Cambodia’s top opposition party barred from July elections, leaving Hun Sen’s party unchallenged
May 26, 2023 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia’s top opposition party was barred Thursday from participating in elections set for July after the Constitutional Council refused to overturn a decision not to register the party over a paperwork issue.
Cambodian union chief who led long-running casino strike gets 2-year prison sentence
May 25, 2023 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — A labor union leader who led a long-running strike against Cambodia’s biggest casino was sentenced Thursday to two years in prison for incitement to commit a felony, while eight fellow union members received lesser terms that do not include time behind bars.
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Three Cambodian land rights activists who were arrested on charges of plotting against the government planned to provoke a peasant revolution by teaching farmers about class divisions between rich and poor, an official said Tuesday.
Top Cambodian opposition party denied registration for July elections, will appeal ruling
May 16, 2023 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia’s National Election Committee refused on Monday to register the opposition Candlelight Party, the sole credible challenger to the governing Cambodian People’s Party, for July elections, saying it had failed to provide necessary documents.
Top challenger in Cambodian polls awaiting official approval
May 9, 2023 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia’s National Election Committee announced Monday that 20 political parties have registered for July’s general election but nine of them still have not been approved, including the Candlelight Party, the sole credible challenger to the governing Cambodian People’s Party.
Cambodia’s brand-new stadium hosts opening of SEA Games
May 5, 2023 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Tens of thousands of spectators, encouraged by free admission and transport, turned out Friday to watch the opening ceremony for the 2023 Southeast Asian Games, which marks the first time Cambodia has been able to host the regional competition.
Cambodian PM’s son, tipped to succeed him, gets promotion
April 20, 2023 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodian army chief Hun Manet, who is widely expected to replace his father as the country’s prime minister later this year, was promoted Thursday to his country’s highest military rank.
Cambodia deports 19 Japanese cybercrime scam suspects
April 11, 2023 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Nineteen Japanese men detained in Cambodia in January on suspicion of participating in phone and online scams were deported to their homeland on Tuesday, police said.
The group boarded a chartered flight organized by the Japanese government at Phnom Penh International Airport, Cambodian National Police spokesperson Gen.
Cambodia to deport 19 Japanese cybercrime scam suspects
April 7, 2023 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Nineteen Japanese men detained in Cambodia in January on suspicion of taking part in organized phone and online scams will be deported to their homeland, a Cambodian immigration police officer said Friday.
Malaysia, Cambodia sign pacts on Cambodian workers
March 27, 2023 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Malaysia and Cambodia signed two agreements on Monday on the employment of Cambodian migrant workers, as Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim made his first visit to Phnom Penh since becoming his country’s leader in November.
Cambodian court charges activists with insulting king online
March 22, 2023 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Two anti-government activists in Cambodia were charged in court Wednesday with insulting the king and incitement to commit a felony for comments they made on social media about Prime Minister Hun Sen and King Norodom Sihamoni.
Cambodia celebrates return of ‘priceless’ stolen artifacts
March 17, 2023 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Centuries-old cultural artifacts that had been illegally smuggled out from Cambodia were welcomed home Friday at a celebration led by Prime Minister Hun Sen, who offered thanks for their return and appealed for further efforts to retrieve such stolen treasures.
Long-serving Cambodian leader Hun Sen hints at retirement
March 14, 2023 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen hinted strongly Tuesday that he intends to step down as the country’s long-serving leader when a new government is installed after July’s general election.
Cambodian opposition leader gets 27 years on treason charge
March 3, 2023 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — A court in Cambodia convicted opposition leader Kem Sokha of treason on Friday and sentenced him to 27 years of house arrest, the latest blow in a campaign by the government to silence its critics or drive them out of the country.
Cambodian opposition leader set for treason trial verdict
March 2, 2023 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia’s beleaguered pro-democracy forces face another day of reckoning Friday, as the country’s most prominent opposition politician not in exile is scheduled to hear the verdict in his trial for treason.
Cambodia says recent bird flu cases not spread by humans
March 1, 2023 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Recent cases of bird flu discovered in two Cambodian villagers, one of them fatal, show no sign of human-to-human transmission, health officials in the Southeast Asian nation say, allaying fears of a public health crisis.
Experts say bird flu threat small despite Cambodian fatality
February 25, 2023 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — A top World Health Organization official, reacting to the death of an 11-year-old girl in Cambodia infected by bird flu, said Friday the recent global spread of the virus and human infections are “worrying.”
Bird flu kills 11-year-old girl in Cambodia, officials say
February 23, 2023 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — An 11-year-old girl in Cambodia has died from bird flu in the country's first known human H5N1 infection since 2014, health officials said.
Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, normally spreads in poultry and wasn’t deemed a threat to people until a 1997 outbreak among visitors to live poultry markets in Hong Kong.
Collection of rare centuries-old jewelry returns to Cambodia
February 21, 2023 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — A spectacular collection of centuries-old Cambodian jewelry has been returned to the Southeast Asian country, the latest treasures to be retrieved from the estate of well-known antiquities collector and dealer Douglas Latchford, who was accused of buying and selling looted artifacts.
Cambodian leader says radio station closure is permanent
February 14, 2023 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — A day after one of Cambodia’s few independent media outlets was shut at his order, Prime Minister Hun Sen declared Tuesday that Voice of Democracy radio will not be allowed to reopen despite pleas and protests from around the world.
Cambodia independent radio station VoD closes on PM’s orders
February 14, 2023 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — One of Cambodia’s last free media outlets, Voice of Democracy radio, ceased operations on Monday after Prime Minister Hun Sen ordered its closure for allegedly slandering his son in a story.
Cambodia’s Hun Sen receives support pledges on Beijing visit
February 13, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen received multiple assurances of Chinese economic and political support during a meeting Friday in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Cambodian leader shuts down independent media outlet
February 12, 2023 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen on Sunday ordered one of the handful of independent media broadcasters to shut down for publishing an article he said intentionally slandered his son in connection with the country's relief assistance to earthquake victims in Turkey.
Minnesota Buddhist temple opens up sacred dance troupe
February 11, 2023 GMTHAMPTON, Minn. (AP) — The Buddhist community anchored by an ornate temple complex here in the Minnesota farmland is trying a new way to ensure its faith and ancestral culture stay vibrant for future generations -- an open call for the sacred dance troupe.
Convicted Khmer Rouge leader moved to Cambodian state prison
February 1, 2023 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Khieu Samphan, who was convicted by a U.N.-backed tribunal of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes for his role as a leader of the communist Khmer Rouge when they ruled Cambodia in 1975-1979, has been transferred from the tribunal’s jail to serve his life sentence at a state prison.
Ukrainians wrap up landmine clearance exercises in Cambodia
January 20, 2023 GMTSIEM REAP, Cambodia (AP) — A group of 15 Ukrainian deminers on Friday wrapped up a week of training in Cambodia, where experts who have cleared minefields from one of the world's most contaminated countries shared their expertise with the relative newcomers to the dangerous job.
Ukrainians learn mine clearing skills from Cambodian experts
January 19, 2023 GMTPREYTOTOEUNG, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodian experts, whose country has the dubious distinction of being one of the world’s most contaminated by landmines, walked a group of Ukrainian soldiers through a minefield being actively cleared Thursday, hoping their decades of experience would help the Europeans in their own efforts to remove Russian mines at home.
Cambodian opposition politician arrested for bounced checks
January 17, 2023 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — A prominent leader of Cambodia’s political opposition has been arrested for allegedly issuing worthless checks in a case his party said is politically motivated.
Thach Setha, vice president of the Candlelight Party, was detained Monday and accused of issuing several bounced checks in 2019.
Cambodian experts begin training Ukrainian deminers
January 17, 2023 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Fifteen Ukrainian deminers are being trained by experts in Cambodia who are among the world's best because of experience from clearing the leftovers of nearly three decades of war.
Nate Thayer, reporter who interviewed Pol Pot, dies
January 6, 2023 GMTNate Thayer, a fearless reporter who survived several brushes with death over decades covering conflict in Southeast Asia and was the last western journalist to interview Pol Pot, the leader of the murderous Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia, has died.
26 bodies found as search ends at Cambodian hotel fire site
December 30, 2022 GMTPOIPET, Cambodia (AP) — The search for bodies in the wreckage of a burned-out casino hotel complex in western Cambodia has concluded with 26 people confirmed dead, a senior official said late Friday.
Massive fire at Cambodia hotel casino kills at least 19
December 30, 2022 GMTPOIPET, Cambodia (AP) — A massive fire at a Cambodian hotel casino Thursday injured over 60 people and killed at least 19 — a number that officials warned would rise after the search for bodies resumes Friday.
Deaths of 3 endangered Cambodian dolphins raise alarm
December 26, 2022 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Three endangered freshwater dolphins have died within 10 days of each other, alarming conservationists in Cambodia.
The death of a third healthy dolphin in such a brief period indicates “an increasingly alarming situation and the need for an intensive law enforcement be urgently conducted in the dolphin habitats,” the World Wildlife Fund said in an announcement Monday.
Cambodian court convicts 36 opposition figures of conspiracy
December 23, 2022 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — A court in Cambodia on Thursday convicted 36 activists and former opposition lawmakers of conspiracy to commit treason, a local human rights group said.
The 36, including former opposition leader Sam Rainsy and several leaders of his disbanded Cambodia National Rescue Party, were accused of trying to help exiled former lawmakers, including deputy party leader Mu Sochua, return home in January 2021 in defiance of a government ban.
US joins protests over arrest of Cambodian labor leader
November 30, 2022 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — The United States has joined local human rights groups in Cambodia in calling for the release of a labor union leader who was involved in a year-long protest at a casino and arrested last week upon her return from a trip abroad.
US and Chinese defense chiefs meet amid strained relations
November 22, 2022 GMTSIEM REAP, Cambodia (AP) — The defense chiefs of the United States and China held talks Tuesday on the sidelines of a regional meeting in Cambodia to discuss strained bilateral relations and regional and global security issues, U.S.
China, US officials to attend Southeast Asia defense meeting
November 20, 2022 GMTBEIJING (AP) — The defense chiefs of rival powers China and the U.S. will both attend next week's expanded meeting of Southeast Asian security ministers in Cambodia, opening up the possibility the two will hold face-to-face discussions.
Foreign trip becomes victory lap for strengthened Biden
November 16, 2022 GMTNUSA DUA, Indonesia (AP) — For President Joe Biden, an international trip scheduled for just days after the midterm election looked like it would offer an escape hatch, allowing him to jet far away as he faced what many thought would be a crushing verdict from voters.
Cambodia wildlife official jailed in NY for monkey smuggling
November 16, 2022 GMTMIAMI (AP) — Federal prosecutors have charged eight people with smuggling endangered monkeys, including a Cambodian wildlife official who was arrested in the U.S. while traveling to a conference on protecting endangered species.
G-20 to condemn Russia’s Ukraine invasion, urge an end
November 15, 2022 GMTNUSA DUA, Indonesia (AP) — Leaders of most of the world's economic powers are nearing approval of a declaration strongly denouncing Russia’s invasion that has devastated Ukraine and roiled the global economy.
Cambodian leader leaves G-20 early after COVID-19 diagnosis
November 15, 2022 GMTNUSA DUA, Indonesia (AP) — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said Tuesday he has COVID-19 and is leaving the Group of 20 meetings in Bali, just days after hosting President Joe Biden and other world leaders for a summit in his country's capital.
Biden-Xi summit: What Biden wants, what Xi wants
November 13, 2022 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — There won’t be concessions from the U.S. side. No real deliverables, which is government-speak for specific achievements. Don’t expect a cheery joint statement, either.
During President Joe Biden’s highly anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday, the leaders will be circling each other to game out how to manage a relationship that the U.S.
US, Japan, SKorea vow unified response to North Korea threat
November 13, 2022 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — President Joe Biden and the leaders of Japan and South Korea on Sunday vowed a unified, coordinated response to North Korea's threatening nuclear and ballistic missile programs, with Biden declaring that the three-way partnership is “even more important than it's ever been” when North Korea is stepping up its provocations.
Southeast Asian leaders: region no proxy for any powers
November 13, 2022 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Indonesia's president vowed Sunday not to let Southeast Asia become the front lines of a new Cold War amid increasing tensions between the United States and China, saying as his country took over the chairmanship of the influential Association of Southeast Asian Nations that it would not become “a proxy to any powers.”
Ukraine FM: Moscow playing ‘hunger games’ with world
November 12, 2022 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba pressed Southeast Asian countries for political and material support in his county's fight against Russia, while accusing Moscow on Saturday of playing “hunger games” with the world by holding up shipments of Ukrainian grain and other agricultural products.
Biden pledges US will work with Southeast Asian nations
November 12, 2022 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — President Joe Biden promised Saturday that the United States would work with a strategically vital coalition of southeast Asian nations, telling leaders that “we're going to build a better future that we all want to see” in the region where U.S.
SE Asian leaders do little to raise pressure on Myanmar
November 11, 2022 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Southeast Asian leaders did little to ramp up pressure on Myanmar to comply with their plan for peace, agreeing Friday to a course of action that largely kicks the matter down the road.
Watches, daggers and cricket ice cream: Asian summit treats
November 11, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — A custom wristwatch from Cambodian leader Hun Sen at the ASEAN summit in Phnom Penh, a foot-long dagger at the G-20 meetings in Bali, and cricket ice cream and Thai noodles with worm sauce at the APEC talks in Bangkok.
Ukraine boosts Southeast Asia ties with peace accord
November 10, 2022 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Ukraine signed a peace accord Thursday with Southeast Asian nations, a largely symbolic act that comes as Kyiv seeks to shore up international support in isolating Russia.
S Korea leader criticized for banning broadcaster from plane
November 10, 2022 GMTSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Journalist organizations say South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol attacked press freedoms when his office banned a TV broadcaster's crew from the media pool on his presidential plane this week for alleged bias in reporting.
Chinese premier announces new aid for close ally Cambodia
November 9, 2022 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang announced a large development assistance package for Cambodia on Wednesday, oversaw the signing of 18 agreements on aid and cooperation, and attended the inauguration of a highway constructed with Chinese support.
Myanmar tops Asian summit’s agenda as global issues loom
November 9, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Southeast Asian leaders convene in the Cambodian capital Thursday, faced with the challenge of trying to curtail escalating violence in Myanmar while the country’s military-led government shows no signs of complying with the group’s peace plan.
Cambodia to send deminers to help train Ukrainians
November 2, 2022 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has agreed to send deminers to help train Ukrainians in clearing land mines planted by Russian forces during their invasion, the Foreign Ministry announced Wednesday.
Biden to head to Cambodia, Egypt, Indonesia for summits
October 28, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will make a week-long, three country trip next month for a quartet of summits—including one that could potentially put him in the same room as China's Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin.
Southeast Asian foreign ministers hold special Myanmar talks
October 26, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Southeast Asian foreign ministers will hold a special meeting Thursday to discuss ways to deal with a growing crisis in Myanmar, where a military takeover last year set off violence that threatens to destabilize the region.
Cambodian court convicts opposition leader of land giveaway
October 20, 2022 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — A court in Cambodia on Wednesday convicted self-exiled opposition leader Sam Rainsy in absentia of planning to cede national land to a foreign entity and sentenced him to life in prison, a punishment that is mostly symbolic since the government has blocked his return home several times.
11 students drown after river ferry capsizes in Cambodia
October 15, 2022 GMTKOH CHAMROEUN, Cambodia (AP) — Eleven students in southern Cambodia who were crossing a river died after the boat they were on capsized, officials said.
Four people — two students and two of the boat’s crew — were rescued following the accident Thursday night on the Mekong River southeast of Phnom Penh, police said.
Cambodian court sets massive fine for top opposition figure
October 8, 2022 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — A court in Cambodia on Friday imposed a heavy fine on a leading opposition politician after finding him guilty of defamation for saying that nationwide local elections in June were unfair.
Indian workers rescued from job scams in Southeast Asia
October 8, 2022 GMTNEW DELHI (AP) — India's government on Friday said it has rescued about 130 Indian workers from Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia after they were lured by agents for fake job opportunities in the information technology sector in Thailand.