long Heng, 28, who has also stayed at pagoda for many years, was born in Kroch Chmar district, Kampong Cham province. He moved to the Sampov Meas pagoda in Phnom Penh in 1994.
He said the reason why he moved away from his family was because he saw no prospects in his homeland, about 150 kilometers from Phnom Penh.
He went on to describe his life at the pagoda. When he first arrived, he found it hard to adjust to pagoda life. He made his living selling newspapers and bread, but now he
is able to make a better living as a journalist.
He said in 2006, he studied hard at university and was then qualified to work as a journalist for Xinhua News Agency in Phnom Penh office.
“Life was limited for me at my homeland,” he said. “I can say that the pagoda has changed my life in countless ways and turned me into a good, productive citizen.”
He said he learnt a lot about life at the pagoda by listening to monks’ advice. He
also praised the pagoda boy’s capacity for empathy and solidarity with his fellows.
“As a pagoda boy, I benefited from the learning of monks. It is now my turn to
share knowledge and experience among our pagoda boys,” he said. “They are good
at studying and appreciate the effort.”
The Venerable Huot Nget, 40, Director of Choun Narth Library at Wat Than, said that a pagoda provides good shelter for all, not only the poor but also those who want to study as well. He has supported nearly one hundred pagoda boys over the years. Those boys have gone on to become doctors, government officials, NGO operatives and shining examples of the benefits of the pagoda tradition.
The phrase Pagoda Boy is known throughout Cambodia. Decades ago, all men needed to serve their time as monks before they could get married, otherwise the parents of marriageable ladies would not allow their daughters to tie the knot. At that time, there were fewer public schools than there are today. The majority of schooling was conducted in pagodas and men with academic dreams therefore had to become monks in order to study. This situation change independence from the French Colonial in 1953. (CW)
Price of Pig Feed Remains High, Local Pig Farmers Face Bankruptcy
By Soy Sophea
Cambodian pig farmers have expressed pessimism over the crippling price of feeding their pigs. Their concerns are compounded by the sale of cheap imported pork from Thailand.
These worries come despite the Prime Minister Hun Sen’s announcement earlier this month of the Government’s decision to impose no taxes on imported agricultural equipment and materials, including animal feed and raw materials for the production of animal feed. This announcement was made at the 13th Government-Private Forum held on April 23, in response to a request from the forum’s Agricultural Working Group.
He said that the decision would affect the importation of tractors, plowing machines, rice mills, harvesting equipment and machines for producing animal food.
Srun Pov, Vice President of the Cambodia Pig Association, told the Cambodia Weekly on April 28 that the price of animal foods, particularly for pigs had not fallen as yet; and whilst the price of feed remained high, consumers would pay dearly for pork.
Ing Chhayly, 37, a pig farmer in Kien Svay district, Kandal province was quick to draw the connection between cheap imports and high feed prices for local producers. He complained that, “Pork dealers are always quick enough to demand we reduce our prices, but they ignore us when we phone them to buy our pigs.”
Sawai Tangtanaporn, Vice President of the C.P. Cambodia CO., LTD which supplies agricultural food in Cambodia, said that the price of pig feed had risen from 602 riel for a kilogram in April 2006 to1,180 riel per kilogram in 2008.
The Thai business man added that the same exorbitant increases could be applied to the price of soy beans (2,850 riel in 2008, up from 1,228 riel in April 2006), cassava (360 riel in 2006, and 860 riel in 2008), wheat bran (420 riel in 2006, 925 riel in 2008), dried fish (1,600 riel in 2006, 3,150 riel in 2008) and fish meal (2,500 riel in 2006, 4,000 riel in 2008) [prices quoted are per kilogram].
Sawai also explained that pig prices in Thailand are cheaper than Cambodia. According to market prices on April 29, it costs 5,000 riel per kilogram of live pig and 10,000 riel per kilogram of pork, while in Cambodia, 9,500 riel to 10,000 riel buys a kilogram of live pig and 17,000 riel buys a kilogram of pork.
He said that he really wanted to decrease the price but he could not do so. His sincere concern for the plight of Cambodian pig farmers was modified by concern for his own interests. “If and when the Cambodian pig farmer starts to suffer, I suffer too. We stand or fall together.”
Cambodian pig farmers have expressed pessimism over the crippling price of feeding their pigs. Their concerns are compounded by the sale of cheap imported pork from Thailand.
These worries come despite the Prime Minister Hun Sen’s announcement earlier this month of the Government’s decision to impose no taxes on imported agricultural equipment and materials, including animal feed and raw materials for the production of animal feed. This announcement was made at the 13th Government-Private Forum held on April 23, in response to a request from the forum’s Agricultural Working Group.
He said that the decision would affect the importation of tractors, plowing machines, rice mills, harvesting equipment and machines for producing animal food.
Srun Pov, Vice President of the Cambodia Pig Association, told the Cambodia Weekly on April 28 that the price of animal foods, particularly for pigs had not fallen as yet; and whilst the price of feed remained high, consumers would pay dearly for pork.
Ing Chhayly, 37, a pig farmer in Kien Svay district, Kandal province was quick to draw the connection between cheap imports and high feed prices for local producers. He complained that, “Pork dealers are always quick enough to demand we reduce our prices, but they ignore us when we phone them to buy our pigs.”
Sawai Tangtanaporn, Vice President of the C.P. Cambodia CO., LTD which supplies agricultural food in Cambodia, said that the price of pig feed had risen from 602 riel for a kilogram in April 2006 to1,180 riel per kilogram in 2008.
The Thai business man added that the same exorbitant increases could be applied to the price of soy beans (2,850 riel in 2008, up from 1,228 riel in April 2006), cassava (360 riel in 2006, and 860 riel in 2008), wheat bran (420 riel in 2006, 925 riel in 2008), dried fish (1,600 riel in 2006, 3,150 riel in 2008) and fish meal (2,500 riel in 2006, 4,000 riel in 2008) [prices quoted are per kilogram].
Sawai also explained that pig prices in Thailand are cheaper than Cambodia. According to market prices on April 29, it costs 5,000 riel per kilogram of live pig and 10,000 riel per kilogram of pork, while in Cambodia, 9,500 riel to 10,000 riel buys a kilogram of live pig and 17,000 riel buys a kilogram of pork.
He said that he really wanted to decrease the price but he could not do so. His sincere concern for the plight of Cambodian pig farmers was modified by concern for his own interests. “If and when the Cambodian pig farmer starts to suffer, I suffer too. We stand or fall together.”
Primary School Students in Rattanakiri Facing Hardships When Attending School
By Soy Sophea
This year, the number of students enrolled for primary school places increased in Rattanakiri compared to previous study years. However, students who registered for the study year (2006-2007) were not able to attend schools regularly, according to education officials.
They explained that those young students were required to stay at home by their parents to help with the rubber or cashew nut harvest.
Khan Phirun, Director of the Education, Youths and Sports Department in Rattanakiri province, said that his department has made an effort to encourage all Cambodians to pay attention to education, be it formal or otherwise.
For this study year (2007-2008), the number of students enrolled for primary school places throughout Rattanakiri was 24,500, an increase of 1,500 compared to the previous study year (2006-2007) with only 23,000 students. However, an estimated 20 percent of students dropped out of school due to financial considerations.
Pol Vy, Chief of the Education Office in Bar Keo district, told the Cambodia Weekly that this study year, the number of students registered for primary schools in his district was up to 2,547 students, an increase of 35 percent compared to ‘06-‘07.
Vy said that at the end of 2006-2007, at least 12 percent of primary school students were compelled to give up their classes.
“We know the hardship that the students here have met,” he said. “So we have to continue to do our best to motivate them to come to schools. Necessity dictates however, that at harvest time, teachers are sitting around in empty classes.”
“I like to learn, and I want to become a civil servant and commune councilor member,” said a 12-year-old heroine, Miss Jai Puon, interviewed whilst selling vegetables near her cottage in Bar Keo district, Rattanakiri province. A member of the Jarai community, she used to study for five years at Khmer public school in Bar Keo. Naturally, since having to withdraw from education two years ago, her dreams have all but evaporated. She added that most of her fellow villagers have also given up on schooling in favour of farm work.
Speaking sotto voce, the consciousness of lost opportunities fixing her eyes to the floor, Miss Jai Puon said that she really wanted to keep studying just like other people of her age, but she could not do as she wanted. “My brothers and I were forced to quit school because of our lifestyle. We are not a regular people,” she said, as if irregularity were a crime worthy to be punished by the withdrawal of all hope for personal fulfillment. “We need to move from one place to another.”
She said that her 40-year-old mother told her not to study too much because it is the Jarai custom to be all but nomadic, moving from place to place every two years or so.
A 9-year-old lad said that he is now trying to studying grade1 at a community school in Lom Chor commune of O Ya Dav district. Much as this young scholar would like to, he is unable to attend school on a regular basis, for he has a real man’s job to do.
He said that his parents and four brothers and sisters are workers at a rubber plantation. He has part time work to do there, in between classes. “I am the only one in my family who has been given a chance to study and I appreciate it so much. If they could, I know my parents would send us all to school and then to University.”
The responsibility looks very big for such young, bird-like shoulders; but the determination in his eyes suggests that this young Cambodian hero is more than equal to the task.
This year, the number of students enrolled for primary school places increased in Rattanakiri compared to previous study years. However, students who registered for the study year (2006-2007) were not able to attend schools regularly, according to education officials.
They explained that those young students were required to stay at home by their parents to help with the rubber or cashew nut harvest.
Khan Phirun, Director of the Education, Youths and Sports Department in Rattanakiri province, said that his department has made an effort to encourage all Cambodians to pay attention to education, be it formal or otherwise.
For this study year (2007-2008), the number of students enrolled for primary school places throughout Rattanakiri was 24,500, an increase of 1,500 compared to the previous study year (2006-2007) with only 23,000 students. However, an estimated 20 percent of students dropped out of school due to financial considerations.
Pol Vy, Chief of the Education Office in Bar Keo district, told the Cambodia Weekly that this study year, the number of students registered for primary schools in his district was up to 2,547 students, an increase of 35 percent compared to ‘06-‘07.
Vy said that at the end of 2006-2007, at least 12 percent of primary school students were compelled to give up their classes.
“We know the hardship that the students here have met,” he said. “So we have to continue to do our best to motivate them to come to schools. Necessity dictates however, that at harvest time, teachers are sitting around in empty classes.”
“I like to learn, and I want to become a civil servant and commune councilor member,” said a 12-year-old heroine, Miss Jai Puon, interviewed whilst selling vegetables near her cottage in Bar Keo district, Rattanakiri province. A member of the Jarai community, she used to study for five years at Khmer public school in Bar Keo. Naturally, since having to withdraw from education two years ago, her dreams have all but evaporated. She added that most of her fellow villagers have also given up on schooling in favour of farm work.
Speaking sotto voce, the consciousness of lost opportunities fixing her eyes to the floor, Miss Jai Puon said that she really wanted to keep studying just like other people of her age, but she could not do as she wanted. “My brothers and I were forced to quit school because of our lifestyle. We are not a regular people,” she said, as if irregularity were a crime worthy to be punished by the withdrawal of all hope for personal fulfillment. “We need to move from one place to another.”
She said that her 40-year-old mother told her not to study too much because it is the Jarai custom to be all but nomadic, moving from place to place every two years or so.
A 9-year-old lad said that he is now trying to studying grade1 at a community school in Lom Chor commune of O Ya Dav district. Much as this young scholar would like to, he is unable to attend school on a regular basis, for he has a real man’s job to do.
He said that his parents and four brothers and sisters are workers at a rubber plantation. He has part time work to do there, in between classes. “I am the only one in my family who has been given a chance to study and I appreciate it so much. If they could, I know my parents would send us all to school and then to University.”
The responsibility looks very big for such young, bird-like shoulders; but the determination in his eyes suggests that this young Cambodian hero is more than equal to the task.
There are more than 170 Books Written about the Khmer Rouge
Posted date 20-02-2007Source Rasmei Kampuchea
By Soy Sophea
Phnom Penh: Although the Khmer Rouge killing field regime collapsed 28 years ago, many Cambodian and non-Cambodian authors have documented and written about the Democratic Kampuchea.
A report on the number of books concerning the Khmer Rouge appearing in Cambodia said that up to now, there have been about 170 books written and published in both Khmer and foreign languages most in in English and French.
Those books reflect authors’ opinions in term of politics, history, personal experiences, conflict resolution, reconciliation and documents from the regime. There is also a book written by Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen, entitle “Years of Cambodia’s Progress Between 1979-1989.”
Meanwhile, Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, the former heroic King of the Kingdom of Cambodia, also wrote many books concerning Khmer Rouge regime such as a book with the title “Communist in Cambodia,” which is a history book. Moreover, he wrote several books describing his own experiences, such as “Sweet and bitter anniversary,” “A Khmer Rouge prisoner,” “My war with US secret agents,” “Sihanouk’s memory.” One of his books entitled “War and hope” attempts to describe the Cambodian politics under the different regimes.
Of 170 books, 50.97% are published in English, 31.07% are published in Khmer and 17.96% are published in French.
Mr. Chang Youk, Director of the Document Center of Cambodia, recently received more than 500 books about the Khmer Rouge from Sweden. He said that even though all these documents were compiled in different languages, they are still valuable for readers who are from different nationalities. He hoped that there will be other authors appearing to share their ideas and knowledge of the Khmer Rouge regime.
Extracted from: Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.15, #4216, Tuesday 20 February 2007.
By Soy Sophea
Phnom Penh: Although the Khmer Rouge killing field regime collapsed 28 years ago, many Cambodian and non-Cambodian authors have documented and written about the Democratic Kampuchea.
A report on the number of books concerning the Khmer Rouge appearing in Cambodia said that up to now, there have been about 170 books written and published in both Khmer and foreign languages most in in English and French.
Those books reflect authors’ opinions in term of politics, history, personal experiences, conflict resolution, reconciliation and documents from the regime. There is also a book written by Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen, entitle “Years of Cambodia’s Progress Between 1979-1989.”
Meanwhile, Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, the former heroic King of the Kingdom of Cambodia, also wrote many books concerning Khmer Rouge regime such as a book with the title “Communist in Cambodia,” which is a history book. Moreover, he wrote several books describing his own experiences, such as “Sweet and bitter anniversary,” “A Khmer Rouge prisoner,” “My war with US secret agents,” “Sihanouk’s memory.” One of his books entitled “War and hope” attempts to describe the Cambodian politics under the different regimes.
Of 170 books, 50.97% are published in English, 31.07% are published in Khmer and 17.96% are published in French.
Mr. Chang Youk, Director of the Document Center of Cambodia, recently received more than 500 books about the Khmer Rouge from Sweden. He said that even though all these documents were compiled in different languages, they are still valuable for readers who are from different nationalities. He hoped that there will be other authors appearing to share their ideas and knowledge of the Khmer Rouge regime.
Extracted from: Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.15, #4216, Tuesday 20 February 2007.
US Urges Cambodia to do more to fight trafficking in persons
By Soy Sophea
The U.S. Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires, Piper A. W. Campbell has urged the Cambodian government to do more to fight human trafficking, despite the fact that a State Department report in 2007 placed Cambodia in Tier 2 in combating human trafficking.
The remark was made at a joint press conference at the Cambodian Ministry of Interior on June 5.
Mr. Campbell stated, “I commend Prime Minister Hun Sen and the Deputy Prime Minister Sar Kheng - the Head of the National Task Force on Human Trafficking - and everyone else involved with the Royal Government of Cambodia's efforts to combat human trafficking, for their achievements over the past year. These achievements would not have been possible without a strong commitment at the highest levels of the government, and we look forward to further cooperation, addressing this serious problem.”
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Kheng, told the conference that he appreciated the evaluation on human trafficking, and he said the government planned to do more in the future to curb the illegal practice.
The 170-country Trafficking in Persons Report, compiled with the input of over 170 other countries, is mandated by the U.S. Congress and is released annually at this time of year. It is the most comprehensive worldwide report on the efforts of governments to combat severe forms of trafficking in persons. Its findings are intended to raise global awareness and spur countries to take effective actions to counter trafficking in persons.
The United States estimates that each year, approximately 800,000 people are trafficked across national borders, which does not include the millions trafficked within their own countries. Human trafficking victims can be subjected to labor exploitation or sexual exploitation, or both.
The U.S. Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires, Piper A. W. Campbell has urged the Cambodian government to do more to fight human trafficking, despite the fact that a State Department report in 2007 placed Cambodia in Tier 2 in combating human trafficking.
The remark was made at a joint press conference at the Cambodian Ministry of Interior on June 5.
Mr. Campbell stated, “I commend Prime Minister Hun Sen and the Deputy Prime Minister Sar Kheng - the Head of the National Task Force on Human Trafficking - and everyone else involved with the Royal Government of Cambodia's efforts to combat human trafficking, for their achievements over the past year. These achievements would not have been possible without a strong commitment at the highest levels of the government, and we look forward to further cooperation, addressing this serious problem.”
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Kheng, told the conference that he appreciated the evaluation on human trafficking, and he said the government planned to do more in the future to curb the illegal practice.
The 170-country Trafficking in Persons Report, compiled with the input of over 170 other countries, is mandated by the U.S. Congress and is released annually at this time of year. It is the most comprehensive worldwide report on the efforts of governments to combat severe forms of trafficking in persons. Its findings are intended to raise global awareness and spur countries to take effective actions to counter trafficking in persons.
The United States estimates that each year, approximately 800,000 people are trafficked across national borders, which does not include the millions trafficked within their own countries. Human trafficking victims can be subjected to labor exploitation or sexual exploitation, or both.
Viewers Criticize Television and Radio Commentators
BY SOY SOPHEA
“It is boring to watch and of little value! They are not qualified to speak to the audience,” said a 45-year-old consumer of Cambodian television entertainment as he walked away from his wife, who was just about to indulge in a bit of English language channel surfing.
Meng Chamroeun, who lives in Daun Penh district, Phnom Penh, said that he rarely enjoyed watching TV when he stayed at home even though the shows are live. His viewing habits tend towards cable movie channels instead of domestically produced fashion or music shows. He identified the presenters’ communication skills as the main reason why he turned off.
“Those presenters think their poor performances are excused when they ask for “forgiveness” at the end of the show,” Chamroeun said. He added that they would benefit from audience feedback and factoring that into measures taken to improve their public speaking skills.
Sen Davy, a 22- year-old student also criticized radio DJs, who create an impression of being poorly educated. She suspected the presenters had been given carte blanche by their produces to say whatever they liked, as long as it generated a cheap laugh.
Chuch Phoeurn, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Culture and Fines Arts, admitted that TV and radio commentator’s sometimes get it wrong. He said that some were simply unqualified to present themselves as social commentators.
Kith Vicheth, 40, found scope to criticize media personalities for their lack of understanding of the Khmer language and culture. He insisted that those who were commentators and those who wanted to make a career in broadcasting should learn as much as they can about Khmer culture, literacy and customs. They would also do well to be acquainted with the mores of other cultures as well.
He also suggested that commentators should dress properly, avoiding immodest and revealing clothing when on air. He believed that what he considered to be impropriety had never been a part of Cambodian culture and should not be imported, riding on the coat tails of globalization.
Eang Sithol, President of the Cambodia Arts Association, also recognized that some television and radio commentators could improve their speaking skills. He too agreed that a little more knowledge of Cambodian culture would go a long way to improve the service offered.
His association has issued a recommendation letter to remind not only commentators but other performing artists to be mindful of their communication skills. He recognized that whatever commentators say will affect the public, especially the younger generations who have yet to develop the necessary critical discernment. He too saw listening to audience feedback as essential to improving the service.
A CTN (Cambodian Television Network) fashion commentator Khieu Sansana believed that some Cambodian presenters did not have the appropriate experience, qualifications or background to become truly professional commentators. She recommended reading as a way to enhance their performance.
Sansana said that although she graduated with a bachelor decree in journalism and despite her five years of experience, she is always concerned for the effect her words have on the public. Unlike some of her colleagues, she also made very good use of feedback, talking to friends, family and more importantly, members of the audience to gauge how well her performances are received.
She said that commentators should be a well-educated, as well as being easy on the eye. She admitted that neither she, nor any of her colleagues received formal training in effective presentations for the television. She put her success down to natural talent and her study background.
Phok Sophanith, a presenter with15-years of experience in TV and radio, said that while Cambodia has as yet no formal training program for television commentators, the best thing an aspiring TV personality could do was learn at school or university, improve their knowledge and develop their confidence in speaking.
The Secretary of State, Chuch Phoeurn said that although the government has inserted Khmer culture lessons into public schools, it will take time to restore Cambodian culture and customs to their pre civil war glory. In his opinion, “The best way to restore our culture is to educate people.”
“It is boring to watch and of little value! They are not qualified to speak to the audience,” said a 45-year-old consumer of Cambodian television entertainment as he walked away from his wife, who was just about to indulge in a bit of English language channel surfing.
Meng Chamroeun, who lives in Daun Penh district, Phnom Penh, said that he rarely enjoyed watching TV when he stayed at home even though the shows are live. His viewing habits tend towards cable movie channels instead of domestically produced fashion or music shows. He identified the presenters’ communication skills as the main reason why he turned off.
“Those presenters think their poor performances are excused when they ask for “forgiveness” at the end of the show,” Chamroeun said. He added that they would benefit from audience feedback and factoring that into measures taken to improve their public speaking skills.
Sen Davy, a 22- year-old student also criticized radio DJs, who create an impression of being poorly educated. She suspected the presenters had been given carte blanche by their produces to say whatever they liked, as long as it generated a cheap laugh.
Chuch Phoeurn, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Culture and Fines Arts, admitted that TV and radio commentator’s sometimes get it wrong. He said that some were simply unqualified to present themselves as social commentators.
Kith Vicheth, 40, found scope to criticize media personalities for their lack of understanding of the Khmer language and culture. He insisted that those who were commentators and those who wanted to make a career in broadcasting should learn as much as they can about Khmer culture, literacy and customs. They would also do well to be acquainted with the mores of other cultures as well.
He also suggested that commentators should dress properly, avoiding immodest and revealing clothing when on air. He believed that what he considered to be impropriety had never been a part of Cambodian culture and should not be imported, riding on the coat tails of globalization.
Eang Sithol, President of the Cambodia Arts Association, also recognized that some television and radio commentators could improve their speaking skills. He too agreed that a little more knowledge of Cambodian culture would go a long way to improve the service offered.
His association has issued a recommendation letter to remind not only commentators but other performing artists to be mindful of their communication skills. He recognized that whatever commentators say will affect the public, especially the younger generations who have yet to develop the necessary critical discernment. He too saw listening to audience feedback as essential to improving the service.
A CTN (Cambodian Television Network) fashion commentator Khieu Sansana believed that some Cambodian presenters did not have the appropriate experience, qualifications or background to become truly professional commentators. She recommended reading as a way to enhance their performance.
Sansana said that although she graduated with a bachelor decree in journalism and despite her five years of experience, she is always concerned for the effect her words have on the public. Unlike some of her colleagues, she also made very good use of feedback, talking to friends, family and more importantly, members of the audience to gauge how well her performances are received.
She said that commentators should be a well-educated, as well as being easy on the eye. She admitted that neither she, nor any of her colleagues received formal training in effective presentations for the television. She put her success down to natural talent and her study background.
Phok Sophanith, a presenter with15-years of experience in TV and radio, said that while Cambodia has as yet no formal training program for television commentators, the best thing an aspiring TV personality could do was learn at school or university, improve their knowledge and develop their confidence in speaking.
The Secretary of State, Chuch Phoeurn said that although the government has inserted Khmer culture lessons into public schools, it will take time to restore Cambodian culture and customs to their pre civil war glory. In his opinion, “The best way to restore our culture is to educate people.”
Khmer Language Dictionary to Be Upgraded
By Soy Sophea
Cambodian national language experts are trying to upgrade the Khmer dictionary by adding more new technical terms and providing additional explanations and definitions for words already published in the well-known Khmer Dictionary, written by Buddhist Patriarch Samdech Choun Narth.
The upgraded dictionary will be used officially throughout the country when the project is completed, say officials and specialists.
Iv Chan, Director of the National Language Singular, said that a new combined Khmer dictionary is now under progress.
Chan said that the latest development of the Khmer dictionary retains the spirit of the original Khmer Dictionary, translated from Pali and Sanskrit by the well-known Buddhist Patriarch Choun Narth.
He said that at least 20, 000 new words will be added to the 20,000 words the Khmer Dictionary already contains. Being inspired by the Patriarch Samdech Choun Narth, the original words remain sacrosanct.
The Director hoped the new Khmer Dictionary would provide an even more serviceable resource for scholars, both national and international, of the original Khmer Mon as spoken in South-east Asia.
“We believe that the dictionary will be recognized throughout Cambodia,” Chan said.
He added that a joint committee has been established, that includes a range of 40 specialists, some of them monks, in the field of Cambodian Culture. Their task is to ensure the Khmerization of any words that may be introduced to the Dictionary. In this way, the living Khmer language will develop in response to changing conditions, but not at the expense of dilution by the introduction of too many alien words.
Lok Akak Bandith Buth Savong, famous throughout the nation for teaching Dharma, and a natural choice for committee membership, said that the Dictionary will provide an excellent record of Cambodian linguistic culture. He said his role in the committee was to examine the influence of Pali and Sanskrit in the development of the Khmer language.
“I am happy to share my Pali and Sanskrit knowledge to ensure the future of the Khmer language,” Buth Savong said. “My heart swelled with pride when I was asked to join the committee.”
He also mentioned that he thought an official set of joint dictionaries, Khmer into English and English into Khmer for instance would be a good idea as it would encourage international understanding and appreciation of the beauties of the language.
Sen David, a student at the Royal University of Law and Economics, said that she was very happy to hear that a new joint Khmer dictionary was under consideration. She said that as things stood, she found difficulty expressing the specialist English language jargon and concepts in a language that all Cambodians could understand. “I find it very hard to translate law terms expressed in English into Khmer. Of course, I refer to a Khmer-English dictionary, but I am not quite sure if these terms are nationally recognized terms or not.”
Sam Oeun, 49, a teacher at Bak Tuok Primary School, also voiced concern over the misuse of the Khmer Language in promotional banners for public reading. “I have seen many written mistakes in Khmer, placed on those banners, but no one seems to care about it,” she said.
Oeun, a veteran teacher of 25 years service, said that it was good to hear about the new Khmer Dictionary, replete with a collection of new technical words. She said she was looking forward to it and would take great pleasure greeting original words like old friends. She was also anticipating the newer words, taking their measure and integrating them seamlessly into her Khmer communications.
The Khmer Language Singular Director Iv Chan said that the new dictionary is scheduled for completion within three years.
However, he said that three years might possibly be insufficient and that deadlines may have to be moved back. He compared himself to his illustrious predecessor, Choun Narth and his Khmer Dictionary, which took 22 years to publish. “I think that the three-year production schedule will be challenging.”
Cambodian national language experts are trying to upgrade the Khmer dictionary by adding more new technical terms and providing additional explanations and definitions for words already published in the well-known Khmer Dictionary, written by Buddhist Patriarch Samdech Choun Narth.
The upgraded dictionary will be used officially throughout the country when the project is completed, say officials and specialists.
Iv Chan, Director of the National Language Singular, said that a new combined Khmer dictionary is now under progress.
Chan said that the latest development of the Khmer dictionary retains the spirit of the original Khmer Dictionary, translated from Pali and Sanskrit by the well-known Buddhist Patriarch Choun Narth.
He said that at least 20, 000 new words will be added to the 20,000 words the Khmer Dictionary already contains. Being inspired by the Patriarch Samdech Choun Narth, the original words remain sacrosanct.
The Director hoped the new Khmer Dictionary would provide an even more serviceable resource for scholars, both national and international, of the original Khmer Mon as spoken in South-east Asia.
“We believe that the dictionary will be recognized throughout Cambodia,” Chan said.
He added that a joint committee has been established, that includes a range of 40 specialists, some of them monks, in the field of Cambodian Culture. Their task is to ensure the Khmerization of any words that may be introduced to the Dictionary. In this way, the living Khmer language will develop in response to changing conditions, but not at the expense of dilution by the introduction of too many alien words.
Lok Akak Bandith Buth Savong, famous throughout the nation for teaching Dharma, and a natural choice for committee membership, said that the Dictionary will provide an excellent record of Cambodian linguistic culture. He said his role in the committee was to examine the influence of Pali and Sanskrit in the development of the Khmer language.
“I am happy to share my Pali and Sanskrit knowledge to ensure the future of the Khmer language,” Buth Savong said. “My heart swelled with pride when I was asked to join the committee.”
He also mentioned that he thought an official set of joint dictionaries, Khmer into English and English into Khmer for instance would be a good idea as it would encourage international understanding and appreciation of the beauties of the language.
Sen David, a student at the Royal University of Law and Economics, said that she was very happy to hear that a new joint Khmer dictionary was under consideration. She said that as things stood, she found difficulty expressing the specialist English language jargon and concepts in a language that all Cambodians could understand. “I find it very hard to translate law terms expressed in English into Khmer. Of course, I refer to a Khmer-English dictionary, but I am not quite sure if these terms are nationally recognized terms or not.”
Sam Oeun, 49, a teacher at Bak Tuok Primary School, also voiced concern over the misuse of the Khmer Language in promotional banners for public reading. “I have seen many written mistakes in Khmer, placed on those banners, but no one seems to care about it,” she said.
Oeun, a veteran teacher of 25 years service, said that it was good to hear about the new Khmer Dictionary, replete with a collection of new technical words. She said she was looking forward to it and would take great pleasure greeting original words like old friends. She was also anticipating the newer words, taking their measure and integrating them seamlessly into her Khmer communications.
The Khmer Language Singular Director Iv Chan said that the new dictionary is scheduled for completion within three years.
However, he said that three years might possibly be insufficient and that deadlines may have to be moved back. He compared himself to his illustrious predecessor, Choun Narth and his Khmer Dictionary, which took 22 years to publish. “I think that the three-year production schedule will be challenging.”
ECCC Clears Allegations of Corruption in Administration
By Soy Sophea
The Cambodian and International representatives approved measures taken by the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) on Friday for avoiding involvement in accusation corruption in its human resource management.
Sean Visoth, the ECCC’s Chief of Administration, told a press conference that a meeting on April 25 will put an end to these damaging speculations.
He said that a team of consultants from Deloitte/ India and from Cambodia had spent US $ 100,000 to conduct an audit of funds. Jo Scheuer, UNDP Country Director, also said
at the event that audits conducted to date had uncovered no evidence of underhanded
dealing with regard to the management of the ECCC’s financial resources.
“Based on audits conducted from 2006 to present, there have been no questionable financial transactions, no misallocated resources, and no incomplete or missing documentation in support of disbursement made by the ECCC,” Jo Scheuer said. “All of their financial transactions have passed audit scrutiny,” Socheuer said the audits aimed to restore confidence of international donors, shaken by the accusation.
The Cambodian and International representatives approved measures taken by the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) on Friday for avoiding involvement in accusation corruption in its human resource management.
Sean Visoth, the ECCC’s Chief of Administration, told a press conference that a meeting on April 25 will put an end to these damaging speculations.
He said that a team of consultants from Deloitte/ India and from Cambodia had spent US $ 100,000 to conduct an audit of funds. Jo Scheuer, UNDP Country Director, also said
at the event that audits conducted to date had uncovered no evidence of underhanded
dealing with regard to the management of the ECCC’s financial resources.
“Based on audits conducted from 2006 to present, there have been no questionable financial transactions, no misallocated resources, and no incomplete or missing documentation in support of disbursement made by the ECCC,” Jo Scheuer said. “All of their financial transactions have passed audit scrutiny,” Socheuer said the audits aimed to restore confidence of international donors, shaken by the accusation.
Number of Beef Producers Decreases, Concerning Beef Price High at Markets
By Soy Sophea
Cambodian farmers and agricultural officials have noted that the number of beef producers in Cambodia appears to have declined since Cambodian farmers changed their agricultural practices with the introduction of machinery. These developments have been identified as factors that could push the price of beef higher.
Chey Sambo, a 45-year-old widower living in Krakor district, Pursat province, who owns10 hectares of agricultural land, prefers to use tractors to do the otherwise backbreaking work of plowing.
Sambo said last year, he had ten cows to help bring in the harvest. Feeding cows was a time consuming business, one that kept his sons busy throughout the day looking for suitable pasture. Having sold six of them, his costs in terms of labor and feed have been much reduced. Indeed, he made more money selling the animals for beef, but their loss to the human food chain means he must invest the money and more in updating his farm.
A 41-year-old farmer Mon Much living in Kean Svay district, Kandal province, also found it hard to raise his 27 head of cattle in recent years. He explained that in recent years, feeding the beasts was simply a matter of letting them graze the stubble of harvested paddy fields. However, development of the fields around his farm over the last two years has put a stop to this. Now, the price of buying and transporting hay and other feedstuffs makes a considerable addition to his expenses.
He said that he had sold 20 oxen early this year in order to reduce feeding costs, finance a new five hectare corn plantation and buy new farming machinery.
An employee at a local farming machinery distributor reported increased sales as farmers turn away from the cow to mechanical cultivator as a means of plowing land. “Farmers are happy with their cleaner, more efficient machines,” she said. “They no longer have to worry about finding hay. If you fill it up with diesel, it goes,” she added.
Nevertheless, the bill for the farmer’s convenience must be paid. Meng Srey, a beef seller at Kandal market in Phnom Penh, said beef now is 22,000 riel per kilogram, compared to 19,000 riel in December last year.
She reported difficulties with her trade as customers reduced their consumption of the meet. She added that if the price continued to increase, the poor would not be able to afford beef.
However, Chan Tong Yves, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, said his ministry encouraged farmers to raise cows to maintain a balanced agricultural sector and urged farmers not to introduce artificial strains in the beef market.
The Secretary of State understood that although farmers enjoyed the benefits of using machinery, they should also pay attention to market forces and at least try not to exacerbate the current inflationary situation.
Cambodian farmers and agricultural officials have noted that the number of beef producers in Cambodia appears to have declined since Cambodian farmers changed their agricultural practices with the introduction of machinery. These developments have been identified as factors that could push the price of beef higher.
Chey Sambo, a 45-year-old widower living in Krakor district, Pursat province, who owns10 hectares of agricultural land, prefers to use tractors to do the otherwise backbreaking work of plowing.
Sambo said last year, he had ten cows to help bring in the harvest. Feeding cows was a time consuming business, one that kept his sons busy throughout the day looking for suitable pasture. Having sold six of them, his costs in terms of labor and feed have been much reduced. Indeed, he made more money selling the animals for beef, but their loss to the human food chain means he must invest the money and more in updating his farm.
A 41-year-old farmer Mon Much living in Kean Svay district, Kandal province, also found it hard to raise his 27 head of cattle in recent years. He explained that in recent years, feeding the beasts was simply a matter of letting them graze the stubble of harvested paddy fields. However, development of the fields around his farm over the last two years has put a stop to this. Now, the price of buying and transporting hay and other feedstuffs makes a considerable addition to his expenses.
He said that he had sold 20 oxen early this year in order to reduce feeding costs, finance a new five hectare corn plantation and buy new farming machinery.
An employee at a local farming machinery distributor reported increased sales as farmers turn away from the cow to mechanical cultivator as a means of plowing land. “Farmers are happy with their cleaner, more efficient machines,” she said. “They no longer have to worry about finding hay. If you fill it up with diesel, it goes,” she added.
Nevertheless, the bill for the farmer’s convenience must be paid. Meng Srey, a beef seller at Kandal market in Phnom Penh, said beef now is 22,000 riel per kilogram, compared to 19,000 riel in December last year.
She reported difficulties with her trade as customers reduced their consumption of the meet. She added that if the price continued to increase, the poor would not be able to afford beef.
However, Chan Tong Yves, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, said his ministry encouraged farmers to raise cows to maintain a balanced agricultural sector and urged farmers not to introduce artificial strains in the beef market.
The Secretary of State understood that although farmers enjoyed the benefits of using machinery, they should also pay attention to market forces and at least try not to exacerbate the current inflationary situation.
Chemical Management for Cambodian Environment Officials
By Soy Sophea
The Ministry of Cambodia, in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has launched a one-day seminar to promote the sound of management of chemicals (SMC).
Sophie Baranes, Deputy Director of UNDP to Cambodia, told 50 participants that chemicals play a part in almost all human activities and are a major contributor to national economies.
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“Chemicals are truly seen as one of the determining factors in striking a balance between environmental integrity, social equity and economic prosperity,” she said. “Their sound management is vital to achieving the Millennium and national development goals.”
She noted that when chemicals are not properly managed they can put human health, ecosystems, and national economies at risk, adding that their use or misuse could also result in increased health costs and reduced work productivity.
Khieu Muth, the secretary of state of Cambodia’s environment ministry, said that, “Cambodia is not a producer of chemical substances, we are a consumer. Therefore, we have to carefully review the management of the substances in order to protect our people’s health and environment.”
The Ministry of Cambodia, in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has launched a one-day seminar to promote the sound of management of chemicals (SMC).
Sophie Baranes, Deputy Director of UNDP to Cambodia, told 50 participants that chemicals play a part in almost all human activities and are a major contributor to national economies.
“Chemicals are truly seen as one of the determining factors in striking a balance between environmental integrity, social equity and economic prosperity,” she said. “Their sound management is vital to achieving the Millennium and national development goals.”She noted that when chemicals are not properly managed they can put human health, ecosystems, and national economies at risk, adding that their use or misuse could also result in increased health costs and reduced work productivity.
Khieu Muth, the secretary of state of Cambodia’s environment ministry, said that, “Cambodia is not a producer of chemical substances, we are a consumer. Therefore, we have to carefully review the management of the substances in order to protect our people’s health and environment.”
Cambodian Poems Should Be Preserved
By Soy Sophea
Cambodia is rich in culture, heritage, fines arts, traditional performances and a well-known Apsara traditional dance. However, appreciation of Khmer poetry seems to be dropping out of favor among Cambodia’s youth.
Yan Borin, a professor at the Royal University of Fine Arts, said that he was concerned about the preservation of Khmer poetry even though today, there is a wide selection of poetry texts available.
Borin, who is also a poem chanter for the Cambodian Television Network, noticed that Cambodian youth has been enticed by new technology, pop songs, and foreign culture, introduced in the midst of globalization. They no longer appear interested in the composition and chanting of poems. He said that in his class at the university he could only attract between five to ten students per term.
Borin, 60, said that he has devoted almost his entire life to his national culture and yearns to see it preserved for future generations. He valued the sheer variety of Khmer poetry which can count on 60 different styles of chant. He viewed it as “heritage”, like the Angkor Wat; and whilst the art was not as visually impressive as the temple complex, he firmly believes “Every aspect of Cambodian culture has its own value.”
Mok Makara, a student at a local university in Phnom Penh, said that he has been interested in Khmer Poems since he was 14 years old. He said that the genre provided him with limitless inspiration, especially when his thoughts turned to matters of the heart.
“I do love Khmer poems,” he said. “They provide a virtually limitless supply of inspiration when I want to declare a more tender emotion to the lady that I love.”
Makara, who studies tourism, added that he had been introduced to Khmer poetry only as recently as three years ago in secondary and high school. However, in that time, he had learned to appreciate the gentleness of the art and its applicability to describing the lovelier subjects of life.
Makara admired Cambodian writers Krom Ngoy and the Venerable Som. He appreciated their knowledge and the generosity of spirit which lead them to share their knowledge and advice to the younger generations.
Seng Rachna, another university student, said that he rarely took time to listen to poems chanted on TV or radio. As an IT student, he found little relevance in the subject.
“I know Cambodia is rich in culture and the finest of fine arts,” he said. “But that’s not going to help me pass my latest assignment.”
Rachana, a third year student, said that he did not like literature and wanted to concentrate on future challenges for Cambodian society and the world in general.
He said that he had never looked down on anyone for their interest in Khmer culture. However, he believed that, “If we care about only one thing, we would not be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with other nations of the world.”
“We are in the middle of the Information Age,” he said. “We should not forget our heritage, but neither should we insulate ourselves against newer developments simply because they have not formed a part of traditional ways of living.”
Professor Borin said that his intention was to revitalize the interest in Khmer culture as expressed in poetry. Quite apart from its value as a pure expression of national identity, it provided ideal material for contemplation by the intelligent mind at rest. He believes that future generations of young Cambodians are as likely to benefit from the gentle advice contained in Khmer poetry, as generations long gone by.
Cambodia is rich in culture, heritage, fines arts, traditional performances and a well-known Apsara traditional dance. However, appreciation of Khmer poetry seems to be dropping out of favor among Cambodia’s youth.
Yan Borin, a professor at the Royal University of Fine Arts, said that he was concerned about the preservation of Khmer poetry even though today, there is a wide selection of poetry texts available.
Borin, who is also a poem chanter for the Cambodian Television Network, noticed that Cambodian youth has been enticed by new technology, pop songs, and foreign culture, introduced in the midst of globalization. They no longer appear interested in the composition and chanting of poems. He said that in his class at the university he could only attract between five to ten students per term.
Borin, 60, said that he has devoted almost his entire life to his national culture and yearns to see it preserved for future generations. He valued the sheer variety of Khmer poetry which can count on 60 different styles of chant. He viewed it as “heritage”, like the Angkor Wat; and whilst the art was not as visually impressive as the temple complex, he firmly believes “Every aspect of Cambodian culture has its own value.”
Mok Makara, a student at a local university in Phnom Penh, said that he has been interested in Khmer Poems since he was 14 years old. He said that the genre provided him with limitless inspiration, especially when his thoughts turned to matters of the heart.
“I do love Khmer poems,” he said. “They provide a virtually limitless supply of inspiration when I want to declare a more tender emotion to the lady that I love.”
Makara, who studies tourism, added that he had been introduced to Khmer poetry only as recently as three years ago in secondary and high school. However, in that time, he had learned to appreciate the gentleness of the art and its applicability to describing the lovelier subjects of life.
Makara admired Cambodian writers Krom Ngoy and the Venerable Som. He appreciated their knowledge and the generosity of spirit which lead them to share their knowledge and advice to the younger generations.
Seng Rachna, another university student, said that he rarely took time to listen to poems chanted on TV or radio. As an IT student, he found little relevance in the subject.
“I know Cambodia is rich in culture and the finest of fine arts,” he said. “But that’s not going to help me pass my latest assignment.”
Rachana, a third year student, said that he did not like literature and wanted to concentrate on future challenges for Cambodian society and the world in general.
He said that he had never looked down on anyone for their interest in Khmer culture. However, he believed that, “If we care about only one thing, we would not be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with other nations of the world.”
“We are in the middle of the Information Age,” he said. “We should not forget our heritage, but neither should we insulate ourselves against newer developments simply because they have not formed a part of traditional ways of living.”
Professor Borin said that his intention was to revitalize the interest in Khmer culture as expressed in poetry. Quite apart from its value as a pure expression of national identity, it provided ideal material for contemplation by the intelligent mind at rest. He believes that future generations of young Cambodians are as likely to benefit from the gentle advice contained in Khmer poetry, as generations long gone by.
Cambodian Farmers Happier to Plant Rice
By Soy Sophea
Cambodian farmers have been all smiles recently as rice has been fetching a healthy price in international as well as domestic markets. Naturally, this year, they plan to increase their harvest as much as possible.
Last year, Cambodia exported 2 million tons of rice to the world market, according to Chan Tong Yves, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries. This year, he said his ministry will urge Cambodian farmers to increase next season’s yield to take advantage of the high prices on international markets.
“In 2007, we produced 2.2 million tons of the staple out of 3 million hectares of paddy field throughout the country. This year, we want to expand the area under cultivation,” Tong Yves said.
Aun Sinath, 40, a farmer from Koh Thom district, Kandal province, is overjoyed because her harvest this year reached seven tones per hectare. Altogether, she, along with her stakeholders own 20 hectares of land. Naturally, Sinath said that she was happy with the high price of rice and would do all in her power to harvest the same or an improved yield per hectare this year.
Sok Chamroeun, Chairman of the Khmer Farmer’s Association, also looked forward to harvest time this year. He now plans to cultivate 2,000 hectares, combining the efforts of 15 farming communities in Lvea Em district, Kandal province. He said that high rice prices could only benefit his members and that it would be well worth the effort to plant a second rainy season crop. However, Chamroeun said that to make this a reality, he would need technical assistance and would need to invest in an irrigation system.
Chamroeun added that last year, he harvested about three and a half tones per hectare, as great a yield as he had ever achieved. This will not stop him attempting to reap seven tons per hectare next season.
The enthusiasm was repeated by Nuth San, a farmer in Kandal Stung district, Kandal province. He will try to improve on the 2.2 tons per hectare he harvested last season with the introduction of new techniques and fertilizers.
Cambodian farmers have been all smiles recently as rice has been fetching a healthy price in international as well as domestic markets. Naturally, this year, they plan to increase their harvest as much as possible.
Last year, Cambodia exported 2 million tons of rice to the world market, according to Chan Tong Yves, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries. This year, he said his ministry will urge Cambodian farmers to increase next season’s yield to take advantage of the high prices on international markets.
“In 2007, we produced 2.2 million tons of the staple out of 3 million hectares of paddy field throughout the country. This year, we want to expand the area under cultivation,” Tong Yves said.
Aun Sinath, 40, a farmer from Koh Thom district, Kandal province, is overjoyed because her harvest this year reached seven tones per hectare. Altogether, she, along with her stakeholders own 20 hectares of land. Naturally, Sinath said that she was happy with the high price of rice and would do all in her power to harvest the same or an improved yield per hectare this year.
Sok Chamroeun, Chairman of the Khmer Farmer’s Association, also looked forward to harvest time this year. He now plans to cultivate 2,000 hectares, combining the efforts of 15 farming communities in Lvea Em district, Kandal province. He said that high rice prices could only benefit his members and that it would be well worth the effort to plant a second rainy season crop. However, Chamroeun said that to make this a reality, he would need technical assistance and would need to invest in an irrigation system.
Chamroeun added that last year, he harvested about three and a half tones per hectare, as great a yield as he had ever achieved. This will not stop him attempting to reap seven tons per hectare next season.
The enthusiasm was repeated by Nuth San, a farmer in Kandal Stung district, Kandal province. He will try to improve on the 2.2 tons per hectare he harvested last season with the introduction of new techniques and fertilizers.
Cambodia to Send Its Agriculture Experts to Guinea to provide Technical Assistance
By Soy Sophea
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen declared on Wednesday during remarks made at the opening of Buddhist Achievements in Kandal Province, that Cambodia is ready to send a number of agricultural experts to Guinea in response to the Guinean Prime Minister’s request for technical assistance from Cambodia.
“We have to send [experts to Guinea] even though we will be responsible for paying our consultants. This is an international role for Cambodia and it is in perfect accord with our greater foreign policy plans,” the Premier Hun Sen said.
Ith Nody, Under Secretary of State at the Ministry for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, said that his ministry has welcomed the request of Guinea. He told reporters on June 19 that his ministry has listed experts but the precise number of experts who will travel to the country has not been confirmed as yet.
Hun Sen also said that Cambodia will export 120,000 tons of rice to Guinea in a bid to ease the West African nation’s food crisis. This year, Guinea is the second African nation to ask for rice exports from Cambodia since Senegal bought 6,000 tons of low grades broken rice at the height of the global rice price crisis in late-April.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen declared on Wednesday during remarks made at the opening of Buddhist Achievements in Kandal Province, that Cambodia is ready to send a number of agricultural experts to Guinea in response to the Guinean Prime Minister’s request for technical assistance from Cambodia.
“We have to send [experts to Guinea] even though we will be responsible for paying our consultants. This is an international role for Cambodia and it is in perfect accord with our greater foreign policy plans,” the Premier Hun Sen said.
Ith Nody, Under Secretary of State at the Ministry for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, said that his ministry has welcomed the request of Guinea. He told reporters on June 19 that his ministry has listed experts but the precise number of experts who will travel to the country has not been confirmed as yet.
Hun Sen also said that Cambodia will export 120,000 tons of rice to Guinea in a bid to ease the West African nation’s food crisis. This year, Guinea is the second African nation to ask for rice exports from Cambodia since Senegal bought 6,000 tons of low grades broken rice at the height of the global rice price crisis in late-April.
Press Members Demand Access to Information
By Soy Sophea
Members of the Cambodian press, celebrating World Press Freedom Day, May 5, urged all involved parties to ease access to information to help them bring the facts and informed points of view to the public’s attention.
Oum Sarin, President of the Cambodia Press Council, said during World Press Day celebrations held at Phnom Penh Hotel that it was vital for journalists to access all kinds of information, for they served an important role in promoting the nation’s interests.
“Clearly, development and decision-making is dependant on information and Cambodians must be made familiar with this information in an unbiased and timely manner,” Sarin said. “Otherwise, the wrong decisions are likely to be made; when this happens, the situation becomes uncertain and uncertainty breeds crisis.”
This year, World Press Freedom Day was celebrated under the banner “Freedom of Expression, Access to Information and Empowerment of People.” The title was proposed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Pen Samithy, president of the Club of Cambodian Journalists, said that his members have done much to bring real information to the public. However, he added that the access to information in Cambodia was still limited.
The UNESCO Secretary General, Koichiro Matsuura also said that press freedom and access to information feed into wider development objectives by giving people the information that can help them gain control over their own lives.
“This empowerment supports participatory democracy by giving citizens the capacity to engage in public debate and to hold governments and others accountable,” Koichiro said. “But this flow of communication does not happen automatically.”
Thieng Vandarong, Undersecretary of state at the Ministry of Information, recognized that press freedom in Cambodia was getting better compared to other countries in the region.
According to the Reporters Without Borders Organization, based in Paris, Cambodia ranked 85 in the world in 2007 while Freedom House listed Cambodia in 26th place out of 40 countries in the Asia Pacific region in 2007.
Members of the Cambodian press, celebrating World Press Freedom Day, May 5, urged all involved parties to ease access to information to help them bring the facts and informed points of view to the public’s attention.
Oum Sarin, President of the Cambodia Press Council, said during World Press Day celebrations held at Phnom Penh Hotel that it was vital for journalists to access all kinds of information, for they served an important role in promoting the nation’s interests.
“Clearly, development and decision-making is dependant on information and Cambodians must be made familiar with this information in an unbiased and timely manner,” Sarin said. “Otherwise, the wrong decisions are likely to be made; when this happens, the situation becomes uncertain and uncertainty breeds crisis.”
This year, World Press Freedom Day was celebrated under the banner “Freedom of Expression, Access to Information and Empowerment of People.” The title was proposed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Pen Samithy, president of the Club of Cambodian Journalists, said that his members have done much to bring real information to the public. However, he added that the access to information in Cambodia was still limited.
The UNESCO Secretary General, Koichiro Matsuura also said that press freedom and access to information feed into wider development objectives by giving people the information that can help them gain control over their own lives.
“This empowerment supports participatory democracy by giving citizens the capacity to engage in public debate and to hold governments and others accountable,” Koichiro said. “But this flow of communication does not happen automatically.”
Thieng Vandarong, Undersecretary of state at the Ministry of Information, recognized that press freedom in Cambodia was getting better compared to other countries in the region.
According to the Reporters Without Borders Organization, based in Paris, Cambodia ranked 85 in the world in 2007 while Freedom House listed Cambodia in 26th place out of 40 countries in the Asia Pacific region in 2007.
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