Thailand committed to solving border dispute with Cambodia by peaceful means: Thai spokesman

Xinhua

Thailand's acting government spokesman Panithan Wattanayagorn said Tuesday that his country has committed to solving the border dispute with Cambodia by peaceful means base on the bilateral framework.

The acting government spokesman's statement was made after news reports saying that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has ordered his troops to shoot any trespassers in the disputed border area near the ancient Preah Vihear temple, Thai News Agency reported.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has not worried about the latest development at the Thai-Cambodian border as the two leaders earlier have agreed they will not let the border dispute affect the broader relations of the two countries, said Panithan.

Thailand's death toll from A/H1N1 infection rises to 165

Xinhua

Thailand's Public Health Ministry on Wednesday announced five more deaths due to the A/H1N1 influenza infection, bringing the country's death toll to 165.

The ministry has also instructed provincial health organizations to help protect the Thai people from the A/H1N1 influenza amid the coming of the Typhoon Ketsana, Thai News Agency reported.

Thailand had its first two confirmed patients on May 12.

Ketsana leaves more than 300 dead across SE Asia

By ROHAN SULLIVAN (AP)

MANILA, Philippines — One of the most destructive storms in years extended its deadly path across Southeast Asia, blowing down wooden villages in Cambodia and crushing Vietnamese houses under mudslides after submerging much of the Philippine capital.

The death toll Wednesday climbed past 300 and was rising.

"We're used to storms that sweep away one or two houses. But I've never seen a storm this strong," said Nam Tum, governor of Cambodia's Kampong Thom province.

The immediate threat was easing as Typhoon Ketsana was downgraded to a tropical depression as it crossed Wednesday into a fourth nation, Laos. But its powerful winds and pummeling rain left a snaking trail of destruction.

Cambodian and Thai soldiers clashed in Ouddor Meanchey province

Source: everyday.com.kh
Reported in English by Khmerization

The Reaksmei Kampuchea Daily reported that on the midnight of 27th September, a group of Cambodian and Thai soldiers based on borders in OuddorMeanchey province have engaged in a brief gunbattle.

A Cambodian military source said that a group of Thai soldiers have launched an attack on a group of Cambodian soldiers who were on patrol at 2.30 am along the borders at Kbal Ansong point west of Choam Sa-Ngam Pass in Anlong Veng district. The Cambodian soldiers have exercised their self-defence by returning fires.

The fighting only lasted a few minutes and there was no reported casualty from either side.

Typhoon Ketsana kills 11 in Cambodia: official

AFP

Typhoon Ketsana has killed at least 11 people in northeastern and central Cambodia, police and government officials said Wednesday, after the storm left another 38 dead in Vietnam.

Nine were killed and 35 injured in central Cambodia while two died in the northeast overnight as the country was battered by the storm, officials said.

Singapore offers to host ASEAN-U.S. summit

Xinhua

Singapore has offered to host a leaders summit between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United States later this year, the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday.

The ministry said in a statement that Singapore has offered to host a stand alone meeting between the leaders of the ten ASEAN member states and the United States.

"Singapore welcomes reports of U.S. President Barack Obama's keenness to meet with ASEAN Leaders. Pending confirmation from the U.S., the meeting is planned for Nov. 15, 2009," according to the statement.

1500 American soldiers to hold a military exercise in Cambodia

everyday.com.kh
Reported in English by Khmerization

A senior Cambodian military official said on Saturday 26th that about 1500 U.S soldiers will participate in military exercises in Cambodia in mid 2010.

Gen. Chhum Socheat, spokesman of the Cambodian Defence Ministry, said that approximately 2000 troops from around 20 countries, 1500 of them are American soldiers, will join in the military exercises.

These military exercises, codenamed Global Peace Operation Initiatives, are sponsored by the United States and will be staged in June or July next year.

Under the plans, these military exercises will be staged in Phnom Penh and Phnom Sruoch district in Kampong Speu province.

CPP: Mu Sochua's immunity will be reinstated if she withdraws lawsuit againt PM Hun Sen

everyday.com.kh
Reported in English by Khmerization

A senior member of parliament from the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) said on Thursday 24th that the National Assembly might give back Mrs. Mu Sochua and Mr. Ho Vann their parliamentary immunity if the court drops all charges against the two MPs and sends a request for the reinstatement of their parliamentary immunity to the National Assembly.

Mr. Cheam Yeap, MP from the CPP, told "Hello VOA" program recently that the parliament will vote to reinstate the pair's immunity when the court drops all charges against them.

Mrs. Mu Sochua was fined 16.5 million riels ($8,500) by the Phnom Penh court on 4th August for defaming Prime Minister Hun Sen and Mr. Ho Vann was sued by 22 military officers for defamation, but the case against him has been dropped by the court last week.

The National Assembly is sheduled to meet on 1st October, but up until now there is no request from the court asking the parliament to reinstate the pair's parliamentary immunity yet.

Health & Education In Cambodia

Voice of America
Editorials
The following is an editorial reflecting the views of the US government

This month, the United States and Cambodia signed amendments to 2 bilateral agreements that will provide $34.8 million in 2009 funding to support Cambodian priorities in health and education.

U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia Carol Rodley presided over the September 8th signing ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Phnom Penh. Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Flynn Fuller, United States Agency for International Development [USAID] Mission Director, signed on behalf of their respective governments.

"I am pleased to be here to reaffirm the commitment of the American people to investing in the health and education of the Cambodian people," Ambassador Rodley said.

"By working side by side with our colleagues in the Cambodian government, we've helped stem the tide of HIV/AIDS, improve the quality of basic health services, and enhance the relevance and availability of education for thousands of youth."

Cambodian PM threatens to skip ASEAN summit over temple row

Bureau Report

Phnom Penh: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday said that he might skip a regional summit to be held in Thailand next month if a dispute over an ancient temple on the border between the two countries continues.

Hun Sen said he might send the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister to the meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Thailand is set to host the 15th ASEAN summit on October 23-25 at the coastal town of Hua Hin.

Cambodian leader warns Thais over border dispute

Associated Press

Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen said Monday that anyone from Thailand who illegally intrudes into Cambodian territory claimed by both countries will be shot.

He also said that if Thai officials seeking to negotiate the border demarcation line present their own maps during bilateral talks, Cambodian officials should tear them up or walk out.

Speaking at the opening of the Tourism Ministry's new office in the capital, Phnom Penh, he charged that Thailand's leaders wanted to base their territorial claims on maps they drew up themselves because they wanted to occupy Cambodia's land.

A long-running dispute over territory heated up in July 2008 when UNESCO, the U.N. cultural agency, approved Cambodia's bid to have the 11th century Preah Vihear temple, located on the border, named a World Heritage Site. Thailand initially supported the bid but then reneged after the move sparked outrage and protests.

Japan supports telecom technician training

VNA

Vietnam’s Ministry of Information and Communications will continue to implement a programme to train telecom technicians for Laos , Cambodia and Myanmar with funding provided by Japan .

An agreement on the second phase of the project, lasting from 2009-2011, was signed in Hanoi on September 23 between the Ministry of Information and Communications and the Japan International Co-operation Agency.

During the four-week courses, technicians from the three beneficiary nations will be taught skills needed to operate and maintain circuits and digital microwave transmission equipment, as well as general knowledge about Internet Protocol (IP) and Next Generation Network (NGN) technologies.

Border guard officers visit Cambodia

VNA

A delegation of the High Command of the Border Guard of Vietnam, headed by its Deputy Commander Nguyen Phuoc Loi, is paying a friendship visit to Cambodia from September 22-25.

On September 23, the officers visited the Supreme Command Headquarters of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), where they met with General Pol Saroeun.

Two journalists in Cambodia convicted of defamation, fined; lawmaker acquitted

SEAPA

A Cambodian court found two journalists guilty of defamation on 22 September 2009 for publishing an article in which an opposition lawmaker criticized a group of military officers, media reports said.

The Associated Press said "Cambodian Daily" editor-in-chief Kevin Doyle and reporter Neou Vannarin were each fined US$1,000. Phnom Penh Municipal Court Judge Sin Visal said, "The article published in their paper caused confusion among the Cambodian people and damaged the dignity of the military officers."

Opposition legislator Ho Vann, who had also been charged with defamation by a group of 22 senior military officers, was acquitted for lack of evidence, according to Judge Sin Visal.

The "Cambodia Daily" ran a story in April this year in which Ho Vann, a member of the Sam Rainsy Party, was quoted as saying that the military certificates received by the officers in a year-long program in Vietnam were "useless". The officers sued Hor Vann for defamation.

Kasit, Suthep to explain border row

Bangkok Post

The government will explain the situation on the Thai-Cambodian border in a television broadcast after the foreign minister returns from the United Nations, acting Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said on Thursday.

He was responding to the the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship's (UDD) accusation the government of not taking any action over roads were being constructed on a disputed 4.6-square-kilometre territory near Cambodia's Preah Vihear temple.

Cambodia condemns sentencing of its nationals by Thai court

DPA

Phnom Penh - Cambodia plans to appeal a case in which lengthy sentences were handed down by a Thai court to a group of its nationals after they were convicted of logging and entering Thailand illegally, local media reported Thursday. The 16 men who are from adjacent provinces in north-west Cambodia were arrested on July 23 by Thai authorities. Fifteen of them were sentenced to nine years and three months each while the last was given six years and two months.

The Thai court in Ubon Ratchathani province has granted a one-month period to appeal.

The cabinet chief of Cambodia's Preah Vihear province told the Phnom Penh Post newspaper that the sentences were "revenge" by Thailand for the unresolved border dispute between the two kingdoms while Foreign Ministry spokesman Koy Kuong said government lawyers would appeal the convictions.

U.S government banned some Cambodian military officers from visit America due to charges of human rights abuses

Khmer Sthapana newspaper and Radio Free Asia
Reported in English by Khmerization

The United States government has banned a certain number of Cambodian military officers from entering America due to charges of gross human rights violations, said Defence Minister Tea Banh.

Gen. Tea Banh said this during an interview with Radio Free Asia after he had met Defence Minister Robert Gates and Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg, who he said expressed concern over human rights and democracy in Cambodia.

In regard to human rights abuses raised by the US officials, Mr. Tea Banh told Radio Free Asia like this: "Let me say in short: when the United States does (say) something, they don't do it lightly, they do it very thoroughly. I want to say that, if there is something inappropriate has happened that affects the US policy, the US will inform us immediately. In fact, right now, there are a number of Cambodian army officers who are refused entry to the US. There are a number of them, I don’t want to name them now, because I want to continue to educate them so that they can change. It’s nothing major. There are only a small number of them, they are not that many."

Cambodian troops denied shooting at Thai helicopter which violated Cambodian airspace

DPA

A Cambodian military officer on 23rd September has denied that Cambodian troops in Pailin have shot at a Thai helicopter which has strayed into Cambodian airspace on the night of 22nd.

A Cambodian officer for Military Region 5 told Deum Ampil by telephone that Cambodian troops did not fire at the Thai helicopter, but said that Cambodia will continue to positionn anti-aircraft artillery in the area.

Gen. Chea Dara, Commander-in-Chief of Cambodian Armed Forces in charge of the Preah Vihear operations, Gen. Neang Phat (pictured), Secretary of State of Defence Ministry and Gen. Chhum Socheat, Defence Ministry spokesman as well as Koy Kuong, Foreign Ministry spokesman, all denied any knowledge of the alleged shooting at a Thai helicopter by Cambodian troops in Pailin, but said they would check the information with officers on the ground first before making any comments.

US Gives Money To Boost Economic Performance

VOA

The US provided $7.79 million to the government Wednesday to aid economic growth performance, as international institutions have warned of a shrinking economy.

The funds will be used to expand USAID’s program for micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, which seeks to alleviate poverty by increasing productivity of family businesses.

The program has helped some 3,000 farmers increase their incomes between 100 percent and 340 percent, according to US figures.

US Ambassador Carol Rodley said the program would help thousands of Cambodians and would foster new relationships in the business sector.

Deputy Prime Minister Sok An said in a ceremony the economic crisis had diminished Cambodia’s capacity for high economic growth.

Testimony Finishes At Cambodian Khmer Rouge Trial

AP

Testimony concluded Thursday in the first U.N.-backed trial of a high-ranking member of Cambodia's former Khmer Rouge regime.

The tribunal is trying Kaing Guek Eav, also known as Duch, who commanded S-21 prison in Phnom Penh, where up to 16,000 people were tortured and then taken away to be killed. He is charged with crimes against humanity, war crimes, murder and torture.

Four other senior Khmer Rouge leaders are in custody awaiting trial.

The tribunal is seeking justice for an estimated 1.7 million people who died from execution, overwork, disease and malnutrition as a result of the ultra-communist group's policies while in power in 1975-79.

Pending rulings on the final submissions to the court, more courtroom questioning might be conducted, the tribunal said in a statement. Otherwise, closing arguments are set to start on Nov. 23.

Duch, pronounced DOIK, is the only one of the accused Khmer Rouge leaders to acknowledge responsibility for his actions. He faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Cambodia has no death penalty.

IMF economic outlook for Cambodia is bleaker than that of the ADB: 2.75% GDP contraction

DPA

Phnom Penh - The International Monetary Fund revised down its forecast for Cambodia's economy Wednesday, predicting that gross domestic product (GDP) would contract 2.75 per cent in 2009.

That is sharply lower than its previous forecast of a 0.5-per-cent drop.

The IMF figures follow the release of numbers Tuesday by the Asian Development Bank, which foresees Cambodia's economy contracting 1.5 per cent this year.

Speaking to reporters in Phnom Penh, IMF official David Cowen said the global economic crisis was having a more significant impact than previously expected on the kingdom's economy, which suffers from a narrow production base.

Ho Vann calls for the sentence against The Cambodia Daily reporters be dropped

Radio Free Asia

SRP MP Ho Vann was elated that his charge was dropped but he also called for a drop of the sentence handed down to The Cambodia Daily reporters.

Ho Vann said: “I just received the information about the sentence handed down by the Phnom Penh municipal court in my case while I am outside of the country. I am very happy and I am also adding that I did not apologize, I am asking for The Cambodia Daily to print a correction, as the court understood in its debate, and it provided a fair verdict. However, I am calling for the court to arrange so that the sentence against Mr. Kevin Doyle and Mrs. Neou Vannarin be dropped also, because they brought corrections to their news.”

Ho Vann also indicated that after receiving this verdict, he will now return back to Cambodia.

Cambodian FM flies to New York to attend UN General Assembly

Xinhua

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Hor Namhong left here on Tuesday for New York to attend the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly to be held from Sept. 23 to 30.

Koy Kuong, spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said Tuesday that as planned Hor Namhongwill deliver a speech to the session with focuses on world economic crisis, millennium development goals, climate change, Doha Round, food and energy security and the reform of the United Nations Security Council.

Also, on the sidelines of the U.N forum, Koy Kuong said, Hor Namhong plans to have bilateral meetings with other foreign ministers including the U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

ADB revises GDP growth forecast for Cambodia

Xinhua

Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Tuesday revised the GDP growth forecast for Cambodia from slight growth to a 1.5 percent contract in its latest outlook report.

According to ADB's Asian Development Outlook 2009 Update (ADO 2009 Update) released on Tuesday, a sharper than expected downturn in clothing exports, construction activity, and tourism arrivals has prompted a downward revision in the GDP forecast for Cambodia. The economy is now expected to contract by 1.5 percent in 2009, rather than record slight growth as anticipated in ADO 2009.

Phnom Penh Court drops all charges against Ho Vann

Source: Deum Ampil newspaper
Reported in English by Khmerization

A Phnom Penh Court judge has announced on Tuesday 22nd September that the court has dropped all charges against Mr. Ho Vann (pictured), a Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) MP for Phnom Penh, who has been charged and fined $53,000 for defaming 22 military officers.

The same judge also ordered the article writer and the editor of the Cambodia Daily to pay fines to the amount of 4 million riels ($1000) each for publication of false information and for defamation.

Mr. Chea Poch, SRP MP for Prey Veng province, said the judge's decision is a real justice for Mr. Ho Vann and he said that he will write a letter to Mr. Ho Vann in America to return home to Cambodia.

Cambodia defence minister met U.S Defence Secretary Robert Gates

Source: Deum Ampil newspaper
Reported in English by Khmerization

Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Banh has met with U.S Secretary of Defence Robert Gates in Washington D.C on 23rd September as part of his three day official visit to the United States.

Gen. Chhum Socheat, Cambodian Defence Ministry spokesman, said Mr. Tea Banh's visit to the United States is tremendously successful, especially the results of Mr. Tea Banh's meeting with Mr. Robert Gates.

[Thailand's] NACC accuses 12 officials of misconduct [over Preah Vihear joint communiqué]

Bangkok Post

Anti-corruption officials are accusing 12 people, including former foreign minister Noppadon Pattama, of misconduct over the signing of a joint communique with Cambodia concerning the Preah Vihear temple.

National Anti-Corruption Commission will release the findings of its inquiry into allegations about the communique today, but yesterday would not say who the 12 were. But a source close to the commission's inquiry confirmed Mr Noppadon, a former lawyer for ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was among them.

Serving cabinet members and government officials are included in the investigation into the role of 44 people in connection with the signing of the Preah Vihear communique.

NACC member and spokesman Klanarong Chantik said the commission had yet to decide whether to formally accuse 32 individuals over the communique in which Thailand gave support for Cambodia's unilateral registration of the ancient Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage site with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).

Cambodia Criticized for Curtailing Freedom of Expression

VOA

Cambodia has been accused of silencing critics with lawsuits, jail time, and assassinations. Cambodia's opposition leader says the crackdown is the government's attempt to deal with what he claims is a growing discontent over the economy and who benefits from economic growth.

At a panel discussion Tuesday at the Bangkok press club, the Cambodian government was accused of doing everything in its power to muzzle voices critical of its policies.

Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy says grassroots activists, politicians, and village leaders have been killed, jailed, and forced into hiding for disagreeing with the ruling party.

He says the government of Prime Minister Hun Sen is attempting to silence growing discontent over land confiscation and most Cambodians not benefiting from the growing economy.

Sam Rainsy says part of the problem is that many of Cambodia's leaders like Hun Sen are former Khmer Rouge, the brutal communist government that ruled in the 1970s and was responsible for the deaths of up to two million Cambodians.

Book Planned To Probe Tribunal So Far

VOA

The Documentation Center of Cambodia is set to launch a new book recapping the last three years of the Khmer Rouge tribunal, detailing the politics behind the UN-backed court, challenges to administration and providing a wrap-up of the trial of Duch.

The Documentation Center has the largest collection of Khmer Rouge documents in the country, amassed over years of research. The book, “On Trial: The Khmer Rouge Accountability Process” details each stage before and after the Duch trial, as well as the arrests of the five suspects.

Vietnam's subtle colonization of Cambodia: 400 Viet companies, 100,000 hectares of Viet rubber plantations in 5 provinces ... more are still coming!

VOA

The governments of Cambodian and Vietnam signed an agreement Tuesday allowing the development of 100,000 hectares of rubber plantations in five provinces, which will add to the 400 Vietnamese companies already operating here.

The new concessions would come into effect by 2015, according to the agreement, signed Tuesday between Agriculture Minister Chan Sarun and his counterpart, Cao Duc Phat.

Cambodian govt denies "crazy" PAD sovereignty claim

By Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer

The government on Sunday denied claims made by Thai protesters that Cambodians had encroached on Thai soil near the temple of Preah Vihear, where soldiers on both sides have amassed since July 2008.

About 30 Thai protesters of the People’s Alliance for Democracy were allowed access to the temple on Sunday morning, as 5,000 demonstrators gathered on the Thai side of the border. The government dismissed claims by the protest leaders as “crazy.”

Cambodians’ Reaction To PAD Temple Protest

KI

Dear Editors,

Many Cambodians around the globe were watching and had reason to be concerned about the PAD temple protest over the week-end. Although the protest took place on Thai soil, its ramification had spilled across the border, and could adversely affect the ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the border issue peacefully.

Decision on Preah Vihear case Tues

Bangkok Post

The National Anti-Corruption Commission is ready to decide on Tuesday whether to indict 36 people including ministers of the Samak Sundaravej cabinet and state officials charged in connection with the cabinet approval on June 17 last year for Thailand to sign a joint communique with Cambodia without seeking advice from parliament, NACC member Somluck Jadkrabuanpol said on Monday.

The joint communique was to support Cambodia's application to list the Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage site.

Cambodia marks International Day of Peace

Xinhua

Nearly 300 people from schools, universities, pogodas and NGOs as well as other international and social groups gathered in downtown of the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh Monday to mark the International Day of Peace.

The "peace biking" celebration to mark Peace Day started from National Assembly to Wat Phnom and finally stopped in front of the Royal Palace. And before the end of the event, all marchers prayed at the famous spiritual sanctuary of Dorng Keu in front of the Royal Palace to beg for peace for all people around the world and at the same time, the Khmer Buddhist monks chanted Dharma for peace and non-violence for this day.

"We also appealed to our leader and world leaders to support and respect the peace principles in solving the conflict matters even in internal affairs or with neighboring countries," said a joint statement from the event organizer.

Prok Vanny, representative of the event organizer for the peace working group in Cambodia said that "today we all celebrated the world peace day. And we want to raise awareness for peace for all people and spread peace message for all Cambodians."

Gold thieves explode grenades in heist, injure six

DPA

Two thieves hurled several hand grenades into a local market in eastern Cambodia before robbing a gold vendor of a small amount of gold and cash, national media reported Monday. Provincial police chief Sann Sothea said six gold vendors were injured Friday's attack on the market in Kampong Cham province. The robbers escaped with 250 US dollars and an unknown quantity of gold.

"It is the first time that the gold robbers used grenades to rob the market vendors like this in Kampong Cham province," Sann Sothea told the Cambodia Daily newspaper.

Cambodia observing the PAD situation in Thailand: Thai commander

CCTV.com (China)

Dozens of Thai activists have marched to a lookout point close to a disputed area near an ancient Hindu Khmer temple on the Cambodian border. This in a bid to urge the Cambodian military to leave the region.

The representatives of the People's Alliance for Democracy, or PAD, also known as the "yellow shirts", climbed up a hill on the Thai side of the border with a military escort to make their appeal.

Cambodia has not responded, but a Thai commander said Cambodia was observing the situation and is in contact with them.

Tensions over temple ownership heated up in July last year when UNESCO approved Cambodia's bid to have the Preah Vihear temple named as a World Heritage Site.

Xinhua

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva left for the United States early Monday morning to attend the 64th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and the Group of 20 (G20) Summit in Pittsburgh.

According to the Thai News Agency, apart from attending the 64th Session of the UN General Assembly and the G20 Summit in Pittsburgh, Abhisit will meet major US investors in the stock exchange, business leaders, importers, members of the U.S.-Thailand Business Council, and the American media to build their confidence in Thailand.

The prime minister will join the G20 summit as chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the report said.

PAD vows to uphold Thai sovereignty over disputed aera

The Nation

Yellow-shirt activist Veera Somkwamkid yesterday vowed to uphold Thai sovereignty over 4.6 square kilometres of terrain near Preah Vihear Temple claimed by Cambodia.

Veera also threatened to take legal action against officials condoning the encroachment.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said his government was trying to resolve border problems via the legal process and not force.

Former premier Thaksin Shinawatra said on Twitter that Preah Vihear actually does belong to Cambodia by a decision of the International Court of Justice.

He accused the government of favouritism for letting the yellow shirts, who clashed with local villagers in Si Sa Ket on Saturday, read out a statement reaffirming Thailand's dominion over the temple area.

Three imminent Khmer historians dismissed Thai prosters' claims of 4.6 km2 of lands

Source: Deum Ampil newspaper
Reported in English by Khmerization

Three imminent Khmer historians from the Royal Academy of Cambodia rejected the Thai ultra-nationalists staking claims to the 4.6 km2 land areas surrounding the Preah Vihear temple as "ignorant" of the history.

The three historians' reactions came one day after the Thai yellow shirted protesters attacked Thai villagers and police who blocked them from marching to the disputed zones on 19th September to reclaim the lands.

Prof. Kim Sarin, Prof. Iv Chan and Prof. Eng Yeng, all from the Royal Academy of Cambodia, held a press conference on the night of 2oth September and said that the claims by these Thai ultra-nationalists are incorrect and are resulted from their ignorance of the history of the 100 year-old border agreement between the two country.

The three academics blamed previous Thai generations for not teaching correct history to the new generations of Thai students. They also blamed Thai authority for faking history of Preah Vihear temple by unilaterally drawing maps putting the areas inside Thai territories.

PAD ends Phrea Vihear protest

Bangkok Post

The People's Alliance for Democracy has ended its protest to force Cambodians out of the disputed area near the Phrea Vihear temple yet vowed to return if the government fails to resolve the matter.

Veera Somkwamkid who led the yellow-clad PAD protest in Si Sa Ket was allowed to read a protest statement at Pha Mor E Daeng inside Khao Phra Viharn National Park which is close to the 4.6 square kilometre disputed area and stairway leading into the ancient Preah Vihear temple.

The permission followed the Saturaday clash between PAD protesters and Si Sa Ket resudents near the natural park which has resulted in scores of injuries.

Cambodian King returns home

Xinhua

Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni left for his home country on Sunday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.

He arrived in Beijing on Sept. 3, accompanying retired King Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk to China. Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping met him Wednesday.

Abhisit says he wants charter amendment bill endorsed by public referendum

The Nation

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said he wanted a charter amendment bill to be first endorsed by a national referendum before it is enacted.

Speaking during his weekly TV programme, Abhisit said the result of the public referendum should be the final say.

He said if the amendment requires a new election to be held, he will accordingly dissolve the House.

PAD makes demands on Preah Vihear

Bangkok Post

The yellow-shirt People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) called on the Cambodian government to quickly move its villagers and troops out of the disputed border area around Preah Vihear temple.

About 300 Thai soldiers at Preah Vihear national park in Si Sa Ket province allowed 33 PAD protesters led by Veera Somkwamkid to enter the site on Sunday.

After arriving at Mo I Daeng cliff in the national park, PAD core member Veera announced that the ancient temple and the areas around it are within Thailand's territory in reference to the border demarcation in 1904.

"Now, the Cambodian people have encroached on our country. The PAD would like the Cambodian government to quickly move its people and soldiers out of this area, or else Thai people will have to do their duty in protecting the country's sovereignty," Mr Veera said.

The Suranaree Task Force commander, Maj Gen Chavalit Choonhasarn, and a group of army officials were present when Mr Veera read the PAD's statement.

The PAD members later left the national park.

U.S official: Mu Sochua's meeting with Hillary Clinton is an official meeting

Source: Radio Free Asia
Reported in English by Khmerization

Mu Sochua (L) met Mrs. Hillary Clinton (R) at the latter's office on 11th September, 2009.

A U.S State Department official told Radio Free Asia that meeting between Mrs. Mu Sochua, MP from the opposition Sam Rainsy Party, and U.S Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was an official meeting.

Mr. Ouch Borith, Secretary of State of Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has said at the press conference on 16th September that the meeting between Mu Sochua and Mrs. Hillary Clinton was not an official meeting. "Her Excellency the (U.S) Ambassador (Carol A. Rodley) had clearly told me that in fact Mrs. Hillary Clinton has never met with Mrs. Mu Sochua, but this meeting has been called an out-of-office meeting, it is a meeting in the street in front of her office, outside of her office like people walking on the street and unexpectedly bumped into each other and just shook hand without any appointments before hand, and it is not an official bilateral meeting either", he said.

Thai 'Yellow Shirts' allowed near Cambodia temple [-Veera Somkwamkid needs a reality check!]

AFP

BANGKOK — Thai authorities allowed "Yellow Shirt" protesters to gather near a disputed temple on the Cambodian border Sunday, a day after clashes with police and villagers left dozens injured.

Around 30 members of the movement which blockaded Bangkok's airports last year were granted access to the entrance of ancient Preah Vihear temple and read a statement urging the government to ensure Thai sovereignty in the area.

"The government and army should do everything under the law to regain the area around the temple for Thailand," protest leader Veera Somkwamkid said, reading from the statement in footage shown on local television.

Someone is lying

Alternatives Watch – 20ix09
Op-Ed by Ung Bun Ang
Originally posted online

In the current episode of Cambodia politics, there are four potential liars: SRP parliamentarian Mu Sochua, Cambodian foreign affairs secretary of state Ouch Borith, US ambassador to Cambodia Carol Rodley, and US secretary of state Hillary Clinton. They all have reasons to lie.

Mu Sochua may lie as she could not afford to disappoint her supporters who have been hyped up by her rhetoric. Following her meeting with Clinton, Mu Sochua claims the US will, at the end of September, inform the Cambodian government that there will be conditions attached to US aid. Mu Sochua maintains that a high level US delegation led by Melanne Vereer – president Obama’s ambassador at-large for global women's issues – will visit Cambodia to assess human rights conditions. With such details, Mu Sochua is either telling the truth or a good liar.

Cambodians hope KRouge trial can heal past wounds

AFP

Cambodia's first war crimes trial has unearthed painful ghosts from the brutal Khmer Rouge era, but as testimony ends in the case there is growing hope that it will put past traumas to rest.

Moeurn Sarath, whose father and husband were among the two million people who died under the 1975-1979 communist regime, said it was too painful for her to watch the trial of Duch, the movement's main jailer.

Yet while she said that the proceedings made "all those feelings come back to me again," she believes that the UN-backed tribunal is good for victims and their families.

Thai demonstrations end, dozens injured

Earth Times

Bangkok - Protests in Bangkok and on the Thai-Cambodian border wound down Sunday, one peacefully, the other leaving at dozens injured. About 30,000 supporters of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra ended their protest in Bangkok at midnight Saturday marking the third anniversary of the September 19, 2006 coup that ousted him.

The demonstration ended without violence. Some 6,500 police and soldiers were on standby around the protest venue to ensure it was kept under control.

"I think it was wise the are d shirts' decided to stop at midnight," said Chaturon Chaisaeng, a former political ally of Thaksin's. "They were originally planning to stay a few days."

Has Thailand made progress? Thaksin taunts

The Nation

Fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra last night asked what good had been done for the coun-try over the past three years, after his government was overthrown in a military coup.

"I would like both my admirers and haters to think what good has been done over the past three years. Has the economy improved? What about justice and human rights? And is there fair treatment for bureaucrats?" Thaksin asked.

"They accuse me of interfering with independent organisations, and what about the situation these days? They accused me of interfering in the mass media and what's going on today?" he said during his speech.

"See you in Thailand soon," he said to conclude his video-link broadcast to red-shirt supporters at their anti-government rally at the Royal Plaza.

Country weathers protests

The Nation

Red shirts defy heavy rains to mark third anniversary of coup with peaceful rally; Violence mars yellow shirts' bid to march to disputed area on border with Cambodia

The country was hit by two mass protests yesterday when about 20,000 anti-government red shirts held a rally in Bangkok and thousands of the rival yellow shirts marched towards a disputed border area near Si Sa Ket.

The Bangkok protest was generally peaceful although it was disrupted by a heavy downpour. However, the march by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) to a cliff next to the disputed area near the Preah Vihear temple led to a clash between the yellow shirts and local villagers, who said they feared the protest would further sour ties with Cambodia.

The red shirts gathered at the Royal Plaza to mark the third anniversary of the military coup that ousted the government of Thaksin Shinawatra, who is now a fugitive overseas.

UNICEF Ambassador Lucy Liu raises awareness of child trafficking

WWW.BKhmer.com

WASHINGTON DC, 18 September 2009 – US Fund for UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Lucy Liu delivered an impassioned speech here this week to raise awareness about the estimated 1.2 million children who are trafficked worldwide every year.

The internationally acclaimed actress and humanitarian activist spoke at a symposium organized by the US Agency for International Development on 16 September.

Ms. Liu has become increasingly involved in efforts to end child trafficking since her appointment as a Goodwill Ambassador in 2004. She recently produced a documentary film, ‘Red Light’, which focuses on the issue of trafficking in Cambodia.

PAD protest ends in bloodshed

BangkokPost

GOVT DECLARES MARTIAL LAW AS VILLAGERS, POLICE CLASH WITH PAD; YELLOW SHIRTS TO READ SOVEREIGNTY DECLARATION

SI SA KET : Dozens of protesters, police and villagers were injured in fiery clashes near the border with Cambodia yesterday as a protest by the People's Alliance for Democracy spun out of control.

The government declared martial law as PAD supporters, in a protest over sovereignty, met unexpected resistance from hundreds of Si Sa Ket villagers who blocked their path.

The PAD was trying to march to a disputed border area close to Preah Vihear temple. Stick-wielding protesters clashed repeatedly with riot police and villagers who were trying to keep them out.

Nearby, soldiers set up barricades to stop the PAD reaching the border area disputed with Cambodia.

They reinforced the Khao Phra Viharn national park office in Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket.

But the government was forced to declare martial law after protesters were able to break through barricades to reach the military-controlled area.

The clashes between PAD protesters and villagers left scores of people on both sides injured, including two people in a critical condition.

Rival protests rock Thailand on coup anniversary

Agence France-Presse | 09/20/2009 9:17 AM

BANGKOK – Thousands of rival protesters rallied in Thailand's capital and at a border temple Saturday, sending tensions soaring on the third anniversary of a coup against former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

In Bangkok, the exiled Thaksin gave a live video speech to at least 26,000 "Red Shirt" protesters who took to the streets to demand new elections and the resignation of current prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Separately on the Cambodian border, dozens of people were wounded as protesters from the anti-Thaksin "Yellow Shirt" movement clashed with police near an ancient temple at the centre of a dispute between the two countries.

Video: Police and protesters clash [in Thailand]

Sunday, September 20, 2009
Al Jazeera





Thousands of troops were on the streets of Thailand as a day of rival political protests continued into the night.

In Bangkok, the capital, the "red shirts", as they are known, were marking three years since the former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was deposed.

While on the border with Cambodia, clashes broke out between nationalist protesters, known as the "Yellow Shirts", and police.

Al Jazeera's Wayne Hay reports from Bangkok.

Thaksin tell supporters he makes video link from somewhere near Thailand

The Nation

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra told his supporters at the rally at the Royal Plaza that he made the video link to address them from somewhere near Thailand.

Addressing the supporters at 8:35 pm, Thaksin said Thailand has not improved three years after the coup.

He said the people became poorer and became less happy after the coup.

He called on the government to dissolve the House and called for charter amendments for a fresh start in politics.

Traditional annual buffalo-racing ceremony held in Cambodia

www.chinaview.cn 2009-09-19 19:03:00

Cambodian men ride buffaloes during an annual buffalo-racing ceremony at Virhear Sour village in Kandal province, 50 km (31 mi) northwest of Phnom Penh September 19, 2009. The ceremony, which started more than 70 years ago, is held to honour the Neakta Preah Srok pagoda spirit. After the ceremony, the buffaloes are auctioned off to the highest bidder.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Anupong: Don't enter disputed border

Writer: BangkokPost.com
Published: 19/09/2009 at 05:39 PM

National army chief Anupong Paojinda on Saturday called on the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters in Si Sa Ket province not to enter the Thai-Cambodian disputed border as it would be dangerous.

The yellow-shirt PAD vowed to move into 4.6 square kilometres of land around the ancient Preah Vihear temple that is claimed by both countries.

"The army will act in accordance with the government's bilateral negotiation plan. We are now working on it and we will not do anything beyond this course," Gen Anupong said.

"The protesters can say they love the country but going into the disputed area would be dangerous and there could still be landmines," he said.

He said protests can take place if it can help improve the situation.

If the protesters entered into the disputed area, they could be arrested and the Cambodian government would say Thai people were trespassing on its territory. If the Thai government refused to accept the claim, the protesters might not be released, he said.

Gen Anupong also shot down the coup rumours, saying people should stop thinking about them.

"There is no need to stage a coup because we can solve problems through understanding and cooperation. I insist that no one will stage a coup," the army chief said.

MFAIC Dismisses Mu Sochua’s Remarks

Written by DAP NEWS
Thursday, 17 September 2009

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC) on Wednesday criticized remarks recently made by Mu Sochua, a Sam Rainsy Party lawmaker (SRP), at a US at human rights commission.
The MFAIC rejection came following Mu Sochua’s claim that human rights and democracy in Cambodia is worsening. She alleged that the kingdom’s court system is not just, as she lost a defamation case against Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

MFAIC Secretary of State Uch Borith (pictured) revealed details of a meeting with the US ambassador in Phnom Penh about Mu Sochua’s remarks.

“According to the ambassador, it was not a formal and bilateral talk between Mu Sochua and US Foreign Secretary Hillary Clinton [but] was just a meeting by chance in the street, out of the office,” he told reporters.

“Mu Sochua had asked the US Government to send a delegation to Cambodia to study and investigate democracy and human rights in Cambodia, but the response from the US foreign minister was negative,” he claimed. Uch Borith stated that the opposition lawmaker’s remarks would have no effect on cooperation between the US and Cambodia. “It means Mu Sochua told lies, not only to the Cambodian people, but also to the world,” he said.

Cambodia deploys police for Thai border protest

On 18th July 2008 Thai ultra-nationalists attempted to march to Preah Vihear but were stopped by Thai security forces.

PHNOM PENH (AFP) — Cambodia deployed riot police Thursday at an ancient temple on the disputed border with Thailand where Thai protesters are due to hold a protest at the weekend, the defence ministry said.

Thailand's royalist "Yellow Shirt" movement says it will rally on Saturday near the 11th century Preah Vihear temple to demand that the government push Cambodian forces out of the area.

RP seals 10th ASA this year with Cambodia

THE Philippines and Cambodia sealed on Wednesday their first air pact, fielding a total of 35 weekly flights.

Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) deputy executive director Porvenir Porciuncula said the two-day discussion among the panels of both countries was concluded in Cambodia.

Both panels agreed on seven flights per week on the Manila-Cambodia route, 14-weekly flights on Clark-Cambodia, and another 14 flights per week on points in the Philippines except Manila and Clark.

The Philippine panel is composed of officials from the departments of Transportation and Communications, Foreign Affairs, Tourism, and Trade and Industry, CAB and representatives from airline companies.

Thai protestors banned from disputed area around Preah Vihear temple: army official

BANGKOK, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's army will not allow protestors of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) to rally inside the disputed 4.6-square-kilometer area around the ancient Preah Vihear temple.

Thai soldiers have put up barbed wire to prevent the PAD protestors from entering Phra Viharn National Park and set up more checkpoints along the road to the park, the website by Bangkok Post reported Thursday.

Phra Viharn National Park in Si Sa Ged province is the Thai gateway to Cambodia's Preah Vihear temple. Si Sa Ged province is located in the Northeast of Thailand, which borders Cambodia.

Cambodia deploys police for Thai border protest

AFP-News

PHNOM PENH : Cambodia deployed riot police Thursday at an ancient temple on the disputed border with Thailand where Thai protesters are due to hold a protest at the weekend, the defence ministry said.

 Thailand's royalist "Yellow Shirt" movement says it will rally on Saturday near the 11th century Preah Vihear temple to demand that the government push Cambodian forces out of the area.

Chevron, Mitsui seek oil exploration rights from Cambodia

AFP- News

PHNOM PENH - US energy giant Chevron and Japan's Mitsui Oil Exploration Company are seeking exploration rights in a maritime area that is disputed between Cambodia and Thailand, a Cambodian official said Wednesday.

Officials from both companies told Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in meetings on Tuesday that they had submitted their applications for bids to the Cambodian National Petroleum Authority, a spokesman for the premier said."

The prime minister welcomes both companies and the government will make a transparent bid and bring benefits to both sides, especially a lot of benefits to the Cambodian people," said spokesman Eang Sophalleth.