Filmmaker Sees Work Banned at Cambodia Film Festival

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

23 December 2013

Filmmaker Sees Work Banned at Cambodia Film Festival ​​

While the newly-appointed minister of Culture and Fine Arts Pheoung Sakona was on stage praising Cambodian filmmakers for their efforts to bring fame back to Cambodian cinema industry at the launch of Cambodia International Film Festival held in Phnom Penh last weekend, renowned filmmaker Chhay Bora was listening quietly and clapping his hands at the end of her speech. This despite his latest feature film "3.50," which he co-produced with a Singaporean filmmaker, being banned at cinemas in the country. "I hope the new minister who has been in office recently will probably consider opening up more for the art arena especially the film industry." (Say Mony, Phnom Penh)

Expert Touts Rise of Citizen Journalists

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

14 December 2013

A journalist takes a photo using a smart phone during a press conference, file photo.

PHNOM PENH — Citizens can be journalists, and they can help Cambodia face ongoing issues like illegal logging, rights abuses and corruption, a communications technology expert says. Ngeth Moses, ICT coordinator for the Community Legal Education Center, told “Hello VOA” Monday that new tools are making it easier for so-called citizen journalists to emerge.

“They can get audio and video from the field where those problems occur, and share them quickly on social media,” he said.

Alumni Groups Raise Funds To Aid Flood Victims

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

27 November 2013

A Cambodian amputee beggar is given money by a passerby while wading in the street flood in Phnom Penh, file photo.

ODDAR MEANCHEY Province - Heavy rainfall and flooding along the Mekong River killed 168 people this year and damaged hundreds of thousands of hectares of rice and other crops across the country. But this year, groups of former students who had studied abroad decided to raise funds for charity. They have so far raised some $30,000 in flood relief

Student Group Raises Funds To Aid Flood Victims

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

26 Nov 2013

Student Group Raises Funds To Aid Flood Victims ​

Heavy rainfall and flooding along the Mekong River killed 168 people this year and damaged hundreds of thousands of hectares of rice and other crops across the country. But this year, a group of former students who had studied abroad decided to raise funds for charity. They have so far raised some $30,000 in flood relief. For flood victims like 73-year-old farmer Kroch Sann, that meant a little help after flooding destroyed his rice paddy. (Say Mony, Oddar Meanchey province)

On Tonle Sap, Collusion, Corruption Mean Overfishing

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

16 November 2013

Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC), a Japanese oil company, has been granted a rights by Cambodia Tuesday, May 4, 2010, to study a survey for possible oil onshore at the basin of Tonle Sap lake, or "Great Lake," the largest freshwater.

PHNOM PENH - Members of a fishing community in Battambang province say overfishing has increased in recent years, fueled in part by collusion between criminals and the authorities responsible for protecting them. Cambodia is facing a growing crisis from overfishing, as major fish stocks in the Tonle Sap lake are being depleted, diminishing a major source of protein for millions of people.

In Kantrai village, Battambang province, fisherman Lorn Rim said the are “no fish now.”

Cambodian Opposition Protest: Paris Peace Accords Violated

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

23 Oct 2013

Cambodian Opposition Protest: Paris Peace Accords Violated

Cambodia's opposition is beginning three days of mass demonstrations in the capital to call for the government to allow an independent probe into alleged fraud in the country's most recent election. Thousands gathered early Wednesday in Phnom Penh's Freedom Park, where they were met by thousands of riot police. Many Cambodians fear a repeat of last month's opposition protests, during which one protester was killed and several wounded following clashes with police. Say Mony, Phnom Penh.

‘Hungry’ Teachers Need Better Pay, Educator Says

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

17 October 2013

Cambodian school children sit under the shade of tree as they listen to teacher at Trapaing Loeuk primary school in Kampong Speu province.

PHNOM PENH - An increase in teacher salaries and the elimination of administrative corruption are key reforms needed to ensure improved education and competitiveness for Cambodian youths, an educator says. “Some teachers say that with hungry stomaches, they cannot teach,” Pa Chanroeun, a PhD candidate at Charles Stuart University in Australia, told “Hello VOA” on Monday. “So there must be decent salaries for educational personnel, especially teachers.”

Cambodia’s teachers earn about $100 per month, leading many to resort to low-level bribe-taking to make ends meet. The government has said it cannot afford higher wages for more than 112,000 education personnel nationwide.

'Scapegoats' in Murder of Labor Leader Released

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

26 Sep 2013

'Scapegoats' in Murder of Labor Leader Released

Two men widely seen as innocent in the 2004 killing of a Cambodian labor leader have been released, following a case that saw them jailed for years.

Born Samnang and Sok Sam Oeun walked out of prison on Thursday, following a Supreme Court order on Wednesday.

Both men were serving 20-year prison sentences for the killing of labor leader Chea Vichea, but their conviction was widely criticized for a lack of evidence. Say Mony, Phnom Penh.

Land Victims Recall Violent Attacks on Their Hunger Strike

Say Mony, VOA Khmer
24 Sep 2013

Land Victims Recalls Violent Attack on Their Hunger Strike ​

Hundreds of land victims in Phnom Penh returned to retrieve their belongings from authority of Doun Penh district in Phnom Penh after their hunger strike were cracked downed on Sunday night by groups of violent youth believed to have acted on behalf of authorities. Eleven people are injured after Cambodian police disperse opposition party supporters conducting a hunger strike over the disputed July 28 election result. VOA Khmer's Say Mony reports from Phnom Pen

Victim of Police Bullet Await for Justice

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

20 Sep 2013

Victims of Police Bullet Await for Justice

Family of Mao Sokchan who was shot dead, allegedly by police, hold 7th Day ceremony of his death while awaiting for justice. Chiev Sokvy, Mao Sokchan's wife, filed an official complaint against the authorities this week. Ten people were injured when police clashed with motorists who were angered by barricades at the bridge and attempted to tear them down. Prime Minister Hun Sen's advisor Prak Sokhonn, said investigation is underway. Say Mony, Phnom Penh.

Cambodian Rivals Get Closer Over Disputed Election

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

17 Sep 2013

Cambodian Rivals Get Closer to Deal Over Disputed Election​​​​

Cambodia's main opposition party leader Sam Rainy said a deal to end the deadlock over July's disputed parliamentarian election could end soon and a rally by its supporters went ahead on Tuesday without the violence and one man was shot dead on Sunday. VOA Khmer's Say Mony reports from Phnom Penh.​

One Protester Killed as Cambodian Political Crisis Escalates

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

15 Sep 2013

One Protester Killed as Cambodian Political Crisis Escalates

Violence erupted in the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, on Sunday, as thousands of opposition activists protested the government's victory in a disputed election. Human rights activists said one protester was killed by a gunshot to the head during a street battle with police. VOA Khmer's Say Mony reports from Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Warm Welcome for King, Cold Shoulder for Rivals

Heng Reaksemy and Say Mony, VOA Khmer

11 Sep 2013

Welcoming the King, Political Rivals Give Each Other the Cold Shoulder ​

Political leaders from the ruling and opposition parties were both on hand at Phnom Penh international airport Wednesday to welcome home King Norodom Sihamoni from a medical trip to Beijing. However, neither side used the occasion for sideline talks in the country's ongoing political deadlock. In fact, neither side said much or anything to the other. Nor did they look at one another. Prime Minister Hun Sen and his political rival, Sam Rainsy, who is head of the Cambodia National Rescue Party, stood within 10 meters of each other as the king deplaned and greeted the dignitaries who stood in line to welcome him home. The Rescue Party has threatened to boycott a Sept. 23 meeting at the National Assembly that would mark the formation of the post-election government. That meeting must be held at the behest of the king, who can choose to postpone it. And so now both sides are waiting to see what he'll do, and how Cambodia's latest political drama will play out. (Heng Reaksemy and Say Mony, Phnom Penh)

Land Victims Hold Second Protest In Less Than A Week

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

10 Sep 2013

Land Victims Hold Second Protest Demanding The Release of Their Colleague​ ​

Cambodian protesters broke through police line on Tuesday during their second protest for less than a week. They demand the release of their colleague, Yoam Bopha, who had been behind bar for more than a year. Say Mony, Phnom Penh.

Cambodian Opposition Learns Non-Violent Protest

Heng Reaksmey and Say Mony, VOA Khmer

04 Sep 2013

Cambodian Opposition Learns Non-Violent Protest Tactics

About 1,000 members of the Cambodian opposition have taken part in non-violent protest training for their upcoming mass rally against the results of July's election.

Officials for the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) Wednesday had their supporters practice how to react non-violently to police provocations, spot infiltrators in their ranks and avoid the use of abusive language.

After the session, some were asked to come on stage to demonstrate what they had learned, with other members of the opposition portraying security forces.

The government has deployed troops in the Cambodian capital before the planned demonstration and has warned about the rally turning violent.

But Kem Sokha, CNRP vice president, says a peaceful protest is the goal. VOA Khmer's Heng Reaksmey and Say Mony report from Phnom Penh.

Polls Open in Cambodia, Prime Minister Hun Sen Casts Ballot

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

28 Aug 2013

Polls Open in Cambodia, Prime Minister Hun Sen Casts Ballot

Voting kicked off in Cambodia early on Sunday with the incumbent Prime Minister Hun Sen and his wife are amongst the first to cast their ballots.

Voters said they hoped the results would be accepted by everyone and that no major violence or issues will rise after the election results are revealed. VOA Khmer's Say Mony report from Kandal province.

Camping Against Corruption, Youth Reveals Acts of Briberies

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

08 Aug 2013

Camping Against Corruption, Youth Reveals Acts of Briberies

Youth groups from eight provinces and municipality were committing themselves to fight against corruption after participating in a five-day camping organized by Transparency International Cambodia. VOA's Say Mony reports from Kampong Cham, Cambodia.

Irregularities May Have Affected Election results: Transparency International

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

31 Jul 2013

Irregularities May Have Affected Election results: Transparency International ​

A non-governmental organization observing the Sunday's election said that many​ irregularities may have affected the election results.

At a polling station in Phnom Penh's Russey Keo district, a group of voters were complaining about duplicate names on voter lists and 'indelible ink' that could be washed off. Mak Kear is one of them. He said his wife's name appeared twice on a voter list and he could easily remove the ink from his index finger just some minutes after casting his ballot on Sunday. Say Mony reports from Phnom Penh.

Some Return After Eviction From Coastal Resort Development

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

27 July 2013

In this Oct. 6, 2012 photo, local workers adjust stones at a dam construction site by China National Heavy Machinery Corporation on the Tatay River in Koh Kong province, some 210 kilometers (130 miles) west of Phnom Penh.

KOH KONG Province - Thousands of people have been evicted from their homes to make way for a Chinese development in Koh Kong province. But some of the families have returned to their land, leaving a relocation site they say was insufficient for their needs. For families like those of Chum Siran, life has become more difficult since their removal from the development site,

to this relocation site in the mountains of Koh Kong. Before the relocation, her family raised cashews, while her husband fished.

Youth Representatives Debate Party Policies

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

24 July 2013

PHNOM PENH - Youth representatives from six political parties running in the upcoming elections joined an International Republican Institute-organized debate over the weekend to show their respective parties’ policies.

On Coast, Chinese Development Pushes Thousands From Land

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

24 July 2013

In this Oct. 6, 2012 photo, a Chinese engineer, left, walks by a fence with Chinese slogans reading: Safety first, highest quality and quantity near an entrance of a dam construction site by China National Heavy Machinery Corporation on the Tatay River in Koh Kong province, some 210 kilometers (130 miles) west of Phnom Penh.

KOH KONG - Thousands of villagers in a remote district of the coastal province of Koh Kong have been evicted or are facing eviction in the face of a Chinese resort development project. Some families have moved unwillingly to relocation sites. But others are refusing to leave, setting the stage for another land dispute.

The villagers are facing eviction from a 36,000-hectare resort project by the Chinese Union Development Group, which holds a 99-year lease on the land.

Fulbright Scholars Prepare for US Education

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

04 Junly 2013

Fulbright logo shown during a slideshow presentation in Phnom Penh, on July 3, 2013.

PHNOM PENH — Eight Cambodian students were awarded a prestigious Fulbright scholarship this year to pursue higher education in leading US universities. In interviews with VOA Khmer, the students said they hoped to help develop their country more on their return.

“They’re going to give the youth of Cambodia hope,” US Ambassador William Todd told VOA Khmer. “Whether they are going to the government or going to industries or law or education, they’re going to give the youth of this country a future. They’re going to grow the economy, and they’re going to help the country move forward.”

American Ensembles Take On Cambodian Songs

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

04 Jul 2013

American Ensembles Take On Cambodian Songs

Two US ensembles last week performed benefit concerts in Phnom Penh just ahead of the Fourth of July holiday. Band members and organizers say they hoped the music would bring the US and Cambodia culturally closer.

American children from the Boston Children's Chorus sang "Phnom Penh," a song composed by the late king Sihanouk in the Cambodian capital. (Say Mony, Phnom Penh)

Campaigning Parties Vow More Freedom of Information

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

02 July 2013

Under the CPP-dominated Assembly, the Freedom of Information Law was rejected twice, in 2010 and 2012, without debate.

PHNOM PENH - With the national elections just a month away, representatives from major political parties excluding the ruling Cambodian People’s Party promise to ensure the approval of the long-awaited Freedom of Information Law if elected. The law would allow for better public access to government records, including for journalists and policymakers.

Proponents say it would spur greater transparency in the government, particularly in the extractive industries, which remain part of a lucrative, though secretive, sector. A draft version of the law has been stalled since 2007.

Cambodia Thanks US Officials for Returned Statues

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

22 June 2013

PHNOM PENH - New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art has returned two massive Angkorian statues to Cambodia.

Officials here say they are grateful to the US government for their help in the return, and for pursuing an ongoing court case to have another statue, currently housed at the auction house Sotheby’s, returned.

Young Voters Want Transparency and Less Corruption

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

17 June 2013

Transparency International Cambodia recently organized a ceremony for parties to pledge to fight against corruption.

PHNOM PENH - With just over a month to go before Cambodians head to the polls, a group of young voters say they are going to support the political parties most interested in fighting corruption. A group of high school and university students met in Phnom Penh recently to call for political candidates to provide more transparency in government and to work harder to end the country’s endemic corruption.

Politicians Pledged Transparency and Anti-Corruption

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

17 Jun 2013

Parties' Representatives Pledged Transparency and Anti-Corruption

With just over a month to go before Cambodians head to the polls, political parties promised to fight against corruption in ceremony organized by Transparency International Cambodia. Two parties, including the ruling Cambodian People's Party, declined to participate in the ceremony. (Say Mony, Phnom Penh)

Youth Can Mobilize for Change, Democracy Advocate Says

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

14 June 2013

Hoeun Sopheak, an advocate for the US-based International Republican Institute. Courtesy of Hoeun Sopheak.

PHNOM PENH - Cambodia’s young generation is now a majority of the population, giving them political clout, if only they use it, a youth advocate says. The next generation can push their government to make changes that young people want to see, Hoeun Sopheak, an advocate for the US-based International Republican Institute, told “Hello VOA” on Monday.

Demonstrators Hit With Water Canons as They Attempt to Block Street

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

30 May 2013

Phnom Penh police dispersed a protest with water canons from three separate fire trucks on Wednesday, after failing to negotiate with housing rights protesters.

PHNOM PENH — Phnom Penh police dispersed a protest with water canons from three separate fire trucks on Wednesday, after failing to negotiate with housing rights protesters. At least one person was knocked unconscious and several others were injured.

Before Water Canons, a Clash With a Police Chief

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

30 May 2013

When housing activists sought to block Monivong Boulevard on Tuesday, they were met by Phnom Penh's newest police chief, Chuon Sovann. Failing to negotiate to remove the protesters from the street, Chuon Sovann ordered three water canons on those who remained. The following is supplemental footage from the incident shot by VOA Khmer's Say Mony. You'll find the full story here:

Youth Still Lack Political Engagement, Advocate Says

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

17 May 2013

It is especially important that youth get more engaged in the political process as the country heads toward national elections in July, Cheang Sokha, executive director of the Youth Resource Development Program, told “Hello VOA” on Monday.

PHNOM PENH - Cambodian youth need to be politically active and engaged if they want to see their standards of living improved in the new mandate of government, a youth advocate says. It is especially important that youth get more engaged in the political process as the country heads toward national elections in July, Cheang Sokha, executive director of the Youth Resource Development Program, told “Hello VOA” on Monday.

Worker Killed in Factory Collapse Survived By Newborn

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

17 May 2013

Nine survivors of a shoe factory collapse in Kampong Speu province remained hospitalized Friday.

In interviews with VOA Khmer, several of them recounted the event, when a storage mezzanine loaded with manufacturing equipment fell.

Survivors considered themselves lucky to be alive, after they were nearly crushed by chunks of concrete and equipment at the Wing Stars factory.

The victims rushed to Calmette Thursday were the lucky ones, they said.

Rim Saroeun was not among them. He perished in the collapse. At his home in Bati district, Takeo province, family members mourned on Friday, weeping over his coffin, where his photograph hung, as they prepared for his funeral. He was married, with a one-month-old son. VOA Khmer's Say Mony reports from Takeo province.

Chinese Hydrodam Remains a Concern, Mystery to Locals

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

10 May 2013

Workers Demand Arrest of Chhouk Bandith

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

03 May 2013

Thousands of garment factory workers, activists and union leaders marched in the streets of Phnom Penh on May Day, demanding former Bavet city governor Chhouk Bandith be arrested for allegedly shooting into a crowd of workers last year, injuring three women. Workers say the courts dropped the case against Chhouk Bandith because of his political power. VOA Khmer's Say Mony reports from Phnom Penh.

Intimate Gathering Remembers Slain Environmental Activist

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

26 Apr 2013

On a road in Koh Kong province on Friday, Buddhist clergy and family members honored the environmentalist one year after his slaying. Chut Viuhy was shot dead at this remote location at a police check point during an NGO review of a forest area. VOA Khmer's Say Mony reports from Koh Kong province.

Youth Will Determine State of Corruption, Advocate Says

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

13 April 2013

Social activists carry an anti-corruption banner during a rally in Phnom Penh, file photo.

PHNOM PENH - With a major election on the horizon, the time has come for Cambodian youths to decide whether they want to eliminate corruption in their country, a transparency advocate says. Cambodia is ranked one of the most corrupt countries in the world, at a cost of hundreds of millions of dollars each year, but a great majority of the population is now under the age of 30.

Artists Want Cambodia Known for Its Work, Not Genocide

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

12 April 2013

The troupe will perform at the Abrons Arts Center in New York April 18 and April 19. Their performance, “Olden New Golden Blue,” explores the dancers’ relationship with their past.

PHNOM PENH - A group of performing artists in Cambodia say they are working to ensure that Cambodia is internationally known for more than a genocidal regime that ruled the country more than 30 years ago. That includes the ongoing performances now underway in New York for the Season of Cambodia festival—where many works and performances are on display in April and May.

As Dam Plan Goes Ahead, Villages Face Displacement

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

02 Apr 2013

Villagers living along the Sesan river in northeastern Cambodia protest the construction of the Sesan 2 dam in March 2013. The construction of the hydropower dam would force as many as 1,500 families to resettle.

PHNOM PENH — Along the lower Sesan River, villagers say they fear what a move will mean when a hydropower dam comes to Stung Treng province. Last month, hundreds of them marched along the river, protesting the construction of the dam, which would force as many as 1,500 families to resettle.

Housing Activist To Remain in Jail, Supreme Court Rules

Heng Reaksmey,Say Mony, VOA Khmer

28 March 2013

Yorm Bopha, 29, is imprisoned on charges related to violent demonstrations over a development project in the Boeung Kak lake neighborhood of Phnom Penh, which has displaced some 4,000 families.

More than 100 supporters demonstrated outside the court building on Wednesday morning March 27, 2013 to protest for the release of Yorm Bopha.

PHNOM PENH — The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the detention order of a housing activist named Yorm Bopha, who is serving a three-year sentence in what supporters say is a threat against the freedom of assembly. The court upheld a ruling from a lower court that she should remain in jail without bail.

Documentary Looks at Impact of Mekong Dams

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

22 March 2013

The Xayaburi dam, which would produce hydropower for market, has become a divisive issue among Mekong River countries.

PHNOM PENH - An updated documentary, “Where Have All the Fish Gone?,” examines the impacts of hydroelectric dams on the Mekong River. In particular, the film shows construction of the controversial Xayaburi dam, in Laos. The film screened recently at the Australian Center or Education in Phnom Penh.

Artists Prepare for Major Festival in New York

Say Mony, VOA Khmer
Sunday, 17 March 2013

Four years in the making, the “Season of Cambodia” festival will include 125 artists and take place at some of the most prominent venues in the city of New York

Cambodian Living Arts screen shot website

PHNOM PENH - Cambodian artists are preparing for a major festival to be held in the US in April and May. Four years in the making, the “Season of Cambodia” festival will include 125 artists and take place at some of the most prominent venues in the city of New York.

After 8 Months, Beehive Radio Owner Released From Prison

Say Mony, VOA Khmer
Saturday, 16 March 2013

The owner of Beehive Radio was released from prison on Friday, ending eight months of incarceration.

Mam Sonando told VOA Khmer in an interview his freedom was a small thing, but that he would continue broadcasting news to Cambodians and would continue his work with the Association of Democrats, a civic group he says aims at informing people about rights and democracy. He is not planning on joining any political parties, he said, despite broad support from the public.

On his release from prison Friday, supporters outside the jail called him a "hero."

VOA Khmer's Say Mony reports from Phnom Penh.

Multiple Skills Needed To Compete in a Future Asean, Economist Says

Say Mony, VOA Khmer
Saturday, 16 February 2013

The officers of U.N.-backed genocide tribunal meet high school students at Ek Phnom district in Battambang province, as they distribute recent verdict books of Khmer Rouge leader Kaing Guek Eav, northwest of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, May 5, 2011.

PHNOM PENH — Young Cambodians must develop diverse workplace skills if they are to compete in an integrated Asean, a leading economist and adviser to the government says. “We have to make sure we are able to do multiple things if others are able to do just one,” the adviser, Sok Siphana, told “Hello VOA” Monday. “If they know only one language, we need to know two.”

Cheap Labor in Cambodia Lures Garment Factories

Say Mony, VOA Khmer
Wednesday, 13 February 2013

China used to be the world's factory - workers were cheap, and manufactures liked the profit margin that meant, especially in the garment industry. But no more: China's laborers are now amongst Asian's best paid. Garment companies are looking for a better deal in Cambodian. VOA Khmer's Say Mony reports from Phnom Penh.

Mourners See Wisdom in Late Monarch’s Last Words

Say Mony, VOA Khmer
Tuesday, 12 February 2013

Cambodian mourners cry and pray outside a crematorium as the late King Norodom Sihanouk is cremated in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Monday, Feb. 4, 2013. Hundreds of thousands of mourners gathered in Cambodia's capital Monday for the cremation of Sihanouk, the revered "King-Father," who survived wars and the murderous Khmer Rouge regime to hold center stage in the Southeast Asian nation for more than half a century. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

PHNOM PENH - Although the late former king Norodom Sihanouk is gone, his admirers say they want to see the country’s political leaders follow his most important message: be united for the nation. “Before his death, His Majesty advised his people to stop quarreling with each other,” Ti Sam Ath, a farmer from Kampong Cham province, told VOA Khmer, following funeral ceremonies last week. “So I hope his words stay in the minds of all Cambodians.”

Sihanouk’s Golden Urn Returned to Royal Palace

Say Mony, VOA Khmer
Friday, 08 February 2013

Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni (L) and Queen mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk sit on the royal float as they transport urns with some of the cremains of former late King Norodom Sihanouk from a crematorium to the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh February 7, 2013. Some of Sihanouk's ashes were scattered near the confluence of the four rivers in Phnom Penh on Tuesday, while others were put in three urns, which, according to his wishes, will be placed on the grounds of the royal palace, media reported.

PHNOM PENH — The urn containing the late king Norodom Sihanouk’s remains was moved out of its crematorium on Thursday and into the Royal Palace, its final place of rest, on the last day of a weeklong funeral rite for the former monarch. A portion of Sihanouk’s remains were cast into the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers on Tuesday. A golden urn containing the other portion was moved from the Preah Meru field, where Sihanouk’s cremation took place on Monday, to the palace, in a procession limited to members of the royal family and key dignitaries.

Sihanouk Cremated, Surrounded by Cambodians

Say Mony, VOA Khmer
Tuesday, 05 February 2013

The body of Norodom Sihanouk was cremated Monday night in an elaborate Buddhist ceremony, under bright lights and stars, surrounded by tens of thousands of the people who looked up to him as a leader for more than six decades. The central quarter of Phnom Penh near the Royal Palace was filled with Cambodians, scores of them weeping. VOA Khmer's Say Mony spoke from the cremation site with VOA Khmer's Poch Reasey in Washington.

Weeping, Chanting, Praying, Cambodians Mourn Late King

Say Mony, VOA Khmer
Monday, 04 February 2013

Thousands poured onto the streets of the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh for the royal funeral procession carrying the casket of former King Norodom Sihanouk. He will be cremated Monday in a Buddhist ceremony. Cambodians old and young mourned the revered Norodom Sihanouk, who passed in Beijing in October at the age of 89. His casket moved through six kilometers of central Phnom Penh streets, departing the Royal Palace and arriving at the nearby cremation ground. They wept. They chanted. They prayed. Among them was a 59-year-old farmer from Kampong Cham province named Tia Tha. In tribute to the late King, Tia Tha chants a poem he wrote when he learned of Sihanouk's death. VOA Khmer’s Say Mony reports from Phnom Penh.

Mourning in the Streets as Sihanouk Cremation Ceremonies Begin

Say Mony, VOA Khmer
Saturday, 02 February 2013

The funeral procession for Cambodia's former king, Norodom Sihanouk, began Friday, starting in the pre-dawn hours as soldiers and military in ceremonial garb gathered in Phnom Penh, where between 1 million and 3 million mourners are expected to travel in coming days. Sihanouk will be cremated Monday, after days of ceremony, as Cambodians remember his legacy, which began with the country's independence from France in the 1950s, carried into the Khmer Rouge era, and only ended in 2004, when he abdicated and passed the throne to his son, Norodom Sihamoni. (VOA Khmer's Say Mony reports from Phnom Penh)

In Tribute, Musicians Perform Songs of Sihanouk

Say Mony, VOA Khmer
Friday, 01 February 2013

Foreign tourists, right, walk in front of Cambodia's late King Norodom Sihanouk portrait ahead of his funeral, Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The body of Sihanouk who died on Oct. 15, 2012 at age 89, is scheduled to be cremated on Feb. 4, 2013. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

PHNOM PENH - Norodom Sihanouk, the revered former king whose cremation ceremonies begin on Friday, was a music lover, singer and composer. In Phnom Penh, two separate groups of music students have decided to pay tribute to the former monarch by performing some of his favorite music. The musicians say that though the “King Father” is gone, his songs remain.

Campaign Launched for Release of Beehive Radio Owner

Say Mony, VOA Khmer
Friday, 25 January 2013

Mam Sonando has been in jail since his arrest in July, on charges he helped foment a secessionist group in Kratie province.

PHNOM PENH - The Cambodian Center for Human Rights has launched a public campaign to put pressure on authorities to release Beehive Radio owner Mam Sonando from prison. The campaign includes a “justice calendar,” which tracks the number of days he has been in jail, and a postcard design competition for the jailed radio broadcaster.

Youth Activist Says Social Media Has ‘Power’ in Cambodia

Say Mony, VOA Khmer
Thursday, 17 January 2013

Cambodian men are using internet at a coffee shop in Phnom Penh, file photo.

PHNOM PENH - Social media has the power to help Cambodia correct some of its social ills, including corruption and the abuse of power, a youth activist says. Tim Malay, head of the Cambodian Youth Network, told “Hello VOA” on Monday that YouTube, Twitter and Facebook, growing rapidly in popularity, help people share information on politics, economics, government and other important realms of daily life.

Art Pieces Dedicated to Late King Norodom Sihanouk

Say Mony, VOA Khmer
Monday, 14 January 2013

Thousands of mourners gather at the gates of the Royal Palace minutes after the coffin of former king Norodom Sihanouk arrived in Phnom Penh October 17, 2012.

PHNOM PENH - A renowned Cambodian artist has put on display four pieces of his latest work to honor and remember the late former king, Norodom Sihanouk, ahead of the monarch’s cremation ceremony next month. The Sihanouk works are mixed media hangings on pieces of cloth, hung on the walls of a gallery for artist Leang Seckon. They combine incense sticks and scraps of paper taken from gatherings of mourners outside the Royal Palace.

One Year After Borei Keila Eviction, 'No Solution'

Say Mony, VOA Khmer
Friday, 04 January 2013

In this photo taken on Friday, May 4, 2012, Cambodian protesters from Boueng Kak lake march with a banner displaying the thumb prints of fellow land owners who have been evicted from their homes, as they demand compensation, in Phnom Penh, file photo.

PHNOM PENH - It has been one year since the residents of the impoverished Phnom Penh neighborhood of Borei Keila were forcibly evicted and relocated to desolate camps outside the capital. Evictees marked the day Thursday with blessings from Buddhist monks and hopes they would be compensated by the development company, Phanimex.