Showing 1 - 10 of 28
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.
Can Hun Manet deliver in the top job?
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 14/12/2021
» It has taken Prime Minister Hun Sen almost a decade to announce his political successor, which he did on Dec 2. At first, he has in mind at least four choices -- the first pair comprising his two sons, Hun Manet and Hun Many and the second pair of senior colleagues, Sar Kheng and Say Chumm of Cambodia People's Party. Then, he decided to focus on the first pair.
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.
The path to poverty in Thailand
Oped, Peerasit Kamnuansilpa, Published on 20/01/2021
» Thailand has had an interesting journey to its current ranking of sixth in the world, and first in Asia, in income inequality, as cited by the World Population Review. The country has historically been a patronage society, where the upper echelons of society are expected to look after those who are underprivileged.
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.
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.
Hun Sen creates new refugee group
News, Evan Jones, Published on 04/03/2020
» For 35 years, Hun Sen has ruled Cambodia with a swath of scandals, his heavy-handed approach for political opponents, brutality and oppression. Drawn straight from the dictator's handbook used by despots the world over, the strongman has abused his power to obliterate any opposition and dissent. His family's wealth is astounding: it is estimated between US$500 million and US$1 billion (16-32 billion baht) -- a far cry from his prime ministerial salary of US$1,100 per month.
Hun Sen must take heed
News, Editorial, Published on 14/02/2020
» In his quest for absolute control and to prolong his stay in power, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has turned the country into a de facto one-party state and prepared his eldest son for a dynastic succession. This quest has been pursued at the cost of his people's political and civil rights.
Hun Sen's actions forcing EU's hand
News, Brad Adams & Lotte Leicht, Published on 29/01/2020
» As the European Commission is in the final month of a 12-month review of its trade preferences for Cambodia under its Everything But Arms (EBA) programme, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has thrown down the gauntlet to the EU by putting Kem Sokha, the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party's (CNRP) current president, on trial for treason.
Hun Sen learns how to fake democracy
News, Surasak Glahan, Published on 14/11/2019
» Cambodia may avoid trade sanctions from the EU and US if its government has learnt the art of faking a return to democracy and rule of law from Thailand, which has done its neighbour a huge favour by barring entry to its exiled opposition leaders.