Mine clearance authorities and their development partners met today to discuss the draft “National Mine Action Policy for 2026-2035”. The policy aims to pave the way toward achieving the vision of a “Cambodia free from the impacts of mines and explosive remnants of war (ERW).” The February 13 forum was supported by the Mine Clearance for Results Project, which receives funding from Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and the UNDP, among others. Senior minister Ly Thuch, first vice-president of the Cambodian Mine Action Authority (CMAA), emphasised that despite significant achievements in mine action, vast areas of complex mine-contaminated land remains.…
Author: Niem Chheng
Phnom Penh ranked 41 among 100 cities in the Asia-Pacific region for livability, lovability and prosperity with Singapore top of the list and Lahore of Pakistan at the bottom, according to the latest Asia-Pacific’s Best Cities report by consultancy company Resonance. The report, released on February 12, noted that the scars of the Khmer Rouge regime have slowly healed and the capital is rapidly positioning itself as a major hub for investors, expatriates and global businesses. It said Phnom Penh has the lowest unemployment rate and second-highest labour force participation in their category, meaning the city sits an “impressive” 25…
Five members of an environmental conservation and rural development organisation, including the head, have been arrested by the Phnom Penh Gendarmerie and sent to court for allegedly extorting money from bush meat vendors. According to a social media post by Rath Sreang, deputy commander of the National Gendarmerie and Commander of the Phnom Penh Gendarmerie, the suspects purchased wildlife meat from a local vendor, including five turtles, one cobra and two pythons. They then allegedly threatened the seller and demanded 5 million riel ($1,250) not to report her. However, the vendor only agreed to pay $300. The alleged extortion took…
Since Cambodian authorities began focussing their attention on the issue of illegal narcotics in 2017, the Kingdom has seen a vast number of seizures. In anti-drug campaigns from 2017 to the end of 2024, officers confiscated over 42 tonnes of drugs and more than 596 tonnes of chemical precursors. Despite this, drug-related activities show no significant signs of decline. The “10th National Anti-Drug Plan” – which will be implemented by the National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD) from January 1 to the end of 2025 – detailed the results of previous efforts. It noted that since the campaigns began, the…
As the Ministry of Justice reviews a draft law on counterterrorism, Senate president Prime Minister Hun Sen has revealed an alleged plan to attack his residence in Takhmao town, Kandal province, using drones. Speaking at an inauguration ceremony at Preah Indra Samakidham Pagoda in Kandal province’s Kraing Mkak commune, in Ang Snuol district, the former prime minister disclosed that a few weeks ago, the authorities uncovered a plot to attack his home. He explained that one individual from Takeo province has been arrested in connection with the scheme, but suggested that more people with links to the alleged attack may…
The third newborn Irrawaddy dolphin calf of 2025 was sighted in Kratie province’s Anlong Chroy Banteay on February 9, in an exciting development for the Kingdom’s conservation enthusiasts. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the newborn – estimated to be just two days old – was discovered by a research team from the Fisheries Administration and WWF in the dolphin pool of Chroy Banteay, in Prek Prasab district. The calf was swimming alongside a pod of eight adult dolphins. The ministry expressed their gratitude to the river guards, local authorities and residents for the important role they…
A top Malaysian lawmaker met her Cambodian counterpart to discuss international legal cooperation and law reforms. Minister of Justice Koeut Rith held bilateral discussions with Dato’ Sri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law & Institutional Reform), on February 10, during the latter’s one day visit to Cambodia. “Discussions centred on strengthening legal cooperation and exploring mutual interests in institutional and legal reforms, reinforcing Malaysia’s commitment to regional legal harmonization and economic integration,” explained to Malaysian press release. Malaysia and Cambodia enjoy close legal and economic relations, with last year’s launch of a cross-border QR payment linkage…
The Cambodian government, through the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMMA), has clarified that the Kingdom does not receive direct funding from USAID. Instead, it receives funding from the Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement of the US State Department, which provides support to demining organizations in Cambodia. A press release from the CMAA, issued on the evening of February 7, stated: “These funds are not provided through USAID, nor are they given directly to the Cambodian government”. The CMAA added that demining organisations currently receiving support from this office are in discussions regarding this matter, with the…
Average temperatures this dry season are tipped to be cooler than those of 2024, according to the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology. From February to early March, the Kingdom is expected to range from a low of 20°C to a high of 37°C, cooler than 2024. The reduced temperatures are due to a 30-50 per cent February to May reduction in the La Niña phenomenon. It will be replaced by the ENSO-Neutral (El Niño-Southern Oscillation) condition, which has increased to 70 per cent, explained the ministry. Today, February 6, the ministry released a long-term dry season forecast which covers…
Although US assistance for mine clearance through USAID has been suspended, the Chinese government continues to provide support for the elimination of landmines in Cambodia, with a $4.4 million Chinese-funded project set to begin operations next month. Heng Ratana, director-general of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), announced on January 5 that the non-repayable grant will cover a one-year period, beginning next month and ending in February 2026. The funding will support mine clearance operations in seven provinces, including Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Stung Treng and Kratie, as well as the work of the Sonkhak Technical…