Kann Vicheika

Digital Lending Shakes Up Cambodia’s Over-indebted Banking Sector

A new report found that Cambodia had 2.8 million loans for 3.6 million households, totaling $11.8 billion, with an average “microloan” size of $4,280, higher than the annual income of 95% of Cambodian households.

How Japan’s Throwaway Bicycles Became a Booming Cambodian Industry

Advertising Buoys Alcohol Consumption, Concerning Some in Cambodia

The boisterousness advertisements and prizes hide the reality of alcohol in Cambodia, which boasts high rates of drunk driving accidents and alcohol-related illnesses. Public health officials say there is little doubt that advertising is linked to Cambodia's high rates of alcohol consumption.

Phnom Penh's Floating Fishing Community Faces Eviction

On June 2, Phnom Penh City Hall issued an eviction notice for residents of floating houses, illegal fish farms and small houseboats on the Tonlé Sap, the Mekong and a third river, the nearby Bassac.

Workers Decry Labor Ministry’s Move to Postpone Indemnity Payments

Workers and unionists were quick to reject this move and said they were already facing a loss of salary on account of a large number of factories suspending production and that they needed these indemnity payments to try and sustain their households.

Rights Activist Hun Vannak Detained While Documenting Poipet Protest

Poipet residents, most of whom are market vendors in Rong Kleu Market in Thailand across the border, planned to demonstrate on Monday morning requesting that the border to be reopened to resume trade in the market.

Low Economic Prospects Forcing Cambodians to Enter Thailand Despite Border Closure

Interior Minister Sar Kheng last month raised concerns over the livelihood prospects of these migrant workers, suggesting they could slip back into poverty.

Labor Ministry Promises Former Hotel Employees Their Dues

Around 150 workers have been protesting since December 2019, when the hotel closed down, leaving the workers with unpaid dues.

Kung Raiya Trial Completed in the Absence of Government Critic

The barely hour-long trial was completed by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court on Wednesday, with Kung Raiya represented by his lawyer Sam Sokong.

National Remembrance Day Events Cancelled Across Cambodia

On Tuesday, Say Chhum, deputy chairman of the ruling Cambodian People Party, also issued a letter to the party's provincial offices ordering them to postpone any commemorative events on May 20.

Government Discussing Prison Releases to Reduce Crowding and Prevent Virus Spread

According to the Interior Ministry’s Facebook page, Interior Minister Sar Kheng said he met with counterparts from the Justice Ministry to discuss prison overcrowding and the handling of cases, especially drug cases.

Ruling Party’s New Headquarters Funded by Members and Costs $40M: CPP Spokesperson

CPP spokesperson Sok Eysan said the new headquarters was funded by voluntary contributions from party members, but did not have specifics of the budget or size of the contributions.

Reporter's Notebook: 'No Hun Sen. I Do Not Work for Washington. I Am an Independent Journalist'

When I started as a stringer reporter for the VOA Khmer language service in August 2016 it was to contribute to independent reporting without fear or favor.

Government to Continue School and Business Closures Despite No New Cases for 22 Day

This marked 22 days since the last positive case of the disease was reported on April 11, leaving Cambodia’s tally at 122 cases, 120 recoveries, and zero deaths.

With Increase in Arrests and Intimidation, Press Freedom Remains Precarious

Media organizations, reporters, editors and rights groups have expressed serious concern over Cambodian government’s continuing crackdown on journalists and curtailment of freedom of expression for Cambodian citizens.

Constitutional Council Provides No Clarity Over Declaration of ‘State of Emergency’

The law has received widespread backlash for its potential to severely curtail fundamental freedoms and rights, such as freedoms of movement, free expressions, association and assembly.

Zero New Cases Reported for 15th Day in Cambodia as Caution Still Urged

The World Health Organization is also working with stakeholders to scale up testing capabilities at provincial facilities, in preparation for a potential increase in new cases.

Conservation NGO Suspended for Allegedly not Providing Adequate Documentation

While VOA Khmer could not access the NGO’s bylaws, but Article 10 of LANGO requires an organization to provide a list of all its operating bank accounts within 30 days of registration and Article 25 requires annual activity and financial reports. 

Phnom Penh Court Issues Arrest Warrant Against Small Party Members for Incitement and Insult

The court issued arrest warrants for Heang Kimsroeun, the vice president of Khmer United Great Nation Party, and another party official, Thol Sophana, on charges of incitement and insult.

Health Ministry Downplays Risks of Community Transmission in BKK1

As of Thursday morning, there were 122 reported cases of the coronavirus in the country, with 98 of those patients recovering from the respiratory disease.