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.

Courage Needed To Fight Corruption, Advocate Says

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

18 March 2014

Preap Kol, head of Transparency International Cambodia.

PHNOM PENH — Cambodians need to be more courageous in challenging endemic corruption, a development expert says. Preap Kol, head of Transparency International Cambodia, told “Hello VOA” last week that the more people challenge corruption, the more likely it is they will free themselves from it.

“We also help change our society and prevent others from falling victim to corruption,” 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.

Professionalism Best Mechanism to Protect Journalists, Expert Says

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

11 March 2014

Som Ratana, acting director of the department of media and communication at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, told “Hello VOA” on Monday.

PHNOM PENH — Journalists need to be more professional in their reporting, which is the best way to protect themselves, a media educator says. “Like any other profession, journalism can be risky, but if journalists follow their professional codes of conduct and ethics and work with responsibility, there should be no problems for them,” .

Som Ratana, acting director of the department of media and communication at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, told “Hello VOA” on Monday

In fact, Cambodia can be quite dangerous for reporters, and nearly a dozen murders of journalists over the years have gone unsolved. In recent labor demonstration crackdowns, several journalists were injured.

Former Hollywood Executive Builds Legacy for Cambodian Children

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

04 March 2014

Scott Neeson , left, the Executive Director of The Cambodian Children's Fund, a safe house for Cambodia's orphaned and abused children accepts the inaugural Q prize award from Quincy Jones, right, in New York on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2007

PHNOM PENH — For the past decade, a former Hollywood film CEO has made a difference for thousands of Cambodia's disadvantaged children and their families, helping in education, nutrition and health. Scott Neeson, who left his 26-year career in the film business, said he founded the Cambodian Children’s Fund after seeing children scavenge at a dump when he came to Cambodia as a tourist in 2003

“That was a real wake-up call, because prior to that I was living a very privileged life in the West,” he told VOA Khmer in a recent interview. “As I was living in Hollywood as a single guy, lots of beautiful women, boats, cars, movie stars—and all of the sudden, you’re confronted with the other extreme. And it’s very hard to turn your back once you’ve seen it.”

Political Parties Agree on Way Forward for Political Reform

Heng Reaksmey,Say Mony, VOA Khmer

19 February 2014

Hun Sen and Sam Rainsy meet for the first time after election on Sept 14, 2013. (Photo by Heng Reaksmey VOA Khmer)

PHNOM PENH — Cambodia’s ruling and opposition parties reopened negotiations on Tuesday, seeking to end a political deadlock that has been in place since July’s national elections. Negotiators from the Cambodian People’s Party and the Cambodia National Rescue Party spoke for more than two hours at the Senate building in Phnom Penh, agreeing to look for ways to reform Cambodia’s political process.

The two sides said in a joint statement they hoped to organize a national forum that would draw from the international community, local NGOs and other interested parties to work on reform.

Cambodians Becoming Less Likely Tolerate Corruption: Advocate

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

19 February 2014

Preap Kol, executive director of Transparency International Cambodia, on “Hello VOA” last week.

PHNOM PENH — An anti-corruption advocate says Cambodias no longer regard corruption as an everyday occurrent they must tolerate. “Cambodian people today have changed their attitude of ignorance to paying attention to corruption because they now understand its impacts more than before,” Preap Kol, executive director of Transparency International Cambodia, told “Hello VOA” last week.

Cambodia was listed as the most corrupt country in Southeast Asia last year, according to Transparency International’s annual index, which measures perceived corruption. And a recently released survey by the US-based International Republican Institute found that nearly 50 percent of Cambodians view corruption and nepotism as serious problems facing the country.

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)

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.