Author: Niem Chheng
Days after a Reuters report suggested that China, as Cambodia’s “top creditor”, had stopped providing loans to the Kingdom, a senior official from the Ministry of Economy and Finance dismissed the claims as “misleading and ridiculous”. A Reuters article published on December 11 noted that China did not approve any loans to Cambodia in 2024, citing third-quarter data from the Kingdom’s finance ministry. The report speculated that China’s decision might be tied to “caution over failed infrastructure projects” in Cambodia. The article cited the Funan Techo Canal as an example. The outlet has previously alleged that the ambitious project has…
Senate president Hun Sen has reaffirmed Cambodia’s stance against imposing sanctions on any country, including Russia, which faces international sanctions related to the war in Ukraine. Speaking at a joint press conference with Turkish speaker of parliament Numan Kurtulmus on December 12 in Ankara, Turkiye, Hun Sen explained that sanctions not only impact the targeted country but also negatively affect others. Drawing on Cambodia’s own past experiences with sanctions, he emphasised that the Kingdom opposes such measures. “Sanctions are not a means to resolve problems. On the contrary, sanctions, such as those imposed on Russia, have not defeated the country…
The Indian government has reinforced its support for Cambodia’s mine clearance efforts with an additional $50,000 grant to clear landmines across a 196,810-square-metre area in Koh Por village, Bak Khlang commune in Koh Kong province’s Mondul Seima district. The grant was formalised through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on December 13 under the “Quick Impact Projects” initiative. The agreement was signed by Senior Minister Ly Thuch, first vice-president of the Cambodian Mine Action Authority (CMAA), and Indian ambassador to Cambodia Devyani Uttam Khobragade. Thuch expressed gratitude for India’s continued support, stating, “Your unwavering commitment and hard work have been…
National Police Chief Sar Thet has instructed the Preah Sihanoukville provincial police to be vigilant in addressing security issues in the province. He emphasised the need for swift investigations and strict legal action whenever crimes occur. He issued the order during the December 11 closing ceremony of the provincial police annual meeting, which reviewed the outcomes of the force’s work in 2024 and outlined future directions. Thet identified Preah Sihanouk as a province rich in tourism and commercial potential, and underlined the critical importance of maintaining security, public order, and safety in the area. According to a post by the…
On Cambodia’s 18th National Day Against Human Trafficking, observed on December 12, Prime Minister Hun Manet reiterated the government’s determination to prevent and combat human trafficking. Meanwhile, Minister of Interior Sar Sokha maintained that no trafficking crime bosses are operating in the country. The day was marked under the theme “Cambodia’s Firm Stance Against All Forms and Means of Human Trafficking in the Digital Era”. Speaking at the event, Manet acknowledged that foreign criminals have exploited Cambodia as a base for organised and complex crimes, introducing illicit activities previously unfamiliar in the country. These crimes, he said, have undermined national…
Hun Sen, president of the Cambodian Senate, expressed his support for the idea of establishing an Asian Parliamentary Forum to address regional and global issues. He discussed the concept during a December 10 meeting with Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, speaker of the Qatar Shura Council, in Doha, Qatar, during his week-long official visit to four countries in the region. During the meeting, Al Ghanim noted that Qatar’s parliamentary relations with Asian countries, particularly within ASEAN, were not strong. He expressed interest in creating a parliamentary summit to strengthen ties and cooperation. According to Hun Sen’s official Facebook page, the…
Following a seven-day grace period, authorities are preparing to take legal action against the online promotion of illegal gambling. Minister of Interior Sar Sokha issued a December 4 directive banning such activities, with the proviso that action will be taken against those who disregard his instructions. Interior ministry spokesperson Touch Sokhak confirmed that following the week-long grace period, the authorities are actively implementing legal measures. Speaking to The Post on December 11, Sokhak said: “Since the directive was issued, we have observed that approximately 80 to 90 per cent of the relevant parties have complied. During this time, national police…
Japan has provided maritime patrol boats to Cambodia’s Maritime Police Department, valued at over $7 million. This makes Cambodia the first ASEAN country to receive such aid under Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) initiative. The grant was finalised on December 10 through the signing of an exchange of notes and related documents for the $7.2 million “Economic and Social Development Programme”. The agreement was signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn and Japanese ambassador to Cambodia Ueno Atsushi. While the ministry did not elaborate on the specifics of the grant, Ueno stated that the Japanese…