Police Blotter: 21 Oct 2009

Wednesday, 21 October 2009 15:04 Chrann Chamroeun

WOMAN ARRESTED IN STABBING DEATH
Kampong Chhnang provincial police on Sunday arrested Chea Sreynich, 25, for attacking her mother with a knife on July 20, inflicting fatal injuries. Police said that the attack occurred at their home after the mother, 64, blamed the accused for not being at home enough. She then attacked her mother with a knife and cut her on the foot. The mother was brought to the provincial hospital for medical treatment but succumbed to her injuries on August 22.
RASMEY KAMPUCHEA

SENIOR CITIZEN HELD IN DOUBLE RAPE
Pursat provincial police on Monday arrested a 64-year-old man who is suspected of raping two underage girls, aged 8 and 9 years. Victims told police from Roleap commune that the incident occurred when they were visiting their grandmother’s home last Tuesday. While their grandmother was out of the house, the man appeared and raped the girls, threatening to kill them if they told anyone. The man than asked the two girls to be his wives. Police said the suspect confessed to the crime.
KAMPUCHEA THMEy

BOYFRIEND ACCUSED IN WIDOW’S MURDER
The body of a woman thought to have been killed by her boyfriend was found in Chhouk Sork lake in Takeo province on Saturday, four days after the suspected attack. Police said the woman, Moeung Kunthy, 38, a widow who lived with her two sons in Daun Keo town, was killed by her boyfriend, who then threw her body in the lake and is currently on the run from local authorities.
KOH SANTEPHEAP

ARMED ROBBERS HIT B’BANG COUPLE
Five to six robbers invaded a house on Sunday night in Battambang province’s Banon district and severely injured the house’s owner. Masked and armed with a rifle, the robbers demanded gold and money, and then hit the female homeowner’s head with the weapon. After exchanging fire with police, the robbers fled after stealing almost 3 million riels (US$720) in cash and small a amount of gold.
RASMEY KAMPUCHEA

THREE ARRESTED IN HEAVILY ARMED HEIST
On Friday, Svay Rieng provincial police sent three men to provincial court in connection with a robbery that occurred last Wednesday at the border. Armed with rifles, an ax and poles, eight robbers attacked a couple who were sleeping at their house in Svay Chrom district. Beating the husband unconscious, the suspects left with pieces of gold, 7 million riels and US$480 dollars.
KOH SANTEPHEAP

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Still no rice exports to Philippines despite high demand after storms

Wednesday, 21 October 2009 15:03 Chun Sophal

THE head of the National Rice Millers Association of Cambodia (NRMAC) said Tuesday that Cambodia would not be selling rice this year to the Philippines, the world’s biggest importer, despite the country’s high demand for the crop following recent storms, because Vietnam had already sewn up agreements with Manila.

Phou Puy told the Post on Tuesday that he had contacted the Philippine government regarding the issue in an attempt to persuade the country to buy rice from Cambodia.

“We really want to sell rice to the Philippines, but we will be able to do so next year … not this year,” he said, adding that Cambodia was looking to supply 500,000 tonnes per year in future to its fellow ASEAN member.

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We have been trying to export ... but we have still not succeeded.
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Bloomberg reported Tuesday that Hanoi expected to start signing rice-export contracts with Manila from the end of this month, earlier than usual this year due to storms and flooding that have hit the archipelago in recent weeks. Vietnam was due to export about 250,000 tonnes to the Philippines, the report added.

Thun Vireak, director general of rice exporter Green Trade, said Tuesday that Vietnam remains the biggest obstacle to the Kingdom’s selling rice to the Philippines.

“We have been trying to export Cambodian rice to the Philippines, but we have still not succeeded,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Kampong Cham branch of the rice millers association said Tuesday that it planned to build a US$1 million rice mill to dry, mill and polish rice for export. Local association President Suor Kheang said half of the cost would be financed by members and the rest by a loan from the Rural Development Bank.

The operation would include a storehouse in the province’s Batheay district, a $60,000 drying machine to be imported from Taiwan, a $400,000 polishing machine from Vietnam and a $80,000 miller, also imported from Vietnam.

The mill, which will be capable of processing 10 tonnes of export-quality rice per hour, is expected to be running by January, Suor Kheang said.

The storehouse, which is under construction, will be able to hold 8,000 tonnes of milled rice or paddy. Suor Kheang said the association was still awaiting delivery of the machines.

Rural Development Bank Chairman Sun Kunthor said the bank had lent $18 million to local miller associations this year to buy rice and build small and medium-size millers.

“We are ready to provide loans to support associations in various provinces who wish to build mills and buy paddy to produce quality rice to export,” he said.

Cambodia, which produces around 7 million tonnes of paddy every year, has only limited rice exports due to a lack of milling capacity.

Earlier this month, the NCRMA said it had missed its deadline for delivery of a shipment of jasmine rice to Hong Kong that had been billed as a milestone for the sector’s export hopes.

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The Phnom Penh Post News in Brief

In Brief: Camko houses ready

Wednesday, 21 October 2009 15:03 Soeun Say

CAMKO City has already accommodated 73 families at its first phase of the satellite city on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, an employee said Tuesday. Kheng Ser, assistant to contractor World City Co Ltd Vice President Duk-kon Kim, said 85 percent of phase one had been sold, adding that the downturn had not negatively affected sales. World City had built and sold 164 townhouses and 18 villas, he added. South Korea’s Shinhan Bank, which also operates local subsidiary Shinhan Khmer Bank, has backed the project with US$2 billion.

In Brief: TV-ad consolidation

Wednesday, 21 October 2009 15:03 Nathan Green

GLOBAL consumer products maker Unilever has consolidated its Cambodia TV planning and buying operations with local advertising agency River Orchid Cambodia. The agency, which is part of the Southeast Asia-focused River Orchid Group, won the contract in a competitive pitch involving local competitors and global media agency Mindshare, General Manager Anthony Polovineo said Tuesday. The company previously split its TV buying between Mindshare and River Orchid.

In Brief: Workers to SKorea fall

Wednesday, 21 October 2009 15:03 May Kunmakara

MINISTRY of Labor and Vocational Training figures show Cambodia sent 1,276 migrant workers to South Korea in the first nine months of 2009, down 17 percent from 1,537 workers over the same period a year earlier. Heng Sour, the ministry’s official in charge of migrant labour relations with South Korea, said last week the drop was due to the effect of the economic crisis on South Korea. “It has not happened only for us, but also for the other 15 countries that send workers there,” he said.

In Brief: Telecoms meet Friday

Wednesday, 21 October 2009 15:03 Nathan Green

A TELECOMS meeting between Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications officials and the private sector originally scheduled for last Friday will now be held this Friday morning, a manager in the industry said. The meeting was postponed because Minister So Khun and ministry Director General Mao Chakrya were in Laos last week attending the launch of a Viettel mobile-phone network in the country. The meeting was originally scheduled to discuss September 29 circular warning firms in the sector over “free” and low tariffs as well as tax obligations. However, the manager said “all known topics” were now on the table.

In Brief: Maybank opens branch

Wednesday, 21 October 2009 15:03 Nguon Sovan

KUALA Lumpur-based Maybank opened its sixth Cambodia branch Monday which it hopes will help boost loan and deposit growth by 38 percent and 15 percent respectively by June next year, according to a press release. The branch was opened near Phnom Penh’s Olympic Stadium, it added. “The new branch will tap the growing opportunities in Cambodia,” Abdul Farid Alias, Maybank’s senior executive vice president, said in the announcement, adding that deposits and total assets for Cambodia operations grew by 27 percent over the past three years.

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In their own words: Getting students fired up for film

Photo by: MAX DOHERTY

Working with Cambodian university students on producing live, recorded and streamed student productions.

Wednesday, 21 October 2009 15:01 Tristan Chan

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

University of Puthisastra launches Cambodia’s first campus TV station run by and for students

Inspired by his undergraduate days working on productions for Leeds Student Television, Max Doherty decided to spearhead Cambodia’s first wholly student-managed, conceptualised and catered-for university television station. Calling it University of Puthisastra Student Television (UPSTV), Doherty desires for the university to enter student video competitions and develop international collaborations with other university video clubs.

What were you doing previously before coming to Cambodia?

Previously, I was producing promotional videos for AIESEC (Association for International Students in Economics and Commerce) exchange programmes and creating a video for AIESEC International Youth Conference. I was also involved in production work for the BBC and Tate Gallery of Modern Art and spent nearly a year in Uganda as an AIDS volunteer, educating youths about the risks of infection and transmission of STDs.

What was the inspiration for the idea of setting up a film club?

I was a member of a similar club at the University of Leeds, and when I heard that there was no equivalent in Cambodia, I became very excited about the prospect of starting one here. I think Cambodia is in a fascinating transition to modernity, and seeing this from a Cambodian viewpoint will be very interesting.

How did you select the university to be the host or originator of this initiative? Why was it suitable?

The University of Puthisastra is a dynamic new university which has an excellent open-minded approach to new ideas. University of Puthisastra aims to provide a more exciting student experience and a vibrant campus culture which is currently lacking in Cambodian universities. UP plans to increase the number of choices available to its students by improving extracurricular activities.

How will UPSTV build external relationships and increase the professional exposure of students?

UPSTV will build relationships with local production companies by inviting filmmakers to conduct training seminars, bringing in individuals to judge UPSTV videos, making trips to shooting locations and eventually having members undertake internships. Activities include film and editing training, group video projects, film screening events, international film competitions and film video trips. UPSTV will very rapidly build relationships with the broader community especially the Phnom Penh video/film and media scene.

How can UPSTV build global recognition and advancement of UP?

Entries to international film competitions aim to attract attention from media, government and other universities as some of the only student videos from Cambodia being submitted. Winning these competitions would be an extra credential and sense of accomplishment for UPSTV and the institution.

What type of students do you hope will participate in this project?

No prior experience making videos will be necessary for successful application. The essential attributes for a UPSTV member to possess are enthusiasm, dedication and above all creativity. I want members to develop their own unique styles.

What aspects of Cambodian culture/lifestyle or history do you hope to have students examine?

I hope that students’ films will help portray how the country is changing and give an idea about where Cambodian society is headed. I’m not particularly interested in endlessly dragging the Khmer Rouge period onto the screen. I feel it’s a shame that ‘Khmer Rouge’ is the first thing that comes to mind when Cambodia is mentioned to foreigners. I want to force students to be creative and display Cambodia’s rapidly changing society in innovative ways.

What is the objective of the film club in educating/informing students?

Long-term active membership of the club will produce an individual who is very well-placed to seek employment in TV/film production. I would also like to see the club’s members making critical observations on the world around them and developing a culture of questioning norms when making documentary films.

What external services do you hope to benefit external organizations and the local community?

UPSTV will very rapidly build a relationship with the broader community especially the Phnom Penh video/film and media scene. Eventually I want to be producing young filmmakers of a good enough calibre to intern in local production companies.

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Learning about the recent past

Photo by: DC-CAM

Helping young Cambodians better understand the darkest stage and political problems of their country’s history.

DC-Cam gives books to Takeo high school

On October 9, the Documentation Center of Cambodia (DC-Cam) distributed textbooks about the Khmer Rouge to high school students in the Samrong district of the Takeo province.? The book, A History of Democratic Kampuchea, was written by Khamboly Dy of DC-Cam in partnership with the Cambodian Ministry of Education.? According to one estimate by the Cambodian Ministry of Education, about 85 percent of educated people were killed during that time.? Khamboly Dy compared Cambodian society after the fall of the Khmer Rouge to a broken glass; a shattered society which was very difficult to reconstruct. Khamboly Dy further remarked that none of the students in the audience were alive during the period of Democratic Kampuchea, but that many of their parents and grandparents suffered during that time.? He argued that there was even a greater imperative for students to learn about the history of the Khmer Rouge.? The younger generation, he explained, could draw on this knowledge to build a more peaceful society.

Wednesday, 21 October 2009 15:01 Mom Kunthear

Students confront Kingdom’s tragic past

Youk Chhang, director of the Documentation Centre of Cambodia, said that the institute has planned to distribute more than a million Khmer Rouge history books to the students in 1,321 schools over the country, and that over the course of the year has distributed only about 400,000 books because of an insufficient budget for printing the books.

“We are going to distribute around 700,000 Khmer Rouge history books next year to the other students who have not got the book yet, and I think at least they have one Khmer Rough history book in their hand,” he said.

He added that the centre doesn’t force them to learn, but that it is their obligation to be informed about the era. As Khmer children, they have to learn about their own history in order to build the country. Youk Chhang said, “If we don’t learn our history, it is very difficult to build our country in the future”.

“For the first time, everyone thinks that Khmer Rouge is a political problem, but actually it is not, and I think the students are the effective agents of change for our country by changing their lives to be educators by learning the Khmer history,” Youk Chhang said.

Tan Ratana, 20, a 12th-grade student at Russey Keo High School, said that her parents and grandmother used to tell her about the Khmer Rouge regime.

“Even though I was not yet born at that time, I believe that Cambodia suffered the brutality of the Pol Pot regime in our country, but as I read, watched and listened to the old people speak about that convincingly, I became horrified and surprised. I believed it had those adverse effects, with a turn of events that was cruel and unbelievable to the extent of Khmer people daring to kill each other like that,” she said.

“I have never learned about the Khmer Rouge history, but I am happy if I can learn about it because I am afraid of foreign youths or students asking me, and it will be shameful if I cannot answer their questions about the Khmer Rouge,” she said.

Photo by: DC-CAM

Him Huy’s former boss, Tuol Sleng prison chief Duch (fourth from right), pictured here at the detention centre during the Khmer Rouge regime.

Luch Bunchhoeun, 28, a 12 th-grade student at the Prah Soramarith Buddhist school, said he has nearly finished reading the Khmer Rouge history book he recieved from DC-Cam.

“Before, I did not read it and I believed only 50 percent of it to be true, but now I do believe it entirely because what the elder witnesses of the regime have said has proved to be evidence,” he said.

He added that what they did at that time was very wrong and cruel – and that as human beings they should not kill someone.

“Younger generations have to learn about Khmer Rouge history, but the trainers have to find the ways of teaching them in order to avoid the students following the Khmer Rouge leaders’ step,” Luch Bunchhoeun said.

Ros Ravuth, a teacher at Chaktomok High School, said that he supports and encourages the Cambodian students learning about Khmer Rouge history.

“The Khmer Rouge history is not only intended for the knowledge of older people, but also for Khmer youths. As they are young and impressionable, it is critical that they know about Khmer history,” he said.

He continued that it can be of significance to the students’ feelings, as many are not aware about the atrocities and bloodshed that the nation committed within its own borders by killing intellectuals in religious, scientific and artistic communities.

“The aim of the education is not to turn the students against the leaders of the Khmer Rouge regime in order to avenge their forefathers,” he added.

“We simply want them to know and review what happened with their parents or relatives at that time.”

Ou Eng of the Ministry of Education said that students and youths should take the effort to read as many books as they can about the Khmer Rouge history.

“Most young people, in this age of technology and globalisation, don’t believe what happened during the Khmer Rouge regime, and they laughed when they learned that people of that era did not have anything to eat,” he said.

“I think it is very good for all young students to learn to know their country’s history in order for them to be mindful of what they have to avoid and which successes or merits they have to follow.”

Dy Khamboly, the author of the Khmer Rouge history book, regards the text as a document to be used by the next generation to find the solutions to prevent a similar apocalypse from again engulfing the country.

“I think that they will not become vindictive after absorbing lessons from the book, but they can find solutions for finding peace, harmony and reconciliation,” he said.

“We introduce the facts about the Khmer Rouge – we don’t use the interpretation, we don’t use propaganda, we use facts. And we try to balance, to make the book neutral, not to take sides,” he added.

“That is very important, to know exactly what happened in Cambodia from 1975 to 1979; the real events – not the propaganda, not the hatred – because from now on we need to focus on peace and reconciliation, and justice. Not on hatred or any propaganda.”

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Scholars to lead pharmacies of nation's future

Photo by: JUDE MAK

Him Narorn (left) and Lim Lyna obtained three-year scholarships to study pharmacology in Denmark at the Danish College of Pharmacy Practice.

Wednesday, 21 October 2009 15:01 Jude Mak

Danish pharmacist enables students to train and practice pharmacology in his homeland

Two Khmer students have been given the opportunity to pursue pharmacology studies in Denmark, thanks to the assistance of Dr Peter Kielgast.

The doctor, a native of the northern European country, is sponsoring students Him Narorn and Lim Lyna, from Kampong Cham and Siem Reap, respectively.

The pair arrived in Denmark earlier this month to enrol in a one-year language course. Afterward, they will start a three-year bachelor’s in pharmacy programme at Pharmakon Danish College of Pharmacy Practice, in the city of Hillerod, north of Copenhagen.

The sponsorship includes accommodation, tuition, and a monthly allowance for food and transportation amounting to US$20,000 per student per year.

Kielgast, owner of the Taastrup pharmacy group and former president of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (IPF), has been working with Cambodians for several years.

His relationship with Cambodia started five years ago when he met Cambodia’s former health minister, Nuth Sokhom, at a meeting in Geneva. Nuth Sokhom was the one who convinced him to examine the health situation in Cambodia.

“I established a dialogue which later resulted in having me serve as adviser to the Pharmaceutical Association of Cambodia. This led to a number of working visits to Cambodia,” explained Kielgast.

Around the same time, the World Health Organisation (WHO) suggested that a degree in pharmacology that took less than five years to complete should be introduced to countries that were understaffed in pharmacists.

Since such a programme had not yet been implemented in Cambodia, the doctor decided to personally finance qualified students who wished to study overseas in his native country. Good command of the English language was an essential qualification for the sponsporship.

In the Paul Dubrule School of Hotel and Tourism in Siem Reap, Kielgast discovered an abundance of bright and outstanding students that he felt deserving of consideration for a scholarship.

“I discovered that students who graduated from this school not only had a good knowledge of English but were also knowledgeable about service and management, which is essential in good pharmacy practice. So the first students I decided to sponsor were recruited were recent graduates from that school,” he explained.

“I decided this year to offer the education to a few students as part of my commitment to help develop pharmacy practice in Cambodia,” he added.

The students were selected in June this year and were accompanied to Denmark by the doctor himself since it was their first time traveling overseas.

Him Naroron, 24, who graduated from the hotel and tourism school in 2006 and has worked in various positions in hotels in Siem Reap, said he has learned some Danish words since his arrival.

“The weather, food and people are different from Cambodia,” he said of adapting to his new home. “In the first few days it seemed a little difficult. But it is not a [big] matter for me to adapt and practice my professional life here.”

Lim Lyna, who graduated from the Paul Dubrule School earlier this year, was the other recipient.

“I have adjusted my new life in Denmark because Mr Peter Kielgast has provided a lot of things for both of us. Thus, it has made our life in Denmark very comfortable,” he said. He said he was grateful to the doctor for his funding and support.

Upon the completion of their studies, both students would like to continue their training in Denmark and ultimately return to Cambodia to work, ideally establishing their own pharmacy, they said.

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Cramming into extra classes ahead of exams

Photo by: Borei Sylyvann
Students flocking for enrichment classes and resources that boost their academic skills.

Wednesday, 21 October 2009 15:01 Prum Seila

Students turn to the part-time school Chey Thavy in the hopes of getting admitted to competitive prestigious universities

While explaining a mathematical lesson to his calculus class in Chey Thavy part-time school, Chao Kek uses an amplifier to speak to hundreds of students packed in a big classroom.

“No school like this one is able to teach 300 students at once,” said Phoeung Sivon, the owner of Chey Thavy part-time school. He is aware of the popularity of this specially tailored preparation class for examinations. “Some even sit on extra chairs in order to study in the classroom,” she added.

Chey Thavy provides special intensive classes in a variety of subjects including mathematics, Khmer literature, chemistry, physics and others. Some of its classes start as early as seven in the morning and go on until 7pm, said Phoeung Sivon, “Before, the school even started earlier, but because the security of the students, the school has to start at this time.”

With a humble beginning as a small wooden flat that housed a few classrooms, Chey Thavy in its 17 years of existence has now expanded to 40 spacious and well-tended classrooms, said Chao Kek, a teacher at Chey Thavy. Chao Kek has taught for this school since it began operation.

The enrichment centre provides all forms of tuition and education support – including preparation for final high school exams, university entry exams and scholarship examinations. Chao Kek said that Chey Thavy is the most recommended and accepted place where students of all levels and backgrounds can receive support for their weaker subjects as well as acquire more knowledge or skills in areas they are strong in.

“Chey Thavy has even prepared students vying for entrance into Cambodian Institute of Technology, and the medicine faculty,” said Chao Kek.

According to Chao Kek, this school gained popularity during the early 1990s – it was then when the founder of the school created and conducted a customised preparation class for high school graduates to prepare for the state university entrance examinations.

Previously, the government switched to a system in which high school graduates with the best scores would receive a scholarship and enjoy the privilege of having the university entrance examinations waived.

“Chey Thavy School has become even more popular for the 12th-grade students from all over the country to seek good lessons, learn useful exercises, and benefit from thorough explanations. “The classes usually get bigger a few months before the actual final high school exam,” Chao Kek explained.

“It is the sole education centre for students that is important to their growth in understanding their studies because they ensure that only qualified and well-known teachers are used—some of the teachers also lecture in the university,” says Teng Chan Karuk Ratha, an undergraduate who used to study in Chey Thavy.

“Students are able to find teachers at the differing levels,” said Ratha, who is a former top mathematics student in the city. He adds: “Beginners can find simple and clear assessments that have easily understood exercises while more advanced students also come here to find the most challenging or stimulating exercises.”

“Classes are flexible and affordable. If students don’t need and wish to be excluded from any class, they do not need to attend those and don’t have to pay, ” said Phoeung Sivorn, a high school student in Phnom Penh.

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Cambodian youths worry about safety amid crime reports

Photo by: Kounila Keo

Cambodian youths like Yin Narin (pictured) are anxious and fearful of an increasing incidence of crime in their country.

Wednesday, 21 October 2009 15:01 Kounila Keo

University students relate fears for their security and stability in these uncertain times in the capital city

Ask many Cambodian university students today and you will be lucky to hear them say that they feel safe and secure in the own country. Several university students recently interviewed agree that something is amiss in Cambodia’s society.

Eap Navy, 22, a student at Royal University of Law and Economics, says she feels increasingly less secure about where she lives because Cambodia is not as it used to be.

“Before, I wasn’t afraid that crime or robbery would happen to me, but since I’ve heard the number of thefts and burglaries is rising, I’ve started to be more careful and concerned. Sometimes when I arrive home at night, I dare not get out of my car; I will just call my father and wait inside for him to come and get me,” Eap Navy said.

Local newspapers feature frequent daily reports on homicides, robberies, rape cases and traffic accidents, many with gruesome pictures that have changed the perception of some students.

Yin Narin, a second-year student in finance and banking at the Royal University of Law and Economics, is of the opinion that the capital is a lot less safer than most provinces. ‘‘In the city, there are many crimes, robberies, traffic accidents and incidents of theft and cheating,” he said.

“It’s unpredictable, living in the city. Anything can happen. I always keep my eyes wide open for anything bad. Everyone can see crime reports in the newspapers, and it’s getting too much day by day,” said Narin.

“I think crimes mostly exist because of unemployment. We can’t eliminate all of them, but it should be decreasingly quickly or kept to a minimum because of the government’s efforts.” Many have blamed the ineffective and unreliable ways of criminal law enforcement.

“The level of safety in my community is not good because the law is not effective to punish the offender. Some corrupt police work with robbers and let them slip away from jail, which makes the people lose trust in police,” said Ngoeum Phally, 21, from Norton University. She added: ‘‘I normally feel afraid that all forms of crime may occur to me or my family. I’m even frightened that someone may break in to my home while I am asleep.’’ She adds, “It is a good solution if the law is enforced in order to make people feel good towards authority and contribute to prevent the crimes.”

Robbed and fearful for their lives

Ly Soheng, 24, a student at Royal University of Phnom Penh, said he was intimidated by a gang as he was walking home alone at night.

“I was threatened for money and detained by a gang member who had caught me. I did not dare to cry for help and let them flee,” Ly Soheng said.

“Every day, the security of our surroundings is poor, especially when we leave out our belongings such as a motorbike or bicycle – we are afraid of losing them. Cambodia today can’t be compared with Cambodia before the Khmer Rouge,” he added.

Seng Phors, a member of Khmer Language National Committee, has witnessed the social transformation and deterioriation of safety in Cambodia. ‘‘Things aren’t the same and problems have to be resolved as soon as possible,” Seng Phors said.

“In fact, not only university students but the entire country is fearful for their own security because the country is getting less safe and secure. We are entering a stage where young people recognise that there is less security.”

“The old and the young are different. The young don’t have something to compare with, but because of what the older people have gone through – they are affected by their experiences from peace and war. What the children are content with is not the same as the old.”

He believes that the increasing rate of crimes stems from a lack of respect of morality in society.

“Cambodia has gone through so much social change. With developments come complex problems that need to be tackled. The biggest obstacle is the decline and downfall of people’s morality.”

“It’s very difficult to understand and explain why Cambodia’s society has changed from safe to dangerous. I think it’s mostly from the rapid adoption of external influences. It has largely been due to bad effects on Cambodia’s society, something that the media and cinema transmits, and has had deep impact on people.”

Sao Chamhorm, a coordinator at the rights group Licadho, is concerned about the increasing rate of reported crimes. She says she’s most concerned about criminals who have not been brought to court. She is also disturbed by the wave of gruesome and bloody news reports.

“The grim reports only make university students and other Cambodians increasingly worried about their safety, as the culture of impunity is still a serious matter,” she said.

“To make everybody feel secure, the government must tighten their laws, bring culprits to justice and make Cambodia a law-abiding state.”

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Getting a visa doesn't have to be a gigantic ordeal

Photo by: SARAH OUTHWAITE

Locating evidence, organising facts and preparation for embassy interviews are some of the services offered by EWVS’s Damon Kennedy (left) and Rasmey Sokmongkol.

Wednesday, 21 October 2009 15:01 Sarah Outhwaite

Agents say acceptance is all about presentation – and they’re here to aid in that particular chore

“Anyone can get a visa to come to Cambodia, but just try getting out!” says Rasmey Sokmongkol.

He makes it his business to understand Cambodians’ struggles to complete applications for Western visas. His company, East West Visa Services, eases the confusion of this process. It shows clients that often the barrier to a foreign visa lies not in a personal situation, but in its presentation.

Part detective, part storyteller and part guidance counselor, Rasmey Sokmongkol sifts through clients’ lives to find proof of visa suitability. Alongside his co-workers, he locates evidence, organises facts into compelling narratives and drills his clients by preparing them for embassy interviews.

Rasmey Sokmongkol considers foreign visas crucial for the overflowing Cambodian workforce.

“In Cambodia you’ve got 10,000 jobs for 50,000 job-seekers,” he says. In addition to temporary visas, EWVS works to place skilled Cambodian workers in long-term foreign jobs.

“We try to connect them with leading employers,” Rasmey Sokmongkol says. “Guarantees are unethical, but we are working hard toward job placements for high-end university graduates.”

For some Cambodians, EWVS provides help in situations that seem impossible.

Sokna Rankry sought an Australian visa to live with her new husband.

“I love my husband, I want to be with him.... So many things to think about, and so many things can go wrong,” she says.

All Cambodian travellers are categorised as high flight risks when travelling to Western nations. Laws assume that Cambodian citizens automatically improve their quality of life by moving to a Western nation. Wealthy countries, therefore, consider all Cambodian visa applicants to be potential flight risks and future illegal immigrants, until proved otherwise. This is where EWVS comes in to fill the gaps between immigration authorities and those planning on migration for employment. Case specialists assemble tangible evidence for the existence of a client’s job, family and active bank account – ties strong enough to assure that visas will not be abused.

Even romantic relationships and marriages must be proved genuine and ongoing.

By assembling phone records, emails, past visit visas and statements from old friends, EWVS can even validate love.

According to EWVS United States specialist Damon Kennedy, the single most common cause for visa rejection is a lack of guidance, or harmful guidance. Some rogue visa agents cheat clients and weigh them down with false evidence – but even these obstacles can be overcome by telling the truth, he said.

Rasmey Sokmongkol has operated in Cambodia for eight years and won respect in a business sector populated by dishonest agents. EWVS relies on carefully written contracts.

It only accepts client money if a case pre-qualifies as likely to succeed, and it offers a full refund if an embassy indicates EWVS services as a cause for rejection. Case fees range from $500 to $1,000 for first-time applicants.

“People denied think they’ll never get a visa,” says Kennedy. “They go back to their home, and never get to travel.” Standard reorganisation of a case, he emphasises, makes all the difference for foreign employment, education, or simple tourism.

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Breakdancers face taxing times

Photo by: TRACEY SHELTON

Wednesday, 21 October 2009 15:00 Tracey Shelton

A member of the Tiny Toones breakdancing crew does a backflip during a display at Hun Sen Park on Sunday. The event included a “battle”, or breakdance competition, and drew a crowd of around 200 despite the rain. However, plans to hold it as a weekly event are up in the air after police demanded a “grass tax” from the group.

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Cambodian U16s lose all five qualifiers

Wednesday, 21 October 2009 15:00 Ung Chamroeun

THE Cambodian national team completed their woeful winless campaign in the AFC U16 Championship 2010 qualifiers, with a 5-0 loss to Group G winners North Korea Monday.

Just two minutes in, North Korean forward Kim Song Ho opened the scoring. Jo Kwang then compounded problems for the Cambodian youngsters with a brace either side of the interval. Despite Cambodia throwing on three defenders in the second half, a further double from North Korea’s Ri Ji Song sealed the rout, condemning Cambodia’s fate of bottom place in the group with a goal difference of negative 32 from five games.

With the win, North Korea took first place in Group G with 13 points. There was heartbreak for hosts Thailand, as they threw away a 2-1 lead against South Korea to end the game 2-2 thanks to a late equaliser by Kwon Chang-hoon. The draw allowed Vietnam – also on 8 points after a 0-0 draw with Myanmar on Monday – to claim the remaining automatic qualification place due to their 1-0 head-to-head victory against Thailand. The Thais will wait for other nations to play out their group fixtures to see if their record is good enough to qualify as top third-place finishers.

Iran are current reigning AFC U16 champions, having beaten South Korea 2-1 in the finals in Uzbekistan last year.

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Exiles make sports donations

Photo by: Joe Garrison

Members of the Dubai Exiles Rugby Club pose with children of the Sunrise Children’s Village on the newly constructed sports court in Takhmau during a visit last year.

Wednesday, 21 October 2009 15:00 Ray Leos

Dubai Exiles Rugby Club have made numerous trips to Cambodia to play in the Angkor 10s tournaments and give money to local charity organisations

AS rugby clubs from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond descend upon Phnom Penh this weekend for the ANZ Royal Bank Angkor 10s, many of the city’s pubs and restaurants are preparing for the hordes of tired, battered rugby players, recovering from their bumps and bruises from a hard day on the pitch, and toasting their fellow combatants with a cold beverage for a job well done.

“The social part of rugby, that’s what makes the sport so special,” said Angkor 10s Tournament Co-Chairman Peter Maley. “Play hard, then have a few beers after the game with the opposing team. It’s all good fun.”

Now in its ninth year, the Angkor 10s has gained a reputation for being one of the most popular social rugby tournaments in Asia.

“We always focus on the social stuff, people having a good time during the weekend,” said Maley. “But there’s always some good rugby played, with some pretty decent teams coming every year.”

“We really enjoy coming here,” remarked Tim Lacey of the Dubai Exiles Rugby Club from the United Arab Emirates, who, along with teammate Jim Darbyshire, will be making his sixth visit to the tournament. “Phnom Penh is a fun place to spend the weekend, and the rugby played is pretty decent,”

“Sometimes we even do well on the field,” he added, referring to his club’s success in the Bowl Trophy in last year’s tournament.

But for the Exile players, their annual trip to the Angkor 10s is not just about the rugby games and the parties. It is also about helping the less fortunate.

“When our team first came to Cambodia [in 2004], we were really taken by the country,” notes Lacey. “But we were also affected seeing all the poverty and the challenges that many disadvantaged people and especially disadvantaged kids face here. We wanted to do something, to make a difference each year we came for the tournament.”

The Exiles decided to make a difference through something they were familiar with: sport.

In 2007, the club made an initial contribution toward the construction cost of a new sports court surface at the Sunrise Children’s Village orphanage in Takhmau.

Construction of the facility was completed in 2008, and the multipurpose surface allows the children to play a variety of sports and not be affected by the rainy-season downpours that often flood the facility’s grass fields. In their visit during last year’s Angkor 10s, the Exiles also contributed an additional US$5,000 to Sunrise for the purchase of new sports equipment.

Over the past six years, the team has also made sizeable contributions to other local NGOs serving disadvantaged youth, such as the Indochina Starfish Foundation and M’Lop Tapang in Sihanoukville.

The Exiles have also been steadfast supporters of the Cambodian Federation of Rugby (CFR), donating cash, jerseys, and rugby balls for the Cambodian junior teams.

CFR Vice President Philippe Monnin praised the Exiles for their charitable efforts, along with their generous support of local youth rugby development.

“They have always been a great friend of the Federation,” said Monnin. “Every year they are so generous to us. We value their support.”

Lacey stated this year the Exiles plan to make additional $5,000 donations to the CFR, as well as to Sunrise, Starfish, and M’Lop Tapang.

Although he is not willing to predict how his team will fare in this year’s tournament, Lacey believes the club’s visit to Cambodia will be a success, no matter what happens on the field.

“We believe rugby is a perfect vehicle to do good deeds, and it is an important aspect of our club ethos,” he stated. “Helping others – that’s what makes our club proud.”

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Brief News

Brief: U23 overturn two goals

Wednesday, 21 October 2009 15:00 ANDY BROUWER

HO CHI MINH – The Cambodian U23 national football team came from behind to win 3-2 Sunday in their second friendly game against V-League Division 1 side A Dong Nai in Ho Chi Minh City. Head coach Scott O’Donell gave the thumbs up to his players for their second success of their training tour in Vietnam. “We were playing quite well and restricted them to very few chances but conceded two very soft goals after 50 minutes,” he said. “But credit to the players. They showed a lot of character to get back into the game and scored three goals [via Nov Soseila, Kuoch Sokumpheak and Chhun Sothearath] to win the game.” The U23s will have a couple more games before they return home in time for the four-team BIDC Cup that will take place in Phnom Penh in early November.
A low-scoring week in the Post Fantasy league saw Jack Ellis’ team Norfolknchance and Art Cricket’s Super Kricket share the spoils with 65 points each. Jack Ellis contradicted his team’s namesake, fielding the infallible Fabregas as captain for 16 points, as well as Aston Villa’s star defender Richard Dunne for 11 points, while Art Cricket made similar picks and gave Villa’s James Collins a run out for 10 points. Both managers collect US$20 phone credit and T-short courtesy of Cellcard. Next week’s managerial manouevres must be made before 5:30pm Saturday.

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