Tan and Trev

Rosenfield speaker

2006-02-12T21:34:00.000+10:30

A survivor of the Khmer Rouge brutality, Chivy Sok, takes centre stage in a week-long symposium on genocide prevention.

"Being stripped of family or any concept of love was probably the most horrifying experience of my life. From the time you woke up to the time you went to sleep we worked digging ditches, planting and harvesting rice," she is quoted here as saying.

Chef recalls terror

2006-02-09T21:12:00.000+10:30

The Herald Sun piece about Hutchison's life since serving as a United Nations peacekeeper in Cambodia shows that even Australian are still feeling the effects of events in 1992.

Another view of crunchy spiders

2006-02-09T20:44:00.000+10:30

One of our older post that rates well among folk searching Google involves fried spiders of Skoun. Ewen Bell has this offering that shows business is still booming.

Historic trail set for tourist revival

2006-02-05T18:03:00.000+10:30

Guy Nicholson says a long-lost stone roadway once linked the Laos ruins of Wat Phu Champasak with Cambodia's Angkor.

If it still existed today, it would be a cultural and historical superhighway comparable to the Inca Trail or the Silk Road, but the route was already long overgrown by the time the region's modern borders were drawn in the colonial era.

The revolutions of the 1970s closed temples and borders alike. Geography and security issues have long made it cumbersome and dangerous to visit these ruins as a united whole.

... When the infrastructure improves, there's every chance that tourist demand will resurrect the historic connection between Laos and Cambodia.

Traditional salves and western methods

2006-02-02T21:18:00.000+10:30

The International Herald Tribune offers a few sobbering figures concerning mental health in a nation of 12 million traumatized people.

A study of Cambodian refugees in the United States, published last August in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that 62 percent had suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder in the past year, compared with a rate in the general American population of 3.6 percent.

Most have turned to faith healers and herbalists, as there is only 26 Cambodian psychiatrists who practice today (10 of whom have been educated abroad).

Work starts on cement plant

2006-01-28T11:22:00.000+10:30

Cambodia started building its largest cement factory this week - a move which should eventually make it less reliant on imports.

Cambodia consumes about 1.5 million tons of imported cement last year at an estimated cost of about $105 million.

When the factory is complete in 2008, a second $100 million has been promised for a second production line - and the combined output is expected to produce about 2 million tons of cement annually.

[A] joint venture between Thailand's Siem Cement and the local company Khaou Chully MKK Co., the factory will employ up to 400 workers.

Flaws in mass tourism

2006-01-28T11:12:00.000+10:30

The risks and dangers of rapid tourism development - especially in World Heritage Sites such as Angkor Wat in Siem Reap - is highlighted in this report marking a decade since 10 countries banded together to market venues within the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) as a major holiday destinations.

World Heritage Sites will be in danger if current tourism management practices continue without change. Instead of tourism adding value to cultural sites, it will lessen the overall value and visitor experience of the site.

Management of the World Heritage Site Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia illustrates some of these dangerous trends. Visitor arrivals for 2004 were nearly 800,000, and the target for 2010 is 2.5 million. Yet, certain visitors are already complaining about the crowded conditions at Angkor, indicating that the carrying capacity may have been reached under current conditions. In addition, visitors have placed excessive pressure on the local water supply, and water shortages are now common in Siem Reap.

More than 100,000 local people, many of them unauthorised, are now living within the protected zone and are placing further pressure on the dwindling water supply. The town of Siem Reap is undergoing unprecedented economic tourism development, including the establishment of large numbers of hotels aimed at mass tourism. The tourism authorities are targeting mass tourism, especially from China (PRC), Japan and Korea (ROK). The increase in these tourist numbers is also triggering a development in the local night entertainment industry which brings with it some negative social impacts.

(- quotes from the Travel Daily News)

No surprises ahead

2006-01-21T19:19:00.000+10:30

Xinhua and the People's Daily makes this string of predictions about the forthcoming election. It claims:

... analysts here saying that it is the election without suspense with everyone knowing the results already.

Koh Rong island

2006-01-20T22:15:00.000+10:30

Russian investor Konstantin Kagalovsky has reported met with Hun Sen at the premier's home to talk about plans to make the island off the coast of Sihanoukville into special economic zones.

It just a fortnight, it can be seen in links from this blog that the area has moved from being "the next Goa, the new Phi Phi" to a haven for foreign investment.

Chapter Five is Alive

2006-01-19T18:06:00.000+10:30

John Humphreys of Chapter Five has arrived at Siem Reap and offers a few charming first impressions.

So far I have found Cambodians to be very friendly, helpful and relatively
honest. ... Local kids still wave and shout 'hello' and it is easy to get
lost in the backstreets where the locals live.

A victory, of sorts

2006-01-18T19:22:00.000+10:30

Cambodia has released on bail four critics of the government. It's bail, so the threat of a trial still hangs over their heads. But the release is a welcome move.

The United States seems to be claiming credit for this development as the move followed sometime after Prime Minister Hun Sen meeting with Assistant U.S. Secretary of State Christopher Hill.

Furthermore, the US this week renewed its operation of a U.S. embassy in Cambodia.

And the United Nations has been quick to welcome the news of the release of the detainees.

Gate opens way for trade

2006-01-18T19:13:00.000+10:30

News brief in the Saigon Times Daily says:

Southern Vietnam's Tay Ninh Province and Cambodia's Kompong Cham Province on Monday inaugurated an international border gate, paving the way for the two countries to step up bilateral trade.

Stones speak a story

2006-01-18T19:06:00.000+10:30

Vaidehi Nathan offers this article speculating why similarities between Hindu temples and traditions in Cambodia are not given a bigger mention when discussing Hindu history in India.

He says a recent study by Dr Vasudha Narayanan, ( a Professor of Religion at the University of Florida), focuses on various temples and found many similarities in the two countries.

According to Dr Vasudha, the eighth century three-storied Vaikunta Perumal temple is the prototype for the 12th century three-storied west-facing temple at Angkor Wat, built by Suryavarman II.

Another bod Cambodia-bound

2006-01-18T18:53:00.000+10:30

Watch out Cambodia - our new friend LeftVegDrunk will be heading your way soon on a visit.

The planned trip also includes Laos and Vietnam - two other places which Tan and Trev can proudly say they have already visited.

LeftVegDrunk's interest in Cambodia can be see in this collection of posts.

We wish you good luck and good roads for your travels starting February 5, 2006.

Canadian ambassador, Donica Pottie, "very concerned"

2006-01-16T22:06:00.000+10:30

As an update to yesterday's post, Canada has become the latest country to publicly criticise the political crackdown in Cambodia.

And the editorial in the Bangkok Post News pulls no punches. It says:

From illegal manipulation of the system to outright intimidation and bloody brutality, he (Prime Minister Hun Sen) has put Cambodia on a slippery slope to a violent dictatorship. Only international pressure now seems likely to stop him.

Fragile press freedoms

2006-01-15T18:34:00.000+10:30

Blanquita Walsh Cullum in the pages Washington Times makes a strong call for action to the world's civilized government for action in protecting free press in Cambodia.

He writes:

A new climate of fear has descended on Cambodia. And the world, as in the days of the Khmer Rouge, has largely looked the other way.

Meanwhile the daughters of jailed Cambodian Human Rights Activitsts continue push their case with a protest outside the Whitehouse.

Leak soaks key collection

2006-01-12T21:21:00.000+10:30

A valuable Cambodian collection has been ruined by steam at the Sterling Memorial Library - which houses approximately 4 million volumes as the the largest library on the Yale campus.
The dampened collection is said to "includes the last known copies of newspapers surviving the Khmer Rouge's censorship campaign".

Navy gift

2006-01-12T21:05:00.000+10:30

The Vietnamese navy has given two patrol boats to the Royal Cambodian Navy this week at a handover ceremony at the Ream military base in Sihanoukville.

Call for Australian Govt to aid Cambodia

2006-01-11T21:06:00.000+10:30

Australia has been slow to join in debate, but the Shadow foreign affairs spokesman Kevin Rudd is urging the Federal Government here to take an interest in Cambodia.

ABC News quotes him as saying:

"The Australian Government should be joining in the chorus of international protests about these actions by the government of Mr Hun Sen in Cambodia".

"We have a Foreign Minister, Mr Downer, who spends his days delivering public sermons to anyone who will listen on the future of democracy in Iraq, while at the same time it seems remaining silent about the demise of the democracy or the potential demise of the democracy in Cambodia here in our own region, our own backyard - that's unacceptable," he (Mr Rudd) said.

Boots and All

2006-01-10T22:13:00.000+10:30

Alison De Jong, 39, has collected 700 pairs of football boots and had them shipped to Cambodia so that kids can play a football tournament in Siem Reap. See the full story here.

View from the Globe

2006-01-10T22:10:00.000+10:30

The Boston Globe has posted this series of 10 shots of Angkor Wat. Check it out.

Quick to post

2006-01-09T16:53:00.000+10:30

Jim Goodman is three days into a tour of Cambodia and has already posted some fine shots of Udong and the markets at Phnom Penh. Check 'em out.

A slideshow

2006-01-08T19:57:00.000+10:30

Intrepid India

For those of you wondering why Tan and Trev have missing regular posts here for the past few months, then perhaps this string of scenery from India might help explain.

We are about one-third through the process of captioning and loading our shots for viewing.

Meanwhile, it's back to regular business here.

How still makes Ikat?

2006-01-08T19:50:00.000+10:30

Ikat is a style of weaving that uses a tie-dye process on either the warp or weft before the threads are woven to create a pattern or design.

It gets a big mention here as a tradition being kept alive in Iran - although the Batak of Cambodia also rate a mention in this news article.

Life's A Beach

2006-01-06T20:15:00.000+10:30

There is high praise for Sihanoukville in this International Herald Tribune article by Alexander Lobrano.

It is so nice to know our visit 12 months ago puts us ahead of Alexander's predicted trend-setters. Like us, can you say "I remember this place when ..."

Back from Abroad

2006-01-06T20:08:00.000+10:30

Posts here have been sparse of late - and there is a reason. Tan and Trev have been travelling again. Our journey on this outing was a return trip to India.

We are combing through pictures now - with a promise to post a bunch soon. (Although we'll stay true to this blog's theme and leave the airing of India scenery for somewhere else. We'll post a link when they are ready).

So without further ado, it's back to business for this blog.

Border Treaty with Vietnam Poses Dilemma for new King

2005-10-29T16:27:00.000+09:30

This CNN report explains why the new King Norodom Sihamoni is caught between a rock and an hard place.

So to sign the treaty would draw his father's [Norodom Sihanouk] disapproval; but to not sign it would earn the enmity of [prime minister] Hun Sen, who has made it patently clear that he feels that an uncooperative monarchy is an expendable institution.

One political observer has likened Sihamoni's predicament "to a Cambodian adage about a person having to choose between getting in a river infested with crocodiles and climbing up onto the shore roamed by tigers".

Reason to Celebrate

2005-10-28T19:08:00.000+09:30

Nathaniel Myers tells a charming yarn for the International Herald Tribune involving the Cambodia versus Singapore football match played at the dilapidated 1960s Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh.

The report is a real gem.

At Last, Momentum is Building

2005-10-28T19:02:00.000+09:30

Support for the antipedophile campaign is increasing, reports Nick Cumming-Bruce for the International Herald Tribune.

A fight by Cambodian and Western law enforcement agencies, nongovernment organizations and some private businesses against the child sex trade is starting to gain momentum.

Thank goodness. And not a minute too soon.

As Nick denotes in his report:

Of 663 people rescued from Cambodian brothels by law enforcement agencies last year, nearly 40 percent were under the age of 15; the youngest was 6.

Milestone for Siem Reap Airways International

2005-10-28T06:36:00.000+09:30

Today marks the start of a Hong Kong-Siem Reap route in the fleet’s latest 162-seat Airbus A320 aircraft. Travel time is expected to be a mere two hours and thirty minutes on this non-stop flight service.

Backpacker killer caught

2005-10-27T06:29:00.000+09:30

An Englishman, and Australian and a Frenchman board a train ...

Before political correctness took hold, some jokes might start with a set-up involving three nationalities. However in 1994, this circumstance was far from a laughing matter.

This mix of three tourists, along with 13 Cambodians, were killed when ransom negotiations with the government failed.

A decade later, their Khmer Rouge killer has been brought to justice.

Memories for Sale

2005-10-27T06:02:00.000+09:30

The International Herald Tribune, which we have previously named here as a favoured point of reference, today offers a scathing piece on the wholesale mentality sweeping the nation.

Cambodia has become a self-devouring nation in which just about everything seems to be for sale or lease: forests, fisheries, mining concessions, air routes, ship registrations, toxic dumps, weapons, women, girls, boys, babies

The Power of Tourism

2005-10-24T06:37:00.000+09:30

Here is a telling quote from the People's Daily:

Currently, tourism is ranked one of the world's most booming and vibrant industries, and it has drawn attention from all countries. In the meantime, noted experts, since the most tourists prefer visiting historic sites and cultural relics while learning about the local conventions and traditions, tourism will help spread the culture of different countries in a more direct manner than via political exchanges and economic activities.

This article also holds news involving Ouk Keo Rattanak, vice governor of Cambodia's Siem Reap Province, who says stronger links between ASEAN nations will be mutually beneficial.

The province signed a tourism cooperation agreement with southwest China's Yunnan Province last year, and a group of Chinese specialists went there to help develop tourism resources.

One Tourist's Journal

2005-10-24T06:11:00.000+09:30

If you are fluent in Norwegian, then perhaps this site will be of interest to you. It details one a trip this year through Phnom Penh, Kampong Cham, Kompong Thom, Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, Battambang, Kampot and Sihanoukville.

For those unfamiliar with the languages, there are also plenty of pictures and links through to English sites.

Aussie tax dollars put to good work

2005-10-20T17:43:00.000+09:30

ABC Radio Australia reports that Australian parliamentary secretary for foreign affairs, Bruce Billson, will be meeting with officials and visiting Australian-funded activities that help to clear Cambodia of landmines and unexploded bombs.

Australia has pledged $US56 million over the next five years to tackle the horrific effects of anti-personnel mines and the explosive remnants of war.

Having come face to face with limbless beggars along Siem Reap’s main street, as an Australian I am glad that our government can show compassion throughout Asia and the world.

First Rockers? Surely not!

2005-10-20T17:21:00.000+09:30

This piece claims the Danish pop-rock group, Michael Learns to Rock, will be the first foreign band ever to play a rock concert in Cambodia.

That seems an odd claim. Surely they can’t be the very first?

And is Michael Learns to Rock famous? I’ve never heard of them.

Delta quest

2005-10-19T20:10:00.000+09:30

There is a delicate sadness hanging over Cambodia that tugs at the heart.

So says Roy Masters in this piece for a piece appearing at stuff.co.nz

Tide turns on festival's lure

2005-10-18T19:30:00.000+09:30

Where many travel brochures will claim the annual water festival in November is an ideal time to visit, the former managing editor of the Phnom Penh Post Richard Woodd offers this cautionary tale.

The tourism industry is using this event to attract overseas visitors; it might sound appealing in the marketing, but don't be fooled because this is not the real Cambodia.

Green field future

2005-10-18T19:26:00.000+09:30

Guy De Launey for BBC News reports that Cambodia may turn to organic farming to fill a void in its economy should the future of the garment sector remain uncertain.

[Cambodia is] one of the least diversified economies in the world. Garment production brings in 80% of its foreign earnings, and most of the rest comes from tourism.

Meanwhile one senior minister (His Excellency Mr Veng Sereyvuth) is quoted as denoting a 50% increase this year in the number of tourists arriving at Cambodia.

FCC "hip" tip

2005-10-18T19:17:00.000+09:30

Rachel Askham, travel writer for The Seoul Times, lists FCC Angkor in Siem Reap as one from "a whole new breed of hip hotels waiting for you to discover". She also gives it a considerable extra push here. Perhaps if she had been scanning these blogs she might have discovered it a bit earlier.

Four reports, but still they wait

2005-10-16T21:06:00.000+09:30

Environmental watchdog Global Witness (previously mentioned here) is back in the news with its concerns about logging in Cambodia. This time, it accuses the World Bank of condoning illegal forest dealings.

Takes a lickin', and still keeps tickin'

2005-10-15T18:09:00.000+09:30

Head monk's face helps keep clock-watching commuters safe in traffic.

His image, along with an ancient Yon (a protective Pali language spell), have been added to more than 3000 of the timepieces - a popular charm since a few students wearing similar watches were subsequently involved in a bus crash from which they were the only survivors.

Mixed messages

2005-10-15T17:49:00.000+09:30

Two news reports today give mixed messages as to the level of U.S. concern for developing defenses against avian influenza.

The Environmental News Service carries this item explaining that U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Michael Leavitt has signed multi-million dollar agreements with Cambodia and Laos to help bolster their programs for detecting and responding to outbreaks.

Is this an effort to contain the influenza contained at its points of outbreak?

I'm tempted to think so, when also reading this piece from the Chicago Sun-Times. It doesn't say "don't go" -- but instead urges U.S. citizens to "avoid contact".

Call me a cynic, but to me the latter looks much like the former. In other words: "we'll help you keep it away from us".

Frank admission about gun smuggling

2005-10-15T17:32:00.000+09:30

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen makes a shocking revelation that weapons had been smuggled from the country to many terrorists including the "rebel [Tamil] group in Sri Lanka".

Stone

2005-10-06T06:50:00.000+09:30

Fallen Arches

2005-09-30T06:18:00.000+09:30

Detail in Wall

2005-09-29T06:19:00.000+09:30

Ongoing Repairs

2005-09-25T08:09:00.000+09:30

Face Up to It

2005-09-24T06:20:00.000+09:30

Copyright Tan and Trev 2005

It is a sad reality. Scenes like this are proof that looting robs future generations the pleasure of enjoying this culture.

As China Daily reports:

Tomb raiders are decimating Cambodia's archaeological sites, looting ancient and remote cemeteries to sell antiques to tourists, an independent watchdog warned on Friday as it prepared a campaign to educate potential buyers.

A Window to a Window

2005-09-23T06:20:00.000+09:30

More Temple Scenes

2005-09-22T06:20:00.000+09:30

Do You Know This?

2005-09-21T06:15:00.001+09:30

Our month's trial of posting just pictures hit a barrier - with a temporary glitch in uploading images. All is fixed now; so let he postings continue.

We would welcome any suggestions as to the name of this structure.

Copyright Tan and Trev 2005

Air Way to Heaven

2005-09-15T18:50:00.000+09:30

Copyright Tan and Trev 2005

Copyright Tan and Trev 2005

The Cambodian balloon trip was tethered for a single verticle climb and decent. Its sole purpose was give tourists a view marvellous over Angkor Wat.

The ascent itself isn't perhaps as exciting as if the yellow balloon was untethered, but within a few seconds the wonders of the Angkor Wat temple is revealed with its five towers.

And as an added treat, there is are also great views of the countryside that surrounds the monuments.

Copyright Tan and Trev 2005

Copyright Tan and Trev 2005

Palace Compound

2005-09-14T06:46:00.000+09:30

Copyright Tan and Trev 2005

Copyright Tan and Trev 2005

I've been combing through our notes, trying to remember what this building is called. We passed through it on the way to the Terrace of the Elephants.

If memory server me right, this is Phimeanakas, a part of Angkor Thom which was build about 1200 by Jayavarman VII. The building itself, of which only a ruins remain, was a Hindu temple in the Khleang style. It is on the compound of the ancient Royal Palace. (We would welcome any correspondence to help clarify the matter).

Another Serving of Sweet Cucumber

2005-09-12T06:10:00.000+09:30

Good news from Guy d2. He has just written us to say the Sweet Cucumber blog archives are back online, with a stunning selection of the best posts and photos.

So if you missed seeing them the first time around, or want to re-read them for nostalgia's sake, then help yourself to a portion of Sweet Cucumber.

Terrace Views

2005-09-09T21:08:00.000+09:30

Copyright Tan and Trev 2005

Here are a few more shots from the Terrace of the Elephants.

Copyright Tan and Trev 2005

We scampered about at the top of the terrace wall.

Copyright Tan and Trev 2005

And here is what the view might have been like for Angkor king Jayavarman VII. (Just insert the victorious returning army here to complete the picture).

Terrace of the Leper King

2005-09-08T06:49:00.000+09:30

Copyright Tan and Trev 2005

Copyright Tan and Trev 2005

Leper King Terrace can be found at the northwest corner of the Royal Square of Angkor Thom. It was built in the Bayon style under Jayavarman VII. Its modern name is believed to be derived from a 15th century sculpture at the site.

Elephant Wall

2005-09-06T21:27:00.000+09:30

Copyright Tan and Trev 2005

The Terrace of the Elephants at Angkor Thom is part of the walled city's 100m long boundary. A parade of elephants carved in stone mark an outer edge to this ruined temple complex.

Copyright Tan and Trev 2005

It is said that the terrace was used by Angkor's king Jayavarman VII as a platform from which to view his victorious returning army. It was attached to the palace of Phimeanakas, of which only a few ruins remain.

Copyright Tan and Trev 2005

Copyright Tan and Trev 2005

The terrace is named for the carvings of elephants on its eastern face.

Bride and Groom

2005-09-04T07:03:00.000+09:30

Copyright Tan and Trev 2005

Also while waiting to enter climb to the top of Bayon's towers, were were witness to this bridal party posing for shots for the album.

It reminded tan and trev of similar scenes we see acted out in Melbourne, where the steps of state parliament are regularly used as a backdrop for wedding pictures.

Copyright Tan and Trev 2005

News Round-up

2005-09-04T06:02:00.000+09:30

. International nonprofit organization, Room to Read, says it reached a major milestone this week when opening its 2,000th bilingual library on Friday, September 2. This was done at Samdech Euv High School in the village of Thnal in northwestern Cambodia.

A love triangle reported at iol at iol ended in tragedy as Cambodian police were hunting for a mother accused of murdering her one-month-old baby girl by hurling her down an abandoned well because she had been in love with two men when the child was conceived and did not know which was the father.

In a lighter report from iol, a month-old calf is a bovine bedfellow for a Cambodian boy on the advice of fortune-tellers who insistent the animal should be allowed to stay because it is is a reincarnation of the boy's best friend.

If planning a trip to to the northeastern Thai province of Buri Ram bordering Cambodia, then consider the suggestions of Yvonne Bohwongprasert who explains where examples of Khmer art and influence are best located.

In the aftermath of a defamation case involving the Foreign Minister Hor Namhong, The Cambodia Daily's publisher Bernard Krisher says he is puzzled why local journalist Kay Kimsong was alone fined $7,500 -- whereas two Americans (who no longer work for the daily), and the paper itself, seemed to have escaped similar treatment.

A treaty approved this week is being hailed as helping government efforts to stamp out excessive forms of child labor in Sihanoukville, Kampot and Kompong Cham provinces.

Read This Face

2005-09-03T17:44:00.000+09:30

Okay, so tan and trev has been falling a behind a little on the postings. Other projects for fun and at work have have been keeping us distracted.

But we are back now to resume "regular" services.

Although this month we thought we might try something a little different. We are making an effort to boost the number of pictures on show here. (Previous months have been a tad text heavy).

Our first post for the month show our guide at Bayon trying to explain and demonstrate the different faces. Explained that the faces shown at each direction - North, East, West, South - conveyed a expressed a different emotion or ideal, he then tried to illustrate each direction.

I was laughing so hard that by the time he was at face four, the camera was shaking to much to produce a usable picture. So here are only three of the four faces.

Copyright Tan and Trev 2005

Copyright Tan and Trev 2005

Copyright Tan and Trev 2005

News Round-up

2005-09-03T16:16:00.000+09:30

A Cambodian court in Koh Kong province has sentenced notorious tiger hunter Yor Ngun, 57, to 7 years in prison for repeat offenses, reports the People's Daily Online.

ABC Radio Australia today reports a warning fromUnited Nation's special envoy Miloon Kothari who fears Cambodia may face large-scale legal wrangles if nothing is done to halt massive land grabs in which thousands of families are being evicted to make way for government officials, business people and the military.

As previously covered here, the U.S. has been reluctant to provide direct funding for the proposed Khmer Rouge trial without first gaining a number of conditions. But in recent developments, the U.S. has now created a $2 million endowment to assist a Cambodian group in researching crimes. This seems to allow it to indirecly support the trial, without needing to contradict its earlier stipulations.

China has given six navy patrol boats to Cambodia to help combat drug and human trafficking, piracy, transnational crime and smuggling.

Wise Words Worth Noting

2005-08-22T21:59:00.000+09:30

Of all Cambodia's treasures, the richest is its resilient people.

If for nothing else, the Lonely Planet guide to Cambodia deserves a mention for this quote alone. But it also offers frequent chatter on the Thorn Tree travel forum which can help keep prospective tourists up-to-date.

Lack of Money or Motivation

2005-08-22T21:52:00.000+09:30

An opinion piece in the Bangkok Post points to Prime Minister Hun Sen when looking for reasons why the Khmer tribunal has stalled again.

The superficial claim that the government can't come up with money for a tribunal was unconvincing. It ignored a hugely conciliatory offer by Japan to allow the government to use aid funds for its paltry share of the tribunal. It also brushed aside all consideration of the importance of a tribunal to the Cambodian people.

Phnom and on

2005-08-21T16:10:00.000+09:30

A wonderful title from the Scotsman.com in which Megan James shares her experiences of a recent visit to Cambodia. Her piece reminds "Tan and Trev" of a favoured stomping ground which we haven't yet mentioned in this blog.

A number of projects have sprung up. I came across one of the more innovative ones, a non-profit restaurant called Friends which, apart from serving delicious food, helps to get kids off the streets by providing housing and vocational training in cookery. It is a kind of Jamie Oliver's Fifteen of the Third World, and serves an interesting and tasty mixture of local Khmer cuisine and western-style dishes. The banana fritters with lime sauce are a dessert to die for.

Cabinet Backs Push for Unified Commerce

2005-08-21T16:00:00.000+09:30

More action on the business front with the Cambodian government paving the way for a national chamber of commerce.

Boon for Business

2005-08-18T22:29:00.000+09:30

Much needed raw materials could seen be given an easier passage into Cambodia with plans to open a second Special Economic Zone now underway.

News of the project, to be built near the Sihanoukville International Port, was quick to follow the inauguration of the first Special Economic Zone last week.

Cambodia's Attwood Investment Group unveiled a master plan Tuesday to invest 89 million US dollars in the country's second Special Economic Zone, to be built in October.
The zone will cover 200 hectares of land in Sihanoukville's Stung Hav district, where a port, utility supply facilities and other infrastructure will be built, according to Khmer newspaper Rasmei Kampuchea.

Fishy Tale of an Escaped Crocodile

2005-08-17T18:50:00.000+09:30

Cricky! The tale of an escaped baby croc at the Dead Fish Tower has Charles Russo sharing a joke with his waiter.

Two weeks into my trip, and Cambodia was still taking me by surprise. As I hung out in the Dead Fish Tower – with its blind piano player, phenomenal food, and pool full of deadly reptiles – it seemed no small irony that the remote city of Siem Reap boasted a long list of first-rate bars and restaurants easily on par with the offerings in stateside hipster destinations like SoMa and SoHo.

Protecting Cultural Landmarks

2005-08-16T20:06:00.000+09:30

The two-edged sword that is tourism is a topic for debate this week among experts.

The impact of increasing tourism, the motor for many developing economies including Cambodia, which lures thousands of tourists a year to its Angkor Wat temples, would also be debated.

Lawmaker Returns

2005-08-16T20:01:00.000+09:30

Self-exiled legislator Chea Poch, 32, of the Sam Rainsy Party, has http://www.abc.net.au/ra/news/stories/s1438229.htm to Cambodia, according to a report by ABC Radio Australia.

Funding Shortfall on KR Tribunal

2005-08-16T19:53:00.000+09:30

BBC News reports that prime minister Hun Sen has said the tribunal to try former Khmer Rouge leaders is at risk of collapse unless more international funding is procured to cover a $11.8m shortfall in the country's contributions.

Countdown to 2008

2005-08-16T19:38:00.000+09:30

Dennis L. Siluk today posts a yarn about 2002 trip with his wife to Ankor Wat ruins.

(Yes I know some would consider "Tan and Trev" as being slow in the re-telling of our trip, but I'd hope we have it fully documented long before the three year mark).

Transit Hub for Weapons

2005-08-15T20:23:00.000+09:30

Illegal firearms trade along Vietnam’s southern border with Cambodia is said to be expanding.

TV Trivia

2005-08-14T21:33:00.000+09:30

Jim maps out a three hour tour for anyone interested in exploring beyond the usual sights of Phnom Penh. (Didn't Gillian's Island start with a three hour tour?)

More Long Roads Ahead for Longmore

2005-08-12T21:37:00.000+09:30

Kristopher Longmore will be one of about 20 Australians cycling 500km from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap to raise money for Oxfam Australia later this year.

Each participant aims to raise $5000 for the community-based aid and development organisation.

Demand Waning for Teachers

2005-08-12T21:24:00.000+09:30

A spike in the number of English-speaking Filipino teachers seeking work in Cambodia outstripped demand, with a knock-on effect on pay rates.

The influx of teachers has also created an “unnecessary imbalance in the general payment scale” as more teachers accept lower pay and fewer teaching units just to remain employed in Cambodia.

Citizen "Croft"

2005-08-12T21:17:00.000+09:30

Angelina Jolie is Cambodia's newly anointed A-list citizen with King Norodom Sihamoni signing a special decree granting her citizenship.

Many Happy Returns

2005-08-11T23:46:00.000+09:30

Hunting through the back archives of some sites, Tan and Trev today realised that our visit to Cambodia must have been overlapping with that of Andy Brouwer who spent three weeks seeking out previously unseen Angkorean temples.

Andy located around 40 structures which he had not seen on previous visits.

It was also a chance to meet up with numerous friends around the country.

To read more about his 11th trip to Cambodia in as many years, check out his individual travel tales and a handful of photos at this link.

Royal Visit

2005-08-11T23:36:00.000+09:30

King Norodom Sihamoni jets into in Beijing to start a five-day state visit to China at the invitation of President Hu Jintao.

Channy Verdict

2005-08-10T23:59:00.000+09:30

Further developments concerning this item: Judge Ney Thol has handed down a verdict against Cheam Channy of the Sam Rainsy Party.
The result is seven years jail from a half-day trail.

The judge prohibited Channy's lawyers from calling witnesses to testify on his behalf and cross-examining all of the prosecution witnesses. Although the prosecution accused Channy of creating illegal "armed forces," no evidence was presented in court that anyone connected to the SRP's Committee No. 14 had weapons or had plotted or committed any act of violence.

This report shows Human Rights Watch giving some strong criticism of the process.

The trial of Cheam Channy comes on the heels of another controversial trial, in which two men were convicted on August 1 on charges of murdering Cambodian union leader Chea Vichea without any eyewitness testimony or forensic evidence.
"These two trials, within a week of each other, bode extremely badly for the upcoming Khmer Rouge tribunal, in which Cambodian judges will play a key role alongside foreign ones," said [Brad] Adams [Asia director of Human Rights Watch]. "The current state of the judiciary simply does not justify any faith that Cambodian judges involved in the Khmer Rouge tribunal will be able to act professionally and independently of the government."

2000 Posts and Growing

2005-08-09T19:54:00.000+09:30

Online guide Travelfish has achieved a milestone with the posting of its 2000th option for accommodation in Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. Check it out.

"The vast majority of charming places in Cambodia and Laos cannot be booked in advance — but these are places that travellers really should know about. It’s important to us to give travellers as much information about their choices both before they travel and while they’re on the road."

Up to $2 a Day

2005-08-09T19:48:00.000+09:30

Pay rises ahead for all Cambodian government employees.

Even with a 100 percent increase, the maximum monthly extra for most will be about $US30.

Cheam Channy

2005-08-09T19:41:00.000+09:30

BBC news reports that a military court on Monday started a trial for MP Cheam Channy, a member of the opposition Sam Rainsy Party, who has been stripped of his parliamentary immunity to face charges of trying to form a group to overthrow the government.

Human rights activists have strongly criticised Cheam Channy's trial, which is widely seen as a move by the government to stifle political dissent.

Mother-of-all Shock

2005-08-07T18:33:00.000+09:30

An bizarre story about a family reunion [and sad for all involved if true] tells of Cambodian spouses discover they are siblings after 25 years when reunited with their long-lost mother.

Border Watch

2005-08-07T18:11:00.000+09:30

Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to intensify border security and to share more information. Perhaps this might be a sign that tensions concerning the Preah Vihear dispute have eased.

The Value of Consensus

2005-08-07T18:05:00.000+09:30

As a follow-up to our post earlier this week about the foreign minister from five countries meeting at Siem Reap, this report reads as if they agreed to the need to agree about agreement but concede that a decision about the agreement needs to be reviewed at a future meeting upon which they all agreed.

Thanks for the Feedback

2005-08-07T13:06:00.000+09:30

And a big "hello" from Tan and Trev to James Hathaway, co-founder for Clear Path International. We mentioned the work of CPI here and today got a "thank you" note.

Anyone keen on learning more about CPI's links with Cambodia and its work in rebuilding shattered lives in southeast Asia, should check this month's article written by co-founder Imbert Matthee for the Journal of Mine Action.

Foodie "Finds" Dish

2005-08-07T12:44:00.000+09:30

Jode' Hyman gives Cambodia-inspired cuisine a big "thumbs up" for its distinctive spice combinations.

I had always assumed that because of Cambodia's close proximity to Vietnam, Thailand and China, its cuisine must be quite similar. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Cambodian food has its own unique flavor during a recent visit to Siem Reap.

Jode, you should take a trip beyond Long Beach's Cambodian community is the United States. The source of its inspiration in Cambodia itself is even more enjoyable.

The Lure of a Full Moon

2005-08-06T17:26:00.000+09:30

Tan and Trev can recommend reading the entire account of Shirley Ganse's visit to Angkor Wat in December 1992.

Without risk of steal the punchline, it does provide an amusing anecdote of holiday terror and gun-fire.

Where Life is a Beach

2005-08-06T06:36:00.000+09:30

Circle of Asia offers this handy review of beaches at Sihanoukville.

Indeed, the country boasts many pristine beaches on its southern coast. Among them is Sihanoukville, a small beach town about 3 hour drive south of Phnom Penh.

Tan and Trev certainly agree.

Ministers to Meet

2005-08-06T06:28:00.000+09:30

Thai's Foreign Minister Kantathi Suphamongkhon is set for a two-day meeting in Siem Reap with with the foreign ministers of Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.

Infrastructure development and health are key points for the talks.

Thailand would propose that development partners such as Japan, Australia, Singapore and European countries join the grouping's efforts to tackle avian influenza, malaria, and HIV/Aids, as well as cooperate with the group in promoting tourism, Mr Kantathi said.

Customised Travelguide

2005-08-06T06:20:00.000+09:30

The sights and attactions of Kompong Cham are given an impressive forum with Travelfish.org

The site is well worth the visit.

Reluctant to Use Funds

2005-08-06T05:59:00.000+09:30

In a move that could further delay the start of the trials of former Khmer Rouge leaders, the Cambodian government says it will continue to seek funding from other international donors first before dipping into Japanese aid money.

Meanwhile, an American study in Long Beach has found nearly two-thirds of Cambodian refugees there are still feel the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the violence they witnessed during during the genocide.

Weird Brit Humour

2005-08-02T19:22:00.000+09:30

Perhaps it is a cultural gap, but we fail to find this piece amusing or clever.

The Hendon & Finchley Times seems to have gone to great lengths to draw a link between Cricklewood (the birthplace of food snack Smith's Crisps) and the size of Angkor Wat. It's tedious and laboured humour.

The Cricklewood redevelopment will see the area balloon in size over the next two decades, with more than 5,500 new homes as part of the £2.3 billion plans, making the Khmer temple complex a mere joke by comparison.

Sorry to break the news to you spud-lovers in Cricklewood, but even in 20 years time it is unlikely that tourists will be ditching Angkor Wat for a tour of your abode. The chips will always be down on that score.

See "Angkor" and Drive Home

2005-08-02T19:21:00.000+09:30

Meanwhile Cranston puts a freshspin on an old proverb:
If you can't pre-date 'em, then recreate 'em.

The Rhode Island city has a new religious landmark - a miniature replica of Angkor Wat.

No Hard Sell for Cell-phones

2005-08-02T19:19:00.000+09:30

Mobile phones are reported to be gaining a solid foothold among the teenage market in Cambodia.

Competition and the country's low incomes have forced carriers to come up with ideas such as prepaid phone cards. About 90 percent of cell-phone subscribers use prepaid phone cards, with cards available for as little as $5.

Jail For Nine Who Helped Montagnards Move

2005-07-31T20:47:00.000+09:30

ABC Radio Australia reports that nine Vietnamese, including three women, have been jailed for organising illegal movements of people to Cambodia.

Orphanage Stalled

2005-07-31T20:42:00.000+09:30

Children living at Wat Norea (Temple Norea), a Buddhist facility in Cambodia's north-west, will need to wait longer than expected for a new orphanage being built with funds from Australia celebrities Bec Cartwright and Lleyton Hewitt.

According to AIDS Trust of Australia documents, it will take another $175,000 to build the orphanage. The money was to come from payments for media interviews when the couple became engaged.

The couple also asked guests at their recent wedding to donate to the Trust in lieu of gifts.

Australia Donating US$57m to Clear Mines

2005-07-30T16:38:00.000+09:30

Australia is to help clear landmines in Laos and Cambodia according to this broadcast heard around Australia at 5:10pm on Radio National and 6:10pm on ABC Local Radio.
Listen to in REAL AUDIO and WINDOWS MEDIA or MP3 formats.

Building Boomtime

2005-07-29T21:22:00.000+09:30

Good economic performance in political stability and better economic performance is said to have helped to boost Cambodia's building industry.