Five newly constructed school buildings in some of Cambodia’s most remote and conflict-affected areas were officially inaugurated on March 26, marking a major step in restoring access to education for hundreds of children whose learning was disrupted by the recent border clashes. The new facilities, comprising 21 classrooms across five primary schools in Kulen, Choam Ksant and Rovieng districts, are expected to serve more than 500 children from five villages, including families affected by displacement and instability. The project, implemented through a partnership between World Vision International in Cambodia, Action Education International and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport,…
Author: Raksmey Hong
The Cambodian government is stepping up reforms in the justice sector to improve court efficiency and restore public confidence, while acknowledging that case delays and irregularities within the courts remain key challenges. Minister of Justice Koeut Rith led discussions reviewing 2025 performance and setting priority directions for 2026, during the justice ministry’s March 25-26 annual meeting. The forum brought together around 500 senior officials, including leaders from the courts, prosecution bodies and law enforcement institutions, to assess ongoing challenges and identify practical solutions aimed at improving the quality and effectiveness of justice services. According to the ministry, this year’s meeting…
Cambodia has rejected what it described as misleading portrayals in Thai media regarding recent diplomatic engagement over Preah Vihear Temple, as international experts confirmed extensive and worsening damage to the UNESCO-listed site following armed incidents in 2025. Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts spokesman Som Map said a widely circulated image used by Thai outlets did not reflect any formal or substantive discussion between the two sides. “The photo used by Thai media was of a late-hour courtesy meeting between the Thai Consul-General and Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona. It was simply an introduction,” he told The…
Cambodian demining authorities have raised fresh alarm over the scale and enduring danger of cluster munitions contamination along the Cambodia–Thailand border, warning that millions of unexploded submunitions continue to threaten civilian lives and livelihoods. Speaking on March 25 at the opening of a two-day workshop in Siem Reap, Heng Ratana, director-general of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), revealed new baseline survey findings showing widespread contamination across multiple provinces. The workshop, held at the Techo Peace Museum, was co-organised with Norwegian People’s Aid and attended by international partners including Golden West Humanitarian Foundation and APOPO. According to a CMAC survey,…
Prime Minister Hun Manet has called for increased investment in research and development (R&D) and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), as Cambodia accelerates its shift toward an innovation-driven economy aimed at achieving high-income status by 2050. In a message marking the 4th National Science, Technology and Innovation Day, held from March 26 to 28, Manet said science, technology and innovation are no longer optional but essential to strengthening Cambodia’s competitiveness and resilience amid growing global uncertainties. “Science, technology and innovation are not merely choices, but indispensable tools to enhance competitiveness and resilience across all sectors,” he explained. The premier…
A joint task force under the Phnom Penh Unified Command raided four separate locations in the capital’s Chroy Changvar district this March 24. Authorities took 15 Chinese nationals into custody. “Authorities seized a range of evidence, including 43 mobile phones, five laptops and related equipment, one GAC GN8 MPV and a small quantity of suspected narcotics,” noted a statement from the secretariat of the Commission for Combating Online Scams (CCOS). Officials temporarily sealed off two properties identified as sites of the alleged operations, House No. ERM-059 on Romchang Street and house No. ERM-059 on Phka Chhouk Street. The suspects and…
Provincial authorities have clarified that the houses currently being built and allocated to Cambodians who have been displaced by the border fighting of last year are intended as temporary shelters only, not permanent replacements for their homes. The Banteay Meanchey provincial administration reported that residents from six villages in Ou Chrov and Thma Puok districts have been unable to return to their homes, which have been occupied by Thai troops. “The affected areas include Chouk Chey and Prey Chan villages in O’Bei Choan commune, Ou Chrov district, as well as Samaki, Trapaing Samraong, Thnal Bambek and Banteay Mean Rith villages…
The Ministry of National Defence has dismissed Thai media reports alleging that Cambodia is preparing for a third armed conflict, describing the claims as “incorrect and baseless”. In a press release issued today, March 24, ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata said the reports, which cited remarks made by Thailand’s intelligence chief, do not reflect the reality on the ground and risk misinforming the public. “The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces firmly adhere to the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special GBC Meeting dated December 27, 2025, the Joint Declaration on Peace between Cambodia and Thailand dated October 26, 2025, as well as…
Newly built temporary shelters are offering a measure of relief to the thousands of Cambodians displaced by recent border clashes, but humanitarian agencies warn that critical funding shortfalls and escalating risks — particularly for children — are threatening longer-term recovery. After months in makeshift tents exposed to heat and flooding, families are now being relocated to more durable structures in Banteay Meanchey province’s Svay Chek district, where authorities have begun distributing housing through a phased allocation process. More than 300 units have already been completed, with plans to reach 3,000 before the upcoming Khmer New Year. Officials say the sites…
Indigenous communities in Cambodia will take centre stage this week as environmental stewards and knowledge holders, with a dedicated cultural festival highlighting their role in protecting water, land and forests amid growing climate pressures. The “Water, Land, Forest” Indigenous Festival, set for March 28 at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, forms part of the 15th Cambodian International Film Festival, which runs from March 24 to 29. Organisers say the event aims to shift public perception of indigenous peoples — from marginalised groups to frontline defenders of ecosystems critical to the country’s future. Bringing together indigenous organisations, filmmakers, artists and…