In a landmark event celebrating Cambodian gastronomic excellence, Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk hosted an audience with Ros Ratanak, a celebrated figure widely known as Chef Nak in the food world and the author of the award-winning cookbook “SAOY – Royal Cambodian Home Cuisine”. This January 15 meeting underscores the chef’s role in preserving Cambodian culinary ancestry. “I am very pleased and honoured to have had the opportunity to meet Her Majesty the Queen Mother. This recognition motivates me to continue showcasing our unique traditions on the global stage,” says Chef Nak. The celebrity chef is a culinary trailblazer, playing…
Author: Raksmey Hong
Her Majesty Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk generously presented 10 historically significant books to The Phnom Penh Poston January 11, 2024. Including biographies, journals, photography and chronicles of Her Majesty, the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk and current King Norodom Sihamoni,the publications cover various aspects of their lives, such aspublic appearances,diplomatic engagements and royal functions. They also detailtheir humanitarian efforts,support of the arts, cultural preservation efforts, promotion of education and environmental advocacy, as well as their healthcare initiatives and commemorative activities.These books are not only incredible sources of information and inspiration, but also symbols of Her Majesty’s dedication to the…
In a vibrant display of international camaraderie and athletic prowess, Phare Ponleu Selpak, a local non-profit arts and circus centre based in Battambang province, is set to host its inaugural long-distance running and cycling event along the picturesque Sangke River in the namesake provincial town. Slated for January 20, this eagerly anticipated event has already attracted 160 runners and cyclists from an impressive 12 countries including Cambodia, Vietnam, Pakistan, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Germany, Belgium, Spain, France, the UK and US. This 30-km challenge, aptly named the Sangke River Run, forms a core part of the organisation’s year-long 30th anniversary…
South Korea’s recent ban on the production and sale of dog meat, which will come into effect from 2027, has spotlighted the issue of the dog meat trade, inspiring Cambodian animal lovers and activists to renew their calls for a similar ban. They view Korea’s January 10 decision as a catalyst for change, and are advocating for legislative action in the Kingdom. In Cambodia, the deep-rooted and controversial practice of consuming dog meat, involving an estimated annual slaughter of three million dogs, reflects a significant cultural tradition, according to a 2020 report by animal welfare NGO Four Paws. The practice…
Phnom Penh is playing host to a celebration of the 70th anniversary of Cambodia’s independence, through the medium of 41 exceptional pieces of art. Held at the on-site art gallery of Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, the Ekarieach Multi-Arts Competition Exhibition represents a coming together of the Kingdom’s finest artists, with entrants ranging from established names in the art world to emerging talents. The announcement of the competition received an overwhelming response, with 160 submissions from talented artists across Cambodia. The selection panel, each of whom is passionate about art and culture, carefully selected the 41 exceptional pieces which now adorn…
Veng Chet faced a daunting journey when his son Veng Chi Meng was born with microtia, commonly known as “small ear”, an abnormal formation of the outer ear. Amid the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, Chet’s determination led him to contemplate seeking surgical options in Thailand. However, the prohibitive cost prompted a return home. Fortunately, Smile Cambodia, in collaboration with US medical specialists, brought renewed hope. In 2022, the Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital in Phnom Penh provided the little boy his first operation, bringing tears of joy to Chet and his wife. “We witnessed his new ear, and my wife…
The Indonesian embassy in Phnom Penh highlights a significant milestone in the trade relationship between Indonesia and Cambodia. As of November 2023, Indonesia became the Kingdom’s 6th-largest trading partner, with total bilateral trade reaching $965.24 million. This was conveyed during a meeting between Indonesian ambassador Santo Darmosumarto and Cambodian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sok Chenda Sophea on January 3 “This figure represents a substantial increase and is testament to the growing economic cooperation between the two nations. It is also part of elevated cooperation in celebration of 65 years of diplomatic relations,” said the embassy in a…
In the heart of Kampong Cham province’s Stung Trang district, the cultivation of lemongrass has become a prosperous venture for Sambo Meanchey Agricultural Cooperative, all due to the implementation of a sturdy irrigation canal. With support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the vital infrastructure not only bolsters rice production but also underpins the thriving lemongrass trade, significantly elevating the community’s economic well-being. Community member Phuth Sarith reports a notable rise in rice yields, while Mam Kimhong highlights the canal’s role in enabling multiple rice harvests and a shift to more profitable crops like lemongrass. Established in 2010 with just…
In yet another tragic road accident in Phnom Penh, a young man lost both his wife and 2-year-old child. The collision occurred at midnight on Sisowath Quay in Daun Penh district’s Srah Chak commune, as a Hummer SUV crashed into a motorcycle carrying the family of three. Krouch Samith, 20, a resident of Dey Thuy village in Prey Veng province, and her toddler son were instantly killed while her husband was critically injured and rushed to Calmette Hospital for intensive care. Compounding the tragedy, the incident remained unresolved for several days. It was only on December 29 that the driver…
To boost the domestic processing capacity and achieve Cambodia’s 2027 goal of becoming a leading nation in not just the cultivation of cashews but their processing and export, it is estimated that at least 50 medium-sized processing facilities will be required, according to insiders. At present there are three. Uon Silot, president of the Cashew nut Association of Cambodia (CAC), shares that more than 90 per cent of the Kingdom’s raw cashews are currently exported to neighbouring countries for further processing. One of the existing facilities, “Cashew Village”, is tucked away in the picturesque Banteay Srei district, approximately 25km northeast…