KH KOMPONG CHAM

Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Two of seven Thais detained in Cambodia taken to court for hearing on spying charge


Veera Somkwamkid (Photo: CEN)


Ratree Pipattanapaiboon (Photo: CEN)
PHNOM PENH, Jan 12 (MCOT online news) -- Two of the seven Thai nationals detained here were taken to Phnom Penh Municipal Court Wednesday morning for a hearing on spying charges on top of the illegal entry and trespassing into a Cambodian military area.

The Cambodian government prosecutor earlier has added espionage to the charges levelled against Veera Somkwamkid, Secretary General of the People’s Network Against Corruption and leader of the Thailand Patriot Network and his secretary Ratree Pipattanapaiboon, citing they gathered security information that could pose a severe threat to Cambodian security.

The two were seen as having worried expressions on their faces during they were taken into the court premises.


Mr Veera reportedly told the media waiting outside the court that there was an attempt to frame him with the new charge.

According to Cambodian laws, the two people may face five to 10 years imprisonment if found guilty.

The two were among the seven Thais, including Democrat Member of Parliament for Bangkok Panich Vikitsreth, who were arrested Dec 29, by the Cambodian authorities for illegal entry into Cambodian territory in Banteay Meanchey province and are now being detained in Phnom Penh's Prey Sar Prison.

The Cambodian court finished the first hearings last Thursday.

The detainees face two initial charges -- illegal entry into the Cambodian kingdom, with possible punishment of three to six months jail and deportation, and also trespass into a Cambodian military zone, punishable by three to six months jail and Bt7,500-15,000 in fines.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Cambodian Princess to attend Czech Opera Ball


Arunrasmy (Photo: RFA)
Prague, Jan 11 (CTK) - Cambodian Princess Norodom Arunrasmy, sister of King Norodom Sihamoni who studied in Prague, will be the patron of the traditional Czech Opera Ball to be held in the State Opera building in Prague centre on February 5, 2011, its organisers announced Tuesday.

The event will be held under the aegis of the Prague and Vienna mayors, and in the Cambodian colours since Princess Arunrasmy will attend it this year.

Part of the profits from the raffle will go to charity purposes. The money will be divided between the foundation of Czech-born top model Tereza Maxova in support of abandoned children, and charity projects in Cambodia.

"People will come not only for entertainment but they also want to do something good. This is why we have focused on relations with the Cambodian royal family," ball artistic director Renata Sabongui told CTK, adding that the ball's symbolic motto is "For Life."


The princess's brother, King Norodom Sihanomi, has close links to the Czech Republic. He lived in Prague in 1962-1975 when he attended primary and secondary schools and then studied ballet at the Prague conservatory. He can speak Czech fluently.

On the occasion of the Opera Ball, Princess Arunrasmy will present Cambodian culture in Prague.

A performance of Cambodian dancers along with the Prague Conservatory's dancers will open the ball's programme. Then a Czech band will play songs of swing legend Frank Sinatra.

The Canbodian princess will dance with Czech ballet master Vlastimil Harapes, who also graduated from the Prague conservatory.

The tickets cost from 3000 to 8000 crowns per person.

The guests can win prizes in the raffle for one million crowns in total, including a trip to Cambodia, jewels and a luxurious bed.

The tradition of opera balls in Prague was restored in 2009 after a 14-year break. The first event took place in the State Opera in 1948. Others were held only after the communist regime collapsed, in the first half of the 1990s.

The balls have been attended by famous cultural personalities, such as actors Alain Delon and Peter Ustinov, businessmen, politicians, diplomats and members of royal families.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
My visit no bearing on Cambodian ties: Suthep [Thaugsuban on his visit to Sisaket]
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
The Nation
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban insisted on Wednesday his inspection trip to Si Sa Ket province had no bearing on the Thai-Cambodian relations.

He was speaking before departing for Si Sa Ket, which is adjacent to Cambodia.

"My trip is about a reafforestation project in honour of His Majesty," he said. He denied any linkage to today's Cambodian judicial inquiry on additional espionage charges against two of seven detained Thais in Phnom Penh.

Accompanied by Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha, Suthep said he wanted to thank soldiers and participants for reafforestation in Kanthararak district.


When asked about the detained Thais, he said the government had already assigned the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be the primary agency in charge of assisting in the legal defence and commenting on related issues.

He said, however, that he understands the Cambodian court is expected to rule on the case within this week.

He reaffirmed good neighbourly ties with Cambodia in every aspect
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Two Thais appear in Cambodia's court on new charge of espionage
January 12, 2011
Xinhua
Phnom Penh Municipal Court's investigating judge Chaing Sinat on Wednesday morning began to question two of the seven arrested Thais for new charge of espionage.

The two Thais are Veera Somkwamkid, a core member of the Thailand Patriot Network, and Ratree Taiputana Taiboon, known as Veera's woman secretary. They faced additional charge of an attempt in "collecting information which might damage Cambodia's national security," said the court's deputy prosecutor Sok Roeun.

According to Cambodia's laws, the two people may face five to 10 years imprisonment if found guilty.

The seven arrested Thais are a Democrat Member of Parliament for Bangkok Panich Wikitsate, Veera Somkwamkid, Thailand Patriot Network core member, Samdin Lersbusya, secretary for Heaven and Earth Party, Kochpontorn Chusanaseree, assistant to Panich, Taynae Moongmachon, pressperson, Ms. Naruemol Chitwaratana, house keeper and Ms. Ratree Paiputana Paiboon, vendor and known as Veera's secretary.

They were arrested on Dec. 29, 2010 by Cambodian border protection troops for illegal entry into Cambodian territory in Banteay Meanchey province and now are being detained in Phnom Penh ' s Prey Sar prison.

They were charged on Dec. 30 last year for illegal entry into Cambodia and unlawful entry into military zone. They may face up to 18 months in prison and fine from 1 to 2 million Cambodian riels (250 U.S. dollars - 500 U.S. dollars) if found guilty.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Cambodian court completes hearing against Veera
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
The Nation
A Cambodian court on Wednesday completed questioning of two Thais, including Veera Somkwamkit, leader of Thai Patriots Network, who were charged with spying.

Another Thai charged with spying charge is Ratree Pipattanapaibul, secretary of the network.

The two were among seven Thais already charged with illegal entry into Cambodia and entering a Khmer military post without permission. One of the seven was Panich Vikitsetr, a Democrat MP.

They were arrested on December 29 while inspecting a field in Sa Kaew's Kok Sung district, opposite to Banteay Meanchay province of Cambodia.


Thai Foreign Ministry's spokesman Thani Thongpakdee said the hearings of Veera lasted about 45 minutes. Veera used to be arrested on charge of illegal entry last year near the site where he was held this time.

After the hearing, the two were brought back to Prey Sor jail where they were detained since they were taken to Phnom Penh, Thani said.

Referring to five others suspects, Thani said the Cambodian side has not yet set date of delivering the verdict.

The seven Thais last week testified against charge of illegal entry. They told the court that they entered Cambodia by accident.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
[Cambodian] Refugees in Rochester
Jan 11, 2011
By Heidi Wigdahl
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) -- Every year immigrants and refugees come to Rochester to start a new chapter in their lives.

The Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association (IMAA) in Rochester hopes to help make that transition a little easier.

Sarun Prum said he was only 21-years-old when he fled his home to escape the genocide in Cambodia.

"It was pretty dangerous," Prum said. "I walked through and ran through at night, through the land mines and before getting to our refugee camp, there was a soldier that could shoot and kill you."

Prum landed in Rochester in 1983 and sought help from IMAA.


IMAA started in 1984 due to the influx of displaced families who fled Southeast Asia, seeking safety in Minnesota

"Many of them are coming in traumatized by war, not having a grasp of the language, not understanding the culture, so they really had a lot of barriers standing in between them and self sufficiency," said Courntey Lawson, program manager at IMAA.

In 2010, IMAA helped 1,650 people achieve that self sufficiency with English not being their first language. Rochester represents 55 to 60 different languages.

"My experience here in Rochester since I came has been excellent and there have been many good things that have happened to me and my family since we came here," said Armin Budimlic, who is part of IMAA and from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Prum believes this as well. He's worked with IMAA for 26 years, helping others find jobs.

Prum said, "Life in America isn't easy but I strived for it and I made it."
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Another border gate opened in Svay Rieng
Vietnam-Cambodia border gate opens

01/12/2011
VOV Neews (Hanoi)
The Binh Hiep-Prayvo international border gate between Long An province of Vietnam and Svay Rieng province of Cambodia opened on January 11.

The gate played an important role in taking advantages of both provinces’ potential, especially in welcoming international travellers, Deputy Chairman of the Long An provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Nguyen said.

The border gates were upgraded from the existing ones following the decisions of the Vietnamese and Cambodian governments.

The Binh Hiep border gate of Long An province, which connects to road number 314 of Svay Rieng province and the Asian transnational highway, is considered as a bridge to other countries in Southeast Asia.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
[Malaysia] Top Glove to invest RM160mil in Cambodian rubber plantation
Wednesday January 12, 2011
By DANNY YAP
The Star (Malaysia)
KUALA LUMPUR: Top Glove Corp Bhd, the world's largest rubber glove manufacturer, is investing RM160mil in Cambodia to plant rubber trees to reduce its dependency on latex which is bought at market prices.

Chairman Tan Sri Lim Wee Chai said the company was targetting to obtain 20% of its latex requirement from the plantation over time.

“We have about 8,000 ha of net plantable land for rubber trees,” he said at a briefing for analysts and reporters on Top Glove's first quarter results ended Nov 30, 2010 here yesterday.


By owning its own rubber plantation, Top Glove would be able to mitigate the rising cost of buying latex at market prices in future.


Tan Sri Lim Wee Chai (right) says the company is targeting to obtain 20% of its latex requirement from the plantation. On his right is managing director Lee Kim Meow.

“We had to revise our rubber glove prices several times in the last quarter due to the volatility of latex prices,” he said.

The average latex prices rose by 57% from RM4.58 per kg in the first quarter of 2010 to about RM7.20 per kg currently.

Lim said about 80% of the company's profit was still in manufacturing latex glove.

Top Glove would focus more on producing nitrile gloves as they command better margins and were not subjected to the volatility in latex prices.


In its first quarter ended Nov 30, 2010, the group's production mix for nitrile was 7%, while its nitrile production for December last year stood at 10%.

“We have a large number of nitrile raw material manufacturers in Malaysia, so we have better cost advantages over China in terms of raw materials and labour,” he said.

“Because of the higher prices of latex glove, customers have kept their inventory levels at a minimum level,” he said.

For the first quarter ended Nov 30, Top Glove posted a 44.6% drop in net profit to RM36mil compared with RM65mil in the corresponding quarter a year earlier.

Revenue stood at RM491.5mil against RM472.3mil previously.

Lim said the company had exceptional sales up till the third quarter of last year, due to concerns of A(HINI) and other factors.

“This year will be challenging but we hope to do better than the previous financial year,” he said.

He added that the company was planning to size up by acquiring smaller rubber plants to improve on its economies of scale and synergy.

Lim said the company had RM343mil in cash reserves to undertake such acquisition activities.

“We are in talks with several parties and hope to secure a deal before year end or earlier,” he said, adding that timing of the acquisition was important.

Lim pointed out that this adverse situation of higher latex prices would possibly lead to further consolidation among the industry players,

“We are in a good position to further enlarge our business when opportunities arise,” he noted.

Top Glove currently has 14 plants in Malaysia, four in Thailand, and two in China, with a total capacity of 33 billion pieces of glove per annum, which is nearly one fifth of the world's demand.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Cambodian villagers pray to "sacred" tree trunk that righted itself
Jan 11, 2011
DPA
Phnom Penh - The stump of a 200-year-old tree that was recently felled has become an object of veneration for Cambodian villagers, local media reported Wednesday.

Villagers in Sanlong commune near Phnom Penh said the stump of the bodhi tree, which had lain on its side since being cut down in a road-widening project in November, righted itself of its own accord overnight two weeks ago.

'My dog was barking, so my wife looked out from the house and saw the tree base was slowly standing upright again,' villager Khai Lorn told The Phnom Penh Post newspaper.

Monks placed umbrellas and a tent near the 2-metre-tall stump to allow people to pray and leave offerings, a local monk said.


'The bodhi tree is supposed to be a magical tree because the Buddha gained enlightenment under one,' monk Sok Suon said.

He added that hundreds of people had since come to the tree to pray and remove bits of bark or root to make healing cups of tea.

Cambodia is a predominantly Buddhist nation, and superstitions run deep in rural areas. Last week, villagers outside Phnom Penh held a wedding ceremony for two pythons in a bid to ensure good fortune.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Economists remain upbeat despite investment fall
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
Chun Sophal
The Phnom Penh Post
Investment approved by the Council for the Development of Cambodia dropped some 54 percent in 2010, compared with the previous year, but experts believe the decline is not indicative of the Kingdom’s ongoing economic recovery.

Approved projects were worth some US$2.69 billion in 2010, a steep decline from 2009’s $5.86 billion, figures obtained Tuesday show.

Asian Development Bank senior country economist Peter Brimble said late Tuesday it was important to take “lumps” into account, noting a multi-billion dollar island development project approved in 2009 had distorted the figures.

“I certainly do not feel there was a decline of that magnitude [in the Kingdom’s economy],” he said. “We [the ADB] feel there is an economy recovery in 2010.”


The largest approval this year was the proposed new Siem Reap airport project, said to be worth near $1 billion.

Cambodia Institute for Development Study president Kang Chandaroth said that despite the fall, the large amounts of approved foreign investment in the Kingdom proved it was becoming a reliable country for business.

“We expect inflows of foreign investment capital will keep increasing this year and in other years because both Cambodian and the global economic situations are performing better,” he said.

CDC deputy secretary general Duy Thov said that although 2010’s pledged investment was less than in 2009, the inflow of foreign-based capital investment had increased.

In 2009, foreign pledges accounted for around $2.10 billion dollars, compared to $2.29 billion in 2010.

The figures do reveal some trends regarding investment by country and by sector, such as South Korea’s relative strength during 2010, according to Brimble.

He added that levels of foreign direct investment were often a better indicator of relative economic strength. FDI in the first three quarters of 2010 already exceeded all of 2009, he added.

Two more projects were approved in 2010 compared with 2009, with 74 of the 102 approvals being in industry, 23 in agriculture, three in tourism and two in services.

Approvals had topped $10 billion in 2008, before falling to $5.86 billion in 2009.

The CDC also noted the figures’ shortcomings, claiming it was important to look at multiple sets of data before coming to a conclusion on the state of the economy.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Cambodian NGOs fear law will tie their hands


A service provided by a Catholic NGO in Cambodia
January 11, 2011
By Khan Sophirom, Phnom Penh
UCANews.com
Aid workers fear that a draft law to “regulate” NGOs in Cambodia is an attempt to control community organizations but Catholic groups will not be affected, says a local Church worker.

The law may affect NGOs working on sensitive issues such as human rights and may inconvenience some small village-based NGOs, according to Rene Ayala Moreira, assistant director of New Humanity, a Catholic-based NGO.

“But I think Catholic Church activities will not be affected,” Moreira told ucanews.com following a Jan. 10 consultation hosted by the interior ministry with representatives of around 400 local and international NGOs.

The meeting was to seek the views of NGOs on the draft law made public in December.


The proposed law purports to increase transparency among the country’s vast network of NGOs and to fight terrorism and crime.

Moreira said that the draft law, which includes 11 chapters and 58 articles, requires NGOs to renew their registration every year.

“If an organization does anything sensitive, it may have problems renewing its registration. Our Church NGOs mostly work with poor and vulnerable communities and on development projects. We are not working on sensitive issues,” Moreira said.

Besides New Humanity, two other Catholic NGOs — Caritas Cambodia and the Don Bosco Foundation of Cambodia — participated in the consultation. The Catholic directory lists 12 Catholic NGOs in the country.

Interior minister and deputy prime minister Sar Kheng told consultation participants that the draft law is not aimed at threatening NGOs or violating their rights but is a step to prevent terrorists from misusing NGOs.

Civil society organizations last week released a statement saying the draft law confirms long-standing fears that the government desires to control rather thaWednesday, January 12, 2011
Rithy Panh's "The Rice People" will be shown in Bangkok today



Cambodian Classic

12/01/2011
Bangkok Post
Rithy Pahn is the best internationally known Cambodian film-maker, one who has been recounting the tale of tragedy and hope of his country for nearly two decades. Most chilling is his documentary S-21: The Khmer Rouge Killing Machine (2003), an investigation into one of the most horrible crimes ever committed against humanity.

Pahn fled the Khmer Rouge and has been living mostly in France, yet his films about Cambodia have the distinctive flavour of an insider. Today, the Alliance Francaise will screen Pahn's 1994 film Les gens de la riziere (The Rice People), at 7:30pm. The film, which employs a stark documentary style, tells the story of a rice-farming family that struggles to continue its livelihood after surviving the horror of the Khmer Rouge years.

TODAY: 7:30PM THE RICE PEOPLE
At the Alliance Francaise, Sathon Road

The film was in the main competition at the Cannes Film Festival in 1994 (so Cambodia beat Thailand in that regard; we first had a film in the Cannes competition, considered the most elite, in 2004). It also represented Cambodia in the Oscar nominations for best foreign language film.
n strengthen civil society.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Let this [border trespassing] case proceed fairly [-Let the Thais have a taste of Hun Xen's justice!]
12/01/2011
Bangkok Post
Editorial
The arrest and legal proceedings by Cambodia against the Thai Seven is spiralling downward far too quickly into a soap opera with real-life implications. The government, including Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, should take a collective deep breath and reconsider the fast escalating case. Authorities should strongly encourage the noisy and decidedly unhelpful members of the anti-Cambodia nationalist movement to do the same. The decision by Cambodian authorities to charge two of the seven men with espionage is a petty and legally insupportable move. It should encourage Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen to take the necessary steps to move the original trespassing cases along and seek an end to what is quickly becoming yet another crisis with the eastern neighbour.

There are many unanswered questions, but everyone now knows the basics of this simmering case. Mr Abhisit assigned the high-profile Democrat MP Panich Vikitsreth to gather facts about Thais who live at the Cambodian border. Mr Panich, for unknown reasons, went there with Veera Somkwamkid, who is both a leader of the Thai Patriots Network and a well-known instigator of anti-Cambodia actions. The two men and five companions were recorded on video while Mr Panich stated calmly that they were inside Cambodia. All seven were arrested, charged with trespassing, and taken to Phnom Penh for trial.

PM Abhisit, apparently because of Mr Panich's arrest, has tried aggressively and publicly to win release of the Thai Seven _ "They meant no harm." Hun Sen, apparently because of Mr Veera's arrest, has aggressively and frequently refused to intervene in the case _ "No one can intervene in the judicial system."

On Monday, however, someone in Cambodia intervened rather forcefully. Prosecutors filed the absurd charges of espionage against Mr Veera and the activist's secretary, Ratree Pipatanapaiboon. They allegedly collected information which might damage Cambodia's national security, said the charges. Presumably, the other five men did not collect such information. It is a clearly a vindictive charge, meant to intimidate and to punish Mr Veera for his past actions.


The irony, lost on few if any of the Thai public, is that Mr Veera is at least as large a thorn in the government's side as in Cambodia's. The arrest of the Thai Seven, now followed by the further serious charges against Mr Veera, will serve to spur a large rally against the government, scheduled in two weeks. Daily utterings by PM Abhisit on the case are fuelling emotions. There is a strong chance that the Jan 25 rally could descend into xenophobia. It is certain that some activists will attempt to steer the rally against Cambodian relations. It is arguably the only serious issue that the People's Alliance for Democracy can use in its anti-government campaign.

In effect, then, both Mr Abhisit and Hun Sen are acting against their own interests by treating the trespassing charges as a continuing and high-profile case. The rather feverish and daily news conferences feed the extremists. Both men and their spokesmen are providing more ammunition to the PAD and the self-styled "patriots" in both countries.

Mr Abhisit and the government need to do their best to protect Thais in trouble overseas. They need not and should not attempt to intervene directly into ongoing cases. As for Hun Sen, it is always appreciated when he dials down his rhetoric. It may be too much to hope, but if he allows the case to proceed to the judiciary without interference, it would be appreciated.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Baan Muang Editorial [-On the Khmer-Thai relationship]


(Photo: Reuters)
12/01/2011
Bangkok Post
The new year has not brought good fortune for Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, despite his success on some domestic issues in 2010.

Cambodia has remained a thorn in his side, thanks to the arrest of Democrat MP Panich Vikitsreth and six companions by Cambodian authorities just before the end of 2010.

Mr Abhisit's leadership suffered when his initial tough talk failed to secure their early release. His Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen said he could not intervene because the case had reached the courts of justice.

The case of the seven Thais has dented the image of Mr Abhisit, who has survived two major street protests by the red-shirted United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship since he assumed the premiership in December 2008.


While his political opponents have been kept at bay, the prime minister has been unable to mend ties with Hun Sen. The ruling Democrat Party's policy on Cambodia has caused more tension than friendship across the border.

Despite the resignation of ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra as Hun Sen's economic adviser, Thailand and Cambodia have been unable to resolve their differences on the Preah Vihear temple issue and territorial disputes.

With the seven Thais now in Phnom Penh jail, Prime Minister Abhisit's position has been weakened. It remains to be seen whether this will affect the government's stability.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Early bail hopes for Thais fade
Veera, Ratree grilled today on spy charges

12/01/2011
Thanida Tansubhapol, Pradit Ruangdit & Anucha Charoenpo
Bangkok Post
The Phnom Penh Municipal Court will question two Thai nationals facing espionage charges today, a move which dashes hopes of an early bail release for the other five Thais being detained on trespassing charges.

Cambodian prosecutors have filed additional charges against Veera Somkwamkid, a coordinator of the Thai Patriots Network, a splinter group of the yellow shirt People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), and his secretary Ratree Pipatanapaiboon, for "attempting to collect information which is deemed detrimental to Cambodia's national defence".

The two could face between five and 10 years in jail if found guilty.

The Cambodian court scheduled a session to question the two Thais today, said Chavanond Intarakomalyasut, secretary to the Foreign Minister.


"The additional charges will make the Thai government's efforts to help them, especially [regarding] bail requests, more difficult," the secretary said.

Requesting a royal pardon is one avenue for them to take but it must be discussed with legal officials first, Mr Chavanond said.

A ministry source said it is unlikely that all of them would be granted bail but this would be subject to the court's deliberation.

Mr Veera and Ms Ratree are among the group of seven Thais, which included Democrat MP Panich Vikitsreth, arrested by Cambodian soldiers when they entered a disputed area near Nong Jan village in Sa Kaeo's Aranyaprathet district next to Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey province on Dec 29 last year.

The Cambodian court earlier charged them with illegal entry and trespassing on a military area which could lead to a maximum of 18 months in jail.

Meanwhile, about 30 members of the Thai Patriots Network staged a protest at the Foreign Ministry to call on the Thai government not to accept Cambodia's judicial process and asked Mr Kasit and Mr Chavanond to resign.

Acting Thai government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn yesterday confirmed Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's remark that Thai government authorities had phoned him repeatedly to seek help for the seven Thais.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the government was trying to help the seven Thais, protect relations for the co-existence of the Thai and Cambodian people and protect national sovereignty.

Mr Abhisit also said that the Foreign Ministry would be solely responsible for media communications on the case.

According to a source in the cabinet, Mr Kasit told the cabinet meeting yesterday that the seven Thai detainees had poor living conditions in the old Prey Sar prison.

He also said there are land ownership documents dating from over three decades ago showing that Cambodian soldiers had arrested them in Thai territory.

The Foreign Ministry has sent Asda Jayanama, the Thai head of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission, to inspect the area.

The Foreign Ministry also reported to the cabinet that Cambodia has demanded several conditions for their release, including the freeing of three Cambodian prisoners.

Thai immigration police earlier released over 60 Cambodians who were earlier arrested for illegal immigration in a bid to help the situation.

The cabinet yesterday also acknowledged a request from the Defence Ministry for 517 million baht to prepare for possible "situations" near the Preah Vihear temple.

In a related development, the National Press Council has agreed to set up a fact-finding committee to investigate border conflicts between Thailand and Cambodia as quickly as possible.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Former Provincial Police Chief Arrested for Drug Trafficking


Hun Hean (Photo: CEN)
Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh Tuesday, 11 January 2011
The recently demoted police chief of Banteay Meanchey province was arrested on Monday and is being held on suspicion of drug trafficking, officials said.

Hun Hean, who was removed from his position as chief on Friday, was being held at the Ministry of Interior for questioning late Monday, Khieu Sopheak, a spokesman for the ministry, said.

He was invited to the Ministry of Interior on Monday to explain accusations of drug smuggling and was subsequently seized by security police, Khieu Sopheak said.

Hun Hean's deputy, Chheang Son, was also arrested.

Hun Hean, who is not related to the prime minister, Hun Sen, was removed from his post following January 7 holiday celebrations and told local media he would report to the Ministry of Interior on Monday for a new assignment.

He has previously denied involvement in trafficking.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Little Time Left To Organize Tribunal Civil Parties
Sok Khemara, VOA Khmer
Washington, DC Tuesday, 11 January 2011
“They should know their individual clients, how this client suffered at what level, who is giving testimony, about which crimes.” - Theary Seng

The Khmer Rouge tribunal is now facing testimony from more than 2,000 victims that court officials must organize ahead of a trial for four senior leaders of the regime.

Around 2,120 victims who have registered as civil party complainants have been accepted from more than 4,000 applications, and it is now up to the Trial Chamber of the court to decide how they will be used.

Seng Theary, a lawyer who is also a tribunal complainant, says the short time is a concern. Little time remains for preparation, she told VOA Khmer.

Lawyers for the civil parties must study the facts of the case, the crimes and the testimony in advance of questioning of defendants, in this case the four senior-most leaders of the Khmer Rouge: Nuon Chea, Khieu Samphan, Ieng Sary and Ieng Thirith.

Seng Theary says that means a lot of preparation, lest civil parties be left out of the process. The trial is supposed to begin early this year.


“They should know their individual clients, how this client suffered at what level, who is giving testimony, about which crimes,” she said. “And this relates to more than 2,000 people. And each one has a deep story and needs time.”

Long Panhavuth, a tribunal monitor for the Cambodia Justice Initiative, said a tribunal management meeting should take place soon to help organize the process.

Latt Ky, who observes the tribunal for the rights group Adhoc, said civil parties are critical to the trials, and their participation lends a voice to reconciliation.

Meanwhile, the tribunal's Victims Unit has worked to coordinate meetings between lawyers and civil parties, including in the provinces, to help them prepare.

“In fact, lawyers for the civil party complainants have worked since the end of 2010,” said Im Sophea, head of the unit. “They visited grassroots, visited other target areas where victims or civil party complainants lived, in order to explain to them and identify categories of witnesses” for the trial.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Youth Can 'Bridge Gap' for Legacy of Khmer Rouge


Long Khet, executive director of Youth for Peace, on 'Hello VOA' on Monday. (Photo: by Heng Reaksmey)
Pich Samnang, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh Tuesday, 11 January 2011
“In our community, we've lost our values, solidarity and trust among each other, especially with the Khmer Rouge survivors.”
Youth can play a vital role in bringing back some of the trust that was lost in the Khmer Rouge and intervening war years, an youth leader said Monday.

“In our community, we've lost our values, solidarity and trust among each other, especially with the Khmer Rouge survivors,” said Long Khet, executive director of Youth for Peace, as a guest on “Hello VOA.”

“So the role of the youth in bring back inter-generational dialogue between survivors and victims and the younger generations is vital...so that we can rebuild our society,” he said.


Fear, anger, anxiety and mistrust have become everyday realities for Cambodians after the Khmer Rouge. Under the regime, people were taught to keep silent, and often their survival depended on that silence.

That has made honest dialogue rare, and fear or suspicion the norm, Long Khet said. “So the young generation plays an important role in bridging this gap.”

Those belonging to the older generation may be more likely to tell of past suffering one they know the young are interested, he said. “They would feel relieved.”

Not all survivors are convinced.

“I will feel relieved only when my mother, brothers and sisters come back to life,” a “Hello VOA” caller who gave his name as Mary said. “How can you be 'relieved' when only a few Khmer Rouge at the top were brought to justice and when those with bloodied hands under them are still living in the same village as you?”
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
We deserve NO SUCH FATHER, Mrs. Chea Vannath!


Chea Vannath is an independent analyst in Cambodia. (Photo: Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer)
As Divisive Jan. 7 Holiday Passes, An Expert Reflects

Sok Khemara, VOA Khmer
Washington, D.C Monday, 10 January 2011
“Jan. 7 is the father and Oct. 23 is the mother” - Chea Vannath
Jan. 7 remains a contentious day for Cambodians, marking both the ouster of the Khmer Rouge and the beginning of Vietnamese occupation. And while Cambodian's can be bitterly divided on the day, an independent analyst says that's the “beauty of democracy.”

“We should take these differences and bind us to each other, to unite build the country,” said Chea Vannath, as a guest on “Hello VOA” Thursday.

People have different views the world over, she said, but some people understand the “art of the the win-win” and that different opinions can be a strength.

The ruling Cambodian People's Party remains a fervent supporters of the day, while denouncing those who are critical. Meanwhile, the opposition and its supporters find more to celebrate on Oct. 23, the birth day of Cambodia as a constitutional democracy.


On Jan. 7, 1979, Vietnamese forces pushed the Khmer Rouge from power. They did not leave until 1989, after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Bitter civil war continued through Oct. 23, 1991, when a peace accord was reached.

Both days are important to reflect on Cambodian history, she said.

“Jan. 7 is the father and Oct. 23 is the mother,” Chea Vannath said. “Children need both a father and a mother and they can't say a father has more favor than a mother, can't say that a mother has more favor than the father.”
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Groups Join Workshop With NGO Law Concerns


Cambodian NGOs at a social forum. (Photo: VOA Khmer)
Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh Monday, 10 January 2011
“The draft law in its current form, will restrict the work of these organizations, as it places significant barriers on their registration and implementation of their work. The effect will be to reduce funding for the many important development projects currently delivered in collaboration with the government and to reduce potential new funding sources for long-term development.”
Interior Minister Sar Kheng ruled out concerns from non-governmental groups on Monday that a new draft law will prompt threats or attacks on them.

The NGO Law seeks tighter controls on the myriad non-governmental agencies that exist in Cambodia, but critics say it creates tangles of red tape that could be used to attack groups that don't follow the government line.

Sar Kheng told some 300 participants at the outset of a workshop on the law on Monday that the government “has no intention of threatening or pressuring associations or non-governmental organizations.”


The government allows at least 3,000 NGOs to operate, he said, and was allowing a discussion on the new law this week.

However, some NGOs leaders remain unconvinced.

Sin Somuny, executive director of the group Medican, said the draft law could restrict rights and freedoms by putting strict controls on NGOs and their registration processes.

“The draft law in its current form, will restrict the work of these organizations, as it places significant barriers on their registration and implementation of their work,” according to a statement released by NGOs ahead of Monday's workshop. “The effect will be to reduce funding for the many important development projects currently delivered in collaboration with the government and to reduce potential new funding sources for long-term development.”

Sar Kheng said the Interior Ministry will accept recommendations from NGOs before it submits the final draft to the Council of Ministers
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Hun Xen warns to arrest those who insult government officials as being TRAITORS


Dictator-cum-TRAITOR?
11 Jan 2011
Tin Zakariya
Radio Free Asia
Translated from Khmer by Soy
Click here to read the article in Khmer
Hun Xen sent an open message to all non-ruling political parties that any political competition can take place, but he warns that they cannot paint him and insult him as “TRAITOR”.

Hun Xen announced his warning to all those who criticize and insult high-ranking government officials, telling them to stop the criticisms immediately, otherwise, all these people will face arrest, even if they are MPs with parliamentary immunity.

Hun Xen made this warning announcement during the distribution of diplomas for students at the education institute in Phnom Penh on Monday 10 January.

Hun Xen claims that, even if Cambodia has many political parties competing for votes, the painting of high ranking government VIPs is not allowed: “Even if you have immunity, even with the mother of all immunity, I will attack you, I tell you now! You can curse anything, you can curse the 07 January, but don’t curse with the word ‘TRAITOR’ because you received voted from the people. Therefore, we have to take action, others don’t interfere, foreigners don’t interfere. Would PMs in other countries allow others to curse them ‘TRAITORS of the NATION’? Would Presidents in the world allow other to curse them ‘TRAITORS of the NATION’? I am telling you now, just in case problem will occur.”


Nevertheless, SRP MP Mu Sochua, a high ranking opposition member, reacted by saying that Hun Xen is putting pressure on the freedom of expression once again. However, she claimed that the SRP is not surprised nor is it scared about this warning.

Mrs. Mu Sochua added: “Those who speak out, they dare take responsibility, they have reasons to speak out, and I believe that all those people dare face history. Therefore, I believe that such prevention [by Hun Xen] cannot bring justice to freedom expression for those who speak out. If the justice system in Cambodia is an independent institution, I believe that there wouldn’t be such warning.”

On 18 Dec 2010, Seng Kunakar, the security head for a WFP rice warehouse in Russei Keo district, was arrested and immediately sent to the Phnom Penh court in the afternoon of that same day for an expedited court hearing regarding border issues between Cambodia and Vietnam which he printed from the KI-Media website. On Sunday 19 Dec 2010, Seng Kunakar was sentenced by the court to 6 months in jail and he was ordered to pay a fine of 1 million riels ($250) stemming from Articles 494 and 495 of the new criminal code.

After the court sentenced Seng Kunakar and the warning issued by Hun Xen, human rights activists and opposition officials indicated that the government is using the new criminal code and the justice system to sentence those who provide constructive criticisms on the government.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Start the new year with new soul
January 12, 2011
By A. Gaffar Peang-Meth
PACIFIC DAILY NEWS
My last column wrapped up 2010, with a recounting of a taxicab driver's "Law of the Garbage Truck." It compares some individuals to garbage trucks that run around full of garbage, full of anger and disappointment. As the garbage piles up, "they need a place to dump it and sometimes they dump it on you."

The cab driver's advice: Life is too short, don't spread your garbage to other people, and don't let the garbage trucks take over your day!

In that column, I quoted the great Chinese teacher, Confucius: "Do not do to others that which we do not want them to do to us." I suggested this is a good place to start as we conduct ourselves in the new year.

Then came an e-mailed greeting card that inspired me to write today's column.


New year, new soul

Classical Greek philosopher Plato, founder of the Academy in Athens, the western world's first institution of higher learning, said, "The beginning is the most important part. ... For that is the time character is being formed."

When is that beginning? If the past is gone, there's nothing we can do to change it. The future is not here, and there is no reason to worry about what has not yet happened. I would like to think of the beginning as the here and now, as character is shaped and molded.

English writer Gilbert K. Chesterton said: "The object of a new year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul."

The great American essayist and poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson, whose thoughts and writings grabbed my attention and directed my curiosity since I first set foot on an American college campus almost 50 years ago, wrote: "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."

That's what Chesterton called "soul" -- a new year, a new soul.

Playwright and literary critic T.S. Eliot was bold: "For last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's words await another voice."

Leave it to Catholic friar and preacher St. Francis of Assisi , who urged: "Start doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; suddenly you are doing the impossible."

'The mind is everything'

Some people think "We are what we think" is just a cliche. Rather, it's an eternal truth.

Here, again, the West and the East meet.

Lord Gautama Buddha, the "awakened one," taught: "All that we are is the result of what we have thought," "We are formed and molded by our thoughts," "We are what we think," "What we think, we become" and "The mind is everything."

Buddha's words find a parallel in "Je pense donc je suis," or "I think, therefore I am," by the great French philosopher and writer Rene Descartes. Just to wonder whether one exists is already proof that one exists.

Later, the often-quoted words of Mahatma Gandhi: "A man is but the product of his thoughts, what he thinks, he becomes."

Is it a wonder that a "no can do" attitude assures one does not succeed, and a "yes can do" assures one does not fail?

It's not unusual to find a disconnect between words individuals say and their actions, and what different individuals do after their mistakes. One wonders what becomes of people who engage endlessly in negative thoughts of others, denouncing and throwing venomous words and racial slurs.

I see hurtful words by anonymous bloggers; I see blogs by "wingnuts" on both sides of the political spectrum across cultures, devoted to what the Daily Beast's senior political columnist John Avalon dubbed "hydra-headed hysteria" -- cut off one accusation and another emerges in its place -- and in hyper-partisan talk and pathological hatred

"Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else," Buddha said. "You are the one who gets burned."

'Your own salvation'

Buddha's teaching, which may be found in other major religions, said: "No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path."

Yet many individuals not only decline responsibility for any unpleasant thing that occurred, but point fingers at others to absolve themselves of accountability.

Buddha advised: "Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others."

"However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do if you do not act upon them?" Buddha asked.

And so, here we are in 2011. Let's start our beginning creatively and positively.

"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment," preached Buddha.

I would leave readers to ponder Descartes' question: "An optimist may see a light where there is none, but why must the pessimist always run to blow it out?"

Happy New Year!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
British man in Cambodia charged with sexual abuse of 4 teenage boys
01/11/2011
The Associated Press
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia - A British man in Cambodia has been charged with sexually abusing four teenage boys.

Sok Keo Bandit, a prosecutor in Siem Reap province, says Robert Layland was charged Tuesday with paying to procure a child for prostitution and indecent acts with a minor.

He alleges the 54-year-old Layland, who runs a souvenir shop in the province, had sex with four boys, ranging from 14 to 18 years old. He says the boys worked in Layland's shop.


The anti-child sex group Action Pour Les Enfants says Layland was arrested Monday. Layland is in custody and was not available for comment.

Cambodia has long been a magnet for foreign pedophiles, but in recent years has cracked down on offenders.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Two yellow shirts face espionage charges
January 12, 2011
By Piyanart Srivalo
Supalak Ganjanakhundee
The Nation
Detained yellow-shirt activists Veera Somkwamkid and his secretary face a new trial over charges of espionage, which could have them facing severe punishment in Cambodia, while the Thai government faces more difficulties in trying to help.

The Cabinet okayed a budget of more than Bt500 million for preparing the military to protect the border, as yellow-shirt activists mount further pressure on the government to help their detained colleagues.

Only Veera, who is leader of a People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) faction called the Thailand Patriots Network, and his secretary Ratree Pipatanapaiboon, will be tried today, while the other five Thai nationals, including Democrat MP Panich Vikitsreth, await court decision on their bail request.

"The additional charge faced by Veera and Ratree is causing more difficulty for the government to seek ways to help them," Chavanond Intarakomalyasut, the foreign minister's secretary, said.


The seven Thai nationals were arrested late last month while allegedly inspecting the disputed border area near Sa Kaew province's Ban Nong Chan district. This was Veera's second arrest since he was briefly held once last August.

Thailand and Cambodia have been disputing over this area since the late 1970s, but information from the Royal Thai Survey Department and the Foreign Ministry indicates that the group had walked 55 metres deeper into Cambodian territory.

This statement infuriated the yellow-shirt PAD movement, who labelled Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya and many other ministry officials as "traitors". They insist that the men were on Thai territory when they were arrested, and dismissed Cambodia's authority to prosecute them.

Kasit instructed concerned officials at the ministry yesterday to rephrase the statement, saying that "the group had gone beyond the [existing but unsettled] boundary line to an area that is effectively under the control of Cambodia". This is despite the fact that it was Kasit himself who had publicly said earlier that the group had walked 55 metres into Cambodian territory.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday that from now on, the Cabinet only authorised the Foreign Ministry to provide information about the plight of the seven detainees in order to avoid confusion. Even the prime minister would not say anything on the matter, he said.

"All I have to say is that we have three policies for this: first we have to take care of and do our best to help the seven detainees; second we have to maintain good bilateral relations; and third we have to protect our sovereignty," Abhisit said.

During the Cabinet meeting yesterday, Abhisit brought up the issue of the detainees, saying that though Panich and the rest were not too well, they were in good spirits.

Kasit, meanwhile, told the Cabinet that he expected the Cambodian court to issue a verdict by this week but he did not know exactly when.

In related news, Defence Minister Pravit Wongsuwan has asked for a "secret" budget of Bt517 million for the military to take care of security matters in the border areas with Cambodia, a source said.

Thailand has boundary conflicts with Cambodia in many locations, including the areas near Ban Nong Chan and near the Preah Vihear temple.

The government dispatched the Thailand-Cambodia joint boundary committee's new chief, Asda Jayanama, to Phnom Penh yesterday to help seek solutions for the boundary dispute. Asda met his counterpart Var Kimhong and agreed to carry on negotiations to settle the conflict peacefully. The JBC chief is connected to the yellow-shirt movement.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Government stands by controversial NGO law
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
Thomas Miller and Meas Sokchea
The Phnom Penh Post
We hope that an NGO law can facilitate the growth of this sector, and not hold it back.
THE government defended its controversial new draft NGO law in the face of mounting criticism and asked for input from civil society representatives at a consultation in Phnom Penh yesterday.

At the meeting, Minister of Interior Sar Kheng reaffirmed the government’s commitment to passing the law and dismissed fears that it would be used to control Cambodian civil society groups.

“If the government had a plan to threaten NGOs or associations, it would not need to have the presence of NGOs. The second reason is that if we planned [to threaten NGOs], there is no need for a workshop like you see today,” Sar Kheng said. “There are very few laws that we get to discuss in public.”

Sar Kheng said the law was “modest and does not infringe on rights”, and that he didn’t see how it would restrict NGOs’ activities, attempting to address claims that the law limits the right to freedom of association.


In his overview of the draft law, Nuth Sa An, secretary of state at the Interior Ministry, repeatedly said compliance would not be difficult.

Sar Kheng also rebuffed calls for the government to reconsider the legislation’s legal necessity before moving forward.

“The government must have the law on organisations,” he said, adding that other countries in the region had “similar laws”. Moreover, he argued, the government had to take into account “the whole picture”, which included the possibility of terrorists using NGOs as cover for their activities.

The International Centre on Not-for-Profit Law has described law’s articles on mandatory registration as a “restriction” on freedom of association, and a number of NGOs operating in Cambodia have requested that it be voluntary for local associations, which they fear will be most impacted.

Cheap Sopheak, deputy president of the Farmer and Nature Network, said the law was unusable after just one day of consultation because it contained a number of vague articles that would be difficult for small organisations to handle.

“This law must be revised further. I would like to request the government to have voluntary registration for organisations, which would avoid complicated issues for small organisations,” he said on the sidelines of the meeting.

The government had so far not responded to the request for a longer consultation or the establishment of a joint government-NGO working group, said Chith Sam Ath, executive director of NGO Forum.

Nuth Sa An said during the meeting that he would report on the meeting’s discussions to officials at the ministries of foreign affairs and the interior, which will decide whether to agree to the request.

Meanwhile, the international community has called on the government to reconsider the need for the law.

“We strongly urge the Royal Government of Cambodia to reconsider whether the draft NGO law is in fact necessary and, if so, to adopt and implement a law consistent with a commitment to expand, rather than restrict, the freedom for civil society organisations to operate,” United States embassy spokesman Mark Wenig said in a statement yesterday.

“The US strongly believes that a strong, independent, and diverse civil society community is indispensable to democracy.”

The British Embassy said yesterday that it had made own views “clear” to the government. “We hope that an NGO law can facilitate the growth of this sector, and not hold it back,” Lesley Saunderson, the embassy’s deputy head of mission said.

Two regional organisations, FORUM Asia and the Southeast Asian Press Alliance, said they were “deeply troubled by a Cambodia government plan to pass a restrictive law” for NGOs, and called for an extended consultation process in a joint statement.

Laurence Bernardi, spokeswoman for the French Embassy, said she had no public comments, but that the embassy would monitor the issue.

“We don’t want to interfere in this debate which is, first of all, a process to be handled by the national actors of the Cambodian society,” she said.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Accused Thai spies in court Wednesday
11/01/2011
Bangkok Post
Two of the seven Thais arrested in Cambodia for illegal entry have been additionally charged with spying and will be questioned in court at an extra session on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya's secretary Chavanond Intarakomalyasut confirmed on Tuesday.

The two are Veera Somkwamkid, a coordinator of the Thai Patriots Network, an affiliation of the yellow-shirt People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), and his secretary Ratree Pipatanapaiboon.

Mr Chavanond said the additional spying charge could make it more difficult for the Thai government to help, particularly to get their release on bail.

He said the other five, including Democrat MP Panich Vikitsreth, have been charged only with illegal entry and trespassing on a military zone. The five had already testified to the court.


It was not clear whether the Phnom Penh Municipal Court would give a verdict on the case, allow the defendants free on bail, or make any other order, Mr Chavanond said.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said only the Foreign Affairs Ministry will be allowed to release information on behalf of the government concerning the plight of the seven Thai detainees.

Mr Abhisit said after the cabinet meeting that the ministry reported to the cabinet on what it had done to help the border crossers.

The government had three policies in mind in helping the seven Thais in trouble - it will do its best to take care of them, to maintain good relations between the two countries for peaceful co-existence, and protect the rights and sovereignty of Thailand and the Thai people.

Mr Abhisit said he did not want to go iton detail on what will be done, because in situations like this what he said had many times been misreported and caused misunderstanding.

"So to prevent further confusion, the Foreign Ministry will from now be the only agency to give information on this matter to the people," he said.

About 50 members of the Thai Patriots Network today walked from Government House - where they asked the government to clearly explain what it had done and would it would do to help the seven Thais - to the Foreign Ministry on nearby Sri Ayutthaya road.

At the Foreign Ministry, they called on Foreign Minister Kasit to resign for being too slow to act.

Gen Kittisak Rathprasert and other network leaders took turns speaking through loudspeakers from a mobile stage.

The rally was closely watched by police and caused a small traffic jam.

The seven Thais were arrested by Cambodian soldiers on Dec 29 while on an "inspection trip" near a disputed border area adjoining Sa Kaeo's Aranyaprathet district and Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey province.

The Cambodian court charged them with illegal entry and illegal trespass on a military zone. The two charges carry a combined maximum penalty of 18 months in jail.

The spying charge carries a 10 year jail term