Showing 1 - 10 of 30
Political exiles deserve better
News, Editorial, Published on 10/01/2025
» The beginning of 2025 should have provided a fresh start for Thailand. The country began its three-year term as a member of the prestigious United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Jan 1, and the Paetongtarn Shinawatra government is eyeing related events.
Does the latest Gallup poll tell all?
Oped, Sam Rainsy, Published on 15/12/2023
» A survey of opinion in Cambodia published by Gallup in August shows the impossibility of trying to gauge the views of the public under a dictatorship determined to stamp out any trace of dissent.
Cambodia and Laos in the regional mix
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 30/09/2022
» As geopolitical tensions from Russian aggression in Ukraine and the ongoing United States-China rivalry intensify, Southeast Asia will be hard-pressed to maintain peace and security. Despite their relatively small size, Cambodia and Laos are two countries whose political trajectories will shape regional outcomes. While Cambodia has consolidated domestic political power with dynamic economic expansion, Laos is looking like a regional laggard facing a deep debt crisis. As Cambodia moves forward, Laos is at risk of being left behind.
Cambodia's progress has been stalled
Oped, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 31/03/2022
» The situation in Cambodia can perhaps be described as straddling a testament and a predicament. The testament is the 30th anniversary of the Paris Peace Agreements (October 1991) which brought peace to the country after a long period of warfare and the "recent tragic past". It established a pivotal framework for human rights, democracy and sustainable development in the country.
Rights record needs scrutiny
News, Editorial, Published on 07/12/2021
» Next Wednesday, Thailand will commemorate its 75th year of engagement with the United Nations. There are a number of reasons for the country, which was the organisation's 55th member, to be proud, particularly the army's contribution to peace keeping, health care and humanitarian missions. However, the present celebration comes at a less than favourable time amid the news that Thai authorities deported four Cambodian activists in the past month.
Cambodia must strike a new path
Oped, Kasit Piromya, Published on 03/11/2021
» The Paris Peace Agreements on Cambodia was signed 30 years ago. The deal was a major international achievement to end more than a decade of war in the country. It stipulated that the country must hold free, fair and competitive elections. The United Nations organised the first elections in the country in 1993. But the world decided too quickly that the job was done and forgot about Cambodia. The mandate of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) ended after the elections.
Hun Sen's big gamble
Oped, Editorial, Published on 13/08/2020
» The arrest of prominent Cambodian unionist and long-time government critic Rong Chhun at the end of last month at his home in Phnom Penh sends a clear message to the world that Prime Minister Hun Sen and members of the ruling-Cambodia People's Party (CPP) will never tolerate opposition voices in the country.
Covid crisis stifles political criticism in SE Asia
Oped, James Gomez & Robin Ramcharan, Published on 27/05/2020
» Covid-19 has spurred the use of fake news laws to censor political criticism in Southeast Asia.
A sombre Khmer new year break
News, Editorial, Published on 19/04/2020
» Across Southeast Asia, Covid-19 has dampened spirits for what is usually a joyous jubilee, with government's putting the kibosh on large-scale festivities that usually usher in the traditional new year.
CNRP activists' melancholy Songkran
Oped, Evan Jones, Published on 15/04/2020
» Bon Chol Chhnam Thmei, or Khmer New Year as it is most commonly known, which this year falls on April 14-16, is one of the most auspicious holidays on the Cambodian calendar. Officially representing the end of the harvest season, and the start of the new year, the festival brings together families and communities to celebrate and welcome in new beginnings. Whilst Covid-19 precautions dictate that large-scale celebrations have been cancelled; it is expected that many families will still host intimate gatherings at home to signify this occasion.