战乱与和平 一探柬埔寨红色时期的历史

战乱与和平 一探柬埔寨红色时期的历史



闻名于世的“高棉微笑”，独特精致的石雕，令人叹为观止。（薛渤杨摄）

作者在吴哥窟感受到诸神的纯净，在战争博物馆看到的展品让他感受到红高棉时期的悲惨。

提起柬埔寨，人们第一个想到的也许就是吴哥窟（Angkor Wat）。说实话，自己对这个陌生的国家一直没有太多感觉，直到耳朵被“西哈诺亲王”、“红色高棉”词条磨出了茧子，才决定展开这次的柬埔寨三天之旅。

背上行囊，坐上TukTuk，我们在柬埔寨西北城市暹粒观看吴哥的建筑，触碰高棉的文化。

吴哥窟建造者透彻领悟人性



荒烟蔓草，伫立在古老文明的吴哥寺中央眺望远方。

“Angkor”即“城市”，“Wat”则是“寺庙”的意思。它曾是古高棉王国的首都，与埃及金字塔、中国万里长城、印度尼西亚婆罗浮屠千佛坛并称为东方四大奇观，同时也是世界七大奇迹之一。

游玩吴哥窟，多少还是要事先简单了解一下它的历史，不然真的只是走马观花。吴哥城初建于九世纪，是东南亚史上最宏伟的一座都城，其鼎盛时期据估算，人口达到上百万，规模之大远超罗马城。

公元1431年，泰国人入侵高棉，高棉人被迫离开吴哥，在金边建立了新的首都，从此吴哥湮没在丛林之中。直到1860年，法国植物学家亨利·穆奥（Henri Mouhot）为了收集植物标本来到暹粒，吴哥城才得以重见天日。

吴哥城里建筑墙体都呈现出一种青铜色，冰冷、沉重，仿佛给人一种快要窒息的感觉。

墙上的头像矗立千年，诸神姿态栩栩如生，历经风雨微笑依旧。这些笑脸安详而静谧，从容又纯净，仿佛有一种穿越时空与万物的力量，令人震撼。

台湾知名画家、诗人与作家蒋勋在《吴哥之美》中曾写到：“吴哥寺被誉为建筑的奇迹，奇迹是建造者如此透彻领悟人性。他并不是在盖房子，他为这个城市留下心灵的空间，是‘城中之城’，是肉身里心灵的留白。”

在实地探访之后，这段话非常值得反复咀嚼，回味无穷。

吴哥的修复工作一直在进行，直到现在也没有结束。《古墓奇兵》《花样年华》等电影都曾于此取景。

残酷的红高棉大屠杀



位于暹粒的战争博物馆，锈迹斑斑的军事装备随处可见。

至于柬埔寨的近代史，更是令人为之震撼。早前因为对红高棉大屠杀这段残酷历史有所耳闻，因此当天的行程特意让导游安排参观博物馆。

先简单介绍一下柬埔寨的近代史：1863年，柬埔寨沦为法国保护国，1940年被日军占领，1945年日本投降后又被法国重新占领。柬埔寨在1953年11月9日宣布独立，但却在60年代爆发内战。先是政变，然后在波博执政时期发生了骇人听闻的红高棉大屠杀，四年期间（1975年至1979年）期间杀死了200多万人（相当于柬埔寨四分之一的人口），再到越南1978年入侵（解放）柬埔寨并于1989年撤军后，柬埔寨才逐渐恢复和平。

导游带我们来到了一个特别不起眼的战争博物馆。坦白讲，来到这个博物馆大门时，我并没有对它抱有太高的期望，但是在买完门票进来后（只花了5美元，约6.70新元），一切都改变了。

据说，博物馆本身就位于一个古老的地雷场和杀戮场，它记录着一段残酷可悲的战争历史。大部分展品都是锈迹斑斑的军事装备，包括枪支和弹药。整个博物馆并不花哨，但它给人的那种身临其境之感，让人真切感受到了红高棉时期的悲惨。

最引人注目的是展示这些故事的信息板，字里行间透露着当时的恐怖生活氛围，揭露了当年波博执政时期的黑暗。

美国、苏联、越南和中国都为当年柬埔寨战争提供过武器和炸弹。原始照片让人百感交集，看到红高棉制服更是让人毛骨悚然。

三天时间很短，这趟柬埔寨暹粒之行是一场文化之旅，吴哥窟得玩，但这战争博物馆更是不能错过。和平不易，以史为鉴。

~联合早报~

The motodop driver, porter who guides tourists in Phnom Tbeng

The motodop driver, porter who guides tourists in Phnom Tbeng



A view of the Tbeng Meanchey natural heritage site in Preah Vihear province. Yousos Apdoulrashim

Rem Thoeun is one of many villagers who live near the peak of Phnom Tbeng, earning his income in the eco-tourism sector at Preah Vihear province’s Tbeng Meanchey natural heritage site.

Thoeun earns most of his living as a motodop driver (a motorbike taxi rider) transporting tourists to popular local attractions – including Tbeng Waterfall, the Three Rock Pagoda and the Taing You waterfall and pagoda – in and around Phnom Tbeng.

But he also works as a porter, carrying things from the mountain’s foot to the peak.

Thoeun says his only option is to take up jobs requiring hard labour to support his family as he did not have educational opportunities as a child.

Some 24 years ago, when the last remnants of Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge militants were fighting the government, Thoeun’s family moved him from the line of fire and went to find a better life on the mountain.

Thoeun, 27, told The Post: “I’ve lived here since I was three years old when my parents moved us from Kulen district because of the fighting.

“They were worried about safety and kept shifting from place to place before finally settling on Phnom Tbeng. After the whole country was freed of the rebels, we decided to remain here permanently, even though at the time we barely survived going up and down the mountain [for money].”

Growing up on the mountain, Thoeun did not have the opportunity to study at school or learn a trade.

So though he now wants to find a new job outside his backbreaking labour on Phnom Tbeng, Thoeun says he does not know what else he can do.



Rem Thoeun (second left) says his only option is to take up jobs requiring hard labour to support his family as he did not have educational opportunities as a child. Hong Menea

“I want to find a job in town but I don‘t know what to do. I want to start a new life that can earn me a higher income.

“I first studied in Grade 2 when I was 15, but I found it difficult as I was pretty old for that low grade,” says the illiterate father of two.

Driving a tourist on the back of his motorbike, Thoeun navigates along the muddy trail, taking the time to describe the scenery to his passenger.

Driving past a stack of rocks he remarks, “they [locals] are superstitious about this place. They believe if they can pile the rocks up high, it will boost their fortunes”.

On the days when Thoeun works as a guide, he picks up his customers around 9am. They have lunch at Dombok Khmao Pagoda before heading to a waterfall located about 1km from the temple.

Thoeun says tourists also love hiking to the Three Rock Pagoda before visiting Taing You waterfall and pagoda.

Tourists can choose to spend a night at Taing You Pagoda or return in the evening, with a round trip costing 150,000 riel ($37) per person.

Thoeun says: “Most tourists hike up Phnom Tbeng via the 1,345 steps of the Three Rock Pagoda. Then, they head to Taing You temple and the waterfall. There is another option ... they can take the 15km trek up an unpaved trail from Bakkam village, in Chheanmuk commune, but it is not popular.”



Rem Thoeun (second left) says his only option is to take up jobs requiring hard labour to support his family as he did not have educational opportunities as a child. Hong Menea

At the Three Rock Pagoda, where his client prayed for happiness at the shrine and enjoyed the valley view from the mountain top, Thoeun takes a break and sips a cold drink at a small store.

He is stood among a dozen porters standing at the mountain peak, waiting to receive bookings for porter and transport jobs.

“I also work as a porter to carry things to the mountain peak. But sometimes I have nothing to do as most people don’t bring heavy items and they don’t know we offer such services,” says Thoeun.

Like the other porters, Thoeun gets 30,000 riel to carry a load of between 30 and 40kg.

“Occasionally, generous people give me 40,000 to 50,000 riel to carry a pack of milled rice. I can carry things about three or four times per day. But usually, I only get one job per day, or nothing at all,” he says.

For those who plan to visit Phnom Tbeng and need transportation, Thoeun can be contacted via telephone (088 773 3062).

~Phnom Penh Post~

Exploring the Kingdom’s highest mountain peak in Kampong Speu

Exploring the Kingdom’s highest mountain peak in Kampong Speu



Local guides recommend visitors spend at least three days in the forest to discover hidden treasures, explore haunted sites and bird watch for exquisite species. Hong Menea

Keo Rattana had to trek through thick bamboo jungles, climb steep inclines and snake his way up mountain cliffs by using a rope to make his way to the top of Kampong Speu province’s Oral Mountain – Cambodia’s highest peak.

Rattana is among thousands to have made the same arduous journey this year, with 3,500 people having already overcome the same challenges in order to conquer Oral.

“We’ve noticed that the number of tourists visiting has jumped dramatically compared to previous years,” says Srae Ken Community chief Chhoeun Chhim.

“Our community has provided services to about 3,500 visitors in the first half of this year and we expect at least 500 more [climbers] by the end of 2019,” says Chhim.

Local guides recommend visitors spend at least three days and two nights in the forest, which is enough to discover hidden treasures, explore haunted sites and bird watch for rare and exquisite species which call the far eastern edge of the Cardamom Mountains home.



There are a number of rare birds, including the chestnut-headed partridge (identifiable by white strips above its wings and white stripes below its belly) and Cambodian Laughingthrush – both of which are only found in Cambodia, according to Chhim.

Rattana says that almshouses nestled in the bamboo forests served as an oasis of sorts. The first one – about 3km into the trek – had a small space for cooking and access to enough water to satisfy up to five to six people.

Often climbers choose to quicken their pace and skip the first almshouse in order to recover at the Hermit Stop almshouse – which is not only larger, but also has more water (particularly in the rainy season).

“Most climbers leave behind supplies and water for people behind them,” reveals Rattana.

There are a number of rare birds, including the chestnut-headed partridge, identifiable by white strips above its wings and white stripes below its belly, and the Cambodian Laughingthrush. Hong Menea

Eight kilometres from the first alm house is the final rest area – where visitors who prefer not to camp outside spend the night in a cool, solar-powered wooden hut with additional structures adjacent to them centring a shrine. Be warned, however, as temperatures there can drop as low as six degrees Celsius.

There, visitors make it a point to see the remains of a Cambodian International Airlines plane which crashed in 1974.

“Even though it was overrun by plants and moss years ago, the quality of the metal is still good,” says Theang Soth – who has been guiding climbers since 2002.

“You can even see remnants such as clothing and aircraft debris that still remain because Cambodian’s believe that it’s bad to take belongings from the dead,” adds Soth, 47.

It’s experiences like this that make people stop in their tracks and forgo the frivolities of snapping selfies in order to appreciate the preciousness of their journey.

Always the adventurers, Rattana and his friends didn’t pack any camping equipment – preferring to drink water through natural sources, filtered through small filtration devices, and dining on dried and ready-to-eat meals.

“We didn’t have to bring many things, even clothes; we only brought a few changes, one to wear and one to keep in by backpack. As I ascend, I wash the used clothing and put on a fresh T-shirt and shorts,” says Rattana.

 

Aside from Srae Ken Commune, where Rattana and his friends chose to begin their climb, additional tours are offered in nearby Outou and Trapang Chhrey communes.

Commune chief Chhim recommends hiring local guides to help navigate the potentially treacherous terrain and to help carry supplies. The service costs $35 per day for international tourists, who can also pre-order food for their climb.

The road leading to Srae Ken can be bumpy – with large rocks and potholes leading to the commune – visitors should allot at least half a day for a tractor ride to reach the foot of the mountain.

Those intimidated by the thought of undertaking the feat should know that it was the first time Rattana had ever tried mountain climbing.

“It was my first experience and now I have reached the highest mountain in country with my friends,” boasts Rattana.

He added that the most difficult part of the journey was the 3km trek through bamboo forest.

”It’s hot and stuffy because it’s dense. If possible, it’s best to begin early in the morning.

“If we had begun our summit in the late morning, we would hardly be able to breathe and it would prevent us from reaching the mountain’s peak.”

~Phnom Penh Post~

King Sihamoni presides over opening of Water Festival

King Sihamoni presides over opening of Water Festival



King Norodom Sihamoni presided over the lighting of the lantern barges, representing the many ministries, in front of the Royal Palace on Sunday as the first day of the annual Water Festival celebrations went smoothly.

Bun Veasna, an official at the National Committee for Organising National and International Festivals, told The Post on Sunday that the first day of the festival had gone smoothly.

Government leaders including Prime Minister Hun Sen, Senate President Say Chhum, President of the National Assembly Heng Samrin and Minister of Interior Sar Kheng attended the event with the King.

“The first boat racing event went smoothly like every year. We finished the first round in the morning, and finished the second in the afternoon,” Veasna said.

National Police said they had deployed nearly 20,000 police officers in Phnom Penh to provide security at the festival, which ends on Tuesday.

On his Facebook page, Prime Minister Hun Sen said Cambodians were enjoying the festival with big smiles on their faces. He said security forces were safeguarding the participants as well as the boat crews.

“Besides enjoying the boat racing on the river, people can shop at many stalls. May I wish all our compatriots happiness and good luck,” Hun Sen wrote.

Festival goer Sok Chea said he was enjoying himself as it was one of the biggest events of the year. He said he never misses it.

“There are fewer people here today compared to the first day of the Water Festival last year. But I think there will be more people tomorrow,” Chea said.

Daun Ley from Phnom Penh said she appreciated the security arrangements that had enabled her to enjoy the festival without fear.

“Along the streets, it is very safe because there is security taking care of us. I have no concerns and I am enjoying myself,” Ley said.



Boat racing on the Tonle Sap river on Sunday.

~Phnom Penh Post~

成为亚细安物流枢纽 泰国要建跨亚洲多国高铁网络

成为亚细安物流枢纽 泰国要建跨亚洲多国高铁网络



泰媒报道，高铁工程主要分为泰国到老挝及中国南部、泰国到柬埔寨、泰国到马来西亚和新加坡，以及曼谷到清迈四条路线，全长达3193公里，造价约914亿新元。

（曼谷讯）泰国政府希望通过一个横跨亚洲多国的高铁网络，致力推动泰国发展成为亚细安的物流枢纽。

《曼谷邮报》报道，这项庞大工程主要分为泰国到老挝及中国南部、泰国到柬埔寨、泰国到马来西亚和新加坡，以及曼谷到清迈四条路线，全长达3193公里，造价约2.07万亿泰铢（约914亿新元）。

可从中国开到新加坡

泰国交通部副部长拜林说，泰国政府希望这个高铁网络可以从中国一路开往新加坡。他说：“到时候，人们就可从曼谷城区挽赐（Bang Sue）乘高铁北上中国北京或南下新加坡。”

连接曼谷和毗邻老挝的东北部廊开府（Nong Khai）的第一阶段工程正在兴建，预计2023年竣工。这一段铁路长达608公里，落成之后，将会成为曼谷通往老挝的主要运输系统。

下一段铁路将把泰国和老挝边境与老挝首都万象连接，最后一段铁路则会将万象与中国云南省边城磨憨镇相连接。

据一个不愿具名的老挝官员说，万象与磨憨镇之间长达414公里的铁路至今已经完成了55%，衔接万象与廊开的铁路工程也已经展开。

他说：“这是一个将我们从内陆国家转变为有土地联系的国家。”他指，目前人们要从万象前往磨憨镇需要两天，但如后有了高铁，来往这两地“就只需要三个小时”。

老挝希望跨国高铁网络能促进经济发展。受访官员预计，有了这条高铁路线，未来到访老挝的中国游客每年可能多达1000万至2000万人次。

泰国也希望借助这个跨国高铁网络来刺激其经济发展，尤其是该铁路网络将把廊开与泰国东部经济走廊（EEC）衔接起来；泰国东部经济走廊是在泰国东部沿海三府北柳、春武里和罗勇设立的国家经济特区，旨在将泰国东部打造为一个现代智能生产的工业中心。

由于项目的重要性和成本非常高，政府应该认真地与中国谈判，并研究随后的利益和条件。从长远来看，我们需要能自己照顾铁路的一切运作，而毋需依靠中国。——泰中战略研究中心前主任阿克松斯里

泰国国立法政大学经济学院副教授、泰中战略研究中心前主任阿克松斯里表示，高铁网络是中国倡议“一带一路”计划的一部分，落成后将会提高泰国的竞争力和与邻国的联系。

不过她指出，发展高铁网络存在一定担忧，主要是在软件和系统安全方面，其他可能影响铁路网络建造项目的障碍还包括“高建筑和征收成本”。放眼望去，泰国日后决定购买中国科技时，也必须明智地进行谈判。

她说：“由于这个项目的重要性和其成本非常高，政府应该认真地与中国谈判，并研究随后的利益和条件。从长远来看，我们需要能自己照顾铁路的一切运作，而毋需依靠中国。”

~联合早报~

泰柬列车中断45年 泰下周一重启通向边境车站服务

泰柬列车中断45年 泰下周一重启通向边境车站服务



泰国东部最靠近柬埔寨边界的班克隆卢卡（Ban Klong luk）列车站，将来旅客可从这个站续程进入柬埔寨。（互联网）

泰国与柬埔寨两个月前重新开通中断了45年的跨境铁路，跨境通车至今还未落实，不过泰国境内通向边境车站的列车服务已定在下周一开始。

泰柬两国在4月22日在边境举行了盛大的跨境铁路重开仪式，但列车服务需等到两国确定班车列表和其他相关细节之后才能启动。

泰国铁路局昨天（6月25日）宣布，泰国境内铁路段的列车服务将从7月1日开始。

新列车服务连接首都曼谷和沙缴府（Sa Kaeo）城镇阿兰雅（Aranyaprathet），直到班克隆卢卡（Ban Klong luk）边境车站；每天来回各两趟。

按协议，这些列车服务将来可直达柬埔寨西北部边陲小镇波贝（Poipet），然后直达柬埔寨首都金边。从波贝到金边的370公里长铁路已在去年重开，不过，柬方至今还未宣布什么时候启动通往波贝的列车服务。

柬埔寨的铁路是由法国殖民政府建造，后来大多毁于战乱中。从波贝到金边的线路也在1973年内战期间被破坏和停用，近期得到亚洲开发银行出资协助重建。

泰柬铁路相通之后，来往两国的交通时间将缩短，对双边贸易和跨境旅游业都有好处。

~早报网~

At Miam, a collaboration of tastes

At Miam, a collaboration of tastes



The Duck Magret, a classic French dish with a Hoisin glaze. Hong Menea

At Miam, there’s more to the logo – an intertwined knife, spoon and fork – than meets the eye. It represents the three French friends behind the new restaurant – Sov Men (spoon), Sorya Sao (fork) and chef Arthur P (knife) – and their collaborative approach.

The three met while working together in Maison Kayser before deciding to strike out on their own. Sorya brings her experience working in bars and restaurants in France to the mixology side of Miam, while Sov has expertise in managing the floor from his time in France and Australia.

Arthur, meanwhile, has worked as a chef in Holland and South Africa, before coming to Phnom Penh. The result is an innovative blend of cuisine and drinks in a friendly and warm environment.

“Here we wanted to mix our knowledge,” Sov said. “She’s on the bar, I’m on the floor, he’s in the kitchen, so we can do everything from breakfast to dinner.”

A ubiquitous and often meaningless description, “fusion” is taken very literally at Miam – with good results. Sorya and Sov each have Cambodian heritage, and that influence is apparent on the largely French menu.

The Duck Magret ($9.5) is a grilled duck breast, finished in the oven, with a Hoisin glaze, with a medley of beans and peas on top of a carrot puree. The Khmer Risotto ($7), meanwhile, is a twist on the classic Italian dish. With Arborio rice, lemongrass, coconut milk, parmesan and a range of Khmer spices, the dish is aromatic and truly unique.

The standout, though, may be the pannacotta ($3.9), which is spiced with chai and cinnamon, with lime zest on top. “We always try to mix new things,” Sov said.

“You’ll never see just a pasta Bolognese, or Carbonara. It’s only original stuff.”



From left: Sov Men, Sorya Sao and Arthur P in the dining room at Miam. Hong Menea

That rings true for the bar as well, which fits the overall vibe of Miam as a kind of laboratory of recipes. Sorya makes homemade syrups for cocktails and, using a dehydrator, has jars filled with garnishes like dried oranges. Most of the drinks are either gin-, vodka- or rum-based, often macerated with other ingredients.

The Very Berry Collins ($5.5) has vodka, basil, fresh berries, lemon and cranberry, while the Very Old Cambodian features rum, palm sugar, bitters, lime, palm spirits and soda. Like the food menu, Sorya insists, nothing is fixed at the bar, which is a constant work in progress.

“We really exchange in the kitchen and the room,” she said. “It’s nice to have an alchemy between us.”

While Miam is a bit pricier than your average Phnom Penh restaurant, it is reasonable given the quality of ingredients and of the cooking. A $12 lunch set menu features a starter and main dish, plus a drink and coffee, while a menu with a starter, main and dessert goes for $15.

This week’s mains included a Dory Meuniere, Homemade Gnocchi and Chicken Fricassee. In all, it’s a place to indulge casually, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee or cocktail in a bright atmosphere.

“I like to think about us like we don’t have so much pretension,” Sorya said. “We are affordable. We are casual. Come as you are, and that’s it.”

Miam is located on Street 278, just east of Street 57. It is open every day from 8am-10pm. Tel: 092 237 550.

~News courtesy of Phnom Penh Post~

Government plans one of world’s biggest airports in Kandal

Government plans one of world’s biggest airports in Kandal

The Cambodian government has approved plans to build one of the world’s largest airports in Kandal province, though key actors have yet to work out the details and one economist noted yesterday that the current proposal may be short-sighted.

A document from the Council of Ministers, dated December 21, approves an investment proposal from Cambodia Airport Investment Co Ltd to build a $1.5 billion, 2,600-hectare airport in Kandal province’s Kandal Steung district, about 30 kilometres south of Phnom Penh.

Cambodia Airport Investment is a joint venture between local conglomerate Overseas Cambodia Investment Corporation (OCIC) and the Cambodian government’s State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), according to the document. Last Thursday, OCIC signed a “cooperation framework agreement” for a new Phnom Penh airport with the state-run China Development Bank.

A 2,600-hectare airport would be the ninth-largest airport in the world, putting it just below the US’s Chicago O’Hare (2,610 hectares) and well above China’s Beijing Capital International (2,330 hectares). The current Phnom Penh International Airport is about 400 hectares.

According to the document, OCIC will invest $280 million, while unspecified “foreign banks” will provide $1.1 billion in funding. OCIC will own 90 percent of the shares in the completed airport, with the rest going to SSCA.

But the project is just getting off the ground, according to OCIC and government officials. Sin Chansereyvutha, a spokesman for the SSCA, said yesterday that there was no detailed plan or agreement, and the aviation authority had not even met with OCIC to discuss the project yet.

“The project will need a long time [to materialise] because we need to negotiate on many criteria, on the frameworks of the agreement,” Chansereyvutha said, adding that the government would also have to find a way to deal with Cambodia Airports, the company that currently holds a concession to operate Phnom Penh International Airport until 2040.

Cambodia Airports, which is majority-owned by France’s Vinci Group, submitted plans to the government last year to expand both the Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports to accommodate future growth in traffic, according to Khek Norinda, the company’s PR and communications director.

But expansion plans have been halted in the past by government officials, who have opted instead to build new airports, financed by Chinese banks, in both towns.

Norinda declined to answer questions yesterday about Cambodia Airports’s concession agreement or about whether negotiations were ongoing between the company and the Cambodian government, instead replying with a statement that said “dialogue through a mutual respect of the agreement made between both parties is critical for the future development of the airports, their successes and the country’s development. Our teams are always ready to engage with Cambodian authorities.”

Another potential roadblock to the new airport project is its questionable long-term viability, according to Nget Chou, a senior consultant at Emerging Markets Consulting.

Chou said yesterday that he was suspicious a project requiring so much capital would materialise, and even if it did, its proximity to Phnom Penh would not accommodate the long-term trend of rapid urban expansion.

“The suggested location seems like it does not reflect long-term planning, because in the next 10 years, that place could become [as crowded] as the current existing airport,” he said, adding that an airport further away, connected with an expressway, would be a better option.

Brendan Sobie, Southeast Asia analyst at the Centre for Aviation, said that the size of the airport was less important than other factors, such as the number of runways and terminals.

“A lot of the details are not yet known but it seems there is movement to meeting the long term growth needs of Cambodia’s aviation market,” Sobie said in an email yesterday. “Cambodia has been one of the fastest growing markets in Asia – and the world – over the last several years and there is potential for more rapid growth which can only be fully realised with a new airport.”

OCIC is owned by Pung Khiev Se, the powerful tycoon whose company also developed the capital’s Koh Pich. Contacted yesterday, Khiev Se’s assistant, who declined to give her name, said that the project is still in the preliminary stages, and said she could not give out the exact location of the new airport.

“Regarding the actual location, I cannot confirm yet,” she said, declining to verify the location listed on the Council of Ministers document. “It could change and is flexible based on actual circumstances,” she said.

Despite that, the assistant was confident that construction on the new airport would begin sometime in the next five years.

~News courtesy of Phnom Penh Post~

South East Asia in the grip of chilly weather

South East Asia in the grip of chilly weather

Temperatures across South-east Asia have dipped beyond the norm in recent days, with non-stop rain and strong winds contributing to chillier tropics.

The thermostat has dropped to as low as 22°C in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore and 17ºC in Bangkok, cold bouts have been reported in Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines, and ice slabs have even been found in parts of Myanmar.

The weather has become so chilly that Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak tweeted on Friday (Jan 12): "Wow, Malaysia's weather is really cold today, just like in Jeddah!" He had just returned from a trip to Saudi Arabia.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department attributed the chill to the north-east monsoon, but did not expect temperatures to dip further. The agency forecasts all-day rain to last until Sunday in Kuala Lumpur.

Thailand has been experiencing a cold snap since last month, with fog blanketing its northern regions and frost forming on mountains.

In Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital, the temperature fell to as low as 8ºC, the lowest this winter for the city.

Though Cambodia was also struck by the cold weather this week, it was not as bad as last month, when the temperature plunge caused a sweater-shopping frenzy, and baby elephants had to wear hand-knitted coats.

The Philippines has been experiencing generally colder weather too, a result of the El Nino-La Nina weather dynamics, and the chilling Arctic air called the polar vortex. "We have seen a cold blast in the Pacific and Atlantic regions," said the local weather bureau's forecaster Nikkos Penaranda. The lowest temperature recorded recently was 12.2ºC in the northern city of Baguio on Jan 1.

Meanwhile, Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency said it recorded moderately lower-than-usual temperatures in the Riau Islands, an Indonesian province closest to Singapore, and in Nusa Tenggara Timur, east of the country's main tourist island of Bali. On Friday, the two locations registered temperatures of 23ºC to 25ºC.

All other provinces are seeing relatively normal temperatures, state weather forecaster Risda Novikarani told The Straits Times.

Over in South Asia, the northern parts of India were also in the midst of a cold spell, but meteorological officials said this was well within the range for winter months. "Temperatures have fallen and the cold wave condition is more severe in January than December," said Mahesh Palawat, director of private weather forecaster Skymet. "It is a normal winter."

According to India's Meteorological Department, minimum temperatures in most parts of northern India this week continued to be between 5ºC and 10ºC, and would remain so until Monday (Jan 15).

~The Straits Times/Asia News Network~

Cambodia negotiates reopening of informal Vietnam border crossings

Cambodia negotiates reopening of informal Vietnam border crossings

Ratanakiri provincial authorities are trying to resolve a border dispute with Vietnam, urging the Vietnamese to reopen four recently blocked border crossings, according to National Police spokesman Kirth Chantharith.

The conflict originated when Cambodia rejected Vietnam’s proposal to build four new, formal border checkpoints, only accepting one. In response, Vietnam blocked off four heavily travelled, informal crossings.

Speaking to reporters following a year-end meeting of police officials, Chantharith downplayed the severity of the dispute. “We are having a special negotiation. The Ratanakkiri provincial governor is solving the problem without any huge challenge,” he said.

But Governor Nguon Keoun and his deputy, Yem Sam Oeun, said the closures have been an inconvenience to Cambodian border units, and a resolution is not imminent.

“Vietnam asked to open four more checkpoints and we thought that three of them were not important because they access the forest . . . not the paved road,” said Sam Oeun.

“On 12 December, Vietnam dug and cut up the road, but later on, they filled it up and then they built the fence to separate it,” he added.

Sam Oeun said the one agreed-upon border checkpoint has not been opened either, because it requires approval at the “national level”.

He condemned Vietnam’s response, saying it is an inconvenience to the border troops who often crossed into Vietnam to buy goods.

Sam Oeun also said the move unfairly impacts ethnic minority communities that cross the border daily to visit relatives.

“Our province and Kon Tum province have ethnic people. In fact, they are siblings and relatives, and they cross back and forth as normal,” he explained.

He said both sides would meet to discuss the issue, but a date has not yet been set.

San Chey, country director of the Affiliated Network for Social Accountability, said Vietnam may want more efficient paths for smuggling illegal timber.

“Vietnam controls many economic [land] concessions in the northeast and most of the economic concessions were accused of involvement with smuggling timber,” he said

Regional analyst Paul Chambers, with Naresuan University in Thailand, said the move was a signal that Vietnam was willing to flex its strength.

“It could signal a more aggressive stance by Vietnam amidst its perception of too strong a tilt by Cambodia toward China,” he said.

~News courtesy of Phnom Penh Post~

吴哥窟彩虹桥‧修復工程顺利

吴哥窟彩虹桥‧修復工程顺利



吴哥窟彩虹桥的修復工作进展顺利，预计2020年按时完成。

2016年5月9日开工以来，吴哥窟彩虹桥的修復工作进展顺利，预计2020年按时完成。

仙女机构保护吴哥窟专家安速彼表示，吴哥窟彩虹桥的修復工程是由日本上智大学（Sophia）和仙女机构专家共同负责，自2016年开工以来，修復工程进展顺利，预计在未来4年竣工通行。

他说，在修復工作上，日方提供了技术人员和先进设备援助，而仙女机构承担修復经费和劳工。目前，仙女机构已安排4名工程师和54名技工，与日方技术专家参与修復工作。

据瞭解，通往吴哥窟的彩虹桥，全长190米，宽12米，高4米。依据歷史记载，彩虹桥是通往天堂的通道，因彩虹桥严重损坏，而被关闭修復。

根据初步考古发现，彩虹桥曾经在吴哥王朝后进行至少4次修復。第一次是在吴哥王朝之后修復，第二次是在法国殖民时期的50世纪初修復，第三次也是由法国在60世纪初修復，第四次是在1996年至2007年间，由仙女机构和日本上智大学共同修復。

（柬埔寨星洲日报）

2017全年接待国际游客560万人次

2017全年接待国际游客560万人次

2017年柬埔寨共接待国际游客560万人次，其中中国游客120万人次，增加46%。

根据政府公开的最新报告，目前共有15家航空公司提供柬埔寨和中国各大城市直飞航线，每週共155趟班次，另有包机服务每周则共50趟。

15家航空公司中，12家为中国航空公司，另3家为柬埔寨公司。

由於前来柬埔寨旅游的国际游客不断增加，柬政府决定在暹粒省兴建新机场，有关项目估计耗资9亿美元，地点是位于暹粒省速尼贡县，佔地700公顷土地。

该项目计划于今年动工兴建。

（柬埔寨星洲日报）

下月中將遇最冷天气

下月中將遇最冷天气

高原、山区和中部平原地区將於12月中迎来最冷天气。

水源气象部发言人詹云塔表示，上述地区气温將下降至摄氏17至18度。

他表示，位於东北高原地区、扁担山、荳蔻山等夜间气温將下降至22度。

（柬埔寨星洲日报）

政治紧张局势‧开始冲击旅游业

政治紧张局势‧开始冲击旅游业

国内旅游业者称，或因柬埔寨政治局势紧张，导致来柬旅游的国际游客呈下降趋势，冲击柬旅游业。

柬埔寨旅游联盟主席托西南日前向媒体记者表示，柬埔寨政治局势紧张开始影响柬埔寨旅游业，来柬旅游的国际游客不断减少，特别是欧美旅行团，另有许多外国游客取消明年来柬旅游计划。

托西南说，虽然今年首9个月，来柬埔寨旅游国际游客保持增长势头，但近期开始出现外国游客退团和取消行程现象，或是因柬政治局势影响。

“如果说，柬旅游业没有受影响，是在自欺欺人。”

根据旅游部的统计数据，今年前9个月，柬埔寨接待国际游客近400万人次，同比增长11.5%。

一位不愿透露姓名的柬旅行社协会工作人员认为，旅游部发布的数据并不准确。

他还说，因为柬政治局势紧张，致使来自日本、美国和欧盟等国家的旅行团，取消来柬旅游计划。

他也称，邻国也利用柬政治事件“大作文章”，向游客宣传柬埔寨负面消息，影响外国游客来柬旅游的信心。

（柬埔寨星洲日报）

海洋节下月举行‧白马酒店爆满

海洋节下月举行‧白马酒店爆满

今年海洋节将设立400个展位，展销国内和进口产品。

今年海洋节将于12月22日至24日在白马省举办。

白马省旅游局副局长柏丹表示，海洋节活动期间，共有400个展位参展，其中200个展位展销国内产品。

他表示，旅游部预测海洋节将吸引数百万人次游客参加，因为活动节目丰富多彩，包括演艺表演、沙滩和水上运动等。

他表示，白马省共有1000间酒店和客栈客房，但预计无法满足游客需求，因此省级政府正在考虑推出民宿，同时提供贫苦学生住宿的技术学校将临时充作游客客房。

旅游和接待局局长邵帕涅表示，学校房间干净整洁，尤其是能够保证游客的安全，而且价格便宜。

他表示，一个家庭式房间可容纳2至5人，价格为30美元。至于个人式的，即一个人收费3美元。

（柬埔寨星洲日报）

Odd collections a draw at Museum Cafe

Odd collections a draw at Museum Cafe

‘You can call me the crazy man of Cambodia,” laughs Lee Peng Heng, sitting among around 100 of his vintage coffee grinders, dozens of teapots and a phonograph from 1888, at a table fashioned from a recycled garment factory sewing machine. “That’s what they used to say when I would ride my bike around town.”

The bike in question is a jet-black penny-farthing – one large wheel, one small, with no modern additions like a break or chain – now mounted to a wall next to the sign for Peng Heng’s Museum Cafe, which opened last Friday.

Though displayed in just one modest-sized room, it would be easy to spend an hour or so looking through the different displays, from rows and rows of vintage cameras and oil-lit candles to instruments from around the world, grandfather clocks and typewriters. There are also details that might be overlooked at first glance – lights made by Peng Heng hanging from bicycle frames, the custom-made tables and an old water pump outside the front entrance. The penny-farthing is his favourite item, apparently dating from 1878.

The eclectic mix is the product of 20 years of collecting, which the 51-year-old Phnom Penh native says was motivated by a trip to Vietnam in the 1990s. At the time the manager of several small businesses, he was admiring a vintage Volkswagen when he says the owner scoffed and told him he would never be able to afford one himself. Since then, he’s been collecting with a chip on his shoulder. His wife, Meng Sokha, has supported his habits and inspired him to keep going. Meticulously cataloguing and budgeting every purchase, as his business improved the collection expanded.

He has since owned three Volkswagens. He declined to elaborate on the source of his funds, only insisting that it’s “not bad business”.

It was his wife’s idea to turn a museum they opened in 2015 called Vimean Sokha in Phnom Penh Thmey into a more centrally located coffeeshop in an effort to attract locals as well as tourists. “Khmer people like new things, not old, and before we would get only foreigners visiting,” Peng Heng explains.



Museum Cafe owners Meng Sokha (left) and Lee Peng Heng.

In fact what is on display makes up only 10 percent of their collection, with the rest stored in a warehouse and above the cafe. Once this venture is up and running, the couple plans to set up a another museum in Siem Reap, “where people want to visit museums, not like in Phnom Penh”, he says.

Peng Heng purchased the majority of items online, though he also travels around Asia picking up dozens of collectibles each trip – sometimes so many that he doesn’t leave enough money for his accommodation. He admits to being addicted to shopping and feels depressed if he can’t add to the collection. But he also emphasises that he wants Cambodians to enjoy browsing his oddities and sees it as a worthy contribution to the country’s cultural scene.

“Here there is no one else doing this, only me,” Peng Heng says of the concept of a privately run museum. On launch day last week, morning trade was busy with locals, and by the afternoon several students had settled in with their laptops.

The cafe element is nothing out of the ordinary, serving a standard selection of coffees and smoothies from $1 to $3, and as yet there is no food.

But with the chimes of grandfather clocks, and a vintage motorbike parked next to the bar, the piecemeal setting is truly one of a kind.

Museum Cafe is located in the middle of Street 124, near Russian Federation Blvd. Opening hours are currently 7am-9pm, subject to change. Tel: 085 711 979.

~News courtesy of Phnom Penh Post~

Temple exploring in Cambodia without the crowds

Temple exploring in Cambodia without the crowds

Those who make the journey almost 100km from Preah Vihear province’s capital Tbaeng Meanchey to the 11th century remains of Preah Khan Kompong Svay will be richly rewarded. 

The archaeological site, also known as Prasat Bakan, has around five square kilometres of lush green grounds to explore, and buildings with all the atmosphere of some of Angkor’s — minus the throngs of tourists.

Tickets are free for locals and $5 for foreigners. Watch our video to see more, and see the location here.

~Info courtesy of Phnom Penh Post~

应付未来游客量‧招考沿海景区导游

应付未来游客量‧招考沿海景区导游

旅游部招聘更多沿海景区导游。

在亚洲开发银行（ADB）的资助下，旅游部6日举办考试，以招募更多沿海景区导游。

此次考试共有70人报名，以获得7个外语导游执照，包括英文、法国、中国、日本、韩国、泰国和越南。

旅游部国务秘书巴速坤表示，旅游部希望在沿海景区，包括嗊吥、白马、西哈努克和国公省招募更多导游。

此次考试在严格监督下进行，应考生必须在3个小时內完成作答。在通过考试后，学员必须通过电子登记系统或旅游局，申请地区导游执照。

他表示，近年来，沿海地区游客逐年增长，为了满足游客的需求，旅游部必须招募更多导游。

（柬埔寨星洲日报）

获亚洲开发银行资助‧重建上丁省机场

获亚洲开发银行资助‧重建上丁省机场

在亚洲开发银行（ADB）的资助下，柬埔寨將重建上丁省机场。

据柬埔寨民航国务秘书处发言人辛章西里瓦表示，上丁省机场被纳入湄公河次区域的发展计划，目前亚行正在对此进行深入研究。

他说，上丁省机场被视为湄公河次区域发展中最具潜力，以链接老挝和其他区域国家。

他估计，重建上丁省机场基础需要500至600万美元，可允许小型客机起降；若机场要提昇为接受160至180名乘客客机起降，需要2000至3000万美元进行重建。

柬埔寨旅游联盟主席杜西那表示，如果上丁省机场重新开放，將促进该省至老挝和其他地区国家的往来。

他说，上丁省拥有丰富的自然旅游资源，但基础设施落后，阻碍当地旅游业发展。

（柬埔寨星洲日报）

两款柬币新钞 New currency notes for 1k & 5k Riels

庆祝柬埔寨西哈莫尼国王登基13周年 柬埔寨国家银行发行两款新钞
New currency notes for 1000 Riels & 5000 Riels









柬埔寨国家银行于本月25日宣布发行面值1000柬币和5000柬币的两款新钞。以庆祝柬埔寨国王诺罗敦•西哈莫尼登基13周年。

~以上新闻转自柬华日报~