The US has lifted the suspension of the aid it provides for mine clearance operations in the Kingdom. This decision has restored the hopes of the 210 demining personnel who were affected by the recent suspension of aid, according to Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC) director-general Heng Ratana. Ratana shared the news via social media, on the evening of February 20. “I am pleased to inform you that on February 20, 2025, CMAC received confirmation from a US-funded partner organisation that the US government has granted a waiver, allowing the resumption and continuation of cooperation in mine and unexploded ordnance…
Author: Niem Chheng
Prime Minister Hun Manet has highlighted the positive results of the Kingdom’s social protection system, which has contributed to reducing poverty and improving the livelihoods of vulnerable citizens, enabling them to lead more stable and prosperous lives. He noted that the significant reduction in poverty rates has allowed many previously impoverished individuals to achieve a middle-class standard of living. Speaking at the launch of the Cambodia Social Protection Week 2025 and the official announcement of the 2024-2035 Social Protection Policy Framework on the morning of February 20, Manet emphasised that the social protection system is not designed to keep citizens…
A new law which punishes individuals who deny the crimes committed during the period of the Khmer Rouge rule of Cambodia has increased punishments from a range of six months to two years to between one and five years. The law was unanimously passed by the National Assembly on the morning of February 18, with all 115 of the lawmakers who were present voting in favour of the bill. It was drafted with the aim of specifying penalties for individuals who glorify, deny, reject or oppose the recognition of crimes committed during the period of the Democratic Kampuchea Regime. The…
Prime Minister Hun Manet has defended the more than $1.5 million dollars he has spent on boosting his Facebook posts, while also explaining that the funds did not come from the Kingdom’s national budget. He said he has the right to boost posts, noting that it is a personal matter, and something that his communications team have been doing for several years. “They use the excuse that I am wasting money, that I spent $1.5 million. I don’t know how much it is because it’s been done by my team for three or four years, not just one. Sometimes it’s…
Prime Minister Hun Manet has responded to public criticism of the cover of a 6th grade history textbook, explaining that the inclusion of the Win-Win Monument on the cover art does not imply that Cambodia should be grateful to Vietnam. He noted that the textbook does not attempt to distort history in any way. Speaking at a graduation ceremony at the Asia Euro University on the morning of February 19, he clarified that while the monument shares some design elements with the stupas of some other counties, including Vietnam, it is not intended to express gratitude to the neighbouring nation.…
King Norodom Sihamoni has emphasised the essential role of Buddhist pagodas in Khmer society, noting their inseparable connection to the daily lives of the people and the development of the nation. The King shared his remarks during the royal inauguration ceremony of the Grand Residence of Supreme Patriarch Chuon Nath, as well as the Khmer Manuscript Research and Preservation Institute, at Wat Ounalom on the morning of February 17. He noted that pagodas serve as centres for cultivating the teachings of the Buddha and have played a significant role in the preservation of the Khmer language through the lifelong dedication…
The Japanese government has provided over $140,000 in funding to the administration of Koh Rong town in Preah Sihanouk province, for the construction of a new dock in the town. The project aims to facilitate improved transport links between the island and the mainland. “This new pier will help the approximately 3,000 local residents travel more safely and efficiently. Additionally, it will improve cargo transport and support the naval forces in emergency situations,” said Japanese ambassador to Cambodia Ueno Atsushi, during the February 14 grant signing ceremony. This assistance was provided through Japan’s “Kusanone” grant programme, which provides grant aid…
Authorities have seized 130 barrels of honey from a Phnom Penh warehouse on suspicion that its origin was falsified, potentially violating intellectual property rights. The premises of Chan Honey Import Export, in Chbar Ampov district’s Tang Ov Kandal village in Nirouth commune, were raided on February 12, with almost twenty tonnes of honey confiscated by the authorities. The operation was conducted by a specialised squad from the Economic Crime Police Department’s Intellectual Property Crime Office, in collaboration with the Phnom Penh Muinicipal Court deputy prosecutor and officials from the Consumer Protection, Competition and Fraud Repression Directorate-General (CCF). In a February…
This year’s edition of the annual Japan-Cambodia Kizuna Festival is currently underway at the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center (CJCC). This year’s festivities are themed “Harmony in Diversity”. The February 13 to 16 event features a vast array of activities, ranging from traditional and contemporary cultural performances from both Japan and Cambodia to experience-sharing sessions and knowledge exchanges in cultural and technological fields. Some of the highlights include Japanese cuisine exhibitions, art displays, calligraphy workshops, martial arts demonstrations and traditional performances, including a performance of Lakhon Khol Wat Svay Andet, a traditional Khmer masked dance which was listed on the UNESCO list…
Minister of Interior Sar Sokha has instructed all officials within the interior ministry, as well as grassroots officials, to refrain from interfering with staff transfers. He also suggested that citizens stop repaying loans from illegal online lenders. He delivered his remarks during the closing ceremony of the interior ministry’s annual review meeting, on February 13. The meeting served to review the work of the ministry in 2024 and plan its direction for the coming year. According to a social media post by the minister, he ordered national-level officials to “Stop interfering with the transfer of civil servants to suit your…