N U MB E R 3453 ssue I monday, june 29, 2020 Intelligent . In-depth . Independent www.phnompenhpost.com 4000 RIEL First-ever Mull ASEAN border degree in ninja Gov’t reports opening, PM urges awarded 11 new Covid-19 Ry Sochan compared to other regions. prudent rehabilitation plan by and public health, disruption JAPAN has produced its first The prime minister’s re- introducing a number of sce- to the functioning of the global ninja studies graduate after cases, reiterates RIME Minister Hun quest was made at the virtual narios for gradually launch- supply chain as well as serious Genichi Mitsuhashi spent Sen has requested 36th ASEAN Summit under ing cross-border transit and socio-economic impacts. two years honing his martial preventive care that ASEAN launch a the theme “Cohesiveness trade operations between He said a united response arts skills and absorbing the national – page 2 scenario for gradually and Responsiveness”. countries and rehabilitate and global solidarity on a finer traditions of the feudal reopeningP cross-border travel “ASEAN really needs to be sectors that are most affected multilateral basis, especially martial arts agents. and trade between countries strategically prepared for by the crisis,” he said. under the UN framework, is The 45-year-old complet- in the region. the post-Covid-19 world. Hun Sen said Covid-19’s indispensable. He said ASEAN ed the master’s course at He said ASEAN has had more To achieve this goal, ASEAN unprecedented challenges in- Mie University in central success combating Covid-19 should establish a clear and clude issues related to safety Continued – page 2 Japan, the region consid- ered the home of the ninja. In addition to researching historical documents, Mit- suhashi said he took the practical aspect of being a ninja to heart. “I read that ninjas worked as farmers in the morning kINGDOM’S LISTED and trained in martial arts in the afternoon,” he said. PORT OPERATOR So Mitsuhashi grew veg- etables and worked on his PPAP works to martial arts techniques, in addition to copious ninja soften virus hit study in the classroom. business – page 6 “With this combination, I thought I could learn about the real ninja,” he said. Better known as black- clad assassins famous for secrecy and stealth, ninjas also had “comprehensive survival skills”, he said. Mitsuhashi, who has also learned kung fu and a Japa- nese martial art known as Shorinji Kempo, teaches ninja skills at his own dojo and runs a local inn while Russia accused pursuing his PhD. The Mie University set up of OFFERING the world’s first research centre devoted to the ninja BOUNTIES to kill in 2017 and opened a grad- Drug haul uate course a year later. AMERICAN troops Some 500kg of confiscated drugs are prepared for destruction on Phnom Penh’s Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition It is located in Iga – 350km Centre on Friday. HEAN RANGSEY sTORY > 2 WORLD – Page 9 southwest of Tokyo – a mountain-shrouded city once home to many ninja. Yuji Yamada, a professor of Japanese history at the univer- Kingdom revs up pedal power sity in charge of the ninja cen- tre, was surprised at Mitsu- Hin Pisei the international market in the merce vice-president Lim Heng key factors in the increased hashi’s devotion to the task. first five months of the year. said favourable investment demand for bicycles,” he said. “We provide historical class- AS THE ongoing Covid-19 This was up 26 per cent on a laws and a young workforce Cambodia exported $418 es and courses on ninja skills. pandemic spurs renewed yearly basis, with European mar- has gradually enhanced the million worth of bicycles last But I didn’t expect him to interest in cycling and chang- kets accounting for 60 per cent. attractiveness of the Kingdom year, up 26.28 per cent from engage to this extent” like a real es the public’s attitude towards The Kingdom exported to the growing number of 2018’s $331 million. living ninja, Yamada said. bicycles, the local industry 495,341 bicycles worth $119 investors wanting to establish Heng said the Kingdom’s bicy- To enrol, students have to Curtains rise stands to rev up its pedal pow- million to European markets bicycle assembly plants. cle exports will maintain a take an examination on er and reap huge gains from and 223,912 bicycles worth He said the spread of the Cov- healthy growth pace as devel- Japanese history and a read- as art master heightened global demand. $44 million to the US market. id-19 disease had had a hand in oped countries encourage and ing test on historical ninja Data from the Ministry of It also exported 338 bicycles boosting the Kingdom’s bicycle facilitate switching from cars to documents. inspires youth Economy and Finance’s Gen- worth $94,137 to the Japanese exports during the period. bicycles. “About three students enrol eral Department of Customs market and 31,419 bicycles “The adoption of social dis- “This trend in bicycle every year . . . This is a course with tradition and Excise show that 876,612 worth more than $8 million to tancing rules and reduced use exports augurs well for boost- to learn about the ninja, not locally-assembled bicycles other markets. of public transportation to pre- ed figures that outstrip last to become one,” the profes- lifestyle – page 11 worth $197 million pedalled into Cambodia Chamber of Com- vent Covid-19 infections were year’s levels,” he said. sor said. AFP

THE PHNOM PENH POST World Bank gives $93M National News credit for landless poor Inside page 4 2 THE PHNOM PENH POST june 29, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com National Hun Sen issues direction on Ministry reports 11 new Covid-19 cases, tackling, stopping drug crime reiterates vigilance Niem Chheng They must pursue all drug offences, even if they involve Khorn Savi virus is high when mobile in- RIME Minister Hun family members or friends, dividuals move from place to Sen issued a letter Hun Sen said. The authori- MINISTER of Health Mam place and forget or fail to take with a six-point di- ties must not be loose in law Bun Heng has urged people preventive measures,” it said. rective and a list of enforcement and all people to continue practising virus Bun Heng announced on requestsP on the International must report to the authori- prevention techniques after Sunday that two Cambodian Day Against Drug Abuse and ties any potential drug crimes 11 people tested positive for passengers, aged 15 and 23, Illicit Trafficking 2020 on Fri- they suspect are occurring. Covid-19 within two days af- tested positive for Covid-19 and day as anti-drug authorities He told the Ministry of So- ter arriving in the Kingdom. were admitted to the Chak An- burnt some 500kg of confis- cial Affairs, Veterans and Youth Speaking on Sunday, Bun gre Health Centre in Chak An- cated drugs. Rehabilitation to speed up the Heng stressed the importance gre Krom commune after trav- In the six-page directive, construction of a drug treat- of washing hands, wear- elling from Malaysia on June 26. Hun Sen thanked the relevant ment centre in Preah Sihanouk ing masks or scarves when The plane had 107 passengers, authorities, NGOs, and peo- province. He also told anti-drug coughing or sneezing and including two Malaysians. ple involved in the crackdown authorities to improve the qual- practising social distancing. The 103 Cambodians who on drugs, and its prevention, ity, effectiveness and attractive- He said doctors are having tested negative were sent to treatment and education. ness of drug treatments. difficulty saving the lives of Quarantine Centre 1 (QC1) at He said victims of drugs “I appeal to parents and people infected with Covid-19. Hun Sen Champuvorn High need treatment, while those caretakers to pay attention “The seriousness of Covid- School. The two Malaysians involved with trafficking drugs to and educate children to 19 is not to be overlooked, be- will quarantine at a hotel in are criminals who must be se- make them grow up healthily cause it is an extremely cruel Phnom Penh. verely punished under the law. and safely. They should [take respiratory virus. It makes it On Saturday, the ministry Drug production and traf- Prime Minister Hun Sen says victims of drugs need treatment, while preventive measures against] difficult to breathe due to a lack reported an additional nine ficking have recently increased those involved with drug trafficking must be severely punished. spm Covid-19, and stay away from of oxygen. The coronavirus is infected people who had around the world, he said, and drugs and other negative so- in a very worrying situation all travelled from Indonesia on called on the authorities to put and the wider community.” “White Village” status, or a vil- cial problems,” he said. over the world,” he said. June 25. The patients includ- in more effort to prevent and The authorities were told lage without drugs, he said. National Authority for Com- Separately, the World Health ed eight Cambodians and an crack down on traffickers. to educate the public to stay To achieve this status, he bating Drugs (NACD) on Fri- Organisation (WHO) said it is Indonesian. There were 40 He said: “In the context of away from drugs by teaching said, authorities must comply day burned some 500kg of known that individuals can be passengers on the flight, in- the dangerous Covid-19 pan- them about the negative im- with the slogan “Three Don’t, confiscated drugs at Koh Pich. infected in any circumstance, cluding a Vietnamese nation- demic, the government has pacts of drugs and how they One Report”. The slogan The drugs included heroin, anytime, anywhere. al and 15 Indonesians. increased its effort in com- contribute to the spread of means authorities must not methamphetamine, amphet- “We know that transmis- As of Sunday, 129 out of 141 bating drugs to prevent the the Covid-19. involve themselves in traf- amine, ecstasy, ketamine, sion is due to direct exposure Covid-19 patients had recov- spread of diseases, especially The authorities must in- ficking or delivering drugs, nimetazepam, marijuana and to small drops of saliva or ered in Cambodia. No virus- Covid-19, among drug users crease their activities to achieve collusion, or using drugs. other substances, it said. mucus containing Covid-19. related deaths have been re- The risk of transmitting the ported in the Kingdom. Man caught for murdering wife in K’Thom Kim Sarom “I have finished questioning the sus- He confessed that he killed his wife due pect. We will prepare the report and send to jealousy. Phalla allegedly talked with KAMBOL district police will send 23- the case to the court. The suspect admit- another man, addressed him as “babe,” year-old Sokly Sambath to Phnom Penh ted to committing the crime,” he said. and set a password on her phone. She Municipal Court on Monday for fatally On the day of the murder, Sambath stabbed did not allow Sambath to check her stabbing his wife, Leang Phalla, 23, on his wife and escaped on a motorbike. Phalla phone, Mony said. June 22 in Ov’Lok commune’s Duan Roth died upon arriving at the hospital. Citing the suspect, Mony said be- village in the capital’s Kambol district. Mony’s forces and local authorities, in- sides contacting other men, Phalla Sambath was arrested on June 26 for the cluding Ov’Lok commune police, tried to complained about Sambath, looked crime in Kampong Thom province. Authori- trace Sambath to his home in Tuol Pich down on him, and didn’t allow him to ties said he killed his wife in a fit of jealousy. commune, Ang Snuol district, Kandal prov- have sex with her for about two to three District police chief Hang Mony ince, but he had already moved elsewhere. months. told The Post on Sunday that Sambath After the investigation, officials found Mony said on the day of the incident, worked in construction and Phalla was a that Sambath has relatives in Kampong the couple argued. While Phalla was garment factory worker. The couple has Thom and he was detained in the prov- hanging up the clothes to dry, Sambath Passengers arrive at the Phnom Penh International Airport on June 16. a one-year-old son. ince on June 26. stabbed her in the chest. HENG CHIVOAN ‘ASEAN too focused on overseas market’

Continued from page 1 International Relations Insti- tute, agreed that ASEAN had should be proud of its success better control of the Covid-19 in combating Covid-19 com- outbreak compared to other pared to other regions. regions. “ASEAN has a new opportu- He said ASEAN should take nity to strengthen its regional concrete measures and allow supply chain. This is a neces- cross-border travel in order sary task ahead as I see the for economies to resume. regional supply chain linkage There must be clear measures will enable ASEAN to realise and responses to Covid-19 its potential as the 10 coun- and ASEAN, he said, needs to tries have different advantag- review its internal trade. es,” he said. “So far, we have seen that The prime minister said the ASEAN is very focused on supply chain in the region the overseas market, but it will enable ASEAN member has forgotten about the 600 states to supply each other million people in its region. and transform ASEAN into a By the time of the crisis, our self-dependent region. dependence on exports was “This doesn’t mean ASEAN too high and it affected our will separate from the global economies. supply chain, but it will en- “[One of] the most im- hance the competitiveness of pacted sectors in ASEAN is the community internation- tourism which needs atten- ally,” he said. tion as economies in South- Kin Phea, the director of the east Asia are dependent on Royal Academy of Cambodia’s it,” he said. THE PHNOM PENH POST june 29, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 3 National Former justice official Anti-Corruption Unit probes oknha over busted for land crimes land case in B’bang

Khouth Sophak Chakrya Long Kimmarita the present, there have been land disputes with residents. PHNOM Penh Mu- OKNHA Sorng Thorn, the “The province is measuring nicipal Court in- owner of 5,000ha which cov- some of the lands to be al- vestigating judge ers a fourth of Koas Krala dis- located for residents and ac- has issued tempo- trict in Battambang province, cording to the actual situation, raryA detention warrants for was taken in for questioning [Sorng Thorn] occupies a large former Ministry of Justice by the Anti-Corruption Unit part of it in this district.” under-secretary of state Seng (ACU) on Saturday in regards Ratanak confirmed that Sovannara and three accom- to corruption allegations. Thorn occupies 5,000ha or one- Oknha Sorng Thorn. fresh news plices. They were arrested by In a move that civil society fourth of Koas Krala district. National Police on Friday. organisation Adhoc does not He could not confirm wheth- crops, only to see Oknha Sorng The men are alleged to believe to be related to Thorn’s er the removal of Sochan Thorn demarcate the bound- have encroached on 1,000ha case, Prime Minister Hun Sen from office was connected to aries of the land to take it.” of state land in Mondulkiri issued a sub-decree ending Thorn’s case. But he said the Adhoc provincial coordina- province. Mao Sochan’s tenure as Koas removal of any government of- tor Yin Mengly expects that Court prosecutor Kuch Kim- Krala district governor. ficial from office was normal. the ACU will seek justice for long identified Sovannara’s ACU president Om Yen- Sim Kou, one of the resi- residents. He said he did not accomplices as Van Sothear, tieng and his assistant Yen- dents involved in the dispute know where Thorn will be 36, Po Choy, 34 and Sin Po, 59. Former justice ministry under-secretary of state Seng Sovannara is tieng Puthearith could not told The Post on Sunday jus- taken for questioning. The three are farmers in Nang accused of encroaching on 1,000ha of state land in Mondulkiri. facebook be reached for comment on tice would be served if Thorn “I received many messages Khylek commune’s Koh My- Sunday. Nuon Bophal, the was found to have engaged in from residents who have eul Leu village in Mondulkiri a hearing,” Kimlong said. lion riel under Article 490 of ACU deputy president, de- corrupt practices. land disputes. They seem to province’s Koh Nhek district. According to the four counts, the Criminal Code. clined to be interviewed. He recalled that originally, express delight. I don’t know The arrests were made af- Sovannara and his accomplic- Encroaching on or affecting Provincial governor Nguon the disputed area was a forest yet what documents the ACU ter the men were summoned es could be jailed at least five state property carries a prison Ratanak told The Post on where no one lived. Later, when has because this case is un- to answer questions about years if found to have commit- sentence of two to five years Sunday that he knew the the government established it der investigation. involvement in the land en- ted the crimes as accused. and/or a fine of three to 30 Oknha – a title bestowed on as a district, residents without “But we want the authori- croachment. In aggravating fraud they million riel under Article of those who donate at least land moved to the forest. ties to abide by the law and if “Following their question- can face a prison sentence of 262 of the Land Law. $500,000 to the state – was Thorn and local officials, he someone is found guilty, we ing on June 27, court prosecu- two to five years under Article It’s not the first time Sovan- taken in for questioning over said, claimed that residents had must follow the law,” he said. tor Seng Heang charged So- 379 of the Criminal Code. The nara has found himself in a land case according to a encroached on Thorn’s land. Mengly expressed doubt vannara and each accomplice threat also carries a prison hot water over the 1,000ha. joint complaint by residents. Kou said: “This land be- that the removal of the dis- with four counts of fraud, en- sentence of two to five years Interior Minister Sar Kheng But he did not know where longs to the state. I have lived trict governor from office croaching on state property, and a fine of four to 10 million removed him from office last Thorn was sent because the in Koas Krala since the begin- was connected to the inves- threatening residents not to riel ($988 to $2,471) under Ar- year for the alleged crime. case is within the ACU’s juris- ning, and it is a social land tigation into Oknha Sorng file a complaint and illegal ticle 607 of the Criminal Code. And, King Norodom Sihamo- diction. The provincial hall concession for residents. Thorn. Sochan had held the possession of weapons. Illegal possession of weap- ni issued a royal decree ending was also investigating the case. “The area was changed to office for only two years. “Heang issued temporary ons carries a prison sentence his tenure as the under-secre- Ratanak said: “Upon an Koas Krala district in 2002. Under the law, when an of- detention warrants for them of six months to three years tary of state at the request of investigation, the unit found Residents have gradually ficial’s term is up, he or she to be held in prison, pending and a fine of one to six mil- Prime Minister Hun Sen. a case. But, in the past and cleared the forest and grown has to leave office. Wing donations help tuk-tuk drivers, tour guides

he families of some 700 tuk-tuk drivers and tour T guides have received financial relief from Wing (Cambodia) Limited Specialised Bank to help meet their daily needs as the Kingdom reels from a global economic crisis triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic. Various donors have so far contributed a total of $21,016.70 to the relief fund. “Receiving $30 is a proof that our difficulties have been well understood by Wing. This amount of money can buy

groceries and help us feed our supp lied s ph oto children for a month during these tough times. Some 700 families have received financial relief from Wing Specialised Bank. Wing has launched the ‘Initiative to Support Communities in Need Amid Covid-19’ campaign. “It is extremely hearten- ing to feel that we are not But yesterday – from morning tions to this social cause,” said Please stay strong and safe.” financial burden tuk-tuk driv- ed communities is supported alone,” said Kon Kan, who until night – I only had one Manu Rajan, the CEO of Wing. Wing staff and customers, ers and tour guides have faced by The Phnom Penh Post. drives a tuk-tuk across Phnom fare, and I need to pay “I am sure that the relief along with Wing Cash Xpress since April. Wing is accepting dona- Penh every day to support his for food and petrol,” said we are providing now will help agents and employees of the “Wing considers it our tions for this worthy cause family. Ros Sokun, a tuk-tuk driver reduce the burden on your Royal Group and its partners, responsibility as the largest until mid-July, and donations He added that he is finding visiting the Wing head office families during this tough time. have stepped up to support mobile financial services com- can be made through the close it difficult to meet daily living in the capital to receive Wing and our partners will stay the charity drive, which aims pany in Cambodia to mobilise to 8,000 Wing Cash Xpress expenses and repay loans with financial relief. with you and your families. to help alleviate the acute resources and people to help agents across the Kingdom or the coronavirus outbreak hit- Since the launch of the our communities during these via its digital platforms and ting the economy. “Initiative to Support Commu- difficult times. Alone we can the Wing Money App – in riel While many stores, coffee nities in Need Amid Covid-19” help a little; together we can with account number 032 shops, restaurants and markets campaign, 506 tuk-tuk drivers do much,” Manu said. 10000, or 033 10000 for in Phnom Penh have been re- and 185 tour guides have The relief Wing has provid- US dollars. opening, tuk-tuk drivers have visited Wing head offices in seen a drastic reduction in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap to passengers with people going receive support. out less. The funds, with which they OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNER With tourism severely can claim groceries with Wing impacted, tuk-tuk drivers and merchant partners using a QR www.postkhmer.com tour guides nationwide have code, were transferred digitally lost a significant segment of into their Wing accounts. their customer base. “I am so thankful to all “Before Covid-19, I could of our business partners and earn $25 per day on average. individuals for their contribu- Various donors have so far contributed a total of $21,016.70 to the relief fund. ADVERTORIAL 4 THE PHNOM PENH POST june 29, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com National Gov’t eyes road repairs Koh Rong land ‘belongs to firm’ to restore Siem Reap Voun Dara Voun Dara lar in Cambodia and economi- cally connected with Battam- REAH Sihanouk Pro- THE government is seeking bang province,” he said. vincial Administra- funds to fix 38 roads in Siem The road project, he said, tion spokesperson Reap and return Cambodia’s will span 9,834km in all 12 Kheang Phearum tourist capital to its former glory. communes of Siem Reap city toldP The Post on Sunday that Minister of Public Works and Bakong district. the 35ha being bulldozed by and Transport Sun Chanthol Seiha called the roads the main Royal Group Co Ltd in Koh said this at a Saturday meet- networks in Siem Reap city. Bet- Rong belongs to it after it was ing with Siem Reap provincial ter roads, he said, will benefit leased to it for 99 years by the governor Tea Seiha. citizens and tourists and reduce government in 2008. He said an infrastructure traffic jams and accidents. Phearum said the land does plan is underway to improve The plan will also enhance not belong to the 53 families the reputation of the nation the beauty of Siem Reap prov- who are protesting its clear- on the international stage ince to bolster its reputation ing because they believe they and attract tourists. The road as the historic tourist city of are the rightful owners. plan will be similar to what Cambodia. He called on the families pro- the government has done for “Siem Reap is a province of testing at the site in Koh Rong Preah Sihanouk province. cultural and historical tour- commune, Koh Rong town, to “It is the high time to study ism and infrastructure needs cooperate with the authorities the main plan for road infra- to be repaired and renovated. by providing related docu- structure in Siem Reap city to These 38 main roads are the ments to find a solution. become like Preah Sihanouk. arteries to the heart of the The provincial hall says the land does not belong to the 53 families who are protesting the land clearing. supplied If they still cause social cha- Siem Reap is a tourism city province and boost the econ- os, authorities will take legal thorities will work with them. valid for 99 years. related to the plot under sub- that can enhance the nation’s omy and tourism,” he said. action against them, he said. “The administration will He said in 2016, the Ministry decree 48 released on April 4, reputation on the interna- Ministry spokesman Heang “The company is bulldozing follow the law. If citizens are of Land Management, Urban 2018, by the government. tional map through foreign Sotheayuth said on Sunday a site measuring 35ha. This is unhappy, they can file com- Planning and Construction “The locations where the visitors,” said Chanthol. that it and Siem Reap provin- one card [land ownership card] plaints to the administration created 21 teams to measure company is bulldozing fall He said the government is cial administration are dis- among 30 that the government at all levels. and collect data from the actu- under nine ownership cards finding the budget for the road cussing the plan and the next decided to give to Royal Group “We should not protest be- al land the citizens occupied. and equals 350,000sqm.” construction. “Siem Reap is an step will be a proposal to the for 99 years starting from 2008. cause that does not respect the The government issued sub- One of the 53 protesting important multi-economic pil- government for funding. “This case is not related to law. People who claim to have decree 48 on January 4, 2018, families said on Sunday that sub-decree 48 released on ownership documents should which re-allocated 528.37ha it has lived in the area since April 4, 2018, which allocated present them to us as we want of land to 298 families who 1992 and has ownership doc- land to citizens,” he said. to clarify the matter,” he said. would establish residences uments. Experts checked the citi- The provincial administra- on 637 plots. Land ownership “We won’t go anywhere. I will zens’ ownership documents tion, Phearum said, held a certificates were given to citi- gather to protest at this site. and found that their land was press conference on Saturday zens in April 2018. We dare not enter the bulldoz- located elsewhere. and said the government de- At the press conference, the ing site. I want Prime Minister Phearum said if the citizens cided to allow Koh Rong to be- administration said: “The pro- Hun Sen to see and tackle this have documents proving they come privately owned in 2008. vincial land in land certificate issue for us. We all have own- own the disputed land, they The government issued 36 numbers 009 and 0010 re- ership documents. My land have to take it to the provin- land ownership cards, 30 of leased on July 2, 2009, rented here is 100m by 150m,” a fam- cial administration and au- which went to Royal Group, to Royal Group Co Ltd is not ily member said. Transport minister Sun Chanthol and Siem Reap governor Tea Seiha. MPWT Bank gives $93M for landless poor

Ry Sochan The press release said LASED water supply and sanitation ment techniques, and support- III will further expand the facilities, school buildings, ed more services for farmers,” THE World Bank approved a achievements of Phase I and teachers’ houses, health posts the press release said. $93 million credit for the Cam- Phase II in the implementa- and community centres. Through these two phases, bodia Land Allocation for tion of the social land conces- “New social land concession Cambodia has allocated Social and Economic Develop- sion programme. beneficiaries will receive 17,000ha of housing land and ment scheme on Friday. The granting of land tenure assistance for their first-year agriculture farmland to more The credit is slated to help rights to indigenous commu- crops, including seedlings,” than 5,000 landless and land- improve the security of land nities will also support the the press release said. poor families. Of them, more tenure, infrastructure access ongoing process of land titling Since 2008, the World Bank- than 3,360 families have and agricultural and social of indigenous communities. supported LASED Phase 1 and received land titles, according services for poor and landless The project will assist commu- Phase 2 have helped to pro- to the bank. people and indigenous com- nities that have completed the mote land allocation to the “The project will also pro- munities in Cambodia. land titling process of indige- poor in a sustainable and trans- vide technical assistance to “Helping small farmers and nous communities. parent process, said the bank. implement climate-smart rural communities to access land “LASED III will cover 71 sites “These projects have sup- agriculture techniques, estab- and natural resources in a sus- and communities in all prov- ported rural development, con- lish organisations for produc- tainable and secure way is cen- inces in Cambodia except struction of small-scale irriga- tion and marketing activities, tral to the Royal Government’s Phnom Penh. The project will tion, primary schools, and and manage community funds poverty reduction strategy,” said support building rural roads, health centres, provided train- to scale up local economic a World Bank press release. small-scale irrigation systems, ing for agricultural improve- activities,” the release said. It said the government has set up a legal framework for social land concessions that extends land tenure to land- less and poor rural people. The government also pro- motes the granting of land tenure rights to indigenous communities to extend their rights to land. “Access to land, better agri- culture practices and extension services to improve productiv- ity are crucial for the rural poor,” it said. The phase III project is known as LASED III. “LASED III will help the gov- ernment to continue provid- ing land and land titles to lan- dless and land-poor families and ensure land tenure secu- rity for indigenous communi- ties in the project targeted areas,” World Bank country manager for Cambodia Inguna The credit is slated to help improve the security of land tenure, infrastructure access and agricultural and Dobraja said. social services for poor and landless people and indigenous communities. Land Management Ministry THE PHNOM PENH POST june 29, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 5 National National Police orderes closure of online gambling operations Khorn Savi “If there was no network in Cambodia, some gamblers in the country, it would not be the country might still have NATIONAL Police chief Neth possible to conduct the busi- ways to access them. Savoeun has ordered the Cen- ness, ” he said. “The websites have not been tral Security Department to Telecommunication Regulator run in our country, but gamblers hunt down operators of online of Cambodia (TRC) spokesman in our country want to access the gambling sites and bring them Im Vutha said online gambling websites so they use certain tools to justice. websites had been run abroad, or software to gain access to the At the same time, officials but he was unsure which coun- websites from our country,” from the Ministry of Posts and try was the source. The Central Mose said. Telecommunications are Security Department requested He said it is difficult for the attempting to block six online that the ministry block the sites government to block online gambling websites that sur- in Cambodia. gambling completely and it takes faced over the weekend. “We block them gradually but a long investigation for the web- The National Police and the we don’t block them complete- sites to be blocked completely. The CPP’s top leaders preside over the inauguration of the new headquarters in Phnom Penh. fresh news Central Security Department, ly. We have no right to block the Chinese Ambassador to in collaboration with the Min- websites because they are for- Cambodia Wang Wentian told istry of Posts and Telecommu- eign websites,” Vutha said. Minister of Interior Sar Kheng nications, blocked six websites Digital Security Consultant at a June 22 meeting that since CPP’s 69th anniversary – www.v89bet.com, www. Nget Mose said even though last year the two countries ibc2888.com, www.sbc369. the government blocked have cooperated to combat net, www.asb365.com, www. online gambling websites in online gambling. a28bet.com and www.afb1188. com – for conducting illegal gives way to Covid-19 games online. Savoeun ordered the depart- Niem Chheng been standing for the people, a stage where the party is rich ment to search for the sources connecting with them, over- and that kind of money should behind the games. HE ruling Cambo- coming obstacles, making self- be spent to improve buildings The government issued a dian People’s Party less sacrifices for Cambodia’s and health centres in com- circular over the weekend ban- (CPP) has postponed peace, freedom and democracy, munes to meet the people’s ning all kinds of online gam- the 69th commemo- neutrality and social progress. needs. Chanroeun said it can’t bling sites it said benefit mon- rationT of its founding and will “Cambodia has transformed be a situation where the rich ey launderers, the mafia and instead use the opportunity from a field of genocide and a keep getting richer and the terrorists. Most of the game to mobilise Covid-19 efforts, battlefield of chronic wars, na- poor, poorer. operators are Chinese, accord- party president and Prime tional breakdowns and ashes to Social analyst Meas Nee said: ing to the police. Minister Hun Sen posted on a land of peace, unity, freedom, “There is a lot of discussion National Police spokesman Facebook on Sunday. democracy, rule of law, and de- and some foreign diplomats Chhay Kim Khoeun said on Hun Sen wrote on Face- velopment in all fields,” he said. say that in a democratic coun- Sunday that most of the online book that since 1979, 41 years The CPP also inaugurated try, there is no display of large gambling operations had ring- after Cambodia’s liberation its new $30 million, five-sto- [party] buildings. This is seen leaders abroad and networks in from the Khmer Rouge, the rey headquarters on Sunday, only in China and North Korea, the country. When authorities party, founded in 1951, has which raised a few eyebrows where the party has built large find the networks, it will release Officials are also attempting to block six online gambling websites that faced countless obstacles and for its grandeur and cost. Also, buildings to show off.” the information, Khoeun said. surfaced over the weekend. police achieved great historical re- not everyone is happy with the International Relations Insti- sults for peace, national unity completion of the $30 million tute director-general Kin Phea and territorial integrity. headquarters which coincides said the decision to suspend He said the CPP celebrated with the party’s anniversary. the anniversary was the right its anniversary every year to Hun Sen has said the CPP will thing to do in terms of pre- remember the fighters and be around for a long time and venting the spread of Covid- patriots. the headquarters is a reflection 19 and conserving resources. “But this year, due to the of the 50-to-100 year plan that As for the CPP’s headquarters, situation caused by the global includes infrastructure and he said it was common for a Covid-19 pandemic, the cen- human resources training for party to have a long-term vi- tral committee decided to sus- long-term leadership. sion of leadership. pend celebrations to mobilise But Cambodian Institute for “The criticism of the con- efforts to resolve the conse- Democracy president Pa Chan- struction of the headquarters in quences of Covid-19,” he said. roeun said the CPP’s massive comparison to state buildings is Hun Sen also said on his Fa- buildings represent the party’s not correct because it was built cebook page that since the cre- wealth, not that of the country. from the party’s funds, not the ation of the CPP, the party has He said it has now reached state budget,” he stressed. Japan’s largest airline asked to resume flights to Cambodia Thou Vireak hampered the return of Japa- el Agents (Cata) president Chhay nese investors to the Kingdom. Sivlin, said she welcomed the TO ENCOURAGE Japanese This will benefit the Cambo- return of flights to Cambodia. investors, the Cambodian and dia-Japan tourism, culture and “We cannot wait for the dis- Japanese Chambers of Com- business sectors,” he said. appearance of Covid-19 from merce are planning to request The two parties also discussed the earth to reactivate flights. All Nippon Airways (ANA) to ways to attract more foreign The rehabilitation of the tour- resume direct flights to Cam- investment to Cambodia during ism sector needs to be bodia ahead of a scheduled the Covid-19 pandemic. resumed,” he said. September return. Heng said the Japanese side ANA has operated direct flights Cambodian Chamber of promised to promote negotia- between the countries since 2016 Commerce (CCC) president tions on a free trade agreement but closed its Phnom Penh office Kith Meng and newly appoint- between Cambodia and Japan on April 1 with a plan to resume ed Japanese Business Associa- and development of a digital operations in September. tion of Cambodia (JBAC) economy in the future. Flights to Cambodia have president Yogo Kanda pro- “We also discussed coopera- dropped 98 per cent because posed the idea last week. tion in digital businesses to make of Covid-19, said the Secre- Cambodia Chamber of Com- business between the two coun- tariat of Civil Aviation. merce vice-president Lim Heng tries more efficient,” he said. Tourism revenue contributed told The Post on Sunday that the The parties signed a Memo- 12.1 per cent to the gross domes- two sides are planning to send randum of Understanding tic product in 2019 and Cambo- the official letter to ANA. (MoU) in 2018 to enhance dia earned $4.91 billion in inter- “We will send a joint request cooperation and strengthen national tourism revenue – up that ANA resumes direct flights business relations in the pri- 12.4 per cent from the 2018 fig- to Cambodia as soon as pos- vate sector, Heng said. ure of $4.37 billion, a report by sible because the delay has Cambodia Association of Trav- the Ministry of Tourism said. 6 THE PHNOM PENH POST june 29, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Business

USD / KHR USD / CAD USD / CNY USD / JPY USD / MYR USD / SGD USD / THB AUD / USD EUR / USD GBP / USD 4,097 1.3648 7.0782 106.91 4.2875 1.3906 30.91 0.6885 1.1226 1.2409 Thailand’s Somkid PPAP works to soften virus hit pushes to kick-start May Kunmakara ISTED state-owned stalled PPP projects port operator Phnom Penh Autonomous THAILAND’S Deputy Prime should not just concentrate Port (PPAP) has Minister Somkid Jatusripitak on infrastructure projects, but doubledL down on its com- on Friday called on state en- should also cover social proj- mitment to enhance its busi- terprises to take action after ects, services, medical servic- ness performance during the public-private partnership es, education, public health, global health crisis by reduc- (PPP) projects worth a com- tourism and agricultural proj- ing expenses and postponing bined 1.09 trillion baht ($35.3 ects. He also asked the Board non-urgent investment, di- billion) have stalled due to the of Investment (BoI) to offer rector-general Hei Bavy told Covid-19 outbreak. more incentives so these proj- its annual meeting on Friday. Speaking at a meeting with ects can lure private investors. He stressed that the King- the PPP committee, he said a Meanwhile, Minister of Fi- dom was not spared from the little delay is acceptable, but nance Uttama Savanayana said disruption of global econom- projects should not be post- the Covid-19 pandemic was the ic activity in the wake of the poned by a year. Several PPP main cause for the delays, add- Covid-19 pandemic. investment projects have not ing that the plan was to always “In the face of the current situ- been able to get off the ground push for domestic investment ation, with the Covid-19 crisis for six to 10 months. in order to boost the economy still gripping Cambodia and Somkid also said he had met amid export contraction. large parts of the world, PPAP with executives of PTT Pcl and State Enterprise Policy Office PPAP reported a three per cent year-on-year drop in total revenue in the first five months of the year. HENG CHIVOAN remains constant in its goal the Electricity Generating Au- director-general Prapas Kong- to minimise the impact to our other income was $7,603,877. ume of containers handled at future business under our fast thority of Thailand on Thurs- led said up to 90 PPP projects business,” said Bavy, adding staff The operator logged a de- the port during the period. growing Cambodian econo- day and asked them to speed are in the pipeline worth 1.09 is working together to reduce cline in number of passenger Cambodia Securities Ex- my,” said Ha. up their investment by bring- trillion baht. unnecessary expenses and curb boats during the period, but change (CSX) vice-chairman PPAP’s stock price was strong ing next year’s projects forward. He said 18 of these projects fallout from the coronavirus. reported that all other busi- Ha Jong-weon said PPAP’s re- in January, hovering at just The investment should also fo- worth a combined 472 billion He added: “We recently ness activities either grew or ports prove that its business over 12,000 riel ($3). As Covid- cus on creating more jobs. baht were on the priority list, launched some measures in remained flat. remains good despite the 19 fears began to jolt the King- His statement reflects con- and of them, 10 had been de- response, including adjust- PPAP reported a three per Covid-19 pandemic. dom in February, the price had cerns about rising unemploy- layed by the impact of Covid-19. ments to our 2020 business cent year-on-year drop in It is in a prime position to dropped 13 per cent by month’s ment due virus-induced busi- Separately, the PPP commit- plan, cutting down on unnec- total revenue in the first five grow over the next quarters end, data from the CSX show. ness shutdowns and sharp tee on Friday approved rules essary expenses, holding off months of the year, citing a given how crucial import- It remained at low levels in economic contraction. The and regulations for PPP proj- on investments that are not notable dip in passengers and export businesses are to the March, hitting a 10,280 riel Bank of Thailand recently pre- ects worth less than five bil- currently essential and focus number of passenger boats Kingdom’s economy, he said. low on March 17, and com- dicted that the Thai economy lion baht, which is expected to mainly on important projects and a four per cent fall in car- “The earnings per share menced a rebound late in this year will shrink 8.1 per facilitate more investment co- to shore up growth.” go and fuel oil throughput. of PPAP is still the highest April. It closed at 11,700 riel on cent, the worst ever recorded operation between the public PPAP’s first quarter 2020 On the other hand, it posted among our listed companies. Friday, up 13.81 per cent over in history. and private sectors. THE NATION report said total revenue and a 15 per cent increase in vol- I am very optimistic on PPAP’s its Covid-19 era bottom. He said PPP investments (THAILAND)/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Qualcomm launches Japan’s NTT, NEC to form ‘5G alliance’ first Southeast Asia TOKYO-BASED firms NTT Corp and NEC Corp on Thurs- day officially announced a R&D facility in Hanoi capital and business partner- ship for the purpose of jointly QUALCOMM Vietnam Co Ltd, Qualcomm and the Vietnam- developing fifth-generation the Vietnamese arm of US- ese technology industry. large-capacity, ultrahigh- based wireless technology With an enhanced technical speed mobile communica- maker Qualcomm Technolo- team and an expanded facility, tions services, or 5G. gies Inc, has launched a new the firm will be able to take ad- NTT will acquire a 4.8 per research and development vantage of new opportunities, cent stake in NEC for 64.4 bil- (R&D) facility in Hanoi. helping their original equipment lion yen ($600 million). This It is also the company’s first manufacturers to patent, devel- alliance will allow the com- R&D facility in Southeast Asia. op and commercialise ‘Make in panies to catch up in the 5G The new office will address Vietnam’ devices to meet inter- market where foreign compa- requests from partner com- national standards, said Nam. nies have taken a great lead. panies as well as government The new facility consists of NEC will allocate new agencies. three laboratories. shares to NTT next month With a large area and num- The radiofrequency lab sup- and transfer a portion of its ber of engineers and develop- ports various development own shares to the company. ers, the new facility will help activities including design By doing so, NTT will become meet the growing demand evaluation and calibration. the third-largest shareholder for high-quality products and The second is for power of NEC. services in Vietnam. consumption and perfor- NEC will use the newly NTT will acquire a 4.8 per cent stake in NEC for 64.4 billion yen ($600 million). NTT CORP It will also provide high-end mance metrics testing. raised funds for joint research testing services to Qualcomm The last one is an image service endeavours with NTT, such as 5G is said to be the core tech- long-awaited. that it and Toyota Motor Corp Technologies’ domestic man- laboratory providing services on for facilities related to 5G base nology for areas of technology NTT and NEC held a joint would acquire shares of each ufacturers including VinSmart, adjusting and testing cameras stations. Both companies will such as self-driving cars and re- online press conference on other’s companies and co- BKAV and Viettel, to develop and gauging image quality. also collaborate to develop mote medicinal practice. How- Thursday. “We will develop operate in the development and manufacture high-quality As a leader in wireless sixth-generation technology ever, 80 per cent of the market Japanese technologies with of smart city businesses that equipment quality meeting technology, Qualcomm has that will achieve communi- for 5G base stations is domi- high added value,” NTT pres- connects various technologies international standards. worked in the Vietnamese cation speeds as much as 10 nated by the top three foreign ident Jun Sawada said, while such as self-driving cars and Thieu Phuong Nam, country mobile ecosystem for years. times faster than 5G, and the companies, including Huawei NEC President Takashi Niino energy-saving homes by utilis- director of Qualcomm Tech- The company established Innovative Optical and Wire- Technologies Co Ltd of China. said: “We will globally expand ing 5G technology. NTT is also nologies in Vietnam, Laos and its first office in Hanoi in 2003 less Network (IOWN), the Given the risks involved, such our communications infra- accelerating efforts to form Cambodia, said the launch of and then in Ho Chi Minh City new network concept using as theft of information, the de- structure to ensure transpar- connections with domestic the new office was the next in 2014. VIET NAM NEWS/ASIA NEWS optical technology advocated velopment of domestic highly ency and security.” companies. THE YOMIURI SHIMBUN step for cooperation between NETWORK by NTT. secure technologies has been In March, NTT announced (JAPAN)/ASIA NEWS NETWORK THE PHNOM PENH POST june 29, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 7 Business​ Drink delivery service ‘rolling the good times’

alcohol can be consumed such as bars, nightclubs and KTVs. BUSINESS Most alcohol consumption now is taking place in restaurants or at INSIDER home, so Cambodians are currently using supermarkets and marts more As the Covid-19 pandemic continues regularly to purchase their drinks. to lead people to shift their lives on- line, new e-businesses have sprung What specific steps will you take up to fulfil their needs during these to promote safe and responsible tough times. drinking? David Ghani, the founder of new- There is currently no minimum le- ly-launched beverage delivery service gal drinking age in Cambodia so we Drinks on Wheels, has a background will actively try to promote respon- in alcohol distribution spanning 15 sible drinking as we understand that years in several countries including this is a serious problem. China and Thailand. Although there is no legal require- He sat down with The Post’s May ment for health warnings, we plan to Kunmakara to talk about the busi- promote these warnings through our ness and discuss the current state of marketing campaigns to ensure that the local business community. our drinks are consumed safely. We are also aware of the current Can you tell me about Drinks on need to social distance and keep Wheels? What made you decide to things clean. All our drivers are pro- start it up? vided with masks, and hand sanitis- Drinks on Wheels was launched er is at their disposal. If a customer two weeks after most businesses prefers contactless delivery, they can in Phnom Penh started split-shifts, request that through their order. working from home, or closing indef- initely. While not being a pioneer in Drinks on Wheels founder David Ghani plans to expand outside of the capital before the end of the year. SUPPLIED Do you plan to continue the business the field – many countries around the after the virus situation is under world already have successful online in Cambodia on the website, as well our tagline ‘Rolling the good times down as a government directive. control? drinks delivery businesses – it is a first as promoting responsible drinking to your doorstep’, it should only be a It is an extremely difficult time for E-commerce is the future of busi- in the capital and in the country. and general education of the effects matter of time before we’re wheeling our industry and it will likely take ness globally. This has been accel- Taking inspiration from online su- of alcohol consumption. our products all around the country. years before it returns to how it was erated due to the Covid situation permarket platforms in Cambodia, I pre-Covid, if it ever does. and has pushed many businesses saw a niche in the online market that What is the scale of your operations? How has Covid-19 affected businesses into the online market that perhaps had yet to be filled and created Drinks Drinks on Wheels is planning to in the Kingdom? How have altered consumer behav- hadn’t focused on this before. on Wheels to serve both the local and not only become a go-to drinks de- Covid has had a significant effect iours during these times changed Our business is no exception and foreign community in Phnom Penh. livery service in the capital of Cam- across many businesses in Cambodia, the market trend of the industry? we will continue to develop our on- We are the first dedicated alco- bodia, but throughout the King- particularly in the food and beverage According to the Kantar Covid-19 line business once the Covid virus hol delivery platform in Cambodia, dom too, with a nationwide rollout industry. There have been closures barometers, there has been a re- has dissipated. boasting an inventory of over 400 planned before the end of the year. of many small restaurants and bars duction in alcohol consumption in products. Our goal is to eventu- With such an emphasis on catering across the country due to either hav- Cambodia which has mainly been This interview has been edited for ally have every beverage available for the public’s elixir needs and with ing a lack of customers or being shut due to the closure of places where length and clarity. VN network sharing deal a ‘positive’ EXPERTS forecast that despite The network deal could allow being relatively new in Viet- GMobile to launch limited 4G nam, network sharing efforts or even 5G services, although will accelerate as the govern- it will likely need to achieve a ment seeks to streamline net- more extensive network shar- work deployments and slash ing deal if it were to boost its capital spending. long-term prospects. Vietnam’s four state-owned The newly-agreed deal is mobile operators – Viettel, Vina- relatively small in scale – data phone (VNPT), GMobile and from the ministry suggests that MobiFone – this month agreed as many as 400,000 BTSs have to share about 1,200 base trans- been installed by all five mobile ceiver stations (BTS). This fol- operators nationwide. lows a deal struck in May Fitch said Vietnamobile, the between VNPT and MobiFone, only privately-owned operator which agreed to share infra- in the country, and the mar- structure for 700 new BTSs. ket’s fourth largest by sub- Viettel operates in Cambo- scriber count, appears to be dia through its subsidiary Viet- excluded from the deal. The tel (Cambodia) Pte Ltd under The sharing of base transceiver stations (BTSs) will also allow operators Hutchison Asia Telecom- the brand name Metfone. to save on capital expenditure associated with new construction, which the ministry estimates to be roughly one billion dong ($43,000) per BTS. owned operator could find it Network sharing is still a rela- VIET NAM NEWS increasingly difficult to com- tively new concept in the Viet- pete in a market dominated by nam telecom market. Operators with new construction, which boost launch prospects.” the state-owned telcos. have largely pursued synchro- the ministry estimates to be The experts said the deal will The experts said the network nous deployments of their net- roughly one billion dong also prove to be greatly posi- sharing deal will pave the way works, which has led to a sig- ($43,000) per BTS. tive for GMobile, which cur- for more extensive partnership nificant duplication of Experts from the London- rently only operates a 2G net- deals in the future. infrastructure. The trend is based credit intelligence pro- work. Despite receiving 4G They said: “The towers seg- especially pronounced in vider Fitch Solutions Inc said spectrum and licences in 2016, ment is one area which could densely-populated urban areas, that in the 5G era, where net- it appears that the operator see an increased focus. By the where the rapid construction of works require a significantly has not made any meaningful end of 2019, we estimate that mobile masts has also led to higher number of BTSs to progress in deploying LTE Vietnam had close to 100,000 safety and environmental con- operate effectively, network technology. towers, which are mostly cerns from the government. sharing can greatly reduce This is surprising, they said, owned by operators. The Ministry of Information redundant investments, and given that it does not have any “The market is highly frag- and Communications late last allow operators to repurpose 3G spectrum. Instead, it has mented with several private year published Directive No funds to develop services, been relying on offering basic players owning hundreds of 52/CT-BTTTT, which high- which will be the key differen- 2G call, text and data services at towers, suggesting that con- lighted the need for fixed and tiator in 5G. low prices – catered primarily to solidation in this area is a mobile operators to coordi- They said in a recent report: lower-income and rural sub- strong possibility. nate network construction “Operators have previously scribers – to gain market share. “Mergers and acquisitions in and develop plans to share touted a mid-2020 launch of 5G This strategy has caused it to the towers segment could infrastructure. services, and the network shar- steadily lose ground to its larg- greatly streamline and allow The sharing of BTSs will also ing deal, which we believe will er rivals, which were able to better-coordinated construc- allow operators to save on involve BTSs situated in major leverage their scale and capital tion of these assets.” VIET NAM capital expenditure associated population centres, could resources to grow their reach. NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Monday, june 29 , 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Securities market a pillar of the economy

The Phnom Penh Post and the Securities and Job creation: When an issuer has raised capital for Exchange Commission of Cambodia (SECC) business expansion, this are jointly publishing a series of articles to inevitably leads to the need for more staff. This plays a create greater awareness of the role of the significant part in growing commission and the securities market in the domestic employment as well as Kingdom. This is the second in the series. the economy as a whole. Mobilisation of funds: Low- capital entities can also invest 1. For investors public and investors – such in the securities market, mean- Diversification: Investors as periodic reports, informa- ing their funds are mobilised for can trade in a wide range of tion regarding the business investment. Thus, these funds financial instruments including and corporate governance, and can be mobilised through the equity securities (stock), debt financial statements – all super- securities market for those who securities (corporate bonds), vised, recognised and approved need it (the issuer). This allows collective investment schemes by the securities regulator – the cash flow to remain more active (CISs), contracts for difference Securities and Exchange Com- than by keeping money in one (CFDs) of currency, precious mission of Cambodia (SECC) – place or investing in non- metals, crude oil, CFDs on com- and can be trusted. productive assets such as gold or modities (agricultural products) Tax incentives: Investors precious stones. and the market index. will receive a 50 per cent Return: Investors will receive reduction in withholding tax SECC director-general HE Sou Socheat presents a cheque to a competition winner last year. Prepared by: The Securities investment returns in the form on interest and/or dividends, and Exchange Commission of capital gains, dividends and resulting in holding govern- be familiar with the initial in terms of financial soundness implemented while enhancing of Cambodia’s Department interest based on the financial ment bonds, equity and debt public offerings (IPOs) avail- and corporate governance, and productivity, which can lead to of Research, Training, Securi- products they invest in. Cur- securities. able because the SECC securities with a notable IPO they can increased market capitalisation ties Market Development and rently on the Cambodia Securi- regulator only approves com- then attract talented CEOs and and boosted national economic International Relations. ties Exchange (CSX), there are 2. For issuers panies with a strong financial other highly qualified personnel growth as a whole. E-mail: [email protected] six listed stocks and seven listed Strengthening business background and the necessary to join the firm. Implementing government Phone: 023 885 611 bonds available. operations: Through the securi- qualifications for listing. This Tax incentives: Issuers will policies: Through the securi- Disclaimer: This article High liquidity: Liquidity ties market, issuers are able results in the enhanced reputa- receive a 50 per cent reduction ties market, the government is has been compiled solely for refers to the easy conversion of to raise capital over longer tion, strength and corporate in income tax during the tax able to implement policy, such informative and educational investments into cash. Inves- terms based on their needs. governance of the firm. incentives period. as the privatisation of state- purposes. It is not intended to tors who buy stocks or bonds They can expand their busi- Exit strategy: Shareholders 3. The national economy owned enterprises (SOEs). offer any recommendations or can sell their securities on the ness operations by improving can sell 100 per cent of their Some of the SOEs to have as investment advice. The Secu- market at any time in order to productivity in terms of goods shares on the market as required Spurring economic growth: been privatised include the rities and Exchange Commission receive cash when they need it. or services and/or acquiring in order to exit the market and Issuers can expand their Phnom Penh Water Sup- of Cambodia is not liable for Information sharing: All is- other businesses and increasing receive all their cash. businesses by raising capital ply Authority, Sihanoukville any losses or damages caused by suers must provide and present competition in the market. Attracting skilled staff: Issuers through the securities market. Autonomous Port and Phnom using it in such a way. up-to-date information to the Reputation: Issuers will are generally strong companies This means projects can be Penh Autonomous Port. THE PHNOM PENH POST june 29, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 9 World Thailand targeting narco millions hidden in crypto THE downfall of a methamphetamine economy of cryptocurrency, super- syndicate laundering tens of millions cars and plush overseas properties. of dollars of drug money through Thai Lieutenant-General Wissanu Pras- gold shops, oil and construction firms artthong-osod, assistant to Thailand’s have cast rare light on the staggering police chief, said: “It’s impossible to scale of Asia’s narco profits – and the guess the real amount these drug ruses used to hide them. networks are making.” Thailand is Southeast Asia’s meth But the UN Office on Drugs and “superhighway”, with drugs from Crime’s (UNODC’s) Jeremy Douglas remote Myanmar labs pouring said the Daoreung’s dexterity in laun- through the border destined for the dering shows the “scale and sophis- local market or overseas as far as Aus- tication of the networks. tralia, New Zealand and Japan. “This one is not even a super-syn- Prices have dropped as the drug dicate . . . it’s mid-sized but is still mov- labs ramp up production of yaba – ing a massive volume of money.” the tiny caffeinated pink or green On Friday, Thai authorities burned pills guzzled by Southeast Asian truck seized drugs worth $1.7 billion – drivers to clubbers – and the more another batch worth $800 million expensive and highly addictive crys- was incinerated in Myanmar – during tal meth known as “ice”. an annual parade of law enforcement Millions are hooked on drugs in successes across the region. The Taliban said homemade explosives account for most fatalities among US forces. US AIR FORCE Thailand, where prisons are stuffed But the record amounts are just a with petty dealers and addicts. sliver of the money on the table for Asia’s But the drug lords remain beyond meth lords, who emerge from drug reach, hidden behind a web of mid- crackdowns by raising production and dlemen and complex money laun- piercing borders with corruption. Russia accused of paying dering schemes. The UNODC estimates they are Authorities say they are finally making between $30-$60 billion a ready to change the game by going year and are the biggest meth pro- after drug money sloshing through ducers in the world. militants to kill US troops Thai banks, construction businesses The meth is produced in the “Gold- and cryptocurrency accounts. en Triangle” – cutting across northern HE White House denied on The Taliban have denied the re- the life of employees” at its embassies Minister of Justice Somsak Thep- Thailand, Laos, China and Myanmar Saturday that US President port, reiterating that it was commit- in Washington and London. suthin told reporters last week: “We – where armed rebels are the law and Donald Trump had been ted to an accord signed with Wash- It added in a later tweet: “Stop have found an irregular flow in the drug lords lease jungle labs under briefed on intelligence that ington in February that paves the producing #fakenews that provoke banks of 170 billion baht [$5.5 billion] their protection. reportedlyT showed Russia had offered way for withdrawing all foreign forc- life threats, @nytimes.” – it may not all be drugs. The market-leading syndicate is bounties to Taliban-linked militants if es from Afghanistan by next year. Russia has a tortured history in Af- “But we are confident there is at least believed to be the “Sam Gor” group, they killed US soldiers in Afghanistan. The militants also said homemade ghanistan, where the former Soviet 12 billion baht in drug-related assets dominated by Chinese gangsters who The rewards purportedly gave in- explosives account for most fatali- Union in its final years was bogged – drug money is being turned into gold, control at least 40 per cent of Asia’s centives to the guerrillas to target ties among US forces. down in a devastating fight against zinc [panels], steel rods and oil.” meth – sending their signature tea US forces, just as Trump tries to The Taliban said in a statement is- Islamist guerrillas, then backed by Thailand’s get-tough message fol- packets stuffed with “ice” across the withdraw troops – meeting one of sued in Kabul: “The nineteen-year Washington. lows the recent unspooling of sev- Asia-Pacific region. the militants’ key demands – and jihad of the Islamic Emirate is not in- The New York Times said there eral networks, who bought oil with Asian organised crime is stealthier end the US’ longest war. debted to the beneficence of any in- were different theories on why Rus- drug profits and traded it on interna- than its violent and showy Latin Amer- It was first reported by The New York telligence organ or foreign country.” sia would support Taliban attacks, tional markets as well as transform- ican peers, operating in anonymity Times on Friday. The newspaper, citing The group, widely believed to have including a desire to keep Washing- ing dirty money into construction across countries with long, porous bor- anonymous officials, said that Trump received years of support from Paki- ton bogged down in war. materials for sale such as steel pipes, ders, corruptible police, and large was briefed on the findings in March, stani intelligence, also denied pre- It said that the Russian unit may roofing and machinery. domestic markets of drug users. but has not decided how to respond. vious US accusations it was given also be seeking revenge over the US The main group was allegedly con- To unwind the money trail, Thai- Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany arms by Russia. killing of Russian mercenaries in trolled by Daoreung Somseang, a Thai land has been working with the US said: “Neither the president nor the It said: “The Islamic Emirate has Syria, where Moscow backs Presi- woman already in custody in a Bang- Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), vice-president were briefed on the made use of weapons, facilities and dent Bashar al-Assad. kok prison on trafficking offences. whose skills were honed in the fight alleged Russian bounty intelligence. tools . . . that were already present in Af- The Times said the Taliban opera- Police allege she still ran a drug empire with the Latin American cartels. “This does not speak to the merit of ghanistan or are war spoils frequently tion was led by a unit known as the which spanned the country using gold But crime experts warn police must the alleged intelligence but to the in- seized from the opposition in battles.” GRU, which has been blamed in shops and construction companies to be ready to follow the money wher- accuracy of The New York Times story Russia has also denounced the re- numerous international incidents clean at least $100 million cash through ever it leads if they are to get close to erroneously suggesting that President port, with its embassy in Washington including a 2018 chemical weapons 113 accounts to move the money. the heads of the criminal chain. Trump was briefed on this matter.” tweeting that the “baseless and anon- attack in Britain that nearly killed It is a cycle of drug production, traf- The UNODC’s Douglas added: “The That left open the possibility that ymous accusations” in the Times sto- Russian-born double agent Sergei ficking and laundering that generates message is you can’t just stop at the such intelligence does exist. ry had “already led to direct threats to Skripal. AFP untold billions and turns a secondary drug seizure.” AFP Locust swarms sweep into Delhi suburb Gurugram SWARMS of crop-destroying made it as far as Haryana’s Cooperation and Farmers’ Wel- dia after the meeting. Further, residents have (ANI): “Pilots of all airlines desert locusts have entered the Hisar district during the last fare to make field visits in areas Following the meeting, the been asked to keep doors and have been warned about the outskirts of Delhi, India after major locust outbreak in 1993. close to Gurugram. state government issued an windows closed as well as locusts having been seen near being spotted in several parts With thousands of locusts The development secretary, advisory on preventive mea- cover outdoor plants with a the airport. We have set up a of Haryana state’s Gurugram covering the sky in Gurugram, divisional commissioner, sures to control probable pest plastic sheet. team to monitor given this.” district earlier on Saturday. the Haryana government has director, agriculture depart- attack in the national capital The advisory also states Last month, India battled a Locusts were seen in Ra- issued a high alert with offi- ment, and the district mag- and asked all district magis- that the locusts should not be devastating desert locust out- jendra Park of Sector 5, Surat cials saying that all necessary istrates (DMs) of South Delhi trates to remain on high alert. allowed to rest especially dur- break. The crop-destroying Nagar, Dhanwapur, Palam Vi- measures have been taken, and West Delhi attended the The concerned authorities ing the night as they usually swarms first attacked Rajast- har, Maruti factory in Sector including deploying tractor- meeting, as per reports. have been advised to carry out fly in the day time and rest han and then spread to Pun- 18, Sector 17 DLF Phase I and mounted spraying facilities, “As per the information we’re spraying of pesticides and in- during the night. jab, Gujarat, Maharashtra and many other places in old and reported news agency Press getting, the swarms of locusts secticides like Malathion and Meanwhile, because of lo- Madhya Pradesh. new Gurugram – also known Trust of India Ltd (PTI). are headed towards Palwal [in Chloropyriphos as required cust swarms seen near the Experts say broadly four as Gurgaon. Government of Delhi Minister Haryana]. But a small portion during night, with the help of airport in areas along Gur- species of locusts are found in Delhi-based non-profit for Employment, Development, has entered Jasola and Bhati spraying equipment. ugram-Dwarka Expressway, India – desert locust, migrato- South Asia Biotechnology Cen- Labour, General Administra- [at the Delhi border]. The DMs have been advised Delhi Air Traffic Control (ATC) ry locust, Bombay locust and tre research scientist Govind tion and Irrigation Gopal Rai on “An instruction has been is- to guide villagers and resi- on Saturday directed pilots of tree locust. The desert locust is Gujar told the Down to Earth Saturday called an emergency sued to beat dhols and drums. dents to distract the locusts by all airlines to take necessary considered the most destruc- magazine that this is the first meeting to discuss the situation This is a way to ward them off making high-decibel sound precautions during landing tive. It multiplies very rap- time that locusts have entered and directed the administration . . . the government will issue through, inter alia, beating and take-off of aircraft. idly and is capable of covering Delhi since the five-year lo- to be alert and asked officials of an advisory on this,” Rai was of drums, utensils, burning A senior ATC official told 150km in a day. THE STATESMAN cust plague of 1926-1931. They the Department of Agriculture, quoted as saying by NDTV In- crackers and neem leaves. Asian News International (INDIA)/ASIA NEWS NETWORK THE PHNOM PENH POST june 29, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 10 Opinion

Russia-ASEAN strategic partnershipwww.phnompenhpost.com www.phnompenhpost.com

EDITORIAL PERSONNEL EDITORIAL PERSONNEL Publisher & Chief Executive Offi cer Publisher & Chief Executive Offi cer Ly Tayseng in action amid Covid-19Ly Tayseng Executive Editor-in-Chief Executive Editor-in-Chief Joshua Purushotman Our ministers discussed the Opinion Joshua Purushotman Managing Editor Post Khmer adverse sociocultural impact Managing Editor Post Khmer Sam Rith Alexander Ivanov of Covid-19 and agreed to Sam Rith Deputy Chief of Staff step up cooperation to coun- Deputy Chief of Staff Phak Seangly N JUNE 17, foreign ter misinformation and fake Business Editor Phak Seangly ministers of news regarding Covid-19 as May Kunmakara Business Editor ASEAN member well as to prevent and miti- Deputy Business Editor May Kunmakara states and Russia gate stigmatisation and dis- Sangeetha Amarthalingam heldO a special meeting via Deputy Business Editor crimination against citizens Deputy Head of Lifestyle Desk Sorn Sarath video conference to discuss of affected countries. This will Pan Simala current tasks on countering Deputy Head of Lifestylehelp Desk us to promote mutual Senior Reporters unprecedented challenges of Pan Simala trust and openness in the Meas Sokchea, Niem Chheng the Covid-19 pandemic and Senior Reporters region. Reporters its adverse impact on the Meas Sokchea, Niem ChhengCovid-19 brought serious Khouth Sophak Chakrya, Kim Sarom, Long political and economic land- Reporters damage to the economy, Kimmarita, Khorn Savi, Hin Pisei, Soth scape of the Asia-Pacific Khouth Sophak Chakrya, Kimundermining Sarom, Long trade and Koemsoeun, Voun Dara, Sous Yamy,Soung region and the whole world. Kimmarita, Khorn Savi, Hinfinances, Pisei, Soth injuring micro, Sovanny, Thou Vireak, Ry Sochan They unanimously adopted small and medium enterpris- Koemsoeun, Voun Dara, Sous Yamy,Soung Photographers a substantial eight-page joint es (MSMEs) and tourism, and Sovanny, Heng Chivoan, Hong Menea statement pointing out clear- disrupting development of all Web Editor Ry Sochan ly how we as strategic part- countries. Both ASEAN and Leang Phannara Photographers ners define our common Russia understand the neces- Webmasters approaches to the complexi- Heng Chivoan, Hong Meneasity to find new opportunities Sous Chanthy, Pang Vichea ty of problems we face now Web Editor to expedite the post-pandem- SIEM REAP BUREAU and what practical measures Leang Phannara ic economic recovery process. Offi ce Manager we are going to undertake. Webmasters The ministers agreed to Sophearith Blondeel As the ministers of ASEAN Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit last year. insteadSous Chanthy, of creating Pang Vichea strengthen dialogue between PRODUCTION & PRINTING new formats, we should focus on efficient use of the existing ones, such as the East Asia Summit (EAS). afp member states and Russia SIEM REAP BUREAU ASEAN and the Eurasian Head of Desktop Publishing agreed, Covid-19 demon- Offi ce Manager Economic Union and within Nhim Sokphyrak strated that security, eco- tries’ capacities to respond to contribute more to regional states and RussianSophearith agencies Blondeel the Greater Eurasian Partner- Desktop Publishing nomic development, health the pandemic. Suon Savatdy, Chum Sokunthy, Danh Borath efforts in fighting pandemics is responsible for prevention PRODUCTION & and PRINTING ship, which also includes the and wellbeing of all nations ASEAN and Russia empha- the ASEAN Defence Ministers control of infectious diseases. Shanghai Cooperation Tep Thoeun Thyda, Tim Borith, Than Veasna Head of Desktop Publishing in the region are closely sised the coordinating role of Meeting (ADMM)-Plus with its They will share information Organisation. The common Nhim Sokphyrak interconnected. And this is the UN and the World Health Experts’ Working Group on and best practices on vaccine agenda covers long-term HEAD OFFICE probably the most valuable Organisation (WHO) in Military Medicine and the development, medicationsDesktop Publishing resilience, financial stability, lesson we have to learn, countering the Covid-19 pan- ASEAN Centre of Military Med- for treatment, diagnosticSuon Savatdy, Chum Sokunthy,food Danh security, Borath restored con- because the main questions demic and other diseases. icine. Russia already joined tools and other Tepissues Thoeun inThyda, Tim Borith,nectivity Than Veasna and supply chains, now are what we want to see Minister Sergei Lavrov reit- ASEAN within the ADMM plus close coordination and coop- open markets, the digital Post Media Co, Ltd. in the region after the pan- erated Russia’s support of framework for a relevant table- eration with the HEAD WHO. OFFICE Russia economy and innovations. The Elements Condominium Level 7, demic and what we have to ASEAN centrality in the top exercise last May. will also continue training All these issues should be Hun Sen Boulevard, Phum Prek Talong, do now to make a better evolving regional architec- Appreciating the Russian courses for ASEAN specialists addressed multilaterally, in Sangkat Chak Angre Krom,12353, Phnom world all around. ture. We are certain that this initiatives to engage effec- at the International Research line with World Trade Organi- Penh, Cambodia All the participants under- architecture should be built tively the ASEAN-led mecha- Centre for the StudyPost Media of Co, Ltd. sation rules. Tel: 023 888 161, 023 888 162 Cellcard: 078 555 166, 078 555 133 lined that multilateralism – upon ASEAN-led mecha- nisms in response to infec- Biosafety and HumanThe Elements Well- CondominiumThe Level world 7, and the Asia-Pa- Smart: 086 822 999, 086 277 999 the great achievement of nisms and based on shared Hun Sen Boulevard, Phumcific Prek region Talong, would not be the SIEM REAP nations of the last decades – is values, norms and principles Sangkat Chak Angre Krom,same Phnom after Penh, the Covid-19 pan- Our ASEAN friends expressed No 629, Street 6 Dangkum Commune at stake now and we must of international law, equality Cambodia demic. But together we can the view that Russia could play Tel: 063 966 290, Fax: 063 966 590 uphold it by all means. In this and mutual benefit. SIEM REAP work toward making it better regard, ASEAN and Russia Instead of creating new for- for the wellbeing and prosper- COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT the role of ‘anchor’ of theNo 629, Street 6 Dangkum Commune Chief Operating Offi cer share the belief that in these mats, we should focus on effi- ity of the people, democratisa- Tel: 063 966 290, Fax: 063 966 590 turbulent times we should cient use of the existing ones, relevant collective efforts tion of international relations, James Ong Soon Teck COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT Advertising Department stand together and undertake such as the East Asia Summit unity and stability for all. Chief Operating Offi cer Chap Narith, 017 996 241 collective actions to address (EAS). ASEAN ministers sup- tious diseases, our ASEAN being in the Asia-Pacific Just a few days after the Hun Channet, 017 578 768 the humanitarian, health, ported our initiative to adopt friends, including Indonesian region in Vladivostok.James Ong The Soon Teck ASEAN-Russia foreign minis- Prach Monnyreak, 012 123 7777 social and economic conse- an EAS Leaders’ Statement on Foreign Minister Retno Mar- first such coursesAdvertising were held Department ters meeting, on June 21 all Keo Puthy, 012 966 605 quences of the pandemic. Strengthening Collective sudi, expressed the view that at the end of lastChap year, Narith, before 017 996 241Russian citizens marked our Phon Sok Chea, 012 717 404 To this end, our ministers Capacity in Epidemics Pre- Russia could play the role of the Covid-19 outbreak.Hun Channet, 017 578 768 national Day of Medical Work- Jessa Piastro, 092 445 983 in their statement reaffirmed vention and Response at the Prach Monnyreak, 012 123 7777 “anchor” of the relevant col- Russia welcomed the ers. I wonder if our ASEAN CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION commitment “to maintain a 15th EAS summit in Novem- lective efforts. establishment of the Covid- friends may think of establish- Acting Distribution Manager Acting Distribution Manager politically peaceful and sta- ber this year. Another topic that was dis- 19 ASEAN Response Fund ing the same professional high Thenh Rithy, 087 888 854 Thenh Rithy ble region, where national We are confident that the cussed in detail is the engage- and agreed to contribute to day – ASEAN Day of Medical Circulation Supervisor security cannot be ensured at establishment of a relevant ment of ASEAN-Russia mech- achieving the goals ADMINISTRATION of this Workers, thus paying tribute to Nou Chanthy, 096 999 2828 the expense of others”. They EAS mechanism will be a anisms of strategic mechanism throughAdmin & swift HR Manager those who selflessly help other Yim Veasna, 015 814 499 also supported the appeal by step toward enhancing prac- partnership in mitigating the mobilisation andPich utilisation Socheat people, sometimes at the cost ADMINISTRATION the UN secretary-general for tical cooperation on pan- consequences of pandemics. of the ASEAN-RussiaAssistants Dia- to Admin & HRof Manager their own lives. THE JAKARTA Admin & HR Manager POST/ASIA NEWS NETWORK an immediate global cease- demic preparedness in the In this regard, our ministers logue PartnershipNhel Financial Soaphea Pich Socheat fire in all corners of the world region, which will unite all agreed to enhance communi- Fund for joint ASFinancialEAN-Russia Director Assistants to Admin & HR Manager and the waiving of sanctions the countries around ASEAN. cation and interaction projects to ensure health Heang Tangmeng The writer is Russian ambassador to Nhel Soaphea that can undermine coun- Another mechanism that can between ASEAN member protection of the peoples. ASEAN. Financial Director Chief Accountant Heang Tangmeng Sren Vicheka Chief Accountant Treasurers Sren Vicheka Sok Sophorn, Yon Sovannara, Treasurers Cheam Sopheak Sok Sophorn, Yon Sovannara, IT Manager Cheam Sopheak, Huy Hamsovannary Seng Nak, Vong Oun IT Manager Seng Nak, Vong Oun TO CONTACT US [email protected] TO CONTACT US [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.phnompenhpost.com www.phnompenhpost.com © Post Media Co, Ltd © Post Media Co, Ltd The Phnom Penh Post is wholly owned The Phnom Penh Post is wholly owned and printed by Post Media Co Ltd. The and printed by Post Media Co Ltd. The title The Phnom Penh Post in either title The Phnom Penh Post in either English or Khmer languages, its associ- English or Khmer languages, its associ- ated logos or devices and the contents of ated logos or devices and the contents of this publication may not be reproduced this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written in whole or in part without the written consent of Post Media Co Ltd. consent of Post Media Co Ltd. www.phnompenhpost.com www.phnompenhpost.com THE PHNOM PENH POST june 29, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com 11 Art & Culture Curtains rise as art master inspires youth with tradition

Kheng Sokkunthea dance, shadow theatre, tra- ditional dances, circus acts, FTER closing its speaking dramas, Bassac the- oldest theatre – the atre, and Yike musical plays. Sovanna Phum The- During the time, Sbek Thom, atre – in May, the So- Sbek Touch (which uses small- vannaA Phum Art Association er leather figures) and tradi- returned to the stage at the tional dancing were extremely Secondary School of Fine Arts popular among foreigners. much to the delight of its au- From 1996 to the mid- dience, which included Min- 2000s, Kosal and other artists ister of Culture and Fine Arts poured their efforts and tal- Phoeurng Sackona. ents into the Sovanna Phum When the Sovanna Phum Art Association. Theatre announced its per- According to Kosal, tickets manent closing in May, were always sold out. Some for- Khmer traditional art master eigners had to book tickets six Mann Kosal holds a Sbek Thom shadow puppet. Sbek Thom was inscribed in UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2005. hean rangsey Mann Kosal was still hoping months in advance to secure to somehow continue the leg- their seats for the spectacle. we have only one steamed because we have already left acy of his performances. In the mid-2000s, Kassem, fish to share among us during our artwork and performing Even as he was packing his who did a lot of marketing and our mealtime. Sometimes our equipment under the minis- things before he travelled to fund-raising for the associa- neighbour would donate a sack try’s care,” Kosal says. his hometown in Takeo prov- tion had to leave Cambodia. of rice to us,” he says. Kosal points out that if there ince, Kosal would not give up Despite her absence, the the- Donations from the public are people who want to invest his lifelong journey in Khmer atre continued to run smooth- helped the theatre, but it could in cultural performances, traditional performances. ly until three years ago. not make up for the theatre’s he is willing to create more He has participated in Facing a shortage of fund- loss of income. The pandemic leather puppets, face masks masked dance, or Lakhon Khol, ing, rising rental and shrink- made ticket sales even worse. and other equipment to con- and Sbek Thom shadow the- ing audiences, Kosal, also the “The majority of our audienc- tinue staging shows. atre, where leather cut-outs of director of the Sovanna Phum es were expatriates [mostly Jap- “I may start over again if human figures are used to cre- Art Association, says his pas- anese and Europeans]. Sadly, we receive funding, and I ate a puppet show. Sbek Thom sion for the arts carried him few Cambodians watched our will devote myself to pro- was inscribed in UNESCO’s list through those three years of shows. I blamed myself for that duce a better show than ever. of Intangible Cultural Heritage extreme hardships. since I failed to direct and pro- I am hoping to come back to of Humanity in 2005. In 2016, he wanted to close duce a very good performance perform for our audiences In May, at the 26-year-old the theatre because the little that could attract locals. Mann Kosal tearfully reflects on the closing of Sovanna Phum Theatre. again,” he says. He regrets that his shows didn’t draw more local support. hean rangsey Sovanna Phum Theatre, tears income from ticket sales “Only 10 to 13 people were With a trembling voice, welled in the art master’s eyes could not pay the rent. watching our performance. asked them: “Can we take our on May 8, the intricately carved he says: “It is hard for me to as his students packed their “Since the theatre opened The small income from these heart away from this place?” leather figures were put in the answer why I do this even art pieces and equipment be- until now, I have confronted ticket sales is used to support The most important task for ministry’s care. The Secondary though I have earned noth- fore vacating the premises. many obstacles, but I never artists who are still studying Kosal is figuring out how to School of Fine Arts was offered ing. I remember and cherish Before leaving himself, Ko- spoke up. My team and I in art school, and we do not preserve this cultural legacy as a venue to host future Sbek everything in these 26 years of sal recalled the theatre’s glory struggled to solve the prob- keep a single riel,” Kosal says while the theatre is closed. Thom performances. performance. I will never for- days and how his team had lems by ourselves. of the final performance. “To me, art is everything in “The theatre is finally shut. get the big smiles on the audi- struggled to keep the tradi- “Sovanna Phum Art had As he attempts to hold back my life. I have given my whole We have contributed our Sbek ence’s faces, and how happy tional performances alive dealt with insufficient funding his tears, he tells The Post that life to Khmer culture and art Touch, Sbek Thom, and other they were after every show. during the past several years. before, but the last three years he never wants to leave the and live to be part of our equipment to the Ministry “I’d like to thank everyone In 1993, a small cafe which were the hardest. We no lon- theatre. Without a better op- cultural preservation. I want of Culture and Fine Arts. The who supported our perfor- doubled as a theatre named ger could afford to pay rent, tion, he says he wants to do Cambodians to be proud of Sovanna Phum Art Theatre is mances, and I have only one Cafe De Art was opened by utilities, payroll and food. his best for the future of the our amazing culture, and I do officially disbanded. request for Cambodians, espe- a French woman named “My full-time staff and I got art association. not want them to doubt their “It is too late, [to save the So- cially young people . . . please Delphine Kassem. The cafe paid less than $40 per month for He recalled the final gath- identity, he says. vanna Phum Art theatre] even spare some of your time for hosted small performances of the last three years. Sometimes, ering with his team when he After meeting with Sackona if we received funds right now our cultural heritage.” Khmer traditional shows ca- tering to foreigners and tour- ists in the evening. Kosal was one of the per- formers at Cafe De Art. “I graduated from the Second- ary School of Fine Arts in opera singing and started working for the government’s Art Depart- ment. There I was captivated by the carved leather for Sbek Toch and Sbek Thom shadow theatre. They sparked my pas- sion for art and I was driven to learn how to make the leather figures myself.” Kosal and Kassem joined hands to transform Cafe De Art into the Sovanna Phum Art Association in 1994. In the early days, it was lo- cated on Street 360 and of- fered several performances including traditional masked The coronavirus crippled the theatre, as most customers were expatriates. hean rangsey An artist packs away his gear and prepares to leave the theatre behind. hean rangsey 12 Fathers celebrated atKnai BangChatt Chip Mong Bank expands pale ale. The delightfulKnaiBangChatt resort islocated by the seainKep province. enjoyed ribeye, T-bone and tomahawk steaks, all washed down Indoguna with Harvest’s company delicious beverage and event the attended Father’sLtdguests celebrated and Day. Co 125 AroundCambodia food and Co Beer Craft Harvest with up teamed banking solutions to all Cambodians. the bank’s efforts in promoting innovative and flexible financial and in Battambang, Kampong Cham and Siem Reap provinces as part of Chak Penh’s Phnom in Angre Leu commune last Monday. Branch The other branches were 271 opened Landmark the outlet, 11th its branchesasitexpands itsservices across theKingdom. Itlaunched aswr sol o ue 1 s ni ag ht Buiu Rsr & aln Club Sailing & Resort Boutique Chatt Bang Knai as 21 June on spoilt were Dads June was a busy month for Chip Mong Bank, with it opening four Socialite Email: [email protected] THE PHNOM PENH POSTjune29,2020 www.phnompenhpost .c om photos SUPPLIED photos SUPPLIED THE PHNOM PENH POST june 29, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Email: [email protected] Socialite 13

SECC inks accord on commodities market The Securities and Exchange Commission of Cambodia (SECC) and China’s Ruifeng Tianfu Investment Co Ltd last Monday signed an agreement an Rangs e y He an regarding the establishment of a commodities and futures market in the Kingdom. The proposed market will provide an avenue for the trade of agricultural products. The accord – signed by SECC director-general Sou Socheat and the general manager of Ruifeng Tianfu – outlined a feasibility study into the trading of commodities and futures. S photo

Wing and Canadia Bank extend financial reach S taff

Wing (Cambodia) Limited Specialised Bank and Canadia Bank Plc signed a memorandum of understanding in a grand ceremony last Tuesday to enhance financial services among the public. The agreement will enable Wing and Canadia Bank to use their networks to further reach out to their customers. Among the top dignitaries who attended the event on Koh Pich were Canadia Bank chairman Neak Oknha Dr Pung Kheav Se and Neak Oknha Kith Meng, the chairman and CEO of the Royal Group of Companies. post photos THE PHNOM PENH POST june 29, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Email: [email protected] Socialite 14

Flatiron by Meridian tops out after just 16 months S U PP LIED photos photos

A topping-out ceremony was held last Monday to celebrate the completion of the structure of Flatiron by Meridian, a mixed-development project located at Phnom Penh City Center. Construction took just 16 months. Meridian International Holding held the ceremony to honour all those involved, including the development team, the main contractor and sub-contractors. Around 50 guests attended the event, which started with an elegant “Robam Junpo” – a traditional Cambodian blessing dance. This was followed by a traditional Chinese prayer ritual before concrete was symbolically laid to mark the special occasion. “What started 16 months ago has come to fruition,” management representative Truman Chen said in a speech. The management of Meridian International expressed gratitude to all those who helped to make the extraordinary feat possible. The celebration marks a construction milestone for Meridian International Holding. Flatiron by Meridian is a freehold development consisting of retail space, 322 office units and 300 apartment-hotel units. The 41-storey freehold development is being developed by renowned developer Regent Meridian International Property Pte Limited, a subsidiary of Meridian International Holding (Cambodia) Co Ltd. ri a l to v er a d 15 THE PHNOM PENH POST june 29, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Lifestyle France arrests six Thinking caps over Banksy artwork stolen from Bataclan

Banksy’s famous image of a girl in mourning was painted on an emergency door at Paris’ Bataclan concert hall, the site of a 2015 terrorist attack that killed 90. The artwork was found in Italy. afp IX people have been doned farmhouse in Italy’s door was created when the art- “PLENTY OF SPACE” arrested in France over central east Abruzzo region. ist “blitzed” the French capital the theft of an artwork by Its theft – which was caught with murals during a whirl- ACROSS 54 Your financial advisor advises it 21 fly from Africa street artist Banksy com- on surveillance videos showing wind 2018 trip. 1 additional thought preceder 56 “How ___ you?” 22 Deposit on teeth memoratingS the victims of the hooded figures using an angle Works by Banksy, known for 5 Guernsey’s grazing areas 57 Larger than large 26 “Birthplace of Aviation” 2015 Paris attacks that was sto- grinder to cut the door out – their distinctive style, irreverent 9 Having a sharp taste 60 Even a bit 27 Loft locale len from the Bataclan concert had caused “deep indignation”, humour and thought-provoking 14 Whopper teller 63 Hit 28 Quick or slow attachment hall, sources said on Saturday. the Bataclan said last year. themes, have been found on 15 Unwanted aquarium organism 64 an amount of medicine 30 Does not exist The suspects were arrested It was “a symbol of recollec- walls, buildings and bridges 16 ___ apso (dog breed) 65 Mischievous one 32 peach ___ across France this week after tion and belonging to all – from the West Bank to post-Hur- 17 pinnacle 66 Ireland, affectionately 35 Like a body in Newton’s first law the artwork, an image of a girl locals, Parisians, citizens of the ricane Katrina New Orleans. 18 Cow’s hurdle, in rhyme 67 Writing on the wall 37 Water source in mourning painted on one world has been taken from us”, At auction, they have sold for 19 It may be tucked by a doctor 68 Sound from the nest 38 Vent sound 39 Rope fiber of the Paris venue’s emergency the venue said. more than $1 million. 20 Wisher’s object 69 Model cars, e.g. 40 City where “The Scream” was doors, was found in Italy ear- Banksy is believed to have 23 Mauna ___ (Hawaii’s highest 70 after everybody else stolen ‘Symbolic, emotional value’ point) DOWN lier in the month, judicial and started out as a graffiti artist in 41 Inspirational celebrity 24 Get droopy 1 Nome’s home police sources said. One of the French police- London, although he has kept 42 Dandy dresser 25 potential ring accepter 2 Mossy growth On Friday, two were charged man who intervened in the his identity a secret. 46 English county known for sheep 29 actress Potts 3 Certain islander with theft while the other four 2015 Bataclan attack was The Bataclan door is not the 48 port on Commencement Bay 31 Islamic leader, one way 4 a favorite with milk were charged with concealing present when the door was only of his works to have been 49 Shakes an Etch A Sketch 33 “Who ___ Seen The Wind?” 5 female monster theft. All six were placed in found, Christophe Cengig stolen from Paris. 50 Show mercy 34 Kansas, e.g. 6 Stretch out pre-trial detention. from the Organised Crime Others include a mural of a 52 Worth 36 Casual wear 7 Overly eager The door with the artwork Unit at the French embassy in businessman in a suit offering a 8 Grandchild of Japanese 53 Land in a lake, e.g. 39 Big Dipper, for one 55 Lassos was cut out and taken in Janu- Rome told AFP. dog a bone, having just sawed 42 Nurture immigrants 9 Site for some rites 58 Hodgepodge or mishmash ary last year at the Bataclan, He said: “It was a very emo- the animal’s leg off, and an image 43 Scots trills 10 Grouch 59 Worshipped carving where Islamic State gunmen tional moment for my col- of a masked rat wielding a box 44 Refined petroleum 11 farm butter? 60 Garfunkel or Carney massacred 90 people in one of league. cutter, which disappeared from 45 Red cheese 12 Skeptic or cynic follower 61 aaa specialty a series of bloody attacks in “Coming here, finding it . . . outside the Pompidou Centre. 47 aromatic compound 13 “Our ___ Will Come” 62 Birthday number Paris in November 2015. it has a strong symbolic and Some of the stolen works 51 Qualification French and Italian police said emotional value, so we’re very, have since been recovered and two weeks ago that they found very, very happy.” fans have covered some of his Friday’s solution the work – still in good condi- The dramatic white stencil Paris street art with Plexiglass tion – in the attic of an aban- of a sad-faced girl on a black to protect them. afp The Simpsons ends whites voicing characters of colour THE SIMPSONS will no longer that, in agreement with pro- of Cleveland Brown in Family use white actors to dub ethnic ducers, he was abandoning Guy, another animated series minority characters, the pro- the role. produced by Fox, announced ducers of the long-running US “Moving forward, [we] will no on Twitter that he was giving Friday’s solution animated series announced longer have white actors voice up the role. on Friday. non-white characters,” Fox “It’s been an honour to play The decision includes a Studios said in a statement. Cleveland for 20 years. I love recurring character from the The change will also affect this character, but persons of series, launched in 1989 – Apu the character of Dr Hibbert, a colour should play characters Nahasapeemapetilon, a grocer black man dubbed by the of colour,” he wrote. of Indian origin voiced in the white actor Harry Shearer Americans are in the midst US version of the show by who also lends his voice to of a reckoning on racism and white actor Hank Azaria. many other characters on the discrimination ignited by the The character has long been series. killing of George Floyd, an Afri- seen as problematic and con- The announcement came as can American man, by a white veying racist stereotypes. In Mike Henry, the white actor police officer in Minneapolis January, Azaria announced who voices the black character on May 25. 16 THE PHNOM PENH POST june 29, 2020 www.phnompenhpost.com Sport A hungry Klopp plans to build on Liverpool title win LIVERPOOL manager Jurgen record tally of 97. Klopp says his newly crowned “The consistency comes English champions are hun- from the mix of determina- gry for more silverware after tion, buying into the idea, ending a 30-year wait to win character, attitude and per- the league title. sonality that makes this group Klopp’s men have already special,” Klopp said. smashed one record by win- “They are still humble. As ning the league with seven long as we stay humble we games to spare and could break have a good chance to stay a series of other landmarks. successful in the future too.” They are on course to set a Liverpool were just two wins new record points tally and win- away from the title when the cor- ning margin, currently holding onavirus pandemic hit English a 23-point lead at the top of the football, forcing a three-month Premier League table. Premier League stoppage. The German, who has revita- Supporters ignored Klopp’s lised Liverpool’s fortunes since plea not to gather in large taking charge in 2015, high- crowds around the club’s lighted the importance of last Anfield stadium as the title season’s Champions League was won on Thursday, with win as an important stepping thousands pouring on to the stone in dethroning Man- streets to celebrate. chester City as champions. However, the 53-year-old is And Klopp called on his delighted to bring some joy at Britain’s Andy Murray and many other players have major concerns about the ATP schedule for Grand Slams. afp players to remain “humble” a difficult time for many and in the quest for more success. offer hope and expectation “The consistency the boys for when fans can return to showed is so exceptional and watching games live. we will not stop,” Klopp said in “What we love is when you ‘Ugly schedule’: Andy Murray a videoconference on Friday. have a successful football club “We really have to and will stay in your city, it always gives the focused because we see the op- city a lift,” said Klopp. portunity. Will not stop doesn’t “I think at this time all cities fears for tennis player safety mean we will win everything, in the world need a lift, Liver- we just want to improve.” pool as well, and I am really S RAFAEL Nadal was scheduled from the spring. New York, quarters even, and to commit to that many events. Liverpool have lost just two happy about that. described as waver- “I have spoken to Rafa and then you’re playing on the I just think we need to be a bit of their past 70 league games, “This title is a sign that we ing over defending his he is doubting which tourna- Tuesday in Madrid at altitude careful with the rankings.” missing out on the title last played a good season but is US Open title or pre- ments to play,” Nadal’s uncle on the clay court, when play- Murray, returning from inju- season by a solitary also a sign for the future. That paringA for an assault on a 13th – and long-time former coach ers haven’t competed for a ry, went down to a 1-6, 6-3, 10-8 point to City despite there is some football you are Roland Garros, Britain’s Andy –Toni told ESPN Deportes. very long time,” said Murray. loss to Dan Evans in the semi- amassing looking forward to and some Murray said on Saturday he “The schedule is unrealistic, “None of the top players finals of the ‘Battle of the Brits’ a club atmospheres you are looking fears for the safety of top players especially for veteran players, have competed a week before tournament exhibition event in forward to and as tennis emerges from its five- who cannot compete for so a Slam. The rankings, if you Roehampton on Saturday. we need that month coronavirus lockdown. many weeks in a row. can keep the points as they It was Murray’s fourth in this mo- Tennis has been on ice “I think it is a bit ugly what are, could get a bit skewed.” match in five days in his first ment in since mid-March and will not the ATP has done. This deci- Murray added: “It might be event since last November af- time.” return until early August. sion is totally against players worth potentially looking at a ter being sidelined because of afp The US Open will run from like Rafa and Novak Djokovic.” two-year ranking for the time bone bruising on his pelvis. August 31 to September 13 on Murray, meanwhile, ex- being so that the guys who Murray also needed hip sur- the hard courts of New York pressed his fears over player did well last year and are not gery last year, but the 33-year- with the rescheduled French safety in quickly switching able to defend their points old is confident he is heading Open on clay taking place just from surface to surface. properly aren’t punished. back to his best. a fortnight after. He suggested that a rankings “There are big tournaments “My game is there, I just In between are Masters rethink might be a solution. every single week and it’s going need more time to practise events in Madrid and Rome, “It’s not safe for players to to be very difficult for players and prepare and I’ll get there,” both on clay and also re- go from the semis or final in that are winning consistently he said. afp Covid-depleted Pakistan cricket squad heads to UK

PAKISTAN’S cricket team left for Pakistan’s tour of England is to seven times before the first deaths, while cases are falling its tour of England on Sunday set to include three Tests and Test in England and that is to be in Britain. without 10 players who tested three Twenty20 internationals. done for their safety,” he said. Test skipper Azhar Ali said positive for coronavirus at least The squad will have a 14-day The squad that flew out on the Pakistani tourist team is once this week, the country’s isolation period on arrival Sunday is – Azhar Ali (Test cap- looking forward to playing in cricket board said on Saturday. before continuing their prepa- tain), Babar Azam (Twenty20 what will be some of the first The board’s CEO Wasim Khan rations ahead of the first Test captain), Abid Ali, Imam-ul- Test matches since the Covid- said the players left behind can with two four-day warm-up Haq, Shan Masood, Asad 19 pandemic sparked a global rejoin the squad of 18 players matches. Shafiq, Fawad Alam, Iftikhar lockdown. once they have taken two neg- It is expected that the first Ahmad, Khushdil Shah, Sar- “All the players are excited ative tests. Test will take place in Manches- faraz Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, after a tough period,” said Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, ter in August but the England Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Azhar on the eve of departure. Haider Ali, Fakhar Zaman, and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Sohail “Though a tour to England Mohammad Rizwan, Wahab said the behind-closed-doors Khan, Usman Shinwari, Imad has always been challenging, Riaz, Imran Khan, Mohammad match schedule would be Wasim, and Yasir Shah. our performances there on the Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain announced in “due course”. Reserve players Rohail Nazir last two tours [in 2016 and and Kashif Bhatti first tested Wasim Khan said Pakistan and Musa Khan also flew out. 2018] are encouraging and we positive earlier this week. were observing ECB guidelines. Pakistan is experiencing a will try to repeat those.” Follow-up tests found Bhatti, “We were given protocols by surge in coronavirus cases, Pakistan drew a four-Test series Mindful of distance, Pakistani cricketers wearing masks prepare for Rauf, Ali and Imran Khan were the ECB which we have followed. with nearly 200,000 declared 2-2 in 2016 and a two-match their trip to England, minus many infected teammates. afp still positive. Players are likely to be tested five cases and more than 4,000 series 1-1 two years later. afp