Latest news with #ThePhnomPenhPost
The Star
12 hours ago
- Health
- The Star
Preah Sihanouk governor orders medical care for 'lost' Thai national
PHNOM PENH: Preah Sihanouk governor Mang Sineth has instructed the staff of the provincial referral hospital to provide the best possible medical care to a disoriented Thai woman who was admitted on August 9. Chonthiya Putthawong, born in 2001, was found lying on the street in the O'Tres area of commune 4 in Sihanoukville. Locals say she appeared to be confused and in a mild state of stress. They informed the authorities, who promptly organised an ambulance to transport her to the referral hospital for treatment. 'The doctors questioned her, but she didn't respond much. She briefly mentioned having a headache and then said nothing further. The authorities also tried to question her, but there has been no response so far," explained Seng Nong, director of the Sihanoukville Provincial Referral Hospital. Currently, the patient is receiving the best possible care from the Cambodian medical team. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
‘All we want is peace': Cambodian evacuees long for return to their pre-conflict lives
PHNOM PENH: As the shadow of armed conflict once again casts its darkness across Cambodia's northwestern border, the number of displaced civilians continues to rise — yet their message remains clear: they do not seek revenge. They want nothing more than peace, and to return to their homes. Not one of the 124,940 civilians displaced by border tensions across five Cambodian provinces wants to remain in the crowded, makeshift camps. From elderly farmers to young schoolchildren, all share the same heartfelt wish: to return home as soon as possible. Forced to flee their villages amid rising tensions along the Cambodian-Thai border, families now endure overcrowded shelters, uncertain futures and the emotional toll of separation from loved ones and livelihoods. Their voices remain united in one clear message — these camps are not home, and peace is the only path that can lead them back. 'I'm afraid the Thai troops will launch another attack,' said Yen Bopha, 35, from O'Smach commune, in Oddar Meanchey province's Samraong town. 'My family left home to find safety.' Bopha said none of them ever wanted to be so far from their homes. They want peace and to return as soon as possible. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN Sweeping water from her tent shelter after a heavy downpour, Bopha said none of them ever wanted to be so far from their homes. They want peace and to return as soon as possible. On Aug 5, driven by rumours of a renewed assault by Thai forces, more than 1,500 families — over 8,000 people — fled their homes. The majority arrived at emergency centres in Srei Snam district, Siem Reap province. Wat Chroy Neang Nuong, one of the largest camps in the area, received over 1,000 families alone, from the O'Smach area of Oddar Meanchey province. Local authorities pray for peace Mon Ngy Rainsy, deputy governor of Siem Reap, welcomed a delegation of diplomats from 11 nations and representatives of 15 UN agencies and partner organisations to the site. She expressed the pain of displacement, while remarking at the resilience of the Cambodian people. 'Wat Chroy Neang Nuong is already full but we cannot say 'no' to our people,' she said. 'They came with nothing. We gave them tents, food and even temporary schools and health services for their children,' she added. Rainsy told the international guests that life in the camps is difficult, and support — no matter how generous — cannot replace the comfort and dignity of home. 'They left their homes, their belongings, and in some cases even their children or husbands to watch over the houses. The cows and buffalo are still there. This is not life — it's survival,' Her appeal was heartfelt and urgent. 'We want to strongly urge all ambassadors and international organisations to help end the fighting. Our people want to go home. They want to work. The children want to go to school,' she implored. As she ended her remarks, Rainsy raised her voice above the crowd: 'We love peace!' Her call was met with cheers and applause from evacuees and volunteers alike. International support An EU representative met with refugees at the Wat Chroy Neang Nuong camp to learn about their living conditions. Speaking in Khmer, Bryan Fornari, head of cooperation at the European Delegation, asked, 'Does the rain affect your living? Are there many mosquitoes?' Several UN agencies in Cambodia joined a field visit organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to meet with displaced communities in Oddar Meanchey and Siem Reap provinces. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN He expressed concern about their daily struggles, inquired about their hopes of returning home and wished them a safe and speedy return. Several UN agencies in Cambodia — including FAO, ILO, IOM, OHCHR, UN Women, UN-Habitat, UNDP, UNDSS, Unesco, UNFPA, Unicef, Unido, WFP and WHO — joined a field visit organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to meet with displaced communities in Oddar Meanchey and Siem Reap provinces. 'We listened to the concerns of displaced families and assessed the situation on the ground. In coordination with national authorities, the UN — together with international and local humanitarian partners — has begun mobilising a humanitarian response to address the immediate needs of displaced communities,' announced the UN in Cambodia. 'Above all, we hope for a lasting peace that will enable communities to return home safely and rebuild their lives without fear,' it added. A lingering threat At the same camp, the Cambodian Mine Action Authority (CMAA) is leading emergency awareness campaigns to protect displaced families from another deadly threat: landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO). 'Even though they haven't returned home yet, we must prepare them,' said Eng Pheap, CMAA director of public relations. 'We are showing them what mines look like and teaching them not to touch anything suspicious. They should report any suspicious discoveries to village chiefs, commune heads or the police,' he added. The CMAA's efforts are supported by the UN through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). So Lina, a programme analyst with the UNDP, stressed the importance of the awareness campaign. 'This is an opportunity,' she said. 'When they go home, they will be aware of the risks and know how to stay safe,' she continued. Despite fear and uncertainty, the spirit of peace still runs deep. For thousands of Cambodians displaced once more by border tensions, their plea is simple: let us go home in peace. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
The Star
31-07-2025
- General
- The Star
Cambodia's forest guardians honoured on World Ranger Day
Cambodian forest rangers often face arduous conditions, with forest patrols lasting as long as 15 days. - Environment Ministry PHNOM PENH: Cambodia's environmental rangers are undergoing increasingly intensive training — similar to their brothers and sisters in the military — and learning how to use the newest technology to boost their effectiveness in protecting natural resources and ensuring their own safety while they are deep in the forest. Ministry of Environment spokesperson Khvay Atitya highlighted their rigorous training as he marked World Ranger Day 2025, on Thursday (July 31). He noted that the kingdom's rangers show remarkable dedication and face numerous challenges as they patrol forests to protect natural assets. These include threats from illegal loggers, as well as natural hazards. 'Our rangers are dealing directly with the groups that commit forest crimes. That's why we work to enhance their capabilities through physical and tactical training, similar to military drills, to better protect Cambodia's natural treasures,' he explained. He added that rangers are also being trained in the use of modern technology such as drones and satellite mapping. These tools are being introduced gradually to strengthen enforcement and reduce risks while improving protection strategies. In addition, rangers often face health risks, arduous travel and harsh living conditions in remote forest areas. 'We are truly grateful to them. They make great sacrifices, leaving their spouses and children behind while they serve the mission of conservation. They endure hazardous areas, rainfall, disease and poisonous wildlife. Patrols typically last at least 15 days,' added Atitya. Cambodia's protected areas cover around 41 per cent of national land area, or approximately 7.3 million hectares, all of it under the management of the environment ministry. At present however, the ministry employs just 1,070 rangers, which is insufficient for this vast territory, he noted. Therefore, the ministry works closely with authorities, local communities and other partners to safeguard Cambodia's valuable natural resources. Conservation management is being carried out in line with intersectoral environmental strategies, focusing on legal enforcement, collaboration with subnational authorities, the deployment of drone technology and satellite maps, and partnerships with law enforcement agencies and the armed forces. Conservative NGOs also observed World ranger Day, expressing their gratitude to Cambodia's forest and wildlife rangers, community members and armed forces, for their dedication and bravery in protecting the country's rich biodiversity. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
The Star
29-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Cambodia's Information ministry appeals for public to cease social media attacks on foreign leaders
A fake Facebook profile which contained false information related to the border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand. - Photo: Anti-Cyber Crime Department PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Information has issued an urgent call for all content creators, social media users and members of the public to immediately cease any form of insult or defamation targeting foreign heads of state or leaders, even in the context of current border tensions. The request was issued Tuesday (July 29), following a noticeable rise in edited images, inflammatory content and inappropriate commentary circulating online. These actions have caused insults affecting the honour and dignity of individuals, including politicians and members of royalty. The ministry urged all social media users to conduct themselves with integrity, responsibility and respect, and to adhere to ethical standards of public discourse. It stressed that its goal is to maintain public order and uphold peaceful online environments, free from incitement, hate speech, racism or ethnically charged rhetoric. The statement advised the public to avoid sharing or producing unverified information that could lead to confusion, anger, violence, hatred or racial discrimination. It also called on journalists, content creators and the public to verify information with official sources — particularly on sensitive issues such as the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict — before sharing it. Additionally, it asked people to refrain from posting doctored images or false content that could be viewed as defamatory, especially toward royal institutions. The ministry concluded by praising responsible media professionals and users who have contributed positively to Cambodia's messaging, helping uphold accuracy and diplomacy in addressing the conflict. It commended their ethical behaviour, respect for others' rights and commitment to a peaceful, law-based resolution in line with international law. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
Barnama
29-07-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Cambodia-Thailand Truce Grabs Indochina Media
By Vijian Paramasivam PHNOM PENH, July 29 (Bernama) -- The just-concluded ceasefire talks between Cambodia and Thailand in Malaysia, which led to a pause in the border conflict between the two neighbours, received wide media coverage across the region. In Indochina, where border issues remain sensitive, the temporary ceasefire made headlines after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai reached an agreement to end military confrontations. bootstrap slideshow Phnom Penh-based English dailies, Khmer Times and The Phnom Penh Post (now an online portal), provided extensive coverage of the agreement that took place in Putrajaya on Monday. 'Midnight ceasefire in place: Manet thanks all parties, looks forward to return to normalcy,' said The Post, while Khmer Times headlined 'Ceasefire Breakthrough.' The Khmer-language Kampuchea Thmey Daily has been giving the news prominent coverage since the lastest round of military confrontation broke out on July 24. In Vietnam, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son welcomed the Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire agreement, stating that it was an important step in easing tensions, as reported by online news portal VNExpress. The ceasefire occurred on the day Vietnam commemorated its 30th anniversary of joining ASEAN. In conflict-hit Myanmar, state media The Global New Light of Myanmar's World Page lead said: 'Thailand, Cambodia agree on ceasefire, says Malaysian PM.'
