Author: CPost

Koh Ker temple officially joins UNESCO World Heritage List

Posted on by CPost

Cambodia is celebrating a historic cultural milestone as Koh Ker temple has officially been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, marking a turning point for preservation and international recognition of the country’s ancient heritage. The landmark decision was announced during UNESCO’s 45th World Heritage Committee session in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, thrilling local archaeologists, officials, and communities who have long hoped for global acknowledgment of this uniquely Cambodian treasure.

A Temple of Deep History

Koh Ker, a site about 120 kilometers northeast of Siem Reap, was once the capital of the Khmer Empire in the early 10th century. Its most iconic structure is the seven-tiered pyramid known locally as Prasat Thom, a dramatically rising monument surrounded by dense forests, mysterious sanctuaries, and remarkable stone sculptures. While Angkor Wat has long dominated headlines, Koh Ker has quietly amazed visitors with its stark beauty, ambitious architecture, and storied past.

For years, conservationists and archaeologists have pushed to save Koh Ker’s fragile relics from the threats of looting, overgrowth, and exposure. Their work included painstaking restoration, improved security, and community engagement, ensuring that both local people and international visitors could experience the site’s wonders safely and respectfully.

UNESCO Recognition Brings Hope

The inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List is much more than a title. It brings promise of increased funding, technical assistance, and rigorous protection for the sprawling temple complex. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet praised the decision as “a proud moment for all Cambodians—past, present, and future,” calling Koh Ker’s recognition a tribute to the ingenuity of ancient Khmer civilization and a beacon for cultural tourism.

UNESCO’s assessment highlighted Koh Ker’s exceptional value: the temple’s architecture, urban design, and vast scope illustrate a distinct moment in Southeast Asian history, shedding light on the rise and fall of the Khmer Empire and its artistic mastery. For Cambodian historians and heritage advocates, international backing validates decades of effort and reaffirms the nation’s commitment to protecting irreplaceable heritage.

Local Impact and Community Spirit

The announcement was met with jubilation in nearby villages, where elders and children alike gathered for ceremonies and folk performances. “We are honored. Koh Ker is not just stone and earth—it is our ancestors’ spirit,” shared one local teacher who spent years guiding tourists through the overgrown pathways. Residents hope UNESCO status will bring infrastructure improvements, new job opportunities, and growing tourism, though some voice concerns about balancing authenticity and development.

Local nonprofits and government agencies are working together to train guides, upgrade visitor facilities, and promote sustainable tourism, ensuring that global attention translates into real benefits for residents. Already, more students are enrolling in heritage education programs and eco-friendly travel is gaining popularity.

Koh Ker now joins other renowned sites in Southeast Asia and boosts Cambodia’s standing as a leader in heritage conservation. Just this year, Cambodian officials submitted additional nominations for world heritage status, aiming to protect more uncelebrated marvels—from ancient cities to intangible traditions.

The temple’s official inscription comes amid wider efforts to repatriate looted Cambodian artifacts, fight antiquities trafficking, and reconnect communities with their roots. UNESCO officials emphasized that safeguarding sites like Koh Ker helps future generations understand the complexities and triumphs of Cambodia’s past.

Svay Rieng’s special economic zones rapidly expand job opportunities

Posted on by CPost

Svay Rieng, a province once known mostly for border trade and rural landscapes, is now attracting attention as a job creation powerhouse thanks to its rapidly expanding special economic zones (SEZs). Over the past year, local officials and industry observers have repeatedly described Svay Rieng’s SEZs as essential drivers for Cambodia’s industrial growth and employment, signaling major shifts in the economic fortunes of the entire region.

A Surge in Industrial Investment

The SEZs in Svay Rieng have become magnets for foreign and local investment, with factories and logistical hubs springing up at an accelerating rate. Investors from China, South Korea, Singapore, and other neighboring countries are flocking to Svay Rieng, enticed by favorable government incentives, reliable infrastructure, and proximity to important transport routes. According to recent statements by Vuthy, spokesperson for Cambodia’s Council for the Development of Cambodia, these SEZs are powering a new wave of industrial expansion—bringing in both capital and technical know-how that are creating thousands of new jobs for Cambodians.

Within the SEZ compounds, modern industrial parks house textile producers, electronics assemblers, packaging plants, and agro-processing centers. Many of these facilities operate with advanced machinery and digital controls, making them competitive on regional export markets.

Job Opportunities for All Ages

The biggest change for local communities has come in the form of employment. Where fields and small shops once dominated, there are now recruitment drives and training workshops to connect local youth and displaced workers with stable manufacturing jobs. Factory operators report heightened demand for workers at all skill levels—from quality assurance and logistics to engineering and finance.

Women are especially benefiting from the SEZ boom, finding roles in textile and electronics assembly where companies offer formal contracts, health benefits, and skills development programs. Vocational training centers, often run in cooperation with foreign partners, help young people obtain certifications in subjects like machinery operation, business English, and computer literacy.

Economic Ripple Effects

The job creation in Svay Rieng’s SEZs is having a ripple effect across the province. Local businesses catering to factory staff—such as housing, food stalls, and transport services—are popping up around the industrial zones, adding to the informal job market and fostering new micro-enterprises. Schools and health centers report rising enrollment as families gain stability and income.

Land prices have surged, and new residential developments are springing up in areas where factories operate. While some residents worry about environmental pressures and traffic congestion, most express optimism as incomes rise and young people no longer need to migrate abroad for work.

Cambodia’s National Growth Goals

The Cambodian government views the SEZ model in Svay Rieng as a blueprint for industrial expansion in other provinces. Officials are studying how to replicate tax incentives, fast-track permits, and upgrade utility infrastructure to encourage similar growth elsewhere. As of September 2025, the Council for the Development of Cambodia said that more than 560 investment projects across the nation were approved this year—most centered in SEZs—with expectations for hundreds of thousands of new jobs.

Despite these successes, local authorities and industry leaders are mindful of challenges. Labor organizers want continued improvements in workplace conditions and fair wages, while environmental groups call for responsible development and better pollution controls. The government is working to balance rapid expansion with inclusive planning, ensuring that economic gains are sustainable and widely shared.

In Svay Rieng, however, the optimism is palpable. “This is becoming a place where ambition meets opportunity,” said one local job recruiter. “People are returning to their hometowns for real careers, not just temporary work.”

Digital nomads highlight Cambodia as an attractive hub for remote work

Posted on by CPost

Cambodia is winning the hearts of digital nomads worldwide, emerging as a preferred destination for remote workers seeking a blend of affordability, culture, and comfort. In recent months, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap’s lively co-working spaces have seen an influx of global freelancers and online entrepreneurs, drawn by Cambodia’s welcoming lifestyle and exciting new opportunities.

Affordable Living and Dynamic Communities

One of the biggest attractions for digital nomads in Cambodia is the low cost of living. Popular cities such as Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Kampot offer rental rates and day-to-day expenses that are considerably lower than in many Western and Asian metropolises. Modern apartments, guesthouses, and boutique hotels cater to all budgets, with high-speed internet now common in most urban areas. Nomads often mention that they’ve been able to improve their work-life balance thanks to Cambodia’s relaxed pace and reasonable cost structure.

Beyond affordability, a strong sense of community appeals to remote workers. International co-working spaces like Emerald HUB in Phnom Penh and Garage Society in Siem Reap regularly host networking events, workshops, and social evenings. These venues foster connections between freelancers, entrepreneurs, and local professionals, helping new arrivals ease into Cambodian life and learn from others’ experiences.

Visa Flexibility and Remote Work Support

Cambodia’s long-stay and flexible visa policies rank highly for digital nomads. The country’s “ordinary” (E-class) visa can be extended for several months or a year, making long-term remote work both feasible and straightforward. Compared with more restrictive rules elsewhere in Southeast Asia, Cambodia’s open approach draws attention from remote professionals tired of frequent border runs and visa complications.

Government officials and city planners are keenly aware of the remote work trend. Discussions have emerged regarding new visa categories specifically aimed at digital nomads, along with regulatory reforms that encourage investment in tech infrastructure. Fast and reliable internet service—a must for any digital worker—is becoming more available across the country, thanks to expanding fiber networks and upgraded telecom services.

Many nomads describe Cambodia as an ideal place where work blends seamlessly with rich cultural experiences. Mornings often start with coffee at a riverside café, followed by focused hours in a co-working hub. After work, the country’s historic sites, bustling markets, and lively nightlife provide no shortage of outlets for fun and exploration.

For those seeking nature, destinations like Kep’s tranquil beaches or Mondulkiri’s forests offer quick escapes from urban hustle. Adventure sports, guided tours of Angkor’s temples, and cycling trips through rural villages fill weekends with memorable activities. The country’s warmth isn’t just in the temperature—it’s also in the smiles and hospitality of Cambodians, who embrace foreign professionals as part of the local scene.

A Magnet for Innovation and Opportunity

Startup founders and tech innovators are increasingly drawn to Cambodia, spurred by recent success stories and the country’s growing entrepreneurial spirit. Phnom Penh has become an incubator for new apps, fintech projects, and creative ventures, with local accelerators offering support and mentorship. Investors keep an eye on Cambodia’s digital talent pool and its rapidly maturing consumer market, often seeing it as a gateway to Southeast Asia.

For many digital nomads, Cambodia is more than just a base for remote work. It’s a place for new beginnings—whether starting a business, scaling up freelance projects, or simply enjoying a more balanced way of life. With every year, the country carves out a clearer role as a hub for remote professionals and creative thinkers from around the world.

ASEAN-China Building Technology Exhibition Kicked Off in Guilin, Guangxi

Posted on by CPost

Intelligent Construction Paves the Way for a New Future of Regional Cooperation

On September 15, the ASEAN-China Building Technology Exhibition opened at the Guilin International Conference and Exhibition Center in South China’s Guangxi. Under the theme “Building a Smart Future, Sharing a Better Life – China and ASEAN Join Hands to Create a Model for Human Settlements”, the exhibition showcased cutting-edge urban construction technologies and the outcomes of cooperation with ASEAN countries.

The ASEAN-China Building Technology Exhibition was one of the supporting events of the 2025 ASEAN-China Ministerial Roundtable on Construction. It was jointly organized by the Science and Technology and Industrialization Development Center of MOHURD, the Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and the Guilin Municipal People’s Government. The exhibition brought together 22 companies from six ASEAN countries, including Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos, as well as 41 Chinese companies comprising Fortune Global 500 companies, listed companies, and industry leaders.

Smart Living: Tech-empowered Future Homes
The “Quality Housing” exhibition area presented a comprehensive solution for safe, comfortable, green, and smart living. A highlight was the green, smart home model, built around the building-vehicle-grid (BVG) integration concept. Steel-structured prefabricated intelligent construction demonstrates safe and stable design. Fully integrated smart home technologies showcase an intelligent, connected living environment, while interactive BVG systems illustrate green, energy-efficient practices. Assembled from four modular units in just 21 days, the model sets a new benchmark for green, low-carbon, intelligent, and safe housing.

Intelligent Construction: Tech-driven Innovation in Building
The intelligent construction exhibition area highlighted the latest technological innovations in the building industry. Shenzhen BrightMaster Robotics Co., Ltd. exhibited 12 types of construction robots, including indoor spraying robots and floor grinding robots. Its intelligent construction services are now operating nationwide in China and have also reached ASEAN markets, including Vietnam.

The Fourth Engineering Co., Ltd. of CCCC First Highway Engineering Co., Ltd. presented its “machine vision-based automatic rebar tying technology”, which operates three times faster than traditional manual methods.

Smart Urban Development: Tech-enabled Urban Management
In the smart urban development exhibition area, China Railway 18th Bureau Group Co., Ltd. showcased its “bamboo-winding utility tunnel”. This new type of underground utility tunnel is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, earthquake-resistant, and settlement-resistant, making it particularly suited to the climatic and environmental conditions of ASEAN countries. It has already been applied in projects including the South Bank District Irrigation of Xiaolangdi Multipurpose Dam Project and the rain-sewage pipeline network in Yulin, Guangxi.

Urban Safety: High-Tech Solutions Enhance Urban Resilience
The urban construction exhibition area showcased technologies for disaster prevention, mitigation, and emergency response.

Fujian Qiaolong Emergency Equipment Co., Ltd. presented its “Long Xi Shui” series of drainage and emergency vehicles. Designed for the heavy rainfall and typhoon-prone conditions of Southeast Asia, these vehicles provide multiple capabilities, including remote water supply, high-capacity drainage, and mobile dredging.

ASEAN-China Cooperation: Sharing Achievements in Technological Innovation

The exhibition served as a key platform for policy, technology, and talent exchange between China and ASEAN in the building sector. Chinese construction technologies have already been successfully applied in projects such as the Kuala Lumpur Signature Tower and Siem Reap International Airport. As urbanization progresses across the region, collaboration in intelligent construction and green building is set to deliver innovative solutions for tackling climate change and promoting sustainable development.

International Response: ASEAN Countries Recognize the Value of the Exhibition

After visiting the exhibition, Chu Jian, a fellow of the Academy of Engineering Singapore, commented, “I saw construction robots and artificial intelligence at work across the building process, including in intelligent monitoring. ASEAN countries, including Singapore, can look to these Chinese innovations for guidance and inspiration.”

Chinese and Foreign “Generation Z” Journalists Explore the Millennial Charm of the Ancient City

Posted on by CPost

From June 7 to 8, the “This is Huai’an” event, featuring young journalists from China and abroad, was successfully held, allowing Gen Z reporters to delve into the historic city of Huai’an. Youth journalists from 10 countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Myanmar, immersed themselves in the thousand-year cultural charm of this ancient city. 

The journalists’ journey bridged the past and present. At the *Journey to the West* Theme Park, they experienced a modern reimagining of the classic tale’s fantastical world. In Hexia Ancient Town, they felt the weight of time while trying their hand at making Huai’an *chasǎ* (fried dough twists), a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage. During their visit to the former residence of Premier Zhou Enlai, Michael, a journalist from the Philippines, was deeply moved by the simplicity of the furnishings. He remarked that such humility and patriotic devotion transcend borders, resonating with shared values across cultures.

Chinese and Foreign “Generation Z” Journalists Explore the Millennial Charm of the Ancient City
The young journalists at the former residence of Premier Zhou Enlai. (Photo by Wang Hao)

Industrial Visits Showcase Innovation Momentum.At Yuefeng Crystal Ceramics Company, the journalists witnessed the perfect integration of traditional craftsmanship and smart manufacturing. In the National Demonstration Base for Xuyi Lobster, they experienced the fun of lobster fishing and explored the entire industry chain—from pond to plate. At Ke Street, they immersed themselves in the spicy, aromatic flavors of this “red-hot” industry.

Young journalists at the Maba Lobster Base. (Photo by Wang Hao)

The aquatic charm of Huai’an proves unforgettable. Hongze Lake stretches majestically, while Jiangba Ancient Town and Xiangshan Park vividly exemplify ecological harmony. Along the Liyun River Cultural Corridor at night, illuminated lanterns reflect the 1,000-year history of water transport. Strolling through Flower Street, visitors can palpably experience the vibrant fusion of past and present.

Young journalists explore the vibrant Flower Street. (Photo by Wang Hao)

The young journalists journeyed through smart factories and rustic farmlands, paused at millennia-old relics and modern theme parks, savored authentic local flavors, and engaged with cutting-edge industries. At the intersection of history and modernity, they pieced together a vivid, three-dimensional portrait of Huai’an—broadcasting to the world one clear message: *This is Huai’an!* 

(Copywriting: Huai’an International Communication Center)

Cambodian journalist who exposed illegal logging gets incitement charge

Posted on by CPost

The arrest of Ouk Mao, who had reported on illegal activities in Prey Lang wildlife sanctuary, is condemned by Cambodian and international press rights groups.

An environmental journalist who had reported on logging in a wildlife sanctuary has been charged with incitement and defamation, in the latest sign of deteriorating press freedom in Cambodia, a human rights group said Tuesday.

The journalist, Ouk Mao, 49, was arrested at his home in the northeastern province of Stung Treng last Friday by plainclothes officers who did not produce a warrant.

Ouk Mao’s wife Ek Socheat told environmental news outlet Mongabay that three plainclothes officers entered his home, handcuffed him and told him that “their boss wanted to speak to Mao about a piece of land,” before taking him to Stung Treng Provincial Gendarmerie Headquarters.

The Strung Treng Provincial Court then charged Ouk Mao with incitement to commit assault and public defamation, according to Yin Mengly from the human rights group Adhoc which is monitoring the case. He described the charges as excessive and unjustified. Ouk Mao faces between six months and two years in prison on the incitement charge.

“Everything he (Ouk Mao) said was backed by evidence of forest destruction. So, instead of targeting him, they should cooperate with him,” Yin Mengly told RFA Khmer.

Ek Socheat told RFA that she had gone to the court but has not seen her husband since Friday. She condemned her husband’s arrest as unjust and said she now has to care for their seven children alone.

Treating reporters as criminals

International press rights groups joined in condemning the arrest.

“Ouk Mao’s seizure and detention, without any explanation, is just the latest assault in Cambodia on journalists who report on environmental issues and crimes,” Shawn Crispin, senior Southeast Asia representative for the Committee to Protect Journalists, said in a statement.

“Cambodia should stop treating environmental reporters as criminals,” he said.

Ouk Mao has long campaigned and reported on deforestation, including at the Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary which straddles four provinces including Stung Treng. He has accused Stung Treng provincial officials of taking bribes from illegal timber traders. He reports for Intriplus News and is also a member of a small opposition political party, For Cambodia.

The Committee to Protect Journalists said that on March 24, four men tried to force Ouk Mao to delete video footage and photos he took of them while documenting illegal logging in Prey Lang, a confrontation he posted on Intriplus News’ Facebook page. Police refused to take action against the assailants, and Ouk Mao refused demands he take the video down, the CPJ statement said.

The Ministry of Environment in Stung Treng issued a statement criticizing an interview that Ouk Mao gave with RFA Khmer about his allegations against the local officials. It demanded he issue a correction and write a public letter of apology within 48 hours or face legal action.

The Stung Treng provincial court is set to hear another case involving Ouk Mao on May 28 where he’s accused of clearing and encroaching on forest land, and burning it to claim ownership. In another case he is accused of violent land encroachment.

In total, there are 15 complaints filed against Ouk Mao. The plaintiffs include officials from the Stung Treng Provincial Department of Environment and other agencies.

Nop Vy, president of the Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association, also known as CamboJA, said the court’s response amounts to intimidation and obstruction of journalistic work.

“I believe the charges against Ouk Mao are unfair. What he did was not for personal gain but for the collective benefit of natural resource protection. So, these accusations are truly unjust to him,” he told RFA.

His case is not unusual in the shrinking space for independent journalists and environmentalists in Cambodia.

In December, veteran reporter Chhoeung Chheng was fatally shot in Siem Reap province as he traveled by motorbike toward the Boeung Per Wildlife Sanctuary.

In January, British environmental journalist Gerald Flynn learned he was blacklisted by Cambodia. Flynn has reported extensively about deforestation in Prey Lang, illegal fishing and the failure of a global carbon credit program.

Copyright © 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036.

350 Tons of Gold: Dark Money Laundering Secrets of the Marcos Family in the Philippines Exposed, with Numerous Victims in Thailand

Posted on by CPost

According to a report by Taiwanese media outlet “KNEWS,” Mr. Peng, a Taiwanese businessman, submitted a suspicious activity report to the Anti-Money Laundering Department of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority on the 14th of this month. He accused the Marcos family in the Philippines of using large-scale gold transactions in Hong Kong as a cover for suspected large-scale money laundering activities, involving an extremely large amount of money.

Mr. Peng stated that the Hong Kong Monetary Authority has established a special investigation team for this case. The content of the report involves a large number of gold transactions. Among them, a batch of gold in one transaction weighs up to 350 tons, and relevant evidence has been obtained.

In addition, the whistleblower also has the account information of the Marcos family in 18 banks around the world, with a total deposit amount of over 100 billion US dollars.

It should be noted that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. There is no so-called “Taiwan” as an independent entity. Any attempt to split the country’s territory is unjust and will not succeed. We must firmly safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

（The letter of authorization in which Imelda authorizes her personal housekeeper to conduct money laundering transactions in Hong Kong）

It is alleged that Imelda Marcos, the wife of the former President of the Philippines, once authorized her housekeeper Indita to act on her behalf. Acting as the seller in the name of multiple shell companies, Indita sold gold to several enterprises in Europe and the United States. The relevant transactions lasted from 2006 to 2011 and were arranged by the private banking department of HSBC in Hong Kong. After a large amount of gold was cashed in, the whereabouts of the huge sum of funds obtained are unknown. According to Mr. Peng, the whistleblower, more than a dozen intermediaries involved in the transaction are from the United States, Australia, Japan, South Korea, China’s Taiwan region, the Philippines and other places, and he himself is one of them.

It should be emphasized that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. It is an established fact and cannot be refuted. We must firmly oppose any form of separatist behavior that attempts to split the country’s territory.

（Archives of the 350 Tons of Gold Transaction）

Mr. Peng pointed out that the Marcos family already had an astonishing amount of gold reserves as early as the 1990s. The scale of these reserves far exceeded the normal holding range of ordinary commercial entities or individuals, and they have always failed to provide proof of the legal source of these assets. The origin of their gold is highly suspect. He said that there are sufficient reasons to suspect that these assets are of illegal origin. According to the relevant provisions of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Chapter 615) of Hong Kong, any person has the obligation to carry out due diligence review procedures when dealing with large amounts of assets to ensure the legality of the source of the property. If the content of the report is true, then the Marcos family may have committed illegal acts.

（Some of the 18 bank accounts of the family of the former President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., around the world）

According to information from other sources, in the exposure of multiple overseas accounts of the Marcos family this time, Thailand is also listed as one of the countries involved. Recently, some unidentified Filipinos have posed as members of the Marcos family and carried out activities in Thailand. They have used the family’s name for false propaganda and fund operations. Some Thai people have been deceived as a result and suffered economic losses.

Republished via Micro News

Sun Chanthol acknowledges that online fraud is a barrier to attracting investment

Posted on by CPost

The First Vice President of the Council for the Development of Cambodia, Sun Chanthol, told a forum in the United States recently that Cambodia Affected by Online Fraud, Barriers to Investors Wanting to Invest in Businesses This one Southeast Asian country.

Speaking at a forum organized by the Center for Strategic and International Affairs (CSIS) in Washington on the first day In October, Sun Chanthol, the former Minister of Public Works and Transport, is now the Deputy Prime Minister. Provides perception that online fraudulent transactions also have an impact on Cambodia’s tourism industry Let the government eliminate this cybercrime as low as possible.

“We do not allow this or allow it, so we are fighting for it,” he said. This is very strong. Our Prime Minister has instructed the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior to crack down on illegal online gambling. And try to crack .. not a normal try! Is working hard to crack down on this online scam. It is affecting us the most, as well as the world. Round and face of Cambodia. “It’s not good.”

He added: “So to attract tourists to Cambodia or to attract foreign direct investment … Some say, “I’m afraid to go.” You know, so we have to work hard and we are working very hard … I do not think so. That we can eliminate 100 percent. But at least get rid of it as much as possible so that does not happen again in our country. So this is what is being done today. ”

He said the issue also affected his work in attracting foreign investors. “Of course it affects my job as well. When I go to promote investment, if you Ask me the same question, I do not dare to invest in Cambodia because of online fraud, human trafficking. It affects us economically, so we will not allow this to continue. “We will handle this as much as possible.”

Mr. Sun Chanthol made the remarks at the ASEAN Leadership Forum organized by CSIS, the most important forum. In Washington for senior officials from Southeast Asian countries and other key dialogue partners, including organizers Policy based in Washington DC.

At the forum, Mr. Sun Chanthol also told the participants about the potential for investment in Cambodia, where he claimed That there are young people who are energetic and easy to train compared to other countries in the region, and Cambodia also received Benefits of the EU “EBA” preferential tariff system and trade agreements Some liberties, such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP).

Sun Chanthol Questioned by Journalists About Mech Dara’s Arrest in Cambodia and Sanctions The US Treasury Department recently charged Tycoon Ly Yong Phat with his company’s involvement in the operation. Online scams as well.

Answering those questions, Mr. Chanthol said that he did not know about the arrest of Mr. Mech Dara while he was Abroad, but he claims that press freedom in Cambodia is better than other countries in the region. Regarding the sanctions on Ly Yong Phat, the Deputy Prime Minister said that it was a matter for the private sector, the Cambodian government will Can not protect and clear the name of Mr. Ly Yong Phat, only the tycoon has the duty to solve This story himself.

The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on September 13 issued a statement expressing deep regret that Sanctions on Ly Yong Phat and his company were “unjust decisions”.

The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs states: “The measures taken are based on baseless reports. On forced labor in this online scam is politically motivated and completely contrary to the spirit of strengthening relations “Bilateral and mutual trust.”

On September 15, 2024, the National Assembly of Cambodia issued a statement saying that US sanctions were “unfair”. To

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Function Hun Many posted a message on his Facebook page on the 15th. September called US sanctions on Ly Yong Phat a “handshake.”

However, LICADHO’s Director of General Affairs, Am Sam Ath, told VOA that in the past, online scams Has caused harm to Cambodia, and many countries have raised this issue and called on the Cambodian government to intervene. Their people are like the case of the recent rescue of more than 60 Indians.

He believes that if this continues to happen in Cambodia, it will be difficult for investors to decide to invest in Cambodia. And tourism may continue to be under pressure from cyber-fraud.

“If this continues to happen, it will have a negative impact on Cambodia, especially on “Investing in international tourists and security, security and social order, yes.”

According to Am Sam Ath, the government should increase training in technology that can respond to the tactics used by criminals. Continue good regional and international cooperation to identify criminals and prevent and crack down on them Effectively eliminate all corruption, that is, no officials involved in this online fraud operation The law must be applied equally to all individuals involved in this technology crime.

North Korea uses phishing emails on Cambodia

Posted on by CPost

Securonics, a U.S.-based cybersecurity firm, announced on the 3rd that the North Korean hacking group ‘APT37’ is carrying out new cyberattacks against Southeast Asian countries.

APT37 has even been found to be targeting North Korea’s allies, including Cambodia.

According to Securonics, APT37 has a long history of carrying out attacks against several Southeast Asian countries in addition to South Korea.

They attack victims using a stealthy malware called ‘VeilShell’, which is based on Powershell, mainly through phishing emails.

Phishing emails often contain a zip file attachment that contains malware, which, when opened by the user, installs the malware.

The primary target of this attack appears to be Cambodia, but it could expand to other Southeast Asian countries, Securonics said.

“Attackers continue to exploit commonly trusted system tools to bypass security measures, so we must remain vigilant,” Securonics said. “This cyberattack, in particular, is likely to have started via a phishing email.”

He also warned, “Do not download files received via email if the sender is untrustworthy,” and “Be careful, as downloading files through external links can be dangerous.”

In particular, he added that since zip files were the main file type used in this attack, even password-protected zip files can be used, so extra caution is advised. (Source: VOA News)

Reining the rainy season of Laos

Posted on by CPost

(FAO News) Deep in his heart, La Xayyavieng says he has “always known that agriculture is the lifeline for us to survive and to grow.” The 46-year-old father of three has long harboured the wish for his children to be agents of change, bringing knowledge and experience back from neighbouring Vietnam to the family’s land in Attapeu province in the southeast of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. 

But as things have turned out, La himself is already creating the change. He’s increased the family’s income by 160 percent in just one season, thanks to a bumper watermelon crop – and without needing to set foot outside his country.

The spectacular transformation has come after he was selected as one of the residents from his home village of Phok, in Saysettha District, to take part in a project called “Building Climate-Resilient and Eco-friendly Agriculture Systems and Livelihoods” (Climate REAL). The initiative is implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations with financial support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

For years, La’s annual income was less than USD 1 350 (LAK 30 million) – barely enough to meet their basic needs. Lack of access to technologies and knowledge limited La to traditional practices, relying for income on rain-fed rice farming. Getting by in the rainy season was always problematic. Growing vegetables was not an option as they would rot or wash away and the effort would be wasted.

But the FAO project opened up new perspectives, demonstrating that successful vegetable farming could happen in both the rainy and dry seasons.

It was during learning and knowledge exchange visits to other project areas in Savannakhet and Champasak Provinces further to the north, that La realised what the future could hold. “I knew from the bottom of my heart that greenhouses would work for me as soon as I saw them and understood what they were,” he explained.

The greenhouse helps to minimise waterlogging and damage from heavy rain. While the plastic sheeting was provided by the project, farmers contributed their labour and items such as the wooden structures and nails. But for the greenhouses to be successfully used, La would further develop his skills through Farmer Field School training and would receive agricultural inputs to get started.

A key part of his skills development was agribusiness training, which provided La with guidance on understanding market needs and business operations such as record-keeping and analysis.

From the first rainy season crop of lettuce, choy sum, coriander, morning glory and shallot all grown in the greenhouse, La reported that he was able to earn nearly as much in just four months as he would previously earn in a whole year.

The Climate REAL project also supplied watermelon, cucumber and corn seeds for La to experiment with during the dry season. These proved to be a huge success, with La seeing a return-on-investment of up to 900 percent for watermelon. This was not just luck but due to a combination of the whole range of skills he acquired, from land preparation right through to harvesting.

The solar-powered, small-scale irrigation system provided under the project and shared by several nearby farmers has been a key factor in increased profits as La does not have to cover the cost of electricity to irrigate.

“In only 75 days of work, I earned an income of LAK 38.5 million (USD 1 738) from selling watermelon and LAK 2.65 million (USD 117) from selling cucumber. Where else I could earn such money from what I am passionate about?”

He adds, “The project has given me a lot, much more than I could imagine. It is the hope and prosperity that I have always dreamed of.”

La has been designated as the one of the Climate REAL project’s model farmers after building his skills and knowledge from this project and earlier initiatives in the area.

Farmers in Phok Village – especially members of La’s production group – are already seeking his advice for the coming planting seasons. The plan is to grow tomatoes, spring onions, lettuce and coriander, as the demand and prices are high.

To pave the way for his children, La has also already started to transfer his experience and know-how to his youngest son, Noi, who is now 17 years old and studying at secondary school in the district. La is also about to embark on expanding his greenhouses from two to ten units in the near future. For La and his fellow farmers, with their hard work and the support from FAO and KOICA, a whole new path has opened up, better managing the limitations of the seasons and bringing more secure and prosperous livelihoods.

Featured Image:  ©FAO/ Bounmee Maokhamphiou