BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA
Cambodia faces a shortage of lawyers with the qualifications and experience necessary to uphold the Rule of Law, according to Ang Vong Wathana, Minister of Justice.
The Minister told the Cambodia Weekly during a telephone interview on October 27 that his ministry will continue to cooperate closely with the Bar Association of the Kingdom of Cambodia to train new lawyers to respond to the needs of people in Cambodia.
Due to progress, human resource development and increasing foreign investment, Cambodia currently needs more than 1,000 qualified lawyers, if the entire population is to have access to impartial justice, said the Minister.
Ky Tech, President of the Cambodian Bar Association, agreed with these figures, and the necessity to redress the imbalance.
Ky Tech, who has been practicing the law since 1998, has served the Cambodian Bar Association as President over two mandates. He said that currently there are 616 lawyers operating in Cambodia.
“Looking at Cambodian population statistics, the current number of lawyers is insufficient to meet the needs of our country. We are short of about 1,000 lawyers.” he said. He went on to say that the number of lawyers would probably suffice, given that currently recourse to the law is not seen as an effective way to settle disputes. However, this situation would change as development and investment assumed greater importance.
He also noted that each new generation of lawyers would conform to international standards in terms of training and qualification.
“Now, our Cambodian lawyers are stepping ahead and reaching international standards. They are very skillful, talented and can offer the same services as those of developed nations,” he told the Cambodia Weekly by telephone on October 28.
The President added, “I hope that they will perform their duties well to help the people and to strengthen the ‘Rule of Law’ in the Kingdom of Cambodia.”
Ang Eng Thong, Director of the Center for Legal Training and Professional Development said that since the establishment of the center in 2002, 280 lawyers have been trained, including 100 female lawyers. The Director said that for this study year, a total of 34 lawyers have graduated and will apply for further study with the establishment.
To enhance the qualifications of Cambodian lawyers, the lawyer center has invited visiting professors well-known in the United Sates, Canada, France and Japan for teaching said Eng Thong. He noted that the majority of the law courses were conducted in English so as to improve not only their legal knowledge but also their language abilities. His graduates are now working and serving as high officials in ministries, the National Assembly and the Senate of Cambodia.
Other lawyers have also found employment as law consultants for Non-Government Organization (NGOs), International Organizations (IOs), local and international companies in the Kingdom of Cambodia, according to Eng Thong.
Peung Yokheap, Executive Director of Legal Aid Cambodia (LAC), a local NGO established in 1995 that works to defend human rights, said that Cambodia really needs more lawyers to help the poorer sectors of the community.
“I have noted that most lawyers prefer to work with private companies in Phnom Penh and other developing areas because they can make good money for their families. Thus, we lack lawyers to help those who can’t afford legal fees,” she said.
Yokheap continued, “I think that to help disadvantaged people, the Bar Association should train more Cambodian lawyers to help them in future.”
She said that currently, LAC is working in ten provinces across the country, and has employed a total of 33 lawyers.
Khuon Son Muchhim, Attorney-At-Law with the Khmer Law Office & Associates, said he has been working as lawyer since 2002, working on more than 18 cases involving civil and criminal issues.
He said that most of his clients were business people, representatives from national and international NGOs who hire him to examine contractual issues or real estate documents to check and verify their legality.
“I think that the law is good work for me. It is busy work but I like it because I can earn more income for my family,” he told the Cambodia Weekly. He hinted that he could earn around $1,500 to $ 2,000 per month from his legal consultancy and services.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Cambodia Thailand Plan Border Talks for November 10
By BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA
Cambodian and Thai officials will conduct another meeting to discuss the border conflict in order to avoid armed confrontation, according to Koy Kuong, Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Kuong said the five-day official meeting would be arranged for 10-14 November. The Cambodia-Thai Joint Commission on Demarcation of the Land Boundary will continue to discuss measures to resolve the dispute.
“The meeting will be arranged by the Thai side, and will be held in Thailand,” Kuong told the Cambodia Weekly during a telephone interview on October 30. He continued, “I think that it marks a new phase of negotiations that will discuss solutions to both immediate and long-term problems. I hope that the upcoming meeting in Thailand will provide a positive result for both countries.”
Kuong said that for the Cambodian side, the meeting would be led by His Excellency Var Kimhong, Chairman of the National Committee for the Resolution of Border Disputes in the Council of Ministers.
Phay Siphan, Secretary of State and spokesman for the Council of Ministers, welcomed the go-ahead, as it demonstrated commitment to solve the border issue between the two sides.
“We welcome the official participation of the Thai side in the upcoming meeting. Our Cambodian side has made no changes to the position as indicated by the spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the two countries in 2000.”
He said that the meeting would focus on a border survey and demarcation based on the 2000 MoU and set up a temporary coordination working group to consider the disputed border areas. He added that the results of the assessment would be forwarded to a session of the Joint Border Commission.
Siphan said relations between Cambodia and Thailand had experienced difficulties since July when Preah Vihear was awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO.
He said that several rounds of bilateral talks between the two countries have failed to bring a full withdrawal of troops from their positions on the border. He added that the military standoff began July 15, when Thai troops occupied Keo Sikha Kirisvara pagoda located near the Preah Vihear temple, in Preah Vihear Province.
The Chairman said that the border talks would be based on the convention created between Siam and France in 1907 and on Siamese and Cambodian-held Indochina maps. He added that on October 29, Thai lawmakers had approved negotiations over the disputed borders at the root of the military standoff.
Approval of negotiations will pave the way for the next meeting, scheduled for November 10 between the two countries, said Kimhong.
Cambodian and Thai officials will conduct another meeting to discuss the border conflict in order to avoid armed confrontation, according to Koy Kuong, Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Kuong said the five-day official meeting would be arranged for 10-14 November. The Cambodia-Thai Joint Commission on Demarcation of the Land Boundary will continue to discuss measures to resolve the dispute.
“The meeting will be arranged by the Thai side, and will be held in Thailand,” Kuong told the Cambodia Weekly during a telephone interview on October 30. He continued, “I think that it marks a new phase of negotiations that will discuss solutions to both immediate and long-term problems. I hope that the upcoming meeting in Thailand will provide a positive result for both countries.”
Kuong said that for the Cambodian side, the meeting would be led by His Excellency Var Kimhong, Chairman of the National Committee for the Resolution of Border Disputes in the Council of Ministers.
Phay Siphan, Secretary of State and spokesman for the Council of Ministers, welcomed the go-ahead, as it demonstrated commitment to solve the border issue between the two sides.
“We welcome the official participation of the Thai side in the upcoming meeting. Our Cambodian side has made no changes to the position as indicated by the spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the two countries in 2000.”
He said that the meeting would focus on a border survey and demarcation based on the 2000 MoU and set up a temporary coordination working group to consider the disputed border areas. He added that the results of the assessment would be forwarded to a session of the Joint Border Commission.
Siphan said relations between Cambodia and Thailand had experienced difficulties since July when Preah Vihear was awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO.
He said that several rounds of bilateral talks between the two countries have failed to bring a full withdrawal of troops from their positions on the border. He added that the military standoff began July 15, when Thai troops occupied Keo Sikha Kirisvara pagoda located near the Preah Vihear temple, in Preah Vihear Province.
The Chairman said that the border talks would be based on the convention created between Siam and France in 1907 and on Siamese and Cambodian-held Indochina maps. He added that on October 29, Thai lawmakers had approved negotiations over the disputed borders at the root of the military standoff.
Approval of negotiations will pave the way for the next meeting, scheduled for November 10 between the two countries, said Kimhong.
Cambodia Thailand Plan Border Talks for November 10
By BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA
Cambodian and Thai officials will conduct another meeting to discuss the border conflict in order to avoid armed confrontation, according to Koy Kuong, Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Kuong said the five-day official meeting would be arranged for 10-14 November. The Cambodia-Thai Joint Commission on Demarcation of the Land Boundary will continue to discuss measures to resolve the dispute.
“The meeting will be arranged by the Thai side, and will be held in Thailand,” Kuong told the Cambodia Weekly during a telephone interview on October 30. He continued, “I think that it marks a new phase of negotiations that will discuss solutions to both immediate and long-term problems. I hope that the upcoming meeting in Thailand will provide a positive result for both countries.”
Kuong said that for the Cambodian side, the meeting would be led by His Excellency Var Kimhong, Chairman of the National Committee for the Resolution of Border Disputes in the Council of Ministers.
Phay Siphan, Secretary of State and spokesman for the Council of Ministers, welcomed the go-ahead, as it demonstrated commitment to solve the border issue between the two sides.
“We welcome the official participation of the Thai side in the upcoming meeting. Our Cambodian side has made no changes to the position as indicated by the spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the two countries in 2000.”
He said that the meeting would focus on a border survey and demarcation based on the 2000 MoU and set up a temporary coordination working group to consider the disputed border areas. He added that the results of the assessment would be forwarded to a session of the Joint Border Commission.
Siphan said relations between Cambodia and Thailand had experienced difficulties since July when Preah Vihear was awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO.
He said that several rounds of bilateral talks between the two countries have failed to bring a full withdrawal of troops from their positions on the border. He added that the military standoff began July 15, when Thai troops occupied Keo Sikha Kirisvara pagoda located near the Preah Vihear temple, in Preah Vihear Province.
The Chairman said that the border talks would be based on the convention created between Siam and France in 1907 and on Siamese and Cambodian-held Indochina maps. He added that on October 29, Thai lawmakers had approved negotiations over the disputed borders at the root of the military standoff.
Approval of negotiations will pave the way for the next meeting, scheduled for November 10 between the two countries, said Kimhong.
Cambodian and Thai officials will conduct another meeting to discuss the border conflict in order to avoid armed confrontation, according to Koy Kuong, Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Kuong said the five-day official meeting would be arranged for 10-14 November. The Cambodia-Thai Joint Commission on Demarcation of the Land Boundary will continue to discuss measures to resolve the dispute.
“The meeting will be arranged by the Thai side, and will be held in Thailand,” Kuong told the Cambodia Weekly during a telephone interview on October 30. He continued, “I think that it marks a new phase of negotiations that will discuss solutions to both immediate and long-term problems. I hope that the upcoming meeting in Thailand will provide a positive result for both countries.”
Kuong said that for the Cambodian side, the meeting would be led by His Excellency Var Kimhong, Chairman of the National Committee for the Resolution of Border Disputes in the Council of Ministers.
Phay Siphan, Secretary of State and spokesman for the Council of Ministers, welcomed the go-ahead, as it demonstrated commitment to solve the border issue between the two sides.
“We welcome the official participation of the Thai side in the upcoming meeting. Our Cambodian side has made no changes to the position as indicated by the spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the two countries in 2000.”
He said that the meeting would focus on a border survey and demarcation based on the 2000 MoU and set up a temporary coordination working group to consider the disputed border areas. He added that the results of the assessment would be forwarded to a session of the Joint Border Commission.
Siphan said relations between Cambodia and Thailand had experienced difficulties since July when Preah Vihear was awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO.
He said that several rounds of bilateral talks between the two countries have failed to bring a full withdrawal of troops from their positions on the border. He added that the military standoff began July 15, when Thai troops occupied Keo Sikha Kirisvara pagoda located near the Preah Vihear temple, in Preah Vihear Province.
The Chairman said that the border talks would be based on the convention created between Siam and France in 1907 and on Siamese and Cambodian-held Indochina maps. He added that on October 29, Thai lawmakers had approved negotiations over the disputed borders at the root of the military standoff.
Approval of negotiations will pave the way for the next meeting, scheduled for November 10 between the two countries, said Kimhong.
The NED Conference being held in Phnom Penh
BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA
Over 200 researchers, professors, lecturers and students from 10 universities and institutes in Cambodia have attended the National Education Development Conference (NED Conference) at the Royal University of Phnom Penh II.
The Conference was organized by the Royal Academy of Cambodia (RAC) and was jointly supported by the Council of Ministers of Cambodia and UNESCO in Cambodia.
Dr. Sorn Samnang, President of RAC, said that this marks the third occasion that RAC has organized this important conference in Cambodia.
Dr. Samnang said that the main purpose of the NED Conference was to gather Cambodian researchers, lecturers, professors and students together to discuss issues related to the quality of basic education and the development of a sustainable education policy for Cambodia.
The NED Conference is organized to coordinate the establishment of networks, relations and to discuss changes and reintegration among partners. The Conference will also examine ways to meet development goals through the improvement of teaching and basic education, according to Samnang.
The President emphasized that according to research for conducted earlier this year, higher education remains an engine for economic development, nation–building, human capital development and individual advancement.
He said that the governments in many countries are funding public university systems while encouraging the development of private higher education establishments to meet growing demand.
Neak Sary, a Researcher, said that to promote “Sustainable Education Development” in Cambodia, there must be four areas of focus - social development, environmental development, cultural development and economic development.
He continued that to ensure sustainable development in higher education, they also have to focus on improvement of overall quality, improvement of research facilities, and establishing University-Industry Collaboration and Partnership programs with the private sector.
“I think that now Cambodia has sufficient human resource capital to develop the country,” he said. “We are well on the way to building a sustainable society.”
Teruo Jinnai, UNESCO representative in Cambodia, said that UNESCO has been designed as a lead agency for the promotion of education. In this role, UNESCO is responsible for coordinating the efforts of governments and educators to integrate sustainable development into educational systems at all levels, both formal and informal.
He said that UNESCO is also responsible for developing partnerships with the private sector, civil society organizations and the media to promote sustainable development for the widest possible audience.
“The vision of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (UNDESD) encompasses a world where everyone has the opportunity to benefit from education and learn the values, behaviors, and lifestyles required for a sustainable future and for positive societal transformation,” he said.
He continued, “As this vision guides us in pursuing our goals, we are reminded of the vastness of the task ahead of us. Therefore, it is essential that we recognize the interrelation of human needs and protection for the natural environment. Our aims are not completely new although they have only recently been endorsed. We are building on the continuous efforts of decades past, with a view to creating a brighter future.”
He said, “We are delighted that Cambodia has moved towards building a sustainable society. However, we are also aware of the challenges ahead. We expect that with the establishment of the National Education for Sustainable Development (NESD) Steering committee, the vision and mission will become ever clearer in their inclusiveness.
Im Sethy, Minister of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), gave his full support to the NED conference.
The Minister said that MoEYS’s had been moving towards building a sustainable education development policy. He added that the conference would help the ministry further these intentions.
On 24th October 2008, the Accreditation Committee of Cambodia (ACC), a wing of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport evaluated 76 of Cambodia’s 104 higher education centers. Three of these failed to make the grade.
Over 200 researchers, professors, lecturers and students from 10 universities and institutes in Cambodia have attended the National Education Development Conference (NED Conference) at the Royal University of Phnom Penh II.
The Conference was organized by the Royal Academy of Cambodia (RAC) and was jointly supported by the Council of Ministers of Cambodia and UNESCO in Cambodia.
Dr. Sorn Samnang, President of RAC, said that this marks the third occasion that RAC has organized this important conference in Cambodia.
Dr. Samnang said that the main purpose of the NED Conference was to gather Cambodian researchers, lecturers, professors and students together to discuss issues related to the quality of basic education and the development of a sustainable education policy for Cambodia.
The NED Conference is organized to coordinate the establishment of networks, relations and to discuss changes and reintegration among partners. The Conference will also examine ways to meet development goals through the improvement of teaching and basic education, according to Samnang.
The President emphasized that according to research for conducted earlier this year, higher education remains an engine for economic development, nation–building, human capital development and individual advancement.
He said that the governments in many countries are funding public university systems while encouraging the development of private higher education establishments to meet growing demand.
Neak Sary, a Researcher, said that to promote “Sustainable Education Development” in Cambodia, there must be four areas of focus - social development, environmental development, cultural development and economic development.
He continued that to ensure sustainable development in higher education, they also have to focus on improvement of overall quality, improvement of research facilities, and establishing University-Industry Collaboration and Partnership programs with the private sector.
“I think that now Cambodia has sufficient human resource capital to develop the country,” he said. “We are well on the way to building a sustainable society.”
Teruo Jinnai, UNESCO representative in Cambodia, said that UNESCO has been designed as a lead agency for the promotion of education. In this role, UNESCO is responsible for coordinating the efforts of governments and educators to integrate sustainable development into educational systems at all levels, both formal and informal.
He said that UNESCO is also responsible for developing partnerships with the private sector, civil society organizations and the media to promote sustainable development for the widest possible audience.
“The vision of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (UNDESD) encompasses a world where everyone has the opportunity to benefit from education and learn the values, behaviors, and lifestyles required for a sustainable future and for positive societal transformation,” he said.
He continued, “As this vision guides us in pursuing our goals, we are reminded of the vastness of the task ahead of us. Therefore, it is essential that we recognize the interrelation of human needs and protection for the natural environment. Our aims are not completely new although they have only recently been endorsed. We are building on the continuous efforts of decades past, with a view to creating a brighter future.”
He said, “We are delighted that Cambodia has moved towards building a sustainable society. However, we are also aware of the challenges ahead. We expect that with the establishment of the National Education for Sustainable Development (NESD) Steering committee, the vision and mission will become ever clearer in their inclusiveness.
Im Sethy, Minister of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), gave his full support to the NED conference.
The Minister said that MoEYS’s had been moving towards building a sustainable education development policy. He added that the conference would help the ministry further these intentions.
On 24th October 2008, the Accreditation Committee of Cambodia (ACC), a wing of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport evaluated 76 of Cambodia’s 104 higher education centers. Three of these failed to make the grade.
Cambodia Selects Traditional Fighters in Preparation for International Competition
BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA
278 traditional boxers (this martial art is also known as “Boxkator”) including 15 female boxers from 11 of the nation’s Boxkator boxing clubs and associations have attended the Worldwide National Boxkator Competitions. These fights were held over five days- 27th to 31st October 2008 - at the National Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh and were organized by the Cambodian Boxkator Federation (CBF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS).
Hok Chheang Kim, Secretary General of CBF noted that this year’s competitions mark the third opportunity for the best of Cambodia’s fighters to demonstrate their prowess before an audience of informed enthusiasts.
Chheang Kim said the main purpose of the competition was to select outstanding Boxkator fighters from across the country for entry into Cambodia’s National Championships in the Year.
According to Chheang Kim, at interview with the Cambodia weekly October 28, such a high visibility competition will also help promote the noble art of “Boxkator” as a sport suitable for all and preserve it for future generations of prize-fighting Cambodians.
He said that there are a total of 18 subjects upon which to judge the performance of a fighter. These fall under two general headings, the first dealing with the fighter’s technical ability, the second giving points for displays of style and grace in combat. Those fighters who fill the first places will receive gold medals, along with other value prizes, with silver and bronze awards for the brave runners-up. The prizes have been generously provided by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport.
Sean Kimsan, President of CBF, said that there are more than 20 Boxkator clubs across the cities and provinces of Cambodia. He also noted that this year, some Boxkator associations located in remote provinces could not send fighters to represent them due to lack of funds.
Kimsan said his Federation will examine ways to solve the problems by bringing in support from private companies or donor people for next year’s competitions.
“I have observed that traditional boxing has developed and our boxers have also improved,” Sean Kimsan continued. “I hope that through these competitions, Cambodian boxers will gain more fighting experience and can compete with other boxers at the SEA Games boxing competitions in future. In this way, we can be sure of a bright future for Khmer traditional sports for the next generation.”
Om Tharorth, 18, a female fighter from the Orussey Boxkator Club in Phnom Penh, said that she was happy and excited to attend this year’s competitions as these will mark her entry into a public fight arena. Her look of steely-eyed determination suggests she is well prepared to take on all challengers.
“I hope that with my hard training I will win a golden medal for my club,” she said. “I have beaten my opponents in the last three days of competition and now I am waiting for the final gold medal bout.”
Yong Rathana, 28, a fighter from Hang Meas Boxkator Association in Kandal province, said that he had put himself in the line of fire in previous competitions. He has been learning the art for the past two years and has the experience of 15 previous bouts to back him up.
“This is the second time I have fought for the honour of my Association in these competitions. Last year, I won a bronze medal and this year I strongly believe that with my experience, I’m on course for a gold medal. I’m looking forward to taking the spoils of “Boxkator” war back home to Kandal. From there, it would be the greatest honour for me to represent my country in international competition.” he said.
///
278 traditional boxers (this martial art is also known as “Boxkator”) including 15 female boxers from 11 of the nation’s Boxkator boxing clubs and associations have attended the Worldwide National Boxkator Competitions. These fights were held over five days- 27th to 31st October 2008 - at the National Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh and were organized by the Cambodian Boxkator Federation (CBF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS).
Hok Chheang Kim, Secretary General of CBF noted that this year’s competitions mark the third opportunity for the best of Cambodia’s fighters to demonstrate their prowess before an audience of informed enthusiasts.
Chheang Kim said the main purpose of the competition was to select outstanding Boxkator fighters from across the country for entry into Cambodia’s National Championships in the Year.
According to Chheang Kim, at interview with the Cambodia weekly October 28, such a high visibility competition will also help promote the noble art of “Boxkator” as a sport suitable for all and preserve it for future generations of prize-fighting Cambodians.
He said that there are a total of 18 subjects upon which to judge the performance of a fighter. These fall under two general headings, the first dealing with the fighter’s technical ability, the second giving points for displays of style and grace in combat. Those fighters who fill the first places will receive gold medals, along with other value prizes, with silver and bronze awards for the brave runners-up. The prizes have been generously provided by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport.
Sean Kimsan, President of CBF, said that there are more than 20 Boxkator clubs across the cities and provinces of Cambodia. He also noted that this year, some Boxkator associations located in remote provinces could not send fighters to represent them due to lack of funds.
Kimsan said his Federation will examine ways to solve the problems by bringing in support from private companies or donor people for next year’s competitions.
“I have observed that traditional boxing has developed and our boxers have also improved,” Sean Kimsan continued. “I hope that through these competitions, Cambodian boxers will gain more fighting experience and can compete with other boxers at the SEA Games boxing competitions in future. In this way, we can be sure of a bright future for Khmer traditional sports for the next generation.”
Om Tharorth, 18, a female fighter from the Orussey Boxkator Club in Phnom Penh, said that she was happy and excited to attend this year’s competitions as these will mark her entry into a public fight arena. Her look of steely-eyed determination suggests she is well prepared to take on all challengers.
“I hope that with my hard training I will win a golden medal for my club,” she said. “I have beaten my opponents in the last three days of competition and now I am waiting for the final gold medal bout.”
Yong Rathana, 28, a fighter from Hang Meas Boxkator Association in Kandal province, said that he had put himself in the line of fire in previous competitions. He has been learning the art for the past two years and has the experience of 15 previous bouts to back him up.
“This is the second time I have fought for the honour of my Association in these competitions. Last year, I won a bronze medal and this year I strongly believe that with my experience, I’m on course for a gold medal. I’m looking forward to taking the spoils of “Boxkator” war back home to Kandal. From there, it would be the greatest honour for me to represent my country in international competition.” he said.
///
Friday, October 24, 2008
Villagers Return to Their Homes following Cambodia-Thai clashes
By BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA
Cambodians living on the nation’s border with Thailand have started to return to their homes following clashes between Cambodian and Thai troops at the Veal Intry area near the Preah Vihear temple. This is the current situation according to Keo Sen, Governor of O’Chroeu district, Banteay Meanchey province.
The Governor said that approximately 80 percent of the region’s inhabitants have returned to Poipet commune and have resumed normal working duties at Rong Khloeu market in Ahranh Patheat district, Sras Keo province, just over the border in Thailand.
Keo Sen said that a number of Thai nationals had also been seen entering Cambodia to entertain themselves at a casino on the Cambodian side of the International Poipet checkpoint. He also revealed that approximately 70 percent of Thai visitors enter Cambodia to gamble at this casino.
The situation is now responding to calming influences, but the soldiers on each side remain on full alert and preparedness, according to one star general, Pen Voy, commander of 42 Company, a unit of the RCAF deployed around Phnom Dang Rek in Preah Vihear province.
“The situation for the 42nd and 43rd companies based around the Phnom Troap area, remains tense and we have the Thai forces continually in our sights,” the Commander said on October 22. “Our patrols are not penetrating too far into the disputed territory as we don’t want the Thais to misinterpret our activities.”
The Commander Pen Voy said that Thai soldiers and police had so far made no efforts to withdraw to the old boundaries and that Thai numbers had been increasing by around ten men-at-arms per day since October 20.
Remarkably, on October 16, a day after the fatal clashes, the Thai side occupying Region 2, asked for an urgent round of talks with the Cambodian military officials in Region 4. This meeting took place at the Red House (Phtas Krahoam), where they agreed to keep their armed forces within each station and if either side had business in the contested zones, they were to inform the opposition in advance.
The Commander reiterated that the Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen stated clearly that Cambodia has no designs whatsoever on neighboring land, but was firm in his decision that no Cambodian territory be ceded to Thailand.
Paved Road to Preah Vihear Temple
Kheng Someath, Director of the Working Group, said that the construction of a properly paved road continues despite the clashes of October 15th. He said that the construction crews lost half a day’s work during the exchange of gunfire at Veal Intry, as workers naturally sought shelter from the bullets.
The Director told generals, Kun Kim, Chief of Staff of the Cambodian Royal Armed Forces and his Deputy Meas Sophea, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Cambodian Royal Armed Forces that so far, over one-and-a half kilometers of road have been completed.
He said that the Royal Government of Cambodia requires the road to be over three-and-a-half kilometers long and seven meters wide. The budget for this project will be covered by US$1.6 million, supplied by the Bayon Foundation and collected by Hun Mana, General Director of Bayon TV-Radio station.
The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Kun Kim expressed his admiration for the patriotism of all construction workers who put themselves in harm’s way for their country following Samdech Hun Sen’s appeal. He also praised the workers for their ability to integrate their mighty efforts with those of the forces sent to protect Cambodia’s integrity.
Cambodians living on the nation’s border with Thailand have started to return to their homes following clashes between Cambodian and Thai troops at the Veal Intry area near the Preah Vihear temple. This is the current situation according to Keo Sen, Governor of O’Chroeu district, Banteay Meanchey province.
The Governor said that approximately 80 percent of the region’s inhabitants have returned to Poipet commune and have resumed normal working duties at Rong Khloeu market in Ahranh Patheat district, Sras Keo province, just over the border in Thailand.
Keo Sen said that a number of Thai nationals had also been seen entering Cambodia to entertain themselves at a casino on the Cambodian side of the International Poipet checkpoint. He also revealed that approximately 70 percent of Thai visitors enter Cambodia to gamble at this casino.
The situation is now responding to calming influences, but the soldiers on each side remain on full alert and preparedness, according to one star general, Pen Voy, commander of 42 Company, a unit of the RCAF deployed around Phnom Dang Rek in Preah Vihear province.
“The situation for the 42nd and 43rd companies based around the Phnom Troap area, remains tense and we have the Thai forces continually in our sights,” the Commander said on October 22. “Our patrols are not penetrating too far into the disputed territory as we don’t want the Thais to misinterpret our activities.”
The Commander Pen Voy said that Thai soldiers and police had so far made no efforts to withdraw to the old boundaries and that Thai numbers had been increasing by around ten men-at-arms per day since October 20.
Remarkably, on October 16, a day after the fatal clashes, the Thai side occupying Region 2, asked for an urgent round of talks with the Cambodian military officials in Region 4. This meeting took place at the Red House (Phtas Krahoam), where they agreed to keep their armed forces within each station and if either side had business in the contested zones, they were to inform the opposition in advance.
The Commander reiterated that the Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen stated clearly that Cambodia has no designs whatsoever on neighboring land, but was firm in his decision that no Cambodian territory be ceded to Thailand.
Paved Road to Preah Vihear Temple
Kheng Someath, Director of the Working Group, said that the construction of a properly paved road continues despite the clashes of October 15th. He said that the construction crews lost half a day’s work during the exchange of gunfire at Veal Intry, as workers naturally sought shelter from the bullets.
The Director told generals, Kun Kim, Chief of Staff of the Cambodian Royal Armed Forces and his Deputy Meas Sophea, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Cambodian Royal Armed Forces that so far, over one-and-a half kilometers of road have been completed.
He said that the Royal Government of Cambodia requires the road to be over three-and-a-half kilometers long and seven meters wide. The budget for this project will be covered by US$1.6 million, supplied by the Bayon Foundation and collected by Hun Mana, General Director of Bayon TV-Radio station.
The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Kun Kim expressed his admiration for the patriotism of all construction workers who put themselves in harm’s way for their country following Samdech Hun Sen’s appeal. He also praised the workers for their ability to integrate their mighty efforts with those of the forces sent to protect Cambodia’s integrity.
Many Cambodians Prefer to Have Blood Tests before Marriage
By Buth Reaksmey Kongkea
In a sign of the times, many Cambodian brides and grooms-to-be insist their future partners take a health check, including blood tests to identify signs of HIV/AIDS.
Dr.Teng Kunthy, General Secretary of the National AIDS Authority (NAA), said that to his knowledge, every couple about to marry has taken advantage of the Voluntary Confidential Counseling Testing (VCCT) service offered by hospitals or health centers. Dr. Kunthy said this was a responsible reaction to the HIV/AIDS epidemic and illustrated the nation’s concern for personal health and the health of others.
He said, “I really appreciate our citizens who arrive voluntarily for VCCTs at the state hospitals, clinics and health centers prior to their marriages. The victory against HIV/AIDS depends upon the effective broadcast of vital information and the success of VCCTs demonstrates the effectiveness of our government’s policies in this respect.”
Dr. Phuong Viseth, VCCT Officer with the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge (IPC) at the Ministry of Health, in Phnom Penh, said that numbers using the service had shown gratifying increases every year as news of the important tests spread.
Dr. Viseth said that the reason why they had presented themselves for voluntary testing was because they were all fully aware of their responsibilities, of the various disease vectors into the human system and of the dangers of failing to diagnose the disease.
She told The Cambodia Weekly on October 13, 2008 that according to her information, to date at least 100 people per day (that’s 50 couples secure in the knowledge of a healthy marriage and family) have come for blood checks per day.
This marks a favorable comparison to last year’s figures where only 40 people requested blood tests on any given day.
Dr. Puy Ly, Chief of the VCCT program at Sa-Ang Health Center, Kandal province said that according to her records, between 1995 and 2003, between 30 to 70 percent of people about to be married had presented themselves for VCCT in the district.
Dr. Ly said that those who had not come for a VCCT did not think the tests were necessary in their particular cases; and as the tests are not compulsory, they had decided not to take them.
Dr. Chutema Ping, Clinic Director with the Phnom Penh based Reproductive Health Association of Cambodia (RHAC) said that recently, the number of people, including those contemplating marriage had increased.
She said that according to a recent RHAC report for 2008, 100,000 Cambodian people have come for HIV/AIDS counseling and blood testing at RHAC centers in districts and provinces across the country.
“I think it is good for Cambodians about to start a new life together to come to the health centers so that they can receive complete peace of mind prior to marriage. This shows that they all concerned to maintain their health and keen to accept responsibility.” she told The Cambodia Weekly by telephone.
Kasem Kolnary, Director of Cambodian HIV/AIDS Education and Care (CHEC), a local NGO in Phnom Penh, said that 90 percent of all adults living in her organization’s zone were aware of the basic facts concerning HIV/AIDS and its prevention. She was also pleased to report that all young couples had received the tests before marriage. She added that CHEC was established in 2001 and was currently working in five provinces including Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Cham, Kampot, Kandal and Prey Veng provinces.
Yang Sary, 26, a Motor-Taxi Driver in Phnom Penh, said that he and his girlfriend are going to be married in November 30, 2008.
Sary said, “I am very happy to be my fiancé’s intended. I am happier now that she knows my health is good. We have already had blood tests at a health centre in Phnom Penh. We are so pleased that we are clear of all disease. We know that we will live free from HIV/AIDS and in happiness”, he added.
Puth Darith, 43, a businessman living in Samrong Tong district, Kampong Speu province, said that he married in 2003. Darith, now the proud father of two, told the Cambodia Weekly that before his marriage, he and his wife had also taken VCCTs at a health center in Kampong Speu province.
He said that after the first blood test showed no signs of disease, he and his wife had continued to take the tests at a health center in Kampong Speu for the sake of mutual reassurance.
He said, “I think that to form a good married relationship and a happy family life, every one should go to meet the doctors and get their blood tested before marriage.”
According to recent Ministry of Health statistics, there are a total of 140 VCCT sites located in health centers and hospitals in all districts, cities and provinces across the Kingdom of Cambodia.
In a sign of the times, many Cambodian brides and grooms-to-be insist their future partners take a health check, including blood tests to identify signs of HIV/AIDS.
Dr.Teng Kunthy, General Secretary of the National AIDS Authority (NAA), said that to his knowledge, every couple about to marry has taken advantage of the Voluntary Confidential Counseling Testing (VCCT) service offered by hospitals or health centers. Dr. Kunthy said this was a responsible reaction to the HIV/AIDS epidemic and illustrated the nation’s concern for personal health and the health of others.
He said, “I really appreciate our citizens who arrive voluntarily for VCCTs at the state hospitals, clinics and health centers prior to their marriages. The victory against HIV/AIDS depends upon the effective broadcast of vital information and the success of VCCTs demonstrates the effectiveness of our government’s policies in this respect.”
Dr. Phuong Viseth, VCCT Officer with the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge (IPC) at the Ministry of Health, in Phnom Penh, said that numbers using the service had shown gratifying increases every year as news of the important tests spread.
Dr. Viseth said that the reason why they had presented themselves for voluntary testing was because they were all fully aware of their responsibilities, of the various disease vectors into the human system and of the dangers of failing to diagnose the disease.
She told The Cambodia Weekly on October 13, 2008 that according to her information, to date at least 100 people per day (that’s 50 couples secure in the knowledge of a healthy marriage and family) have come for blood checks per day.
This marks a favorable comparison to last year’s figures where only 40 people requested blood tests on any given day.
Dr. Puy Ly, Chief of the VCCT program at Sa-Ang Health Center, Kandal province said that according to her records, between 1995 and 2003, between 30 to 70 percent of people about to be married had presented themselves for VCCT in the district.
Dr. Ly said that those who had not come for a VCCT did not think the tests were necessary in their particular cases; and as the tests are not compulsory, they had decided not to take them.
Dr. Chutema Ping, Clinic Director with the Phnom Penh based Reproductive Health Association of Cambodia (RHAC) said that recently, the number of people, including those contemplating marriage had increased.
She said that according to a recent RHAC report for 2008, 100,000 Cambodian people have come for HIV/AIDS counseling and blood testing at RHAC centers in districts and provinces across the country.
“I think it is good for Cambodians about to start a new life together to come to the health centers so that they can receive complete peace of mind prior to marriage. This shows that they all concerned to maintain their health and keen to accept responsibility.” she told The Cambodia Weekly by telephone.
Kasem Kolnary, Director of Cambodian HIV/AIDS Education and Care (CHEC), a local NGO in Phnom Penh, said that 90 percent of all adults living in her organization’s zone were aware of the basic facts concerning HIV/AIDS and its prevention. She was also pleased to report that all young couples had received the tests before marriage. She added that CHEC was established in 2001 and was currently working in five provinces including Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Cham, Kampot, Kandal and Prey Veng provinces.
Yang Sary, 26, a Motor-Taxi Driver in Phnom Penh, said that he and his girlfriend are going to be married in November 30, 2008.
Sary said, “I am very happy to be my fiancé’s intended. I am happier now that she knows my health is good. We have already had blood tests at a health centre in Phnom Penh. We are so pleased that we are clear of all disease. We know that we will live free from HIV/AIDS and in happiness”, he added.
Puth Darith, 43, a businessman living in Samrong Tong district, Kampong Speu province, said that he married in 2003. Darith, now the proud father of two, told the Cambodia Weekly that before his marriage, he and his wife had also taken VCCTs at a health center in Kampong Speu province.
He said that after the first blood test showed no signs of disease, he and his wife had continued to take the tests at a health center in Kampong Speu for the sake of mutual reassurance.
He said, “I think that to form a good married relationship and a happy family life, every one should go to meet the doctors and get their blood tested before marriage.”
According to recent Ministry of Health statistics, there are a total of 140 VCCT sites located in health centers and hospitals in all districts, cities and provinces across the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Cambodia Prepares Boat Races for this year’s Water Festival
BY BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA
About 450 boats have been prepared for entry into the three-day competition to celebrate the Water Festivals. They will be held on November 11-13, 2008 at the riverside, in front of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, according to a government official in charge of National and International Festivals Committee.
Chea Kean, Deputy Secretary-General of the National Committee for Organizing National and International Festivals (NCONIF), said that in 2007, a total of 434 boats participated in the races and 409 boats in 2006.
Kean said, “I noted that the number of crews registering for the Water Festival has increased every year. This is a result of peace, progress and political stability in Cambodia.”
Kean continued, “Every year, the competition aims to select the best boat racers from different provinces across the country to win the title Cambodia’s National Champions for the year. It is also to promote and conserve the boat race which is a traditional event and a reminder of our brave soldiers who used the boats in conflicts of the past.”
“I hope that with these racing events, our boat racers will gain more experience in rowing at international competition level. Finally, we can develop and conserve our traditional culture for future generations,” he said.
He told the Cambodia Weekly on October 23, that this year, the Water Festival would be graced by the presence of Preah Koruna Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihamoni, the King of Cambodia.
He said that the Water Festival would also include fireworks, 23 decorative light boats and night time concerts.
He also said that the boat races would be featured live on TVK (Television of Kampuchea) and other private TV channels so that enthusiasts further a-field who cannot make the events in person can catch all the action as it happens.
He said that at least one million Cambodians are expected to crowd the Waterfront to witness the spectacle.
Mann Chhoeun, Deputy Governor of Phnom Penh Municipality, said that to attract more foreign tourists to the festival, there were plans to decorate sites of historic interest, as well as organizing other entertainments including traditional theatre, displays of classical dance, music and concerts.
Chhoeun said that the Phnom Penh Municipality would also work with local and international companies to organize trade fairs and other business activities during the Water Festival.
He told The Cambodia Weekly by telephone that the authority would also prepare rubbish bags and toilets for visitors to keep the festival environment clean and hygienic.
“I hope that with these activities, we can attract hundreds of thousands of people, united in their enjoyment of this year’s Water Festival”, he said.
Last year, approximately two million people watched the races and other entertainments organized in Phnom Penh.
Brigadier General Touch Naruth, Phnom Penh Police Commissariat Chief, said that to provide security for spectators during the Water Festival, the Police Commissariat planned to deploy a total of 5,449 armed officers from both the civilian and military police forces.
General Naruth said that the Authority will also prepare a total of three motor launches to rescue crews who may find themselves in difficulties as the races progress.
He pointed out that these forces would be deployed at all important checkpoints and crowded streets in Phnom Penh to help travelers beat traffic jams and avoid other problems.
According to Cambodian documents and history, the Water Festival in Cambodia takes place each year in October or November, at the time of the full moon, and is the most extravagant and exuberant festival in the Khmer calendar, outdoing even the new year celebrations.
The festival marks the changing of the flow of the Tonle Sap River and is also seen as thanksgiving to the Mekong River for providing the country with fertile land and abundant fish. It is at this time when the river flow reverts to its normal down-stream direction. In a remarkable phenomenon, the Tonle Sap River earlier reverses its course as the rainy season progresses, with the river flowing "upstream" to Tonle Sap Lake. When the rainy season tapers off, the river changes direction once again and the swollen Tonle Sap Lake begins to empty back into the Mekong River. Vast quantities of fish are revealed as a result of this change in flow.
About 450 boats have been prepared for entry into the three-day competition to celebrate the Water Festivals. They will be held on November 11-13, 2008 at the riverside, in front of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, according to a government official in charge of National and International Festivals Committee.
Chea Kean, Deputy Secretary-General of the National Committee for Organizing National and International Festivals (NCONIF), said that in 2007, a total of 434 boats participated in the races and 409 boats in 2006.
Kean said, “I noted that the number of crews registering for the Water Festival has increased every year. This is a result of peace, progress and political stability in Cambodia.”
Kean continued, “Every year, the competition aims to select the best boat racers from different provinces across the country to win the title Cambodia’s National Champions for the year. It is also to promote and conserve the boat race which is a traditional event and a reminder of our brave soldiers who used the boats in conflicts of the past.”
“I hope that with these racing events, our boat racers will gain more experience in rowing at international competition level. Finally, we can develop and conserve our traditional culture for future generations,” he said.
He told the Cambodia Weekly on October 23, that this year, the Water Festival would be graced by the presence of Preah Koruna Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihamoni, the King of Cambodia.
He said that the Water Festival would also include fireworks, 23 decorative light boats and night time concerts.
He also said that the boat races would be featured live on TVK (Television of Kampuchea) and other private TV channels so that enthusiasts further a-field who cannot make the events in person can catch all the action as it happens.
He said that at least one million Cambodians are expected to crowd the Waterfront to witness the spectacle.
Mann Chhoeun, Deputy Governor of Phnom Penh Municipality, said that to attract more foreign tourists to the festival, there were plans to decorate sites of historic interest, as well as organizing other entertainments including traditional theatre, displays of classical dance, music and concerts.
Chhoeun said that the Phnom Penh Municipality would also work with local and international companies to organize trade fairs and other business activities during the Water Festival.
He told The Cambodia Weekly by telephone that the authority would also prepare rubbish bags and toilets for visitors to keep the festival environment clean and hygienic.
“I hope that with these activities, we can attract hundreds of thousands of people, united in their enjoyment of this year’s Water Festival”, he said.
Last year, approximately two million people watched the races and other entertainments organized in Phnom Penh.
Brigadier General Touch Naruth, Phnom Penh Police Commissariat Chief, said that to provide security for spectators during the Water Festival, the Police Commissariat planned to deploy a total of 5,449 armed officers from both the civilian and military police forces.
General Naruth said that the Authority will also prepare a total of three motor launches to rescue crews who may find themselves in difficulties as the races progress.
He pointed out that these forces would be deployed at all important checkpoints and crowded streets in Phnom Penh to help travelers beat traffic jams and avoid other problems.
According to Cambodian documents and history, the Water Festival in Cambodia takes place each year in October or November, at the time of the full moon, and is the most extravagant and exuberant festival in the Khmer calendar, outdoing even the new year celebrations.
The festival marks the changing of the flow of the Tonle Sap River and is also seen as thanksgiving to the Mekong River for providing the country with fertile land and abundant fish. It is at this time when the river flow reverts to its normal down-stream direction. In a remarkable phenomenon, the Tonle Sap River earlier reverses its course as the rainy season progresses, with the river flowing "upstream" to Tonle Sap Lake. When the rainy season tapers off, the river changes direction once again and the swollen Tonle Sap Lake begins to empty back into the Mekong River. Vast quantities of fish are revealed as a result of this change in flow.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Cambodian Workers Return to Cambodia from Thailand
By BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA
Roughly 500 Khmer workers have returned to Cambodia per day following Prime Minister Hun Sen’s recent appealed to come back for work in Cambodia. The call was made after the internal crisis in Thailand, according to Som Sam An, Senior Officer in charge of Cambodian-Thai Border Relationships at the International Poipet Checkpoint in Banteay Meanchey Province.
So far, about 3,000 Cambodian workers have left Thailand through the Poi Pet Checkpoint during recent weeks, according to the Senior Officer, speaking to the Cambodia Weekly on October 13.
Som Sam An said a further 100 people who worked illegally in Thailand recently also returned to Cambodia through different Cambodian checkpoints.
He said that Cambodian workers returned to their country for work because they were worried about their safety and security since the border conflict between the two countries flared up on July 15, 2008. He added that they returned home in obedience to the Cambodian Prime Minister’s appeal.
Bun Mom, 43, a Khmer worker who had recently returned from Bangkok in Thailand, said that he and his friends had worked for about two years in Thailand.
Mom, a married man living in Svay Rieng province, said that he and his friends decided to return because they were worried about personal safety and security since the internal crisis in Thailand.
“I am happy because my friends and I are safe and working back home in Phnom Penh. I think that we will find work in our country, rather than fleeing to a neighboring country to find work,” he said.
Veng Sao, 36, recently returned from Thailand with his friends last week and he now works with his family in Takeo province as a construction worker. He said that he decided to return to Cambodia because he has concerned about his safety and job security in Thailand.
Sao said that he had stayed as a construction worker for over one year in Thailand and he earned about 15,000 riels (about $3.65) per day. On these wages he was unable to save any money for his family because all his wages were spent on his own daily living costs.
“Now I am looking for work in Phnom Penh to make money for my family,” he told the Cambodia Weekly during a personal interview on October 14.
Oknha Mong Reththy, Director of Mong Reththy Group, said that recently, many local and foreign investors had faced problems with the pool of local laborers as many of them had left Cambodia for work abroad.
“I am happy now that workers are starting to return from Thailand. I think it is better for those people to work in Cambodia and stay with their families inside the country,” the Director told the Cambodia Weekly during a telephone interview on October 14.
He continued, “I think that the returning Cambodian workers will fill the shortage in the labor market in construction, agriculture and the industrial sector in Cambodia.”
He added that every year, his company lacked the input of around 200 workers when collecting palm fruits during the harvesting season.
Seng Phally, Operational Manager with the Cambodia Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO), a local agricultural company in Kampong Cham province, said that he also wanted Cambodian people to come back for work in Cambodia.
Phally said that he planned to invest in a cassava and cashew plantation on about 40 hectares of land in Kampong Cham province. However, he said that due to the lack of local labor, he could not get the business to function profitably.
He hopes that with these returns, they will fill the gaps left in the labor market across all economic sectors in Cambodia.
Ly Hamhay, General Director of Hamhay Villas and Construction Company, a leading construction company in Phnom Penh, said that without an additional 500 skilled workers, he would be hard pressed to fulfill the orders of his clients. Hamhay said that today, his company employs a total of 1, 200 people in Phnom Penh and other provinces across the country. He added the basic salary for experienced workers in his company is between 10,000 ($2.50) and 40,000 riels (about $10) per day.
Yan Navuth, Executive Director of the Cambodia Coordination of Action Research on AIDS and Mobility (CARAM Cambodia), which is local non-government organization in Phnom Penh, said that he appreciated the arrival of returnees from Thailand.
He said, “I think that it is good for them in return, while political turmoil and border tensions are occurring. I am very happy to see them back home safe and sound.”
He told The Cambodia Weekly that according to a CARAM report, there are about 200,000 Cambodian workers working in Thailand.
He said that most of them had been employed in the construction, farming and fishing sectors of the Thai economy.
Oum Mean, Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training (MLVT), said that his government also appreciated the returnees.
He said that the government has also encouraged all Cambodian people who work illegally in neighboring countries to return for work in their country. This was an echo of a call made last month by Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of Cambodia who said that there was plenty of work in Cambodia for Cambodians to do.
.
He added that the average wage of 10,000 to 20,000 riel was the same as that in Thailand.
According to Um Mean, today there are millions of Cambodian people working with local and foreign companies in Cambodia. 600,000 of the nation’s workforce are employed in the industrial sector. Up to 350 000 are employed in garment factories. 300,000 people work with the tourist sector, with hundreds of thousands of people employed in agro-industrial companies (rubber and oil plantations), transportation and construction. NGO’s are another source of employment for Ca
Roughly 500 Khmer workers have returned to Cambodia per day following Prime Minister Hun Sen’s recent appealed to come back for work in Cambodia. The call was made after the internal crisis in Thailand, according to Som Sam An, Senior Officer in charge of Cambodian-Thai Border Relationships at the International Poipet Checkpoint in Banteay Meanchey Province.
So far, about 3,000 Cambodian workers have left Thailand through the Poi Pet Checkpoint during recent weeks, according to the Senior Officer, speaking to the Cambodia Weekly on October 13.
Som Sam An said a further 100 people who worked illegally in Thailand recently also returned to Cambodia through different Cambodian checkpoints.
He said that Cambodian workers returned to their country for work because they were worried about their safety and security since the border conflict between the two countries flared up on July 15, 2008. He added that they returned home in obedience to the Cambodian Prime Minister’s appeal.
Bun Mom, 43, a Khmer worker who had recently returned from Bangkok in Thailand, said that he and his friends had worked for about two years in Thailand.
Mom, a married man living in Svay Rieng province, said that he and his friends decided to return because they were worried about personal safety and security since the internal crisis in Thailand.
“I am happy because my friends and I are safe and working back home in Phnom Penh. I think that we will find work in our country, rather than fleeing to a neighboring country to find work,” he said.
Veng Sao, 36, recently returned from Thailand with his friends last week and he now works with his family in Takeo province as a construction worker. He said that he decided to return to Cambodia because he has concerned about his safety and job security in Thailand.
Sao said that he had stayed as a construction worker for over one year in Thailand and he earned about 15,000 riels (about $3.65) per day. On these wages he was unable to save any money for his family because all his wages were spent on his own daily living costs.
“Now I am looking for work in Phnom Penh to make money for my family,” he told the Cambodia Weekly during a personal interview on October 14.
Oknha Mong Reththy, Director of Mong Reththy Group, said that recently, many local and foreign investors had faced problems with the pool of local laborers as many of them had left Cambodia for work abroad.
“I am happy now that workers are starting to return from Thailand. I think it is better for those people to work in Cambodia and stay with their families inside the country,” the Director told the Cambodia Weekly during a telephone interview on October 14.
He continued, “I think that the returning Cambodian workers will fill the shortage in the labor market in construction, agriculture and the industrial sector in Cambodia.”
He added that every year, his company lacked the input of around 200 workers when collecting palm fruits during the harvesting season.
Seng Phally, Operational Manager with the Cambodia Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO), a local agricultural company in Kampong Cham province, said that he also wanted Cambodian people to come back for work in Cambodia.
Phally said that he planned to invest in a cassava and cashew plantation on about 40 hectares of land in Kampong Cham province. However, he said that due to the lack of local labor, he could not get the business to function profitably.
He hopes that with these returns, they will fill the gaps left in the labor market across all economic sectors in Cambodia.
Ly Hamhay, General Director of Hamhay Villas and Construction Company, a leading construction company in Phnom Penh, said that without an additional 500 skilled workers, he would be hard pressed to fulfill the orders of his clients. Hamhay said that today, his company employs a total of 1, 200 people in Phnom Penh and other provinces across the country. He added the basic salary for experienced workers in his company is between 10,000 ($2.50) and 40,000 riels (about $10) per day.
Yan Navuth, Executive Director of the Cambodia Coordination of Action Research on AIDS and Mobility (CARAM Cambodia), which is local non-government organization in Phnom Penh, said that he appreciated the arrival of returnees from Thailand.
He said, “I think that it is good for them in return, while political turmoil and border tensions are occurring. I am very happy to see them back home safe and sound.”
He told The Cambodia Weekly that according to a CARAM report, there are about 200,000 Cambodian workers working in Thailand.
He said that most of them had been employed in the construction, farming and fishing sectors of the Thai economy.
Oum Mean, Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training (MLVT), said that his government also appreciated the returnees.
He said that the government has also encouraged all Cambodian people who work illegally in neighboring countries to return for work in their country. This was an echo of a call made last month by Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of Cambodia who said that there was plenty of work in Cambodia for Cambodians to do.
.
He added that the average wage of 10,000 to 20,000 riel was the same as that in Thailand.
According to Um Mean, today there are millions of Cambodian people working with local and foreign companies in Cambodia. 600,000 of the nation’s workforce are employed in the industrial sector. Up to 350 000 are employed in garment factories. 300,000 people work with the tourist sector, with hundreds of thousands of people employed in agro-industrial companies (rubber and oil plantations), transportation and construction. NGO’s are another source of employment for Ca
Friday, October 3, 2008
People of Mondulkiri Benefit from Honey Association
By BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA
Cambodia’s rich patchwork of minority peoples including Phnong and Steang who live in Mondulkiri province are benefiting from a WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) Honey Association Project, according to WWF project officers.
Bas Van Helvoot, program manager for the WWF Greater Mekong/Cambodia Country Program, said that currently at least 60 Phnong families who collected honey had been receiving benefits from WWF-funded local honey pilot projects in two communes in Mondulkiri province.
Bas Van Helvoot told the Cambodia Weekly that the two Mondulkiri honey projects, supported by funds in the region of US $50,000 included the Krung Raton Honey Group located in Krangties commune, Pichreada district and the Prey Radang Honey Group located in Pu Chrey commune, in Pichreada district.
According to Bas, these two groups are the first to receive funding from the WWF Greater Mekong/Cambodia Country Program, following its inauguration earlier this year. He said the main purpose of the program is to support minority peoples and perpetuate their harvesting traditions. These traditions are eco-friendly as their low-tech approach respects biodiversity and promotes an intimate relationship and harmony between the wilderness and the communities that nestle in it.
Amy Maling, Community Natural Resource Management Specialist and Community Extension Technical Advisor for the WWF Greater Mekong/Cambodia region, said the project would focus on the conservation of the Eastern Plains landscape of Cambodia. One of the most effective ways to ensure the preservation of this region’s austere beauty is to ensure the wellbeing of the human inhabitants who know the area best.
“Honey is one of the forest-based resources that have potential for generating income among the Phnong indigenous communities in Mondulkiri,” Amy said. “Honey collecting, when it is done in the right manner, is complementary to the conservation of other natural resources in the landscape.”
“Our project goal is also to keep the last wilderness of Cambodia intact and connected, helping people protect their wildlife and livelihoods simultaneously,” she added.
Amy said that in general the Eastern Plains Landscape Project is working in a geographical area covering 800,000 hectares in Mondulkiri. “We work in 16 villages scattered across this landscape, covering three districts and eight communes. Specifically, for the honey project we are working with two communes including Krangties and Pu Chrey in Pichreada district.”
Sin Tha, a member of the Phnong community and a honey harvester with many years experience in Pichreada district in Mondulkiri province, said that under previous conditions, his group could collect honey only once per year from any given bee’s nest in the forest. Now however, his group is able to collect the sweetest of Mother Nature’s products up to three times per season within a year—from March to May.
Yen Bunthoeun, a honey collector from Steang, said that his 10 strong families were also collecting honey in the forests surrounding Pu Chrey commune in Mondulkiri.
Bunthoeun said that they could collect between 30 to 50 liters per season. This results in daily earnings of around 40,000 riel (about $10) per day from collecting honey.
However, since the Honey Association’s project was introduced to his community, he said more people were aware of the importance of sustainable methods when harvesting honey and the healthy environment that this way of behaving supports.
Amy said that the association’s members were currently mapping the collection areas to establish an inventory that will enable them to have a better overview of the available bee nests in the forest. Importantly, this map of nests will also help define a truly sustainable volume that collectors can harvest without damaging the bee colonies.
In addition, she said the members of the honey collectors groups were approaching the task much more intelligently. For instance, they now wait for the hone combs to mature before harvesting; and then, only the honey-baring part of the comb is harvested, leaving behind the bee larvae to form the next generation of honeybee workers. The forest and its undergrowth are also preserved to allow the bees to benefit from the many wild flowers that thrive there.
To find buyers and markets for the honey, especially that collected by the Honey Enterprise Project, she said the association plans to expand its membership, register the honey product with the Ministry of Commerce and then sell the produce in supermarkets in Phnom Penh and the provinces.
Dr. Kong Bunly, director of Bunly Pharmacies Import and Export Co., Ltd, said that natural, un-Pasteurized honey is a natural antibiotic and therefore beneficial to health. Honey also forms the main ingredient in traditional beauty treatments for both women and men.
Cambodia’s rich patchwork of minority peoples including Phnong and Steang who live in Mondulkiri province are benefiting from a WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) Honey Association Project, according to WWF project officers.
Bas Van Helvoot, program manager for the WWF Greater Mekong/Cambodia Country Program, said that currently at least 60 Phnong families who collected honey had been receiving benefits from WWF-funded local honey pilot projects in two communes in Mondulkiri province.
Bas Van Helvoot told the Cambodia Weekly that the two Mondulkiri honey projects, supported by funds in the region of US $50,000 included the Krung Raton Honey Group located in Krangties commune, Pichreada district and the Prey Radang Honey Group located in Pu Chrey commune, in Pichreada district.
According to Bas, these two groups are the first to receive funding from the WWF Greater Mekong/Cambodia Country Program, following its inauguration earlier this year. He said the main purpose of the program is to support minority peoples and perpetuate their harvesting traditions. These traditions are eco-friendly as their low-tech approach respects biodiversity and promotes an intimate relationship and harmony between the wilderness and the communities that nestle in it.
Amy Maling, Community Natural Resource Management Specialist and Community Extension Technical Advisor for the WWF Greater Mekong/Cambodia region, said the project would focus on the conservation of the Eastern Plains landscape of Cambodia. One of the most effective ways to ensure the preservation of this region’s austere beauty is to ensure the wellbeing of the human inhabitants who know the area best.
“Honey is one of the forest-based resources that have potential for generating income among the Phnong indigenous communities in Mondulkiri,” Amy said. “Honey collecting, when it is done in the right manner, is complementary to the conservation of other natural resources in the landscape.”
“Our project goal is also to keep the last wilderness of Cambodia intact and connected, helping people protect their wildlife and livelihoods simultaneously,” she added.
Amy said that in general the Eastern Plains Landscape Project is working in a geographical area covering 800,000 hectares in Mondulkiri. “We work in 16 villages scattered across this landscape, covering three districts and eight communes. Specifically, for the honey project we are working with two communes including Krangties and Pu Chrey in Pichreada district.”
Sin Tha, a member of the Phnong community and a honey harvester with many years experience in Pichreada district in Mondulkiri province, said that under previous conditions, his group could collect honey only once per year from any given bee’s nest in the forest. Now however, his group is able to collect the sweetest of Mother Nature’s products up to three times per season within a year—from March to May.
Yen Bunthoeun, a honey collector from Steang, said that his 10 strong families were also collecting honey in the forests surrounding Pu Chrey commune in Mondulkiri.
Bunthoeun said that they could collect between 30 to 50 liters per season. This results in daily earnings of around 40,000 riel (about $10) per day from collecting honey.
However, since the Honey Association’s project was introduced to his community, he said more people were aware of the importance of sustainable methods when harvesting honey and the healthy environment that this way of behaving supports.
Amy said that the association’s members were currently mapping the collection areas to establish an inventory that will enable them to have a better overview of the available bee nests in the forest. Importantly, this map of nests will also help define a truly sustainable volume that collectors can harvest without damaging the bee colonies.
In addition, she said the members of the honey collectors groups were approaching the task much more intelligently. For instance, they now wait for the hone combs to mature before harvesting; and then, only the honey-baring part of the comb is harvested, leaving behind the bee larvae to form the next generation of honeybee workers. The forest and its undergrowth are also preserved to allow the bees to benefit from the many wild flowers that thrive there.
To find buyers and markets for the honey, especially that collected by the Honey Enterprise Project, she said the association plans to expand its membership, register the honey product with the Ministry of Commerce and then sell the produce in supermarkets in Phnom Penh and the provinces.
Dr. Kong Bunly, director of Bunly Pharmacies Import and Export Co., Ltd, said that natural, un-Pasteurized honey is a natural antibiotic and therefore beneficial to health. Honey also forms the main ingredient in traditional beauty treatments for both women and men.
Cambodia’s First Rattan Conservation Project
By BUTH REAKSMEY KONGKEA
Rattan is one of the most important natural resources for Cambodian people and in Kompot province, the plant is now under the protection of Save Cambodia’s Wildlife (SCW), according to Tep Boonny, executive director of SCW.
“This marks the first phase of the rattan reservation project,” Boonny said. “The main objective of the project is to preserve the rattan as a natural resource. Unfortunately the rattan is now under threat, and we must encourage a return to sustainable use of rattans. This is a vital process and we hope that by preserving the plant, we will also be supporting the occupations of many local artisans in their provinces in Cambodia.”
He observed that, “…until today, no viable man-made alternative to rattan exists that is as cheap, as versatile or as useful to our farmers and workers out in the provinces. In the cities, we are used to seeing rattan in the form of furniture, but the uses to which our farmers put the plant are limited only by their ingenuity and imagination.”
“However, due to unrestrained exploitation of the rattan plant, it is now under heavy threat. Within the next decade, if this behavior is not moderated, Cambodia could face a future without this adaptable plant. So, we are going to try and preserve the rattan’s natural range and replant these areas with the crop; and we plan to do so with the help of the Government and appropriate ministries,” he added.
The project was established by SCW in 2007 and receives funds from the WWF. Boonny said that the project covers 2006 hectares of forest lands in Prek Thnoat commune, Kampot district in Kampot province. It has received recognition by the Kampot provincial authority and the Ministry of Environment.
He said, “I hope that with this rattan project, we can preserve the rattan plant in a manner that also promotes its continued use well into the future. For those whose livelihoods depend on rattan, we are all looking forward to helping them improve their standard of living.”
Boonny told the Cambodia Weekly that according to a SCW report, the fortunes of about 100 local families are directly tied to the first phase of the rattan project, with a further 500 families receiving indirect benefits. Furthermore, to ensure the permanence of these benefits, the project in Kampot province will continue for the next five to seven years. He said that so far, his organization has been working very hard in training people in the “Sustainable Use and Replanting of Rattan”, as well as tending thousands of rattan seedlings to repopulate the SCW project site.
According to the SCW master plan, the next rattan project will occur in Thmar Bung district in Koh Kong province, following the successful completion of the Kampot province project.
Chhoeng Soviriya, the SCW project officer based in Kampot province, said that most of the personnel involved in the growing project based around the Prek Thnoat Communes are farmers and fishermen. Their livelihoods depend on their harvesting the plant from the forests and mountain tops. This is then sold to local middlemen who then sell it on to dealers in the larger urban centers. This activity puts an extra 20, 000 riel (about US $5) into the pockets of the Kampot province harvesters per month, in addition to the money they earn from fishing or farming.
Soviriya continued, “Since the introduction of the rattan project in Kampot province, people can see the necessity for conservation as they can see the link between this and their livelihoods. Before our intervention, they sold the unprocessed rattan that they had collected directly to merchants at a relatively low price. With help and coordination from SCW and WWF, they have been introduced to a wider more lucrative market for their goods. They are also more confident in turning their harvests into furniture for sale in the larger towns and cities across the country.”
Kong Sao, 47, a farmer in Prek Kreng village, Prek Thnoat commune, Kampot province, said that he and his friends had been involved in the collection of rattan for the last decade, bringing in between 20,000 to 50,000 riel every fortnight
Yang Seth, 40, another farmer living in Kampot district, Kampot province, said that his income was greatly enhanced by collecting raw rattan. He said, “It is my second source of income and I can make up to 15 000 riel each month to support my family and children.”
Ek Sopheak, chief of the information office at the Forest Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, said that the ministry appreciated the work of SCW and its efforts to preserve the rattan range in Kampot province. According to him, the rattan’s range is limited to Kampot, Koh Kong, Pursat, Kampong Thom and Preah Vihear provinces.
He continued, “I think that the rattan project is a big help to the Ministry of Agriculture. The rattan is a very important and supremely useful natural resource. Their activities are also a great source of help to the farmers whose lives depend on these versatile plants.”
//
Rattan is one of the most important natural resources for Cambodian people and in Kompot province, the plant is now under the protection of Save Cambodia’s Wildlife (SCW), according to Tep Boonny, executive director of SCW.
“This marks the first phase of the rattan reservation project,” Boonny said. “The main objective of the project is to preserve the rattan as a natural resource. Unfortunately the rattan is now under threat, and we must encourage a return to sustainable use of rattans. This is a vital process and we hope that by preserving the plant, we will also be supporting the occupations of many local artisans in their provinces in Cambodia.”
He observed that, “…until today, no viable man-made alternative to rattan exists that is as cheap, as versatile or as useful to our farmers and workers out in the provinces. In the cities, we are used to seeing rattan in the form of furniture, but the uses to which our farmers put the plant are limited only by their ingenuity and imagination.”
“However, due to unrestrained exploitation of the rattan plant, it is now under heavy threat. Within the next decade, if this behavior is not moderated, Cambodia could face a future without this adaptable plant. So, we are going to try and preserve the rattan’s natural range and replant these areas with the crop; and we plan to do so with the help of the Government and appropriate ministries,” he added.
The project was established by SCW in 2007 and receives funds from the WWF. Boonny said that the project covers 2006 hectares of forest lands in Prek Thnoat commune, Kampot district in Kampot province. It has received recognition by the Kampot provincial authority and the Ministry of Environment.
He said, “I hope that with this rattan project, we can preserve the rattan plant in a manner that also promotes its continued use well into the future. For those whose livelihoods depend on rattan, we are all looking forward to helping them improve their standard of living.”
Boonny told the Cambodia Weekly that according to a SCW report, the fortunes of about 100 local families are directly tied to the first phase of the rattan project, with a further 500 families receiving indirect benefits. Furthermore, to ensure the permanence of these benefits, the project in Kampot province will continue for the next five to seven years. He said that so far, his organization has been working very hard in training people in the “Sustainable Use and Replanting of Rattan”, as well as tending thousands of rattan seedlings to repopulate the SCW project site.
According to the SCW master plan, the next rattan project will occur in Thmar Bung district in Koh Kong province, following the successful completion of the Kampot province project.
Chhoeng Soviriya, the SCW project officer based in Kampot province, said that most of the personnel involved in the growing project based around the Prek Thnoat Communes are farmers and fishermen. Their livelihoods depend on their harvesting the plant from the forests and mountain tops. This is then sold to local middlemen who then sell it on to dealers in the larger urban centers. This activity puts an extra 20, 000 riel (about US $5) into the pockets of the Kampot province harvesters per month, in addition to the money they earn from fishing or farming.
Soviriya continued, “Since the introduction of the rattan project in Kampot province, people can see the necessity for conservation as they can see the link between this and their livelihoods. Before our intervention, they sold the unprocessed rattan that they had collected directly to merchants at a relatively low price. With help and coordination from SCW and WWF, they have been introduced to a wider more lucrative market for their goods. They are also more confident in turning their harvests into furniture for sale in the larger towns and cities across the country.”
Kong Sao, 47, a farmer in Prek Kreng village, Prek Thnoat commune, Kampot province, said that he and his friends had been involved in the collection of rattan for the last decade, bringing in between 20,000 to 50,000 riel every fortnight
Yang Seth, 40, another farmer living in Kampot district, Kampot province, said that his income was greatly enhanced by collecting raw rattan. He said, “It is my second source of income and I can make up to 15 000 riel each month to support my family and children.”
Ek Sopheak, chief of the information office at the Forest Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, said that the ministry appreciated the work of SCW and its efforts to preserve the rattan range in Kampot province. According to him, the rattan’s range is limited to Kampot, Koh Kong, Pursat, Kampong Thom and Preah Vihear provinces.
He continued, “I think that the rattan project is a big help to the Ministry of Agriculture. The rattan is a very important and supremely useful natural resource. Their activities are also a great source of help to the farmers whose lives depend on these versatile plants.”
//
French Cultural Centre to Organize Lakhaon Theatre Festival in Phnom Penh
By Buth Reaksmey Kongkea and Chhut Chheana
The French Cultural Centre has organized a Lakhaon Theater Festival in Phnom Penh from October 3-9, 2008, according to Alain Arnaudet, director of the French Cultural Centre (FCC).
Alain mentioned that the international Lakhaon performance, which would be held at Chenla Theater Hall, in Phnom Penh, beginning at 18:30 pm, was free of charge for all of Cambodian people and visitors in Cambodia.
He told the press conference, held at FCC on September 24, 2008 that for this year’s festival, there would be twelve companies from Cambodia, France, Laos, Burma and Thailand displaying their skills during the festival. According to FCC estimates, this will create a magnificent spectacle involving 300 skilled performers.
“This is the second time that the FCC has organized the International Theater Festival in Cambodia. This year, French and Asian artists will collaborate on new creations while they are in residence. This promises to be a priceless moment of mutual enrichment,” Alain Arnaudet told the press conference.
“The main purpose of the Lakhaon festival is to participate in the rebirth or renaissance of various traditional theatrical forms of Southeast Asia, and to promote the development of new contemporary forms through encounters and exchanges between artists from other cultural horizons,” he said.
Alain said the festival would present plays from the Khmer classical repertoire that originate in traditional theatrical forms; but the event would also provide a showcase for varied and contemporary creations. He said that seven new and previously unseen Khmer creations will receive their premiers during this second festival and they will feature nine theatrical forms including Trab, Polsrei, Pleng Ka, Sbaekpor, and Ayai.
Chen Neak, Khmer Lakhaon Festival Organizer for the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts (MoCFA), said that the International Theater festival helped the ministry and Cambodian government in many ways. The festival will not only preserve but develop traditional Khmer theatrical forms as living expressions of the creative spirit. Without this loving concern and attention, these venerable forms of dramatic art will disappear.
Neak said that according to MoCAF’s archive of documents and recordings, there are a total of 24 Khmer traditional theatric forms in Cambodia. However, he said that due to the wars in Cambodia, seven of these theatrical forms have had to be recreated using the limited evidence available to MoCFA. These reclaimed theatrical forms will form the centerpiece of the 2008 Lakhaon Theater Festival.
He also said that in order to preserve the remaining traditional theatrical forms, the ministry is seeking financial support from donors inside and outside the country.
He concluded, “We think that we would able to research and document our traditional theatrical forms when we have sufficient financial support from donors. We will also try our best to produce new creations from our traditional theatrical forms for plays to be staged during the next international theater festival. We are confident that these international festivals will help preserve the richness of Khmer culture for generations as yet unborn.”
//
The French Cultural Centre has organized a Lakhaon Theater Festival in Phnom Penh from October 3-9, 2008, according to Alain Arnaudet, director of the French Cultural Centre (FCC).
Alain mentioned that the international Lakhaon performance, which would be held at Chenla Theater Hall, in Phnom Penh, beginning at 18:30 pm, was free of charge for all of Cambodian people and visitors in Cambodia.
He told the press conference, held at FCC on September 24, 2008 that for this year’s festival, there would be twelve companies from Cambodia, France, Laos, Burma and Thailand displaying their skills during the festival. According to FCC estimates, this will create a magnificent spectacle involving 300 skilled performers.
“This is the second time that the FCC has organized the International Theater Festival in Cambodia. This year, French and Asian artists will collaborate on new creations while they are in residence. This promises to be a priceless moment of mutual enrichment,” Alain Arnaudet told the press conference.
“The main purpose of the Lakhaon festival is to participate in the rebirth or renaissance of various traditional theatrical forms of Southeast Asia, and to promote the development of new contemporary forms through encounters and exchanges between artists from other cultural horizons,” he said.
Alain said the festival would present plays from the Khmer classical repertoire that originate in traditional theatrical forms; but the event would also provide a showcase for varied and contemporary creations. He said that seven new and previously unseen Khmer creations will receive their premiers during this second festival and they will feature nine theatrical forms including Trab, Polsrei, Pleng Ka, Sbaekpor, and Ayai.
Chen Neak, Khmer Lakhaon Festival Organizer for the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts (MoCFA), said that the International Theater festival helped the ministry and Cambodian government in many ways. The festival will not only preserve but develop traditional Khmer theatrical forms as living expressions of the creative spirit. Without this loving concern and attention, these venerable forms of dramatic art will disappear.
Neak said that according to MoCAF’s archive of documents and recordings, there are a total of 24 Khmer traditional theatric forms in Cambodia. However, he said that due to the wars in Cambodia, seven of these theatrical forms have had to be recreated using the limited evidence available to MoCFA. These reclaimed theatrical forms will form the centerpiece of the 2008 Lakhaon Theater Festival.
He also said that in order to preserve the remaining traditional theatrical forms, the ministry is seeking financial support from donors inside and outside the country.
He concluded, “We think that we would able to research and document our traditional theatrical forms when we have sufficient financial support from donors. We will also try our best to produce new creations from our traditional theatrical forms for plays to be staged during the next international theater festival. We are confident that these international festivals will help preserve the richness of Khmer culture for generations as yet unborn.”
//
Phnom Penh’s First Organic Food Restaurant Open for Business
By Buth Reaksmey Kongkea
Khmer Village Restaurant (KVR), a local restaurant that sells 100 percent Khmer food and natural agri-products in Phnom Penh, is the first choice for those who appreciate organically grown vegetables and ethically reared meat.
The average day sees at least 80 customers from all walks of Phnom Penh society sitting at table and enjoying the range on offer KVR, according to Soth Visal, the restaurant’s General Manager.
25-year-old Visal, said, “I am happy because I can make a reasonable income from the business on a daily basis; and the income is made supplying the tastes of friendly and appreciative customers who think about food the same way I do.”
The Manager continued, “In supplying nothing but organically grown produce, KVR is the only restaurant of its kind in Cambodia. In enjoying my food my customers can also be sure that they are taking care of their health and supporting the welfare of our nation’s hard-working farmers.”
KVR was established only as recently as July 7, 2008. Visal said that the main objective of the restaurant was to use organic products such rice and chicken supplied by the Cambodia Center for Study and Development in Agriculture (CEDAC), a local NGO with a reputation for supplying excellent organic produce.
He pointed out that since the opening of the restaurant in July, the number of customers has increased rapidly, as has his income.
He said, “When I started operating my restaurant, in the first month I was making between 600,000 to 700,000 riel [about US $150 to 175] per day. Now, I can earn between 1,000,000 riel and 1,200,000 riel per day.”
The hungry but health-conscious diner will find the whole range of Cambodian favorites on offer, morning, noon and night at KVR with drinks to prolong the pleasure, according to Visal. He added that prices range from 4,000 to 8,000 riel—the same as all other local restaurants in Phnom Penh.
Mok Sam Oun, 46, an official working with the Ministry of Environment, said that he had been enjoying his lunch there since the second week of the restaurant’s opening. He continued, “I’m probably one of KVR’s most regular customers. I come here pretty much everyday because it’s convenient, delicious, healthy and I support our country’s hard working farmers. I have always had an interest in the organic food movement and now I know this foodstuff is produced locally, I’ll continue to be seen here at breakfast and lunch.”
Doung Sopheak, 35, a program officer working for an NGO in Phnom Penh is also an enthusiastic and regular patron of the restaurant.
Sopheak said, “We enjoyed the food at KVR because we know that this restaurant promotes nothing but the very best in Khmer foods and uses only organic products. As proud Cambodians we are also delighted to support the farmers toiling away, day after day, under the hot sun. This is the most delicious way to support the back-breaking labor of others.”
Chhay Songleang, the stock-out management officer for CEDAC, said that all products such as vegetables, meats, eggs and so on, served at KVR, were supplied exclusively by CEDAC.
Songleang said, “CEDAC does not own shares in the Khmer Village Restaurant, nor do we have any hand in the restaurant’s activities. However, we do forward meats, eggs and natural products that we buy from local farmers in CEDAC’s project areas to the restaurant for sale; we are their sole supplier.”
“I think” he said, “that KVR’s activities have really helped the promotion of Khmer cuisine and natural products in Cambodia.”
Dr. Yang Saing Kumar, president of CEDAC, said that currently, his organization is supplying three restaurants with organically produced foodstuffs and local produce in Cambodia. Those three restaurants include Baksei Srok Restaurant and the Khmer Village Restaurants located in Phnom Penh city. The other restaurant is located in Neak Leoung district, Prey Veng province.
Saing Kumar said the main purpose of CEDAC was to promote the widespread acceptance of Khmer organic and local products as the quality was just as good and in many cases superior to anything that could be imported from elsewhere.
He said that another CEDAC objective was the promotion of natural fertilizers for use on Cambodia's paddy and vegetable fields. This material is kinder to the environment, is much cheaper than imported chemical fertilizer and leads to a truly sustainable prospect for farmers.
Chan Sarun, minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MoAFF), added his backing to the activities of the local restaurants and CEDAC in publicizing the benefits of Cambodian natural produce.
The Minister said, “I think that these restaurants and local NGOs have really helped the ministry in many of the areas that have been of concern to us. We too have been preaching the benefits of natural fertilizers to our farmers and we are very happy to see our countrymen enjoying the taste of domestic products.”
Speaking to Cambodia Weekly reporter by telephone on September 5, he said that to encourage local farmers to increase their capacity and make a little extra cash for their families, the MoAFF, in collaboration with partners such as CARE, UNDP, FAO, PRASAC, AusAID, SEILA have been working very hard to introduce the concept and benefits to be gained from natural fertilizers. These activities have been on going since 1994 and now they are starting to produce results.
He said, “With these activities, I think that our farmers will be able to see the difference, perhaps not in terms of one-off, unfeasibly large yields of tasteless ballast for an empty stomach but rather in smaller quantities of the tastiest, best quality nutrition. I see a healthy future for natural fertilizers and a healthy diet for our people in future.”
///
Khmer Village Restaurant (KVR), a local restaurant that sells 100 percent Khmer food and natural agri-products in Phnom Penh, is the first choice for those who appreciate organically grown vegetables and ethically reared meat.
The average day sees at least 80 customers from all walks of Phnom Penh society sitting at table and enjoying the range on offer KVR, according to Soth Visal, the restaurant’s General Manager.
25-year-old Visal, said, “I am happy because I can make a reasonable income from the business on a daily basis; and the income is made supplying the tastes of friendly and appreciative customers who think about food the same way I do.”
The Manager continued, “In supplying nothing but organically grown produce, KVR is the only restaurant of its kind in Cambodia. In enjoying my food my customers can also be sure that they are taking care of their health and supporting the welfare of our nation’s hard-working farmers.”
KVR was established only as recently as July 7, 2008. Visal said that the main objective of the restaurant was to use organic products such rice and chicken supplied by the Cambodia Center for Study and Development in Agriculture (CEDAC), a local NGO with a reputation for supplying excellent organic produce.
He pointed out that since the opening of the restaurant in July, the number of customers has increased rapidly, as has his income.
He said, “When I started operating my restaurant, in the first month I was making between 600,000 to 700,000 riel [about US $150 to 175] per day. Now, I can earn between 1,000,000 riel and 1,200,000 riel per day.”
The hungry but health-conscious diner will find the whole range of Cambodian favorites on offer, morning, noon and night at KVR with drinks to prolong the pleasure, according to Visal. He added that prices range from 4,000 to 8,000 riel—the same as all other local restaurants in Phnom Penh.
Mok Sam Oun, 46, an official working with the Ministry of Environment, said that he had been enjoying his lunch there since the second week of the restaurant’s opening. He continued, “I’m probably one of KVR’s most regular customers. I come here pretty much everyday because it’s convenient, delicious, healthy and I support our country’s hard working farmers. I have always had an interest in the organic food movement and now I know this foodstuff is produced locally, I’ll continue to be seen here at breakfast and lunch.”
Doung Sopheak, 35, a program officer working for an NGO in Phnom Penh is also an enthusiastic and regular patron of the restaurant.
Sopheak said, “We enjoyed the food at KVR because we know that this restaurant promotes nothing but the very best in Khmer foods and uses only organic products. As proud Cambodians we are also delighted to support the farmers toiling away, day after day, under the hot sun. This is the most delicious way to support the back-breaking labor of others.”
Chhay Songleang, the stock-out management officer for CEDAC, said that all products such as vegetables, meats, eggs and so on, served at KVR, were supplied exclusively by CEDAC.
Songleang said, “CEDAC does not own shares in the Khmer Village Restaurant, nor do we have any hand in the restaurant’s activities. However, we do forward meats, eggs and natural products that we buy from local farmers in CEDAC’s project areas to the restaurant for sale; we are their sole supplier.”
“I think” he said, “that KVR’s activities have really helped the promotion of Khmer cuisine and natural products in Cambodia.”
Dr. Yang Saing Kumar, president of CEDAC, said that currently, his organization is supplying three restaurants with organically produced foodstuffs and local produce in Cambodia. Those three restaurants include Baksei Srok Restaurant and the Khmer Village Restaurants located in Phnom Penh city. The other restaurant is located in Neak Leoung district, Prey Veng province.
Saing Kumar said the main purpose of CEDAC was to promote the widespread acceptance of Khmer organic and local products as the quality was just as good and in many cases superior to anything that could be imported from elsewhere.
He said that another CEDAC objective was the promotion of natural fertilizers for use on Cambodia's paddy and vegetable fields. This material is kinder to the environment, is much cheaper than imported chemical fertilizer and leads to a truly sustainable prospect for farmers.
Chan Sarun, minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MoAFF), added his backing to the activities of the local restaurants and CEDAC in publicizing the benefits of Cambodian natural produce.
The Minister said, “I think that these restaurants and local NGOs have really helped the ministry in many of the areas that have been of concern to us. We too have been preaching the benefits of natural fertilizers to our farmers and we are very happy to see our countrymen enjoying the taste of domestic products.”
Speaking to Cambodia Weekly reporter by telephone on September 5, he said that to encourage local farmers to increase their capacity and make a little extra cash for their families, the MoAFF, in collaboration with partners such as CARE, UNDP, FAO, PRASAC, AusAID, SEILA have been working very hard to introduce the concept and benefits to be gained from natural fertilizers. These activities have been on going since 1994 and now they are starting to produce results.
He said, “With these activities, I think that our farmers will be able to see the difference, perhaps not in terms of one-off, unfeasibly large yields of tasteless ballast for an empty stomach but rather in smaller quantities of the tastiest, best quality nutrition. I see a healthy future for natural fertilizers and a healthy diet for our people in future.”
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