Cambodian Land Grabs Threaten Traditional Communities

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

26 March 2015

RATANAKIRI PROVINCE, CAMBODIA— Seoung Sarat survived several bloody Cambodian regimes and civil wars. But only when his country was at peace was he shot and lost a leg.

The indigenous Tompuon man, now living in a borrowed home in the forest of Ratanakiri province, says he lost his right leg in 2009 because of a conflict with a company that was granted his land by the government to use for large-scale farming.

“When I stood up to protest, they said they had already given the land to the company. So that’s why the company ordered their soldiers to shoot me," he said.

For Cambodian Kids, a Tinseltown Legacy

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

14 March 2014

VIDEO: After visiting an infamous Cambodian garbage dump, former Hollywood executive started helping poor children fulfill dreams of a better future. Colin Lovett narrates this report by Say Mony in Phnom Penh.

PHNOM PENH — He spent decades selling Hollywood magic on screens across the globe, until a brief visit to Phnom Penh's infamous Stung Meanchey garbage dump gave former CEO Scott Neeson the wake up call of a lifetime.

Families Want ‘Justice’ for Slain Workers

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

06 February 2014

PHNOM PENH — Families of garments workers shot dead in Phnom Penh early last month say they are appealing for justice for their loved ones.

At least four people were killed when police fired on demonstrators during the Jan. 3 crackdown. No one has been arrested or reprimanded in the wake of the shootings.

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)

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.

'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.