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

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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

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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

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(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

Get to know Sokea Kimleang, Cambodia’s Cultural Ambassador and Rising Star

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Cambodian arts and culture has got a great promoter, one name has been making waves both domestically and internationally – Sokea Kimleang, also known as Kon Ant. This multifaceted talent has captivated audiences with her graceful Apsara dance performances, dedication to preserving Khmer culture, and her striking beauty that has garnered attention in the pageant world.

Born and raised in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s bustling capital, Sokea Kimleang’s journey in the world of traditional Khmer dance began at a young age. Her passion for the art form led her to pursue formal training at the Secondary School of Fine Art, where she honed her skills in classical Cambodian dance. This educational foundation laid the groundwork for what would become a remarkable career in cultural preservation and promotion.

Kimleang’s dedication to her craft is evident in the decade she has spent perfecting the intricate movements of the Apsara dance. This ancient art form, originating from Cambodia’s royal courts, is renowned for its mesmerizing hand gestures and graceful movements that symbolize celestial spirits or water nymphs. With over 1,500 hand and finger gestures to master, Apsara dancers like Kimleang embody the essence of goddesses descending from heaven.

Her talent has not gone unnoticed on the international stage. Kimleang has performed in numerous countries, including Japan, Thailand, France, Germany, and China, showcasing the beauty of Khmer culture to diverse audiences. One of her most memorable performances took place at New Zealand’s Aoraki Mount Cook in September 2021. Despite logistical challenges and limited rehearsal time, her Apsara dance against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains went viral, garnering an impressive 23,000 likes and 8,200 reposts on Facebook.

Kimleang’s commitment to cultural promotion extends beyond her performances. She has leveraged social media platforms to reach a wider audience, amassing a following of 133,000 on Instagram. Her recent video demonstrating traditional Cambodian makeup techniques on TikTok further showcases her efforts to engage younger generations with Khmer traditions.

While her beauty and grace have led to speculation about her participation in beauty pageants, Kimleang has consistently prioritized her role as a cultural ambassador over pursuing fame in the entertainment industry. She has reportedly declined opportunities to act in films and participate in beauty contests, expressing concerns that such endeavors might detract from her mission to promote Khmer culture.

Kimleang’s educational background is as impressive as her artistic achievements. In addition to her training in traditional dance, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the National University of Management. This combination of artistic skill and academic knowledge has undoubtedly contributed to her success in navigating the complexities of cultural promotion on a global scale.

Her impact on Cambodian culture was particularly evident during the 32nd Southeast Asian Games held in Cambodia in 2023. Kimleang’s performance during the Khmer New Year Welcome ceremony was described as “goddess-like,” further cementing her status as a leading figure in Cambodian classical dance.

Despite her growing fame, Kimleang remains humble and focused on her mission. “I hope to convey this message to Cambodians worldwide: let’s cherish and support our arts, dances, and the rich cultural heritage that has been passed down to us by our ancestors,” she told The Phnom Penh Post. This statement encapsulates her dedication to not only performing but also inspiring others to appreciate and preserve Khmer traditions.

As Sokea Kimleang continues to enchant audiences around the world with her Apsara performances and cultural advocacy, she stands as a shining example of how traditional arts can remain relevant and captivating in the modern era. Her journey from a young dancer in Phnom Penh to an internationally recognized cultural ambassador demonstrates the power of passion, dedication, and the enduring appeal of Cambodia’s rich artistic heritage.

In an age where globalization often threatens to homogenize cultures, figures like Sokea Kimleang play a crucial role in ensuring that unique traditions not only survive but thrive. As she continues to bridge the gap between ancient art forms and contemporary audiences, Kimleang is not just preserving Cambodian culture – she’s helping it evolve and flourish on the world stage.

Photo Credit: konant.official Instagram

Phnom Penh Administration Orders to Crack Down on All Types of Gambling in All Districts

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Phnom Penh Capital Administration Orders All District Authorities in Phnom Penh to Crack Down and Not Allow All Kinds of Gambling In the local area. This is according to a notification message posted on the Facebook page of the Phnom Penh Capital Administration.

The move comes after Prime Minister Hun Manet issued a voicemail order to all provincial governors. Monitor and take action to crack down on more lucky gambling games across the country.

Phnom Penh Deputy Governor Keut Chhe told VOA on Thursday that at an emergency meeting of the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration yesterday Recently, local authorities in the capital will follow the order of the Prime Minister without allowing the opening of new locations. No other lucky adventure game.

He said: “But what applies to the words of the President yesterday is not allowed the Phnom Penh administration to move to a new location. No, so in the past, the person who received the so-called visa from the competent institution, he asked to be located at the lower level institution. Nation, now Samdech Thipadei, he advised not to have new, how much is enough.

He added that in the past, the implementation or crackdown on gambling was based on information from local areas and the expertise of Investigation by law enforcement forces.

Phnom Penh Municipal Police spokesman Sam Vicheka told VOA that after receiving the content of the control meeting Check and crack down on gambling in Phnom Penh, the Capital Police Force will take action and implement the above regulations .

“I do not know much about gambling, because we have never had a job,” he said. Skills from this work, but in the past we have learned that there are online games related to fishing games. Thus, we will research and continue to implement any game that commits illegal crimes.

Through a more than two-minute voicemail shared on social media on Wednesday, Hun Manet ordered a moratorium. All licenses to run gambling activities in the local area, as well as recommend to the Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia Under the Ministry of Economy and Finance, including all stakeholders, review and reorganize management policies and measures Various lucky adventure games across the country.

Mr. Hun Manet said: “I ask His Excellency, Lok Chumteav, Governor, Board of Governors to take immediate action to inspect the gambling venue. Smoke at the local level within its jurisdiction. In case there are any new openings, please take immediate action to close and report directly to me to take action. It can lead to the revocation of licenses in the province or across the country.

However, Mr. Manet did not specify whether to close the existing gambling venue. He also did not specify whether the lucky draw had a lottery. Lotto is seen to be booming in public places, especially sports venues in Cambodia.

Hun Manet’s order to prevent the spread of further gambling comes after the announcement An online gambling business called DIG88 has been heavily criticized by a well-known comedian named Neay. The teacher who participated in promoting the game through the recording of music videos and gestures. Neay Kroeun later announced his withdrawal from the ad after a series of public reactions, especially to network users.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance has stated that the Cambodian government has not licensed online gambling companies to do business or do business in No, Cambodia, since mid-2019, when the government announced the closure of online games called That popular online game.

Ministry of Health calls on people to be careful about foot-and-mouth disease, 12 cases found

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Ministry of Health detects Mpox transmission to man in Phnom Penh’s Meanchey district and calls for People take care of their own health. This is the 12th case of MVP in Cambodia.

Epilepsy, originally defined as chickenpox, can be transmitted from person to person through Sex, direct contact with the wound, droplets from the airways, saliva and other consumables There is the chickenpox virus, according to a press release from the Ministry of Health.

In a statement issued on February 15, 2024, the ministry said that the disease was diagnosed on The above man on February 13, 2024 after receiving the results from the National Institute of Public Health and was He was hospitalized.

Recently, there has been an increase in the incidence of epilepsy in Cambodia, which requires people Care should be taken to prevent the spread of the disease in clusters or eventually on a large scale.

Symptoms of mumps include hives, blisters on the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and mouth. Or body aches, fever, fatigue, headache, back pain or muscle aches.

Measures to prevent the spread of the H5N1 virus or herpes virus include using a condom every time you have sex. Avoid direct contact with people with epilepsy, clothing or drops that come out of the airways. Practice hand hygiene. Regularly report any suspected cases and isolate individuals with the disease.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Health, the disease can be life-threatening because, according to the World Health Organization. As of January 2023, there were 176 deaths from the disease in the world, out of a total of more than 90,000 people.

Photo: CDC

Fake Kidnapping Video Lands Two Taiwanese Streamers in Cambodian Jail

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Two Taiwanese streamers, Chen Neng-chuan and Lu Tsu-hsien, have been sentenced to two years in prison by a Cambodian court for staging a fake kidnapping video in Sihanoukville, a coastal city notorious for harboring online scam operations. The pair, who go by the online handles “Goodnight Chicken” and “Anow”, posted the video on Facebook earlier this week, claiming they had broken into a “scam park” and were chased and beaten by security guards. They later posted another video showing them escaping from a hotel room, with fake blood and injuries.

The video went viral in Taiwan, but also raised suspicions among netizens and authorities, who found inconsistencies and discrepancies in their story. The Taiwanese embassy in Cambodia said they received no requests for assistance from the streamers or their families, and no police report was filed. Cambodian authorities tracked down the streamers to a hotel room, where they found evidence of their staged kidnapping, including military uniforms, rubber masks, red paint and a torn T-shirt.

Source: Cambodia Police

The streamers were arrested and charged with incitement and causing social disorder, as well as interfering with public functions. They were tried on Thursday at the Preah Sihanouk provincial court, where they admitted to fabricating the video to attract more followers and views. The court sentenced them to two years in jail and ordered them to pay a fine of $2,000 each. The court also said their actions had damaged the reputation of Cambodia, especially the coastal province, which has been trying to crack down on online scam activities.

The streamers are known for their controversial live streams, in which they visit haunted houses and abandoned buildings in Taiwan, where they claim to see ghosts and dead creatures. They have a significant following on social media platforms, such as YouTube and Facebook. Their fake kidnapping video has sparked outrage and criticism from netizens, who accused them of being irresponsible and disrespectful to the Cambodian people and culture.

Photo Source: General Commissariat of National Police

Economists: Major reform needed to achieve the Cambodia’s vision for 2030

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As Cambodia’s economic growth slows, it could jeopardize Cambodia’s vision to become High-middle-income countries by 2030, improving the business environment, improving infrastructure Alliance and building a capable workforce are the way forward. This is according to the World Bank’s economics expert.

According to the article by experts entitled: “Cambodia 2030: economic slowdown as an opportunity to accelerate version Forms »Further refinement of the business environment is critical to boosting the company’s productivity and competitiveness In Cambodia, by easing the complex and strict requirements for doing business, especially the issuance of licenses and permits For doing business.

The article adds that improving Cambodia’s infrastructure and logistics is an important foundation for Increasing productivity and international competitiveness and that Cambodia needs to increase learning outcomes to respond And the lack of skills to create a workforce capable of preparing for the future and boosting the country’s productivity.

“Labor productivity growth has slowed sharply over the last five years, and companies have reported Be aware of the growing lack of skills. Not many Cambodian children are enrolled in early childhood education. Which means missing out on opportunities for early childhood development and barriers to return The mother went to work to earn money. According to the article above.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has said in the past that Cambodia remains ambitious in becoming an income country. High average in 2030 and high income in 2050.

Responding to a VOA question, Ministry of Economy spokesman Meas Sok Sen San said the government always considers all of its proposals. Partners.

“We work with all partners and will review them to put them in place,” he said. With all the characters involved.

Ministry of Labor spokesman Kata On told VOA that according to the assessment of Cambodian economic experts in 2024 will It rose to 6.6 percent and that investment also increased. He added that in order to comply with the labor market, the government has opened vocational training for young people in response to Problems are facing.

“We see that about 30,000 young people have registered and the first phase of the training is open,” he said. There are 700 classes. So, from day to day, our young people continue to register and we continue to open classes. Therefore, from now on, our young people will have clear skills in life and have high skills to enter “Serve in the factory sector, which is a necessary need of the nation from now on.”

According to the above analysis, World Bank economists claim that higher economic growth is a desire that Achievable. It just requires Cambodia to shift to a more sustainable economic growth model based on high productivity. Be bold in restructuring, increase quality investment in infrastructure and human resources, and implement development policies that Be weather savvy.

It should be recalled that since the formation of the new government, which is composed mostly of young people, many new political programs Is set out under the Pentagon strategy, which aims to transform Cambodia into a middle-income country. High by 2030 and towards achieving the vision of high-income Cambodia by 2050.

With the introduction of new policies of the seventh term government, World Bank economists also provide Comment on that Cambodia needs to be open to accepting investment to support its economic growth in the context of The world is facing crises. And the country must continue to strengthen education from early childhood to high school to increase productivity. And its competitiveness going forward.

The World Bank also forecasts that Cambodia’s economic growth will reach 5.8 percent by 2024 and 6.1 percent. Hundreds in 2025 with expectations of increased infrastructure investment and the benefits that will come from Cambodia has trade agreements with countries in the region. (VOA News)

Cambodia Under Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Outbreak

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WHO announces that the Ministry of Health of Cambodia notified WHO of two confirmed cases of human infection with influenza A(H5N1) from the same village in Kampot Province. Both cases were female, one in the 20-25 years age group and the other less than five years old. The first reported case visited a public hospital four days after having symptoms of fever, shortness of breath and cough. Samples were collected, which tested positive for H5N1, and the case died while in hospital. The second reported case was detected during enhanced surveillance by the public health authorities in response to the confirmation of the first reported case. The case had fever, cough and rash and is currently being treated in hospital. Epidemiological investigation shows both cases had exposure to backyard birds, which were reported to be sick, with some having died, over the prior month. The Ministry of Health’s national and sub-national rapid response teams are investigating the source of the infection and coordinating response activities, including but not limited to active surveillance for additional cases, identifying close contacts for monitoring, and conducting health education campaigns to prevent transmission in the community. In total, six cases of influenza A(H5N1) have been reported from Cambodia this year. Influenza A(H5N1) infection in humans can cause severe disease, has a high mortality rate, and is notifiable under the International Health Regulations (2005).

Description of the Situation

The Ministry of Health of Cambodia notified WHO of two confirmed human cases of influenza A (H5N1) between 24 and 25 November 2023. The cases resided in the same village in Kampot Province. Both cases were females, one in the age group of 20-25 years and the other less than 5 years old.

The first reported case developed fever, cough and shortness of breath on 19 November 2023, was treated at home for several days, and then visited a hospital on 23 November. At the hospital, samples were collected and transported to the National Institute of Public Health for testing and was subsequently confirmed as influenza A(H5N1) by RT-qPCR assays at the National Laboratory at National Institute of Public Health and reconfirmed by Institute Pasteur du Cambodge. The case was admitted and in intensive care at the hospital and passed away on 26 November 2023. The second reported case was detected during active surveillance in response to the first reported case, for additional cases with clinical presentation including fever, cough and rash. The case was transported to hospital on 25 November 2023 for testing with samples returning positive for influenza A(H5N1) by RT-qPCR assays at the National Laboratory at National Institute of Public Health and reconfirmed by at the Institute Pasteur du Cambodge. The case is currently admitted in an isolation room in the respiratory ward of the hospital and undergoing treatment. Epidemiological investigation shows both cases had exposure to backyard birds which were reported to be sick and dead, over the past month. No epidemiological linkage of these cases has yet been confirmed other than that they both resided in the same village.

Laboratory investigation shows the viruses, as indicated by phylogenetic analysis, fall within the H5 clade 2.3.2.1c with close similarity to the viruses that have been circulating in Cambodia and Southeast Asia since 2013-2014. The sequences cluster most closely with the viruses from the two human cases reported in October 2023.

Epidemiology

Animal influenza viruses normally circulate in animals but can also infect humans. Infections in humans have primarily been acquired through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. Depending on the original host, influenza A viruses can be classified as avian influenza, swine influenza, or other types of animal influenza viruses.

Avian, swine, and other animal influenza virus infections in humans may cause disease ranging from mild upper respiratory tract infection to more severe diseases and can be fatal. Conjunctivitis, gastrointestinal symptoms, encephalitis and encephalopathy have also been reported. There have also been several detections of A(H5N1) virus in asymptomatic persons but who had exposure to infected birds in the days before a sample was collected.

Laboratory tests are required to diagnose human infection with influenza. WHO periodically updates technical guidance protocols for the detection of zoonotic influenza using molecular methods, e.g. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Evidence suggests that some antiviral drugs, notably neuraminidase inhibitors (oseltamivir, zanamivir), can reduce the duration of viral replication and improve prospects of survival in some cases.

The confirmed cases are the fifth and sixth cases of human infection with influenza A(H5N1) reported from Cambodia in 2023, and the fourth reported death in 2023. From 2003 until now, 62 cases of human infection with influenza A(H5N1), including 41 deaths, have been reported from Cambodia.

Public Health Response

The Ministry of Health’s national and sub-national rapid response teams, with support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and the Ministry of Environment, have initiated and coordinated the detailed investigation of the avian influenza outbreak in Kampot Province including searching for additional suspected cases and contacts, collecting and testing samples from backyard birds and conducting health education campaigns to prevent transmission in the community.

WHO Risk Assessment

From 2003 to 27 November 2023, a total of 882 human cases of infection with influenza A(H5N1), including 461 deaths, have been reported globally from 23 countries. Almost all cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) have been linked to close contact with infected live or dead birds, or influenza A(H5N1)-contaminated environments. Based on evidence so far, the virus does not infect humans easily and spread from person-to-person appears to be unusual. Human infection can cause severe disease and has a high mortality rate. Since the virus continues to circulate in poultry, particularly in rural areas in Cambodia, the potential for further sporadic human cases can be expected.

In these two cases, while human-to-human transmission cannot be ruled out, it is likely there were separate exposures to the viruses from sick and dead chickens.

In the past, small clusters of A(H5) virus infections were reported, including those involving health care workers, but without evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission. Available epidemiological and virological evidence suggests that A(H5N1) viruses have not acquired the ability to sustain transmission among humans. Therefore, the likelihood of sustained human-to-human spread is low. Based on available information so far, WHO assesses the risk to the general population posed by this virus to be low. The risk assessment will be reviewed as needed if additional information becomes available. 

Close analysis of the epidemiological situation, further characterization of the most recent influenza A(H5N1) viruses in both human and poultry populations, and serological investigations are critical to assess associated risks to public health and promptly adjust risk management measures.

There are no specific vaccines for influenza A(H5N1) in humans. However, candidate vaccines to prevent influenza A(H5) infection in humans have been developed for pandemic preparedness in some countries. 

US Focuses on Cyberscams During Envoy’s Cambodia Visit 

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Cindy Dyer, the U.S. ambassador-at-large for monitoring and combating trafficking, is planning to push Cambodia’s new government to ramp up its efforts to crack down on cyberscam operations that trap many trafficking victims in slavelike conditions.

A recently completed visit to Phnom Penh by Dyer “will serve as an opportunity for information sharing and coordination on anti-trafficking efforts,” the State Department said last week in a release.

Dyer met with a range of officials “with the objective of building a relationship with the new government for future coordination and advocating for progress in the most critical areas, including increased investigations and prosecutions of cyberscam operations,” said the November 15 release.

Cambodia’s role as host of cybercriminals has been in an international spotlight. The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) released a report this summer estimating that the industry has victimized 100,000 people in Cambodia.

Lured by promise of jobs

Operators of these scamming networks recruit unwitting workers from across Asia, often with the promise of well-paying tech jobs, and then force them to attempt to scam victims online while living in slavelike conditions, according to the report.

Countries including Indonesia, Taiwan and China have urged countries like Cambodia and Laos to crack down on the industry, while warning their own citizens of the dangers in traveling to these countries, according to the UNHCHR report.

The U.S. State Department’s annual report on global human trafficking, released in June, placed Cambodia in Tier 3, meaning the government has made insufficient efforts to address human trafficking and does not meet the minimum standards.

During her two-day visit to Cambodia that began November 15, Dyer met with officials from the ministries of justice, labor and social affairs, as well as representatives of the National Police and the National Committee for Counter Trafficking (NCCT) within the Ministry of Interior, according to an email from the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh. Dyer also held discussions with civil society groups working on combating human trafficking.

The discussions focused “on Cambodia’s efforts to protect trafficking victims, including providing protection assistance services for victims of trafficking and vulnerable migrants, capacity building for service providers and government officials to improve victim identification and referral, and addressing emerging trends in forced criminality,” the State Department release said.

More training urged

Am Sam Ath, operations director at the Cambodian rights group Licadho, told VOA Khmer that Dyer’s visit highlighted the need for Cambodia to tackle human trafficking and online scams.

“We see that the United States … ranks Cambodia third in the blacklist of human trafficking. It also has a lot of impact on our country, and if Cambodia does not make an effort further in the prevention of human trafficking or online scams, the ranking cannot be improved,” he said by telephone from the group’s Phnom Penh office.

He called on the Cambodian government to strengthen the capacity of officials and authorities to crack down on online crime.

“This crime problem is technologically modern, so the authorities involved in it have to get more training to keep up with the situation, as well as the timing of the crime,” Am Sam Ath added.

National Police spokesperson Chhay Kim Khoeun and Justice Ministry spokesperson Chin Malin declined to comment on Dyer’s visit, referring questions to Chou Bun Eng, permanent deputy chairman of the National Committee for Counter Trafficking. VOA Khmer called Chou Bun Eng, but she did not respond to a request for comment.

U.S. Embassy spokesperson Katherine Diop told VOA Khmer that Dyer’s visit to Cambodia was part of a U.S. effort across the world to encourage governments to take responsibility for preventing human trafficking and protecting victims.

“The United States stands with the Cambodian people to identify, support and seek justice for human trafficking victims,” she wrote in an email.

The UNHCHR report released in late August said the online scams were occurring in five countries in Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar and the Philippines.

“People who have been trafficked into online forced criminality face threats to their right to life, liberty and security of the person,” said the U.N. report. “They are subject to torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, arbitrary detention, sexual violence, forced labor and other forms of labor exploitation as well as a range of other human rights violations and abuses.”

Cambodia first acknowledged the issue last year when Interior Minister Sar Kheng said in August that officials were being deployed across the country to check hotels, casinos and other establishments for potential trafficking victims.

The government has since announced sporadic operations to free victims and arrest traffickers. However, experts recently told VOA Khmer that these efforts have not noticeably curbed the illegal operations or caught ringleaders of the trafficking networks.

Source: VOA News, Sim Chansamnang
Photo Credit: Prachatai, flickr