Cambodia

Date Set for Commune Elections Next Year

The decree, signed by Hun Sen on May 24, sets a June 4, 2017, date for the polls, which will come a year ahead of the next general election, due in 2018.

Opposition Calls for Renewed ‘Culture of Dialogue’

Amid increasing political tensions, the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party has called for a resumption of dialogue with the ruling Cambodian People’s Party.

Opposition Lawmaker Questioned Over Facebook Post

Sam An, who holds American citizenship, was arrested in Siem Reap province on April 9 after he returned from the United States.

Opportunities Await Women Who Overcome Social ‘Tech Doubts’

Despite making up half of the student population, only 14% of students in information technology in 2010 were female. Most of these women chose the subject without the clear end goal of working in the sector.

Activists Disappointed by World Bank Re-engagement

The projects will be supported by $130 million in concessional credits from International Development Association.

Observers See Cambodia’s Democracy in Retreat

Government officials say limitations on freedom are necessary to avoid what they cast as the potential for catastrophic “color revolution” in Cambodia.

Anlong Veng: From Khmer Rouge Stronghold to Peace Center

Located on the Thai-Cambodian border, Anlong Veng was one of the main redoubts of the Khmer Rouge after their regime was toppled in January 1979.

Railway Revival Rekindles Memories of Khmer Rouge Evacuation

It serves as a reminder of the regime’s use of rail transport in its attempts to force Cambodians into the leadership’s vision of the country as an agrarian utopia.

Infrastructure Funding Puts Cambodia on Front Line of Global Politics

Defense Minister’s Threats Draw Ire of Civil Society

General Tea Banh, the minister of defense, accused civil society groups in a speech on Thursday of trying to topple the government of the Cambodian People’s Party, led by long-serving Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Russia, Asean Sign Unprecedented Cooperation Accord

The summit holds particular significance as it falls on the 20th anniversary of Asean-Russian Federation relations.

Cambodia Stuck in the Middle Over South China Sea

Vietnam Arms Embargo Talks With Obama Raise Concerns

Cambodian officials on Wednesday welcomed the meeting of old enemies, but the possible easing of the arms embargo was greeted with caution.

Russia Weighs Into South China Sea Dispute With Asean Accord

David Chandler Talks Cambodian Optimism—and Its Opposite

From the comprehensive “A History of Cambodia” to his dissection of the Khmer Rouge’s main torture center in “Voices from S-21,” Chandler has charted more of the country’s turbulent and often bloody past than any other scholar.

PM Hun Sen Denies Illegitimate Son Rumor

Hun Sen said Manet had sent him a text message suggesting he have an DNA test performed to establish the truth and that if he was found to be Hun Sen’s biological son the opposition “should withdraw from politics” and “if I am not your son we can withdraw from politics.”

Cambodian-American Diving Champion Returns Home

The five-time U.S. national champion diver and his adoptive-parents visited orphanages and showed off his diving skills to the Cambodian national diving team at one of the capital’s most iconic buildings – Olympic Stadium.

Government Tells Media to Use Honorific Titles

Punitive action could include rescinding press credentials and even censorship of local media companies who fail to follow the order.

Prominent Analyst Calls for Defamation Case to Be Dropped

The CPP has demanded $100,000 in damages from Ou Virak, a sum he said he could not and would not pay.

New Project Seeks to Encourage Women in Politics

The project seeks ways to support women, especially young women and first-time voters, to more actively participate in the political process.

Opposition Deputy Skips Court Hearing Amid Scandal

Lawmakers from the CNRP said scandal-hit Sokha was protected from legal proceedings by his parliamentary immunity.

Cambodia Frees Eight Protesters, Including Two Foreigners

Japan Pledges $26m to Restore Angkor Wat Temples

The Cambodian government will spend $820,000 on renovating the walkway, supplemented by $767,000 from Japan out of its $26 million total.

Analysts Warn of Violence if Crackdown Continues

On Monday, some 200 people from civil society groups and land activist networks began a campaign labeled Black Monday.

‘Black Monday’ Protesters Arrested, Released by Police

Government spokesman Phay Siphan compared the protesters’ actions and black dress code to the Khmer Rouge regime.

Ruling Party Encountered Heavy Criticisms Over Charges Against Rights Activists and Oppositions

Human Rights Watch called on Cambodia’s aid donors and the United Nations to “stand together” against the Hun Sen government’s legal “maneuvers.”

Election Body Meets to Discuss Case Against Member

Ny Chakrya still holds his position as the NEC’s deputy secretary general despite the criminal charge.

Cambodian-Born U.S. National Champion Diver to Make a Homecoming Trip to Cambodia

Jordan Pisey Windle was about two-years old when he was adopted by his American father, Jerry Windle, a former U.S. Navy officer who had served off Cambodia's coast. Jordan's natural diving talent has won him numerous national championship titles, including first National Champion in the 10-meter platform, the 3-meter mixed gender event with his synchronized partner, and Olympic Silver Medal.

Cambodian-Born U.S. Diving Champion Hopes to Inspire His Homeland

Aged just 12, Jordan won the U.S. Junior National Championship Title diving from the 10-meter platform. He then won gold at the Junior Pan American Championships in Arizona, and as well as silver and bronze medals at the U.S. National Championships in more recent years.

Envoys Skip Chance to Talk Cambodia Tensions With New Minister

The newly appointed foreign minister met with 29 embassy officials following his appointment as the replacement for retiring elder statesman Hor Namhong.

City Hall Denies Request for Protest in Capital

The signatories to the petition for the proposed ACU demonstration described the body’s investigation as a form of intimidation and harassment.

Election Monitors Push for Digitalized Voter Registration

Many new political parties are planning to compete in next year’s Commune Elections, although the NEC has not yet allowed them to register.