Blog By Khmer

Deepest condolences for our Khmer fallen heroes

2011-02-09T11:46:00.003+07:00

Deepest condolences for our Khmer fallen heroes who scarified their lives for defending our sovereignty against the thievery of the Thais at Preah Vihear Temple.

"Min You Min Chhabb" a Poem in Khmer by Sék Serei

2011-02-04T12:24:00.002+07:00

I love this poem ! Well said and well read here in Phnom Penh. Thank you Lok Pu Sek Serey !

Political cartoon I like

2011-01-12T10:54:00.004+07:00

I found this cartoon from the net. It's is done by Sacrava. Thank you Lok Pou Sacrava your picture is worth thousand of words ! So true. Freedom of expression is at best. Vannak -- Phnom Penh

Publications that enhance our Khmer democracy and leadership

2009-02-13T10:34:00.020+07:00

Last year after I read "Khmer Leadership Part 1" I had to wait more than 6 months before the Part 2 was available. Now both parts are widely circulated on the internet. I now just finish reading it. These two books are so good. A lot of ideas and accountability of leaderships should be. Not the kind of leaders as Global Witness has recently published in Country For Sale: Welcome to Cambodia

These publications are among those kind our Khmer government would love to burn because the guilty conscience of our current leaders cannot stand the truth. And that's why they want to completely discredit the truth or destroy it.

ពីខ្ញុំ, វណ្ណះ
ភ្នំពេញ

Cambodian numerals on Thai currency

2009-02-01T08:05:00.007+07:00

"Khmer numerals have been written on every Thai bank note and on every Thai coin along with the picture of the Thai King to prove that Khmer are the Master of Thai always."

Above was the comment left on my blog.

Vanak-Phnom Penh

My view on Lèse majesté law in Thailand

2009-01-12T08:52:00.033+07:00

Website Sacrava by Khmer political cartoonist in Australia was blocked in Thailand for violating Lèse majesté law.

I thought about Lèse majesté law in Thailand. It is the law for individual not to do anything to insult Thai king Bhumibol Aduljadej. Don't critise him. Dont's say bad stuffs about him. Don't draw satire cartoon of him. Don't spray paint over his picture. The offender who violates Lèse majesté will be tossed in jail from 3 to 15 years. So remember one thing, when in Thailand do like the Thais do: "Don't ever insult Bhumibol Aduljadej."

I respect Bhumibol no more and no less than any fellow human being. To me, Bhumibol Aduljadej is no God. My reasons are just simply that Bhumibol eats, drinks, goes to the toilet and furthermore Bhumibol's excrement stinks just like mine and everyone else.

Regarding Lèse majesté, although I think it's archaic and outdated law in this day and age, but nevertheless, it's still Thai's law. If I ever set my foot on Thai soil I would respect their laws. The same if I'm to visit any other country, I would respect the local laws of that country.

Here I am in Cambodia I want to exercise my freedom of speech. Thailand has no right to apply their Lèse majesté upon me.

Thanks goodness. I'm in my beloved country!

Vanak,
Phnom Penh.

Thai's Incursion Into Cambodia Soil

2008-11-19T10:28:00.012+07:00

The current standoff between my Cambodia and the neigbour to the west, Thailand at our Khmer Preah Vihear temple is in no way at peace any time sooner. The Thais were mad because we erected 3 flags: UNESCO flag, World Heritage flag and Cambodian flag on top of our Preah Vihear temple. They said that we did things without consulted them first. I think this is totally absurd. The areas are clearly Cambodia soil. The Thais have to get over with it and adhere to rule of international laws and treaties that were made between our two countries.

With all the tensions between our troops and the Thai intruders, we must be vigilant as ever. Just yesterday in Khmer soil near Phnom Trob, which is about 3km from Preah Vihear Temple, a Thai soldier stepped on the landmine and was killed instantly. The Thais have no reason to come down from Phnom Dongrek into our Cambodia. The area Phnom Trob, that these Thai invaders patrolling are Cambodia soil because only in our Khmer soil that is littered with landmines when they were laid during the civil war from 1970 to the mid 1990's.

I read the news there will be a joint de-mining effort to de-mine the areas before the border is demarcated. This really bothers me a lot. I just want to shout: IT'S CAMBODIA SOIL !! CAMBODIA WILL DO THE DE-MINING ALONE. If we let the Thai de-mining with us on our land, they will lay claim to our land after the landmines are cleared. Let me repeat only Cambodia soil -- Cambodia side of the border has the landmines.

The border demarcation is TOTALLY SEPARATE from the de-mining task. It should go first before the de-mining take place. It's simple. After we know the border, if the landmines are on the Thai side, the Thai can de-mining on their side. They can do anything they please on their side. If the mines are on Cambodia side, Cambodia alone will de-mining on our side. But again, I guarantee only the side of Cambodia soil would have the landmines. To demarcate the border, Thailand and us must stick the the agreement of the maps in 1904-1907 treaties. I couldn't have said any better than our Khmer compatriot, Chan Veasna where wrote his editorial to Phnom Penh Post that "If the 1904, 1907 maps are not used, it would be a betrayal of the treaties and a tragedy, as it will set a precedent that triggers future violations of subsequent [border] treaties".

On the other hand, Thailand are continually to live in the state of denial in their confused generations. Each of their school children is teached from falsified history and indotrinated to hate Khmer (Cambodian)at early age. What gain has they profitted from this kind of mentality is yet I still don't know.

Western scholars widely published Thai culture and tradition were derived from Khmer. I think this is very true. Many Thais are continuing to deny the facts. When I come to think of it, all Thai achitectural structures were modeled after Khmer's Angkor Wat -- this include the Royal Palace in Bangkok. Thai writing are modified from Khmer. Thai "Ratcha Sap" "Rea-chea Sap" royal language is typically Khmer language. Furthermore, there's a history book written by a Thai historian implicating that the Thai royal(king) may have been a descendant of Khmer commoner from the present day province of Takeo, Cambodia. I have to read more to confirm this fact.

Taken this into account, Thai King Mongkut (reigned 1851-1868) have ordered our Angkor Wat to be disassembled stone by stone and moved to Bangkok. When the task was so massive and impossible to do it. He ordered the smaller temple Prasat Ta Prohm to be disasembled instead.

I can see here, the descendant of the Thai King was a renegade from Khmer that's why he was so obsessed of everything Khmer's that he wanted to reestablish his identity by wanted to move Angkor Wat to Bangkok. Wanted to move Angkor Wat to Bangkok ? This truly was insane. I know the Thais cannot accept their king is a descendant of Khmer commoner from Takeo province. So my advice to them is to be open minded. That's all I can say.

Please continue to read below research on how Thai and Khmer languages derived from. The materials were published by the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) in America.

Vanak.
Phnom Penh

http://www.lmp.ucla.edu/Profile.aspx?LangID=80&menu=004
[Thai] HISTORY
The Thai, who originated in China, migrated into the Indochina peninsula before the current era. Initially dominated by the Mon and then later, beginning in the tenth century, by the Khmer,

the Thai gained their own independence in the mid-thirteenth century. Shortly thereafter, the first script--known as the Sukhotai and distinct from that used by the Khmer--was developed for Thai.

The script now in use is a more or less modified variant of this and other intervening scripts used during the reign of other monarchs.

ORTHOGRAPHY
Thai uses a script that is basically alphabetic in nature with some elements of a syllabic system. In origin it derives from an Indic script which was adapted first by the Khmer and then the Thai.

There is a fairly good approximation between the scriptand pronunciation.

LINGUISTIC SKETCH
Thai has borrowed heavily from Mon and Khmer.

http://www.lmp.ucla.edu/Profile.aspx?LangID=75&menu=004
[Khmer]HISTORY
The history of the language is distinguished into several periods: Old Khmer (the seventh to eighth century), Angkor period (the ninth to fifteenth century), Middle Khmer (the sixteenth to eighteenth century), and Modern Khmer. The language is attested from the earliest periods by numerous inscriptions, and then during the Middle Khmer period by extensive writings on palm leaf manuscripts, including the Khmer version of the Ramayana, a well-known Hindu epic about Rama.

During the Angkor period, Khmer influenced the surrounding languages, especially the unrelated languages of Lao and Thai, and they borrowed heavily from Khmer.

REFERENCES
Campbell, G. L. 1991. Compendium of the World's Languages, Vol. 1 -2. London and New York: Routledge.

Diffloth, G. 1992. "Khmer." In W. Bright, ed. International Encyclopedia of Linguistics, Vol. 2:271-275. New York and Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Grimes, B. F., ed. 1992. Ethnologue, Languages of the World. Dallas, TX: Summer Institute of Linguistics.

Linguistic Society of America. 1992. Directory of Programs in Linguistics in the United States and Canada. Washington, DC: Linguistic Society of America.

Ruhlen, M. 1987. A Guide to the World's Languages, Vol. 1: Classification. London: Edward Arnold.

Smyth, D. A. 1994. "Cambodia: Language Situation." In R. E. Asher, ed. The Encyclopedia of Language and Linguistics, Vol. 2:440. Oxford: Pergamon Press.

_____. 1994. "Cambodian." In R. E. Asher, ed. The Encyclopedia of Language and Linguistics, Vol. 2:440-441. Oxford: Pergamon Press

Hok Lundy Is Dead

2008-11-11T10:12:00.005+07:00

Hok Lundy , 51, the gold four stars general, head of our national police since he was 37 years old has met a tragic death in the helicopter crash on Sunday night of 9 Nov 2008.

There's a saying "Don't speak ill of the dead". I agree with the saying so I won't go there. Though I have nothing good to speak about the guy either. I am no God to pass on the judgment so I don't care whether Hok Lundy's soul is resting in peace or forever tormented in constant agony .

But, for our generation I do care when another police chief is replaced. I hope and pray the new chief will uphold the law, selflessly protect our citizen and serve the public interests not of Vietnam but wholeheartedly for my beloved Cambodia.

Vanak
Phnom Penh

My Heart Goes Out For Our Slained Soldiers

2008-10-16T10:08:00.002+07:00

I am very sad at the moment for two of our soldiers heroically fought and lost their lives for defending our homeland against the Thai invaders.

A Cambodian soldier guards a pagoda near Preah Vihear temple. Thailand and Cambodia exchanged fire in a clash over disputed land which left two soldiers dead and several wounded. (AFP/Tang Chhin Sothy)

Discovering the Literary Genious

2008-10-05T12:03:00.018+07:00

I normally blog how I feel what's going on in my country. I blog everything I'm most curious about. Topics I blog are ranging from the corruption of my current prime minister Hun Sen government, the influx of illegal Vietnamese immigrants to the encroachment of the belligerent Thais upon my Cambodia. But, here's a break from my usual topics of all things politics.

I have a friend. Her name is ND who's studying in Japan. She knows I like to read so she sent me two fictional novels written by Haruki Murakami. I don't read Japanese, but Murakami's books are widely translated into 34 languages. The two books I received from ND were English translated version.

I'm still very surprised to received the gift from from Japan so the least I could do was to start reading them right away. Now, I'm hooked on Murakami's writings. I can't wondered enough of all my literate years, I wish I discovered his works sooner. It's not late yet-- thanks, ND, for the two books you gave me. I tremendously enjoy so much of his writing styles. They are full of imageries and wits that make me want to turn page after page and after page.

I just finished reading Murakami's "The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle" and now I am on page 31 of his next book "Kafka On The Shore".

Let me share one of the passages I enjoyed. It's taken at the end of chapter 9 from "The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle". I laughed to myself so hard reading this passage. The protagonist (1st person narrator) is talking with a sixteen years old girl on the outlook of life:
I coloured coded to distinguish the male and female conversations.
==>
"But finally, Mr. Wind-Up Bird, isn't that just what life is ? Aren't we all trapped in the dark somewhere, and they've taken away our food and water, and we're slowly dying, little by little...?"
I laughed. "You're too young to be so...pessimistic," I said, using the English word.
"Pessi-what?"
"Pessimistic. It means looking only at the dark side of things."
"Pessimistic...pessimistic..."She repeated the English to herself over and over, and then she looked up at me with a fierce glare. "I'm only sixteen," she said, "and I don't know much about the world, but I do know one thing for sure. If I'm pessimistic, then the adults in this world who are not pessimistic are a bunch of idiots."
<==

Now here's a little bit of Japanese expression from chapter 3 "Kafka On the Shore". A 15 year old boy, Kafka (1st person narrator) while traveling on a bus, where he meets a girl.

==>
"Could you do me a favour?" she says.
"A favor?"
"Can I sit next to you until we get to Takamatsu? I just can't relax when I sit by myself. ... you seem like a nice guy. Do you mind?"
"No problem."
"Thanks," she says. "In traveling, a companion,' as the saying goes."
I nod. nod, nod, nod-- that's all I seem capable of. But what should I say?
How does that end?" she asks.
"How does what end?"
"After a companion, how does it go? I can't remember. I never was very good at Japanese."
" 'In life, compassion,' " I say.
" 'In traveling, a companion, in life compassion,' " she repeats, making sure of it. If she had paper and pencil, it wouldn't surprise me if she wrote it down. "So what does that really mean ? In simple terms."
I think it over. It takes me a while to gather my thoughts, but she waits patiently.
"I think means," I say, "that chance encounters are what keep us going. In simple terms."
<==

By far I think Haruki Murakami is one of the bests in modern literature. I will try to find more of his books here at our Phnom Penh booksellers. Thanks again, ND, for your introducing to me of this literary genius !

Vanak.
Phnom Penh Cambodia

Blogger or Wordpress ?

2008-08-08T12:23:00.007+07:00

Our clogger (Cambodian Blogger) Vutha posted his entry asking fellow bloggers: "Which one (wordpress or blogger) do you like to use for your blog? I got used to start with blogsport or blogger platform for a short time and then I stopped using it. I have started using wordpress software. I now got accustomed to wordpress. Therefore, I like using wordpress rather than blogger. How about you? " End-quote.

Here's the response I left at Vutha's site :

Soosdey Vutha!

I am one of your regular visitors to this great site of yours! I read a lot ! This is the very topic I wanted to do the story about. I'm glad since you brought this up. Now I can abandon my thought of the doing the story. But instead leaving my comment here! :)

When I started my blog I thought the same: Wordpress or Blogger(Blogspot)? They both are good. However, from what I read on the internet, Blogger has major advantage over Wordpress in term of search engine. For example, if you're to blog your entry on "Prasat Ta Moan Thom" or "Bun Rani Hun Sen" . Google search will show your post less than 4 hours after your entry posted. It's fast. This is because Google owns Blogger (Blogspot). Where as Wordpress has to carry their search engine through a different companies like Google or Yahoo. Perhaps Wordpress has to pay Google or Yahoo for this search engine service. So your entry on "Prasat Ta Moan Thom" or "Bun Rani Hun Sen" would take longer in the search if you're to compose on Wordpress.

Another thing I like Blogger because it's simple to use. I can easily put any code of HTML/XML linking to any servers. I don't have IT knowlege. But, I did it easily on Blogger. At my blog on the left side, I have link to poems and LibraryThing (books I read. They all are at different servers. Also, I always keep in mind Blogger is Google ! So it's big. It will never gone out of business.

I think it doesn't matter Wordpress or Blogger. They both are good. Most importantly we must keep on blogging. Write out our feeling and idea so openly. I am sure both Wordpress and Blogger are proponents of free speech. Just very recently on 5 August 2008 Google Spokesman, Adam Kovacevich assured "... it is very important to us that Blogger remain a tool for political debate and free expression."

Vanak
Blogbykhmer
Phnom Penh

Sources:
http://www.vuthasurf.com/
http://www.nysun.com/national/anti-obama-bloggers-say-they-were-silenced/83179/

ឯកសារសំខាន់បំផុតដែលកូនខ្មែរយើងគ្រប់រូបត្រូវអាន

2008-08-07T10:05:00.013+07:00

Last week I saw this Khmer documentary មេដឹកនាំ ជាតិខ្មែរ ភាគ ១ ឯកសារសម្ងាត់ "Leaders of Khmer Nation, Part 1- Secret Document" circulating on the internet. I tried to download from the site but I couldn't. It was so popular too many people downloaded that the site has the shut down. I now have a copy. I am putting on the internet. It is a
is a must read for all Khmer children who wants to know the truth about our leaders and leadership.

The documentary is written by former professor Sar Thommak Raingsy ស ធម្មរង្សី . When I first started to read អារម្ភកថា( Introduction ) I got hooked. My conscience shakes ព្រឺសាច់ for truth of leaders of our Cambodia. Every single point Professor Sar Thommak Raingsy mentioned is a wakeup call for all of us.

I would like to invite you to download the file and read the introduction អារម្ភកថា first. I am sure you will want to read more.

I 've put up the file to two different servers.

Download PDF file មេដឹកនាំ ជាតិខ្មែរ ភាគ ១ ឯកសារសម្ងាត់

Download PDF file មេដឹកនាំ ជាតិខ្មែរ ភាគ ១ ឯកសារសម្ងាត់ (Alternate Site)

Vanak
ក្រុងភ្នំពេញ

CAMBODIA on PREAH VIHEAR : ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!

2008-07-26T10:07:00.003+07:00

CAMBODIA: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!

Friday, 25 July 2008
Op-Ed by Chanda Chhay

There are many ways to deal with a thug. But, there is only one proper way to deal with a misbehaving, neighboring nation. That is to stand firm and be fair with it, and, if necessary, deprive it of what it wanted most.

It is as clear as daylight that the 4.6 square kilometer of so-called disputed land around the Khmer Temple of Preah Vihear was not what Thailand wanted. What it really wanted is a guaranteed access to Prasat Preah Vihear—the main attraction and an economic lifeline for the arid Si Saket province of Thailand. Without Preah Vihear, the surrounding areas would be just like any other part of the Dangrek Mountain ranges—rocks and trees.

The flagrant incursion of Thai armed forces onto the sacred ground of Preah Vihear has been going on long enough. The Thai government should know better by now that it could only defy words of condemnation or warning, but it could not defy international norms and laws. By the same token, the Cambodian government should know that the muddled head Thai leaders wanted to turn every legal and internationally-recognized document pertaining to the sovereignty of Cambodia upside down and subject Cambodia to the whim of their myopic thoughts.

So, what is Cambodia to do in order to deal with the situation? One very simple and effective solution to this problem is to publicly announce to the international community and to Thailand, in particular, that the access to Preah Vihear from Thailand is no longer open due to the difficulty in preventing illegal trespassing and thefts to the temple’s artifacts, which is now a World Heritage site. As proprietor of the temple, Cambodia has an obligation and a right to safeguard it. If Thailand, as a good neighbor, wanted to offer assistance and collaboration in protecting this World Heritage site, it MUST recognize and respect the treaties of 1904 and 1907 regarding the common border of Cambodia and Thailand. Period!

Preah Vihear is not a political football to be kicked around and see who will win or lose. It has suffered neglect and abuses by humans long enough. It is now time for us to restore and preserve it for posterity. This current crisis is perhaps the best opportunity for us to look beyond the tourist dollars and to give Preah Vihear what it deserves most: Restoration and research on the site, so that humankind could have a better understanding of its history and functionality.

Chanda Chhay
Washington, DC (USA)

Letter to King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand

2008-07-25T12:13:00.022+07:00

There are so many good writings lately on the internet about our Khmer built Temple Preah Vihear. I am collecting these writings. We all should keep writing ! I know the Thai newspapers, The Nation and The Bangkok Post kept printing so much bias news and editorials. Us Khmer should write more not only to counter the bias, but also to expose truths that the Thais hate to hear.

Here's the letter to Bhumibol Adulyadej, King of Thailand a.k.a "The King That Never Smile" . The letter was forwarded to my mailbox this morning. Although it's not my kind of language in writing, but I agree the content is very good coming from our irate compatriot.
Thai King Bhubmibol wearing old fashion English hat. He is trying to copy the English royal. In my opionion, the hat is too big for his royal head.

-Vanak.
Phnom Penh

Preah Vihear of Cambodia

2008-07-23T10:45:00.004+07:00

Nationalism is Good; Blind Nationalism is Bad

Opinion-Editorial by Chanda Chhay

This is a very good article I found from KI-Media. Click on the picture will link to the source. Thank you Chanda Chhay. I hope reading more of your writing.

Ignorance of history is a sad fact. But, twisting history to satisfy a political goal is a foolish act. With utmost due respect to Thai people in general, it is unbelievable and outright disgusting to see and hear Thai politicians and political activists barking all kind of nonsense concerning the Khmer Temple of Preah Vihear.

Without listing every detail of who is accusing whom of violating whose national sovereignty, the entire conflict over a parcel of land near Preah Vihear Temple could be summed up as a case of a grown man trying to steal a candy from a kid and accusing the kid of stealing the candy from him. What is so repulsive about this affair is that the whole world knew that the candy is rightfully belonged to the innocent kid.

It is unfortunate and truly sad to see some Thai politicians and leaders behaving like thugs. The whole country should seriously re-examine itself whether it is worth it to lose its honor and integrity within the international community over a desperately hopeless campaign to grab a piece of land which should belong to the sacred ground of Preah Vihear. In this information age, people are much better informed than anyone could have guessed. Along with information, the factual truth will always come out regardless of the efforts to twist or hide it.

Based on the often neglected historical facts, the majority of Thai and Cambodian people have many things in common, culturally. For example, the Thai language, as we know it, is a derivative of the Khmer, the Mon, and the Sanskrit languages. The royal court etiquettes, which are the grace of the Thai nation, are a replica of the Cambodian tradition. These are some of the factual realities. Whether we like them or not, they are here to stay with us for as long as we care to learn the truth. As for those Thais, who continue to fabricate facts with fictions, this myopic action will lead to nothing but humiliation. The fiasco of Thai’s objection over the Preah Vihear’s registration as World Heritage site should serve as a good lesson for moving beyond irrational nationalism.

When King Rama Kamhaeng, and some of his successors, adapted and modified the Khmer language and customs to bestow upon his subjects, the idea of seeing the descendants of his beloved subjects behaving like ingrates toward their cultural benefactor was probably beyond his wildest imagination. Unfortunately, animal behaviors in human beings always prevail when rational thinking is being replaced by blind ambition.

The images of a Thai woman lying in the middle of the road to block a convoy of Thai trouble-makers and a man whose face was cover in blood after an altercation with the trouble-makers spoke volumes of how the local people think: People on both sides of the borders want to live in peace and harmony with their neighbors. Any government or politician that fails to see this simple truth is a disgrace to the nation.

Prasat Preah Vihear and the Buddhist temple in its premise are, first and foremost, the sanctuary of the gods. Second, they are the cultural sanctuary of humankind. For armed soldiers to trample on these sacred sites is not only an affront to humankind but also a disgrace and a despicable act on the part of the instigator.

Chanda Chhay
Washington, DC (USA)

Updates from Phnom Penh Cambodia

2008-07-16T10:08:00.021+07:00

Journalist and son were shot dead:
The reason I haven't been coming to internet as frequently is because I've got a chance to part-time joining the writing force for major newspaper here in Phnom Penh. I'm mainly covering the election story. My director kept emphasised all articles I write, must be non-bias-- which is kind of hard for me to follow because I'm a very opinionated kind of person.

Body of the slain victims, Khim Sambo and his son Khath Sarin Pheata. Click on the picture to read more.

Sorry, I can't reveal the place I work for. I'm afraid some assassin would shoot me dead IN MY BACK while I'm riding my moto on our Phnom Penh street. This has happened to Khim Sambo, the journalist of Moneaksekar Khmer News (Khmer Conscience Newspaper) . Khim Sambo, 47, and his son Khath Sarin Pheata, 21, were shot dead, in assassination style while they were riding their moto scooter. Khim was shot from behind. Multiple bullets went through from his back and killed him instantly. To shoot people from the back, make this hired assassin a coward what the Khmer word called កំសាក "Komsak". To the master who hired the assassin is truly the worst kind of killer. He's 10 times more coward than this killer. Silencing the truth by killing, no matter how much money and power this master has, I hope the conscience will haunt him for the rest of his miserable life.

Preah Vihear:
I still can't understand what's up with the Thais. What the Thai claims the "overlapsed" of 4.6KM, is actually Cambodia's land. There's no "joint communiqe". Sorry. Us Khmers want to manage our property by ourselves. Hello ? Don't you Thai get it ? The world members have voted UNANIMOUSLY to have our Preah Vihear on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. All 21 members voted for it -- not even one was against the listing. This ought to send Thailand a clear message that the world recognises Preah Vihear and land surrounding belong to Cambodia. Always have and forever will be.

Satire As Satire Can be:
OK, I admit I keep myself up with news from all over the world. One most notable news is from America where the magazine The New Yorker has a cartoon drawing of their presidential candidate Mr. Barak Obamah and his wife Michelle Obama on the magazine cover page. The cartoonist portrayed Mr. Obama and his wife as Islamic terrorists residing in the American capitol "The Whitehouse" -- assuming the role Mr. Obama as the president of the United States. As you can see from the picture, Mrs. Obamah is carrying the terrorist weapon of choice, the AK47 automatic assault weapon and Mr. Obama with a Muslim sandals and headdress. Behind their backs, the American flag was tossed and burned onto the fireplace. I wish I could find a copy of this issue in our Phnom Penh bookseller here, so I could learn from the writings. Clearly as I can think, there's no defamation. This is purely satire and satire at best.

សួស្តី ស្រុកខ្មែរ ! Hello Cambodia ? Mr. Hor Namhong, David Meas the atorney and Mr. Hun Sen, I would like to repeat political satire (cartoon) is freely express in every modern part of the world.

Gloating Over Preah Vihear Events:
In more than a week time, on 27 July 2008, we're having the national election. Our government ruling party CPP of PM Hun Sen is taking the credit of Preah Vihear UNESCO listing. I think it's great to have our temple officially listed. But still, PM Hun Sen shouldn't taking the advantage to poplicise for votes. I saw on TV broadcasting kept on praising the CPP. I'm just tired of it. Lately, I saw the of picture posters of PM HUN Sen at our Phnom Penh central stadium on the Preah Vihear rallying event.

This is wrong for PM HUN SEN and his CPP party to hijack at the rally for his political gain for the 27 July up comming election. No matter what parties you're belong to, Preah Vihear and land surrounding is our Khmer national assets. I am sure any opposition party, beside CPP party, would just have done the same, if not better than the CPP party, to protect our Cambodia national heritage. Sorry PM Hun Sen. Your CPP party is still corrupt, sir, you haven't convinced me that I should vote for you. And sir, your time is running out.

ខ្ញុំបាទ ធំ វណ្ណះ
ពីរាជធានី ភ្នំពេញ
From Phnom Penh
Thom Vanak

Khmer Poem - ប្រាង្គព្រះវិហារ The Pillars of Preah Vihear

2008-06-27T11:40:00.003+07:00

Here's another great Cambodian poem written by Mr. Sourn Sereyratha -- a real Khmer patriot. I really admire Mr. Sourn's works. The title of this poem is called ប្រាង្គព្រះវិហារ -- I translated to English as "The Pillars of Preah Vihear Temple".

Vanak
PP

The Thai so-called Watchdog Group Spying on Cambodia ?

2008-06-27T10:48:00.012+07:00

On Preah Vihear issue, there's somewhat a hot issue among the radical Thais because they think our Khmer temple belongs to theirs. Thai is clearly encroaching into Cambodia soil. To these Thai, they should educate themselves more.

Then there a Thai web forum that took my blog writings on our Khmer Preah Vihear temple and posted at their website. Since Thai writings is derived from our Khmer alphabets, I can read their writings little bit, but I can't really know what this forum is about. I think the forum is translated the news that was put out by our Khmer compatriot group "Cambodia Watchdog Council International (CWC)". I would appreciate if readers who is well versed in Thai could briefly tell what are the Thai posting about. You don't have to translate all word by word.

To the Thais, they got to chill down for they have no course. Stay away from Khmer land. Preah Vihear is always belonged to Khmer.

Click on the LABELS "PREAH VIHEAR" --below the POSTED BY BLOG BY KHMER line to read all my postings on our Preah Vihear.

ពីខ្ញុំ វណ្ណះ
រាជធានី Phnom Penh

http://breakingnews.nationchannel.com/read.php?lang=th&newsid=326742
http://www.pantip.com/cafe/rajdumnern/topic/P6744262/P6744262.html

ឱសីលធម៌ខ្មែរ O ! Where's Our Khmer Ethic ?

2008-06-19T11:48:00.012+07:00

(Click on the image for larger font)

When us younger generation reading these kind poems, we could not help but think why there 's such a poem written ? It is written because everything has happened reflects true condition that exist in our society. This type of poems will last through time.

Thank you to the poet who composed this poem !

The Vietnamese's excuse to come to Cambodia

2008-06-18T12:19:00.002+07:00

I know in nearly every our election the Vietnamese finds excuses to come to our Cambodia during this critical time. In the last election time, I remember t they sent their soldiers to come in Cambodia to look for their death comrades during their 1979 invasion into our country.

Now the election is coming near. Our Cambodia will have the general election in 27 July 2008. Again, the Viets find the reason or excuse to send their soldiers into Cambodia. According to Khmer Radio Free Asia (RFA) 16 Jul 2008 stated from Vietnam Net (News) that Vietnam is strengthening the friendship between the two countries. They are creating the opportunity for the Vietnamese veteran soldiers to visit Khmer veteran "friends" in Cambodia .

Vietnamese has no reason to come into Cambodia during this critical time of ours. Are they spying our election process ? Are they intimidating the opposing parties ? Whatever Vietnamese reason is, they are not welcome here. Vietnamese must stay on their side of the border.

My Opionion,
Vanak
រាជធានី ភ្នំពេញ

David Meas, An Unscrupulous Lawyer ?

2008-05-17T09:24:00.010+07:00

I thought I could get away without commenting news that was happening this week. ខ្ញុំទ្រាំមិនបាន -- I couldn’t help it. So here, seeking dry shelter from the gathering storm, I am near our ផ្សារចាស់ Psa Chas (Old Market) at an internet Café. I’m glad to be back on the PC keyboard again.

As the news occurred there’s a French-Cambodian attorney by the name David Meas who emailed letters to at least two Khmer bloggers threatened to sue them for defamation of the current foreign minister Hor Nam Hong. The letters and comments can be read at:
Sacravatoon ,
CAAI News Media , and KI Media .

What my thought about David Meas threatening emails ?
There’s no basis for the lawsuit. Political (satire) cartoons are as old as the founding of democracy of the great civilised nations. It’s nothing new. People are making fun of top leaders. For example, France PM François Fillon, President Nicolas Sarkozy, US President George Bush, UK PM Gordon Brown, Australia PM Kevin Rudd…and etc. I am sure these top leaders haven’t escaped from not being portrayed in the political cartoons at all. Now do you think Hor Nam Hong or even PM Hun Sen is holier than the mentioned top world leaders? Insanity! I am tired of thinking that our Khmer leaders cannot be criticised. It seems like if anything we say or express (do caricature drawings) to their dislike, we will be slapped with a “defamation” lawsuit. We’re too childish. Cambodia , grow out from this infancy. កុំធ្វើដូចក្មេង បៀមដៃទៀត!. Don’t act like a child sucking thumb anymore. Freedom of expression as I wrote in my earlier post is very fundamental for us. So, please suppress us no more.

What's my thought about foreign minister Hor Nam Hong ?
I never like him for he has a shady past linking to his former position as Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge chief of Boeng Trawbek prison . He should resign from the foreign ministry post. Some other person could have been much better qualified to serve the foreign minister post than this old man.

What's my thought about David Meas ?
I have no respect for Mr. David Meas . It seems he truly is an unscrupulous type of attorney. The French law board of licensing should investigate David Meas . Perhaps, he shouldn’t be writing letters to harass and intimidate people all over the internet. If he’s to be found guilty of misconduct violating the ethic of a lawyer, abusing his attorney privilege, the board should strip away his license, barring David Meas to practice and penalize him to the fullest extent of the law.

Vanak
ផ្សារចាស់ ក្រុងភ្នំពេញ
Psa Chas, Phnom Penh

Q&A on Blogging in Cambodia

2008-04-29T12:45:00.016+07:00

Questions & Answers (Q&A):

Nearly two weeks ago I was asked from one news publication here in Phnom Penh. The reporter of that news services wanted to write on "Blogging in Cambodia" so he sent a serie of questions. I responded right away. Here's my cut-n-paste from the email of my response to him :

Flag: courtesy of http://www.mir.com.my/leofoo/Cambodia2005/index.htm

Why do you think most Cambodian bloggers avoid talking about politics and political leaders?

It's true. The majority of Khmer bloggers write about poetries, stories and their normal everyday activities. There's nothing wrong with that. As long as we write something that would take a lot of effort already. Yes, most of our bloggers avoid the issues that matter the most for our country direction; that is politics and the country's leadership. For the very reason I feel we're still feared of being persecuted on anything we say about our leaders. I don't like to think like this. Our leaders' mentalities are that they are inviolable. No one can criticise them. Anything we said to offend them we could be the next target for a roadside accident or shot at. The assailants will always never been found.

On the other hand, what gives you the confidence to write about these issues? (I can see from your blog that you have written extensively about political issues that many others avoid.)

Yes, I do have some confidence to write. My confidence based from part of our Kingdom's constitution Chapter III, Article 41 guarantees that "Khmer citizens shall have freedom of expression, press, publication and assembly. No one shall exercise this right to infringe upon the rights of others, to affect the good traditions of the society, to violate public law and order and national security. The regime of the media shall be determined by law."

My writings are of my own opinion, feeling and curiosity based from what I read from our local news sources. I feel I've done nothing wrong. I have links to the sources where I got the news and I just write what I feel. Some issues I am skeptical. For example where PM Hun Sen get the money to build the parks and bridges and named them after himself. What rights has he got to do this? Who elected Madame Bun Rany Hun Sen for president of Cambodia Red Cross? Then there come my feeling: Must I write about it or should I remain suppressed forever?

I feel freedom of expression as stated in our constitution Chapter III-41 is very fundamental in our democracy. Our leaders, public officials must be opened to criticism or else our kingdom is no different from communist Cuba , North Korea or the Junta of Myanmar. Unless they're not dictators, sensible leaders do take heed from voices of our people and they would change accordingly for the better.

Has anyone ever cautioned you to be more careful in what you write about? Have you ever been threatened or reprimanded in any way?

My closest friends always cautioned me to be careful on my writings. They told me to stay 'low profile'. One major news agency wanted to meet me in person to interview me on the article of blogging in Cambodia . After consulted with my friends, I humbly declined to meet with the chief correspondent of that news agency. Oftentimes, I would like to attend the Cambodia Blogger (Clogger) summit or some Cambodia bloggers' meet ups. I would wanted to sit at these events anonymously. The event organizers wouldn't know who I am. I wanted to socialise with my fellow bloggers. On all of the occasions my friends strongly advised me not to go, but to stay low. It seems my friends feared more for me than myself of my own writing! Beside my friends' precautionary advises, so far no one has ever threatened or reprimanded me. And if I ever hear it from any of our officials I would like to see it in writing; I surely will post it on my blog.

Do you feel you have complete freedom of speech when you blog?

I want to think I have complete freedom in my writing. I don't want to feel bullied by the officials that they are untouchables, inviolable and above the rule of laws. Again, I feel it's nothing wrong to express our feelings as long as all of our writings are based from facts and references. As you see in my blog I always have screen captures and links to other sources where I got the news.

I've mentioned above from our constitution that it guarantees my rights to free speech as Khmer citizens. Do I really have complete freedom of speech ? Here's what I think that Chapter III, article 41 doesn't really clearly guarantee our full freedom of speech. It's sort of contradicting of what is stated in the premises: "Khmer citizens shall have freedom of expression, press, publication and assembly [...]" Then the last clause stated: "The regime of the media shall be determined by law." I feel our constitution is flawed. It is not really much of a guarantee if the premises stated we can do so then at the end it would say whatever I write "shall be determined by the law". Now we need to put capable heads together to rewrite and eliminate these 'double talks' in our constitution.

Conclusion:
I occasionally read some of our bloggers express politics in their writings. I've noticed other blogs criticise pubic officials too. I am hoping the trend continues and would see more our bloggers write what are affecting them the most, socially. The freedom to express in our forms of speeches without fear of being persecuted is very fundamental on all of us Khmer citizens. Let say allow us to write on topics such as the bribery in judges, freedom of religions, the idiocy of the prime minister, corruption and illegal land grabbing, the kowtowing of our government to Hanoi government, illegal Vietnamese settlers…etc. If there are issues that are affecting our Cambodia interests, we should and must be able to address them freely.

Vanak
PP Cambodia
21 April 2008

Sources:
Constition: http://www.embassy.org/cambodia/cambodia/constitu.htm
Cambodia flag: http://www.mir.com.my/leofoo/Cambodia2005/index.htm

The 'Strongman' PM Hun Sen Comparision Logic

2008-04-10T09:35:00.010+07:00

Our Prime Minister Hun Sen was bloviating nonsense in his logic of comparing himself to the main opposition party Sam Rainsy. From Banteay Meanchey provice, PM Hun Sen critised that “If [Sam Rainsy] is still the opposition leader then I am continuing to be the prime minister….I congratulate you and you congratulate me. […] there’s nothing wrong. Don’t you ever say ‘Prime Minister has the same old face’ then what about opposition leader? [He too has the same old face] What do you have to say on that?[…] Don’t ever say ‘Prime Minister is the same old face and should be changed and changes we must’. What about yourself as the opposition leader. You’re the same face too. Why do you never mention it? “
I feel PM Hun Sen‘s childish comments was so low and sounded very desperate for him to have come up with this comparison. He needs to work on his logic a little bit or the schools who gave him the degrees might strip away even those honorary PhD’s that they have awarded him.

Mr. Sam Rainsy was never a prime minister. On the other hand among the world leaders, Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, Than Shwe of Myanmar, Fidel Castro of Cuba, our Cambodia PM Hun Sen, is already known the world’s longest record holder in clinging on to power.

ខ្ញុំ វណ្ណះ
ពី ក្រុង ភ្នំពេញ សួរស្តី ឆ្នាំថ្មី !!

Gen Tea Banh -- Just a simple question to a Yes or No answer.

2008-04-08T11:21:00.008+07:00

If I meet General Tea Banh I would like to ask just a simple question in which I would expect a simple answer in return: Sir, on 25 March 2008 did you ask the Vietnamese for their soldiers to come in to Cambodia to maintain security and public order in our coming July general election ? [Yes or No]. Could you please clarify on this a little bit ?

Vietnam newspaper published that you did ask for help. But then our Khmer government has denied the allegation. That's why I would like to hear from you, General.

Source: Cambodia declares it did not seek security assistance

Job Opening at Radio Free Asia Khmer Service វិទ្យុអាស៊ីសេរី ជ្រើសរើសបុគ្គលិក

2008-04-04T08:34:00.015+07:00

Here in Phnom Penh I listen to Radio Free Asia (RFA) almost every day. It is broadcast from Washington USA. I found out that RFA Khmer service is hiring reporter for a temporary job position. Since the deadline of applying is 13 April 2008 I have about 10 more days to think about in submitting my Curriculum Vitae to Khmer RFA director in Washington America. Although I don't know how much the pay will be for this position, but I thought it would be great to work for RFA. Since RFA is an American organisation, for me that would be my dream job of getting some experience. I would learn the American way of reporting. I once read that news reporting in western worlds is 'non-bias fair and balance on all angles'. To be eligible there are six qualifications RFA is looking for in the potential candidate:

1) HAVE EXPERIENCE IN JOURNALISM, PREFERABLE IN RADIO JOURNALISM: I have no experience in this field whatsoever. I never know what journalism is all about. Here in Srok Khmer I only know one thing about the news. News over hear are all bias. Most news media from newspapers, radios and all TV's stations are controlled by the PM Hun Sen party CPP. So obviously the media are incessantly praising how good PM Hun Sen and the rest of his CCP members are. Furthermore, what I know about journalism here is that if you report anything to make the ruling government not liking you, you could be a target on the government hit list. That's all I know about journalism.

2) HAVE A DEGREE FROM A CREDIBLE UNIVERSITY: I have none. I've never gone to any higher learning schools in all my life. I know university degrees look like. I've seen some from my friends who graduated from NUM, IFL and Panasastra here in Phnom Penh. They look very nice. My self-taught style of the English reading/writing couldn't amount to anything, let alone from a university! I wish I have a university degree. I want a real one though.
Not like the ones PM Hun Sen have got. He got a lot of PhD's . Often time I wonder how many more PhD's Dr. Hun Sen will get for rest of his life time ? With so many degrees he earned already without going to school, his wife Mrs. Bun Rany Hun Sen probably very, very proud of him. Sorry, I'm a little veered off the subject to talk about PM Hun Sen degrees. You see? Now you can tell the writings of a non-university degree is like. Onto the next qualification.

3) SPEAK KHMER AS A MOTHER TONGUE. Yes! This one I qualified. My native tongue is Khmer. I am Khmer 100% in heart and brain! I am very proud to be a Khmer born to Khmer parents from Svay Rieng Province. I can read and write Khmer fluently. In my brain, I think in Khmer then translate to English whatever I want to say. Although my birth Svay Rieng province in bordered right next to Vietnam, I know no 'Tieng Viet'. I don't know Thai either. The only two languages I know are Khmer and English.

4) KNOW KHMER UNICODE. Yes. ខ្ញុំចេះយូនីខូដខ្មែរ ខ្ញុំអាចវាយ word processing ជាភាសា របស់យើង តែមិនអាច វាយ អោយបាន លឿនរហ័ស ណាស់ណាទេ. I know and could type our language Unicode. I maybe not a fast typist, but I could improve this skill very quickly.

5) BE COMPUTER LITERATE. Yes, Windows, word processing and internet including blog publishing. I love MS Word ! I write with MS Word - it automatically check my spelling. That's why you probably notice I don't have much of misspelled words. I don't claimed myself as expert at computer, but I do comfortably know my way around the PC.

6) BE PROFICIENT ESPECIALLY IN READING AND WRITING ENGLISH: Humm….huhhh... I wouldn't say am "proficient", but think myself as "literate" in the English reading and writing. Again, my English is self-styled learned from many English novels. I've learned new vocabulary, grammar and style of writing from these readings. What keeps me going everyday is my passion in readings. I remembered one time during my elementary schooling I didn't read or write for about 2 months during the holiday vacation. When school resumed, I started picking up a pen to write, I couldn't believe my hand was so stiff and slow in writing just simple words. From this experience on, I practice reading and writing regularly. Both of these skills have expanded my way of thinking dramatically.

Now you know where I stand on the qualifications. If you're the RFA director would you hire me? If not, it's OK, I won't feel bad. I would be continuing to write freely as I am right now. But if I am hired, I have one condition to ask. I'd request to send me straight away to my first assignment coverage on PM Hun Sen getting many of his bogus PhD degrees.

Vanak
រាជធានីភ្នំពេញ

Hanoi Vietnam Stay out of Cambodia !

2008-03-30T23:45:00.005+07:00

Mr. Defense Minister Tea Banh was 'kissing up" to Vietnam. Hanoi responded with "good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive and long-term co-opporation".

Good neighbour ? Yes.

Friends ? Sure. Certainly no countries want to have enemies with the neighbours .

Comprehensive and long-term corporation ? --huh...hum.. it's so vague, yet deceptive. Like if Vietnam wants to take over Cambodia, Laos under Hanoi centralise leadership as "Indochinese peninsular", do we have to cooperate ?

I feel Hanoi has to stop involving with Cambodia affairs. Whatever Vietnam said, it is appeared to be so friendly toward Cambodia, but the world is watching Vietnam to stay away from our country.

Vanak
រាជធានី Phnom Penh

Oh, Mr. Prime Minister Hun Sen – you don’t fool me

2008-03-26T09:25:00.009+07:00

Just a little more than four months time, in July 2008 we Cambodians will be voting general election for the party that will lead our country for the better. The voice of the people will be heard. In the mean time our Prime Minister Hun Sen is still holding absolute power and centralised all power of running the country to himself. From building roads, schools, naming gardens and bridges, to judicial making processes and deciding who should be in or out of prison, PM Hun Sen involves with all of the final says. At Phnom Penh ’s roadside café, I remember one of my closest friends has once just casually mentioned “នៅប្រទេសកម្ពុជា យើង គឺយើងឥតមាន ត្រូវការ ច្បាប់អីទេ ពីព្រោះនាយករដ្ធមន្រី្តហុន សែន ផ្ទាល់ គឺជាឪ ជា ម៉ែ នៃច្បាប់ទាំងអស់ We don’t need the rule of laws in Cambodia because PM Hun Sen himself is the mother of all rule of laws”.

In the current event at Kompong Som (Sihanuokville) there was a clash between villagers and the local authority protecting the interest of the private company Thai Bun Rong. For generations there were 125 families who were living on the premises of this 13 hectares plot of land. The clash resulted one villager was shot by bullets to his leg and both of his arms were broken. Also four other villagers were arrested and were tossed in prison.

With the election time is coming closer, there would never be any better opportunity for PM Hun Sen to give more promises, hand out gifts and appeasing to the villagers for the purpose to win or buy their votes. Yesterday he flew to Kompong Som and gave a decree to immediately release those four villagers from prison. He compensated $750 to the injured man and $300 to each of the four who were in prison. It’s so ironic that the plot of land was originally belong to the people’s ownership. PM Hun Sen then awarded the 13 hectares of VILLAGERS’OWN LAND back to the villagers.

PM Hun Sen gave the publicity of a speech to propagandise his cause: [my translation] “When something like this has happened, I must apologise to the people. I must apologise for the injured and I must apologise for those that were tossed into the prison. What has happened here, now I must give the state’s land to the people. The land is belonged to the state and the state partitions and gives it to the people. I have nothing to fear when partitioning the land for the people. What I fear is if I partition the land and give it to other countries. I fear if I partition our frontier and ceded to other countries. I, Hun Sen, has no reasons to fear for partitioning the land to our people! “

As usual, our prime minister speech is very macho as one would have expected if he truly is a dictator. PM Hun Sen’s apology may have appeared lowly, modest and so wholeheartedly, which I know only happen for the purpose to have the people’s hearts to vote for his party. He may have won the hearts of 4 villagers that he just released from prison. But to me, especially during the election time, I know this very same trick well. For more than 28 years PM Hun Sen and his CPP cronies have led our Cambodia to deeper dept poverty and corruption. Sorry, Mr. Prime Minister, not again you don’t fool me. And sir, you still lose my vote.

Vanak
រាជធានី ភ្នំពេញ

Khmer Poem -- កំណាព្យ : ខ្មែរមិនត្រូវឆោត ខ្មែរមិនត្រូវចាញ់

2008-03-11T10:38:00.007+07:00

This is a great Khmer poem I found on the internet. We all should read this before we're going to vote in the our election this coming July 2008.

Click on the image will enlarge the text. If you want to download the poem in PDF format, please click on the poem title on the left column of the screen.

វណ្ណះ

Although voting is secret, I know the party I WILL NOT vote for

2008-02-12T10:27:00.001+07:00

Cambodia general election is coming up. Every time I visit my mother at my home village, I kept on telling family and friends to make sure we have our names registered ចុះឈ្មោះso we could vote on the election day. We must think carefully for we don’t want to waste our vote. We must vote for the party we believe that could lead for a better Cambodia .

Voting is secret. Nobody knows what party we're voting for. One thing for sure is that I will not vote for the CPP party. This is the Prime Minister Hun Sen Party. From what I've seen, this party does even more harm for our Cambodia . I feel PM Hun Sen is bowing down too much to Hanoi Communist government. For 29 years since 1979 when Vietnam invaded my country, the same CPP party is still dictating the power.

I believe there are a lot of smart people than PM Hun Sen who could lead our Cambodia . PM Hun Sen is not a good leader at all. Cambodia hasn't prospered under his centralised leadership.

Although PM Hun Sen has boasted our Cambodia has advanced so much. His rationale is that we have more cars these days as compare during Pol Pot years, therefore the country has prospered. I would say it is prospering to the elite few who has connection to the powerful people holding the government positions or related to PM Hun Sen himself. (See Global Witness Report) . Such scenarios are evident as in land eviction where military were sent to burn down villager houses and forced them to give up their lands. In this case I think the current government helps support the plundering from the poor and give to the rich.

Definitely, Cambodians must vote for our country’s direction. All Vietnamese nationals must stay out from Cambodia . Vietnamese cannot vote for Cambodia . Vietnamese has to stop involving with Cambodia affair. Let Cambodians vote for our own fate.

Thank you.

Vanak
ក្រុងភ្នំពេញ

សុំបេះដូងមួយចំណែក -- Give me a portion of your heart

2008-02-05T10:35:00.000+07:00

"Som Besdoang Muy Chomnek " -- Give me a portion of your heart. This song was first released at least 5 years ago. And now song is banned by Mrs. Bun Rany Hun Sen . Read the news and comments here . When the song is banned, that would make it even more popular. Here's Khmer lyrics of the song and the video I found on Youtube.

ឲ្យសុំបេះដូងមួយចំណែកផងណាបងណា
ក្រមានវាសនាក្រៃអ្វីម្ល៉េះទេ
ជាប្រុសតែមួយហូរហៀរដោយមន្តស្នេហ៍
ស្រីណាក៏តែងតែ លង់ស្នេហ៍វៀងចិត្តមិនរួច។

ក្នុងស្រីទាំងហ្វូង អូនសុំបេះដូងមួយចំណែក
គ្រាន់បានរំលែកទុក្ខស្នេហ៍ជ្រើបជ្រួល
ដូចដុំពេជ្រច្នៃ គ្មានតម្លៃទិញដល់
សារភាពទាំងខ្វល់ សុំតែមួយចំណែក។

ជាតិជាមានភ័ព្វដូចឆោមយង់
ស្ដេចគ្រងបេះដូង មានអំណាចស្នេហ៍អនេក
នារីសោកាសង្វេគ ព្រោះប្រាថ្នាពេកហាក់បីដូចជាមានកម្ម។

ចែកស្នេហ៍ឲ្យផងណាបងអូនសូមសំណូមពរ
សុំយុត្តិធម៌មិនហ៊ានលោភលន់
សុំតែមួយផ្នែក ចែកអូនគេងញញឹម
ធ្វើម្ដេចមានកម្ម ឲ្យលង់ចិត្តលើបង។

--ពីខ្្ញុំ Vanak
Phnom Penh.

Sandals sold in Vietnamese market .

2008-01-22T11:40:00.001+07:00

Pairs of sandals (flip flops) having our national symbol Angkor Wat are sold at Vietnamese market in Vietnam. And now I'm wondering our King Sihamoni or Prime Minister Hun Sen has anything to say at all regarding this. Perhaps they pretend to hear nothing.

Even if our king or PM don't come out to say something, I feel this is wrong and very distasteful for Vietnam to market our national pride and symbol. This would be equal to having Vietnamese flag or picture of Ho Chi Minh on rolls of toilet paper. ---Vanak

Sources (please click on the pictures):
http://srolanhkhmer.blogspot.com/
http://ki-media.blogspot.com/

Don't be dumb or you'll be duped ! . កុំល្ងីល្ងើ ពកថ្ងាស

2008-01-10T10:25:00.001+07:00

No joke. This is real. Here in Phnom Penh when we first heard the news my friends and I just shook our heads and laughed so hard. We now came to the point of not laughing but feel more pity for our Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Back in 10 April 2004 our prime minister Hun Sen received an honorary doctor degree from an institution called Irish International University of the European Union (IIU) based in Dublin, Ireland. In front the backdrop curtain banner of the ceremonial event, our PM was beaming with pride when the executive president of the university Hardeep Singh Sandhu conferred the honorary degree in Political Science upon him. He was wearing a graduation gown and hat then shook hand with Mr. Sandhu while showing off his instantly earned doctorate.

According to the news it turned out IIU institution is not Irish, and it's not even a university. The university has no physical address but only listed of post office box (PO Box). Its web pages claimed that its degrees are supported by the "Quality Assurance Commission" where it was traced to an office in North London to a woman who was answering phones on behalf of various companies. There was no such commission ever existed. Futhermore, this bogus university has an honorary chancellor who called himself "His Excellency Baron Knowth". The BBC London tracked H.E. Baron Knowth to an accountant Herbert Jeffrey Wooller, where he owns multi-million pounds (dollars) of homes in both Monte Carlo/Monaco and London.

Flashing back to 10 April 2004, in Phnom Penh, our Prime Minister Hun Sen gave a lengthy conferment speech when receiving the degree from this so-call university. Now we all knew he made a fool of himself and the joke was laughed upon the rest of us Cambodians to have a prime minister like him leading our country.

If I am the Prime Minister Hun Sen personal adviser, I would advise him that this is a lesson he should learned. Find out first if the university has history and well established as a reputable institution. And finally, including universities from Vietnam, don't ever desperately eager to accept any honorary degrees.

So, I interpreted the moral from this news : Get your real education. Don't be dumb ! -- this might as well be my advise too. កុំល្ងីល្ងើ ពកថ្ងាស.

Vanak,
-- - - - -- - - -
Sources:
A Degree of Deception
Shhh... Don't tell PM Hun Sen he was duped
Hun Sen Conferment Speech

Spratly Islands and Koh Tral កោះត្រល់

2008-01-04T13:59:00.000+07:00

The Spratly islands are 800km from Ho Chi Minh City, 1300km from Hong Kong. This archipelago comprised of more than 600 smalls rocks and corral reefs located in the South China Sea. It is hotly in dispute between China and Vietnam which both staked claims to the islands. Lately in 08 December, 2007 Vietnamese organised a demontration protest in front of the Chinese embassy in Hanoi and in Ho Chi Minh City. They rallied by shouted slogans against China to "stop invading" their territory.

When this news first came out I didn't have time to write it right away for I was extremely busy helping my mother at the village. Nevertheless, the high tension on high sea between China and Vietnam is still there; hence, it really piqued my interest in region of South China Sea even more. I then began to think the issue in parallel to my Camobodia's Koh Tral island.

Separately in comparison to the incident with the Spratly islands, Cambodia's biggest Koh Tral island is so close to our coastline. It is just 15km from Kampot province. Koh Tral sits right in Cambodia waters. Each time of day when the wind clears away the fog, we can see peaks of our Koh Tral from our coastline Kep or from Mount Bokor in Kampot province.

Yet, the distance of Koh Tral to Vietnam is 3 times more than it is to Cambodia. It's 45km to the closest southern tip Ha Tien province of Vietnam.

Vietnam took our island as 'under their administration'. Vietnam has the tendency to eliminate any trace of Cambodian origin, so they changed the original name Koh Tral to Phu Quoc . The term that the island is 'under Vietnamese administration' are just flowery words to cover up from the international community. I know at the present day there is no direct access to Koh Tral from our Cambodia side. Our Khmer fishermen will be arrested or shot by Vietnamese soldiers if we're straying in waters closer to the island.

So when the Vietnamese shouted to China "stop invading" on the Spratly islands, I was wondering if those demonstrators have any conscience of what they or their government did to our Cambodia Koh Tral island.

To me, Koh Tral is always ours. I am so sad for the lost of this island at this present time. As Vietnam always claimed they are friends of Cambodia. Friends don't take personal properties from one another. So I hope one day and soon, Vietnam would relinquish Koh Tral administration duty and hand it back to us wholeheartedly.

ពីខ្ញុំ វណ្ណះ,
ក្រុងរាជធានី ភ្នំពេញ
០៤ មករា ២០០៨
Vanak.

================= Sources ======================
http://www.cfcambodge.org/doc/Kohtral.pdf

http://www.khmerinstitute.org/articles/art09.html

http://www.caraweb.org/articles/koh_trol.html

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/IL20Ad01.html

http://www.travelnotes.org/Asia/spratlys.htm

http://www.countrywatch.com/facts/facts_default.aspx?type=text&topic=SESPI

http://www.nationalpost.com/news/world/story.html?id=175296&p=2

Happy New Year សួស្តីឆ្នាំថ្មី ២00៨

2007-12-31T13:32:00.000+07:00

To end 2007 year and starting new 2008 I would like to link this post entry to the microphone sound of Khmer classic love song by Huy Meas and Sin Sisamut.

I don't know what year this song came out. But I am sure it's at least recorded 5 years before I was born. This would make it a pre-1975 recording.

I would like to thank to JS, (picture below) for sending me the song. Click on the picture will link to her website.
I've been listening to this piece over and over. I love Miss Huy Meas voice !! And, Mr. Sin Sinsamut legendary voice proved he was and is truly the all-time king of Khmer music .

The song title is "Thida Kloak Thep". I've transcribed the song lyrics in Khmer Unicode below. It's so poetic. Listening to songs like this, I will soon couldn't help not to fall in love :)

Happy New Year !---- Vanak, Phnom Penh.

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Click "PLAY" button on the Esnips player to hear "Thida Kloak Thep" song. Enjoy!

" ធីតាឃ្លោកទិព្យ " ហួយ មាស -- ស៊ីន ស៊ីសាមុត
ស្រី-- អូនចង់តែស្ទុះទៅត្រកង តែខ្លាចបង អ្នកមិនប្រណី...ប្រណីអោយស្រីខ្មាសអៀនស្នេហា... ដូចផ្កា ចោលក្លឹន ពីម្ចាស់ថ្នមថែ....

ប្រុស-- បងស្រលាញ់ បងស្រលាញ់អូន លុះថ្ងៃសូន្យ ក៏មិនគេចកែ... បងស្នេហ៍តែស្រីលុះក្ស័យសង្ខារ... ប្រាថ្នា រៀបការជាគូរមេត្រី

ស្រី-- ហ៊ី..... ហ៊ី..... សូមអោយ តែពិត ដូចពាក្យបងវាចា....
ប្រុស-- ហូ.... ហូ.... បងមិនមុសា ដល់ស្នេហាទេ

ស+ប-- យើងរួមសុខទុក្ខជាមួយគ្នា ហើយសច្ចារ ថាមិនចោលស្នេហ៍....ដូចផ្កាយរះមិនឆ្ងាយពីដួងខែ... ចាំតែ ជាស្នេហ៍អស់មួយជីវិត ។។

Madame President of the Cambodian Red Cross

2007-12-18T12:14:00.002+07:00

ប៉ុន្មានអាទិត្យកន្លង ទៅនេះ ខ្ញុំមាន កិច្ចការមមាញឹកខ្លាំងណាស់ ខ្ញុំទៅជួយច្រូតស្រូវ ម៉ែខ្ញុំនៅឯ ភូមិកំណើត បានជាខ្ញុំ មិនមានពេលចូលមក internet. For the past weeks I was so busy. I was helping my mom harvesting rice at my birth village. That's the reson I was away from computer.

Oh how I could ever getting away from the internet ! Reading news from all over the world. Here from our home last Saturday and Sunday 15 & 16 of December, there appeared to be some quite important event was happening!!. In Tuol Kork district, Phnom Penh all TV stations were broadcasting live on the grand opening of a new Cambodian Red Cross building.

Huge canvas tents were erected. Loud speakers incessantly made announcement on praising of the current CPP leaders with 'great guidance' of leading the country. The attendees responded with " Jeyo jeyo jeyo ! ". I thought there's nothing great about the current government. For nearly 30 years (Since January 1979) the same party is still running and ruining the country. My Cambodia is still one of the the poorest and most corrupted countries on earth.

There were a lot of important people. They stepped out from shiny black Mercedes onto the red carpet. Prime Minister Hun Sen was there and also King Sihamoni.

Among all the people who came the grand opening ceremony of the building, I couldn't help noticing the Madame President of the Cambodian Red Cross, Chumteav Bun Rani Hun Sen. To me she seems to getting a little fatter ក្រមាប់ ម៉ាប់ each time I see her on TV. It's true. Her face is getting bigger. A click of thought came to me. How did Madame Bun Rani Hun Sen become the President of the Cambodian Red Cross? What is her qualification ? Who elected her ?

OK. I think too much. Bye for now.

Vanak.
Phnom Penh

The people spoke for democracy and against unlimited power

2007-12-04T10:47:00.002+07:00

Here in Srok Khmer among my fellow Cambodians I feel am one of the lucky fews who could read write both in Khmer and English fairly fluently. My ability to understand the English language has really opening up my way of thinking in understanding the changes around me and the rest of the world.

On the current world event I couldn't help comparing Mr. Hugo Chavez of Venezuela to my current prime minister Hun Sen.

Yesterday Venezuelan people has voted "NO" and rejected Mr Chavez to become a president for life or until he's 96 years old. I would like to respect Mr. Hugo Chavez accepting his defeat on the ballot he put for voters. He's sad for his current presidency term ends in 2012. He assured the public "Venezuelan democracy is maturing...from this moment on, let's be calm " . He doesn't want people to protest. He continued " There's no dictatorship here."

This make me think about our Prime Minister Hun Sen of whom his CPP has cling on to power since 1979. Twenty-eight years--it's just been too long. PM Hun Sen lately said "បើប្រជារាស្ត្របោះឆ្នោតអោយ អញនឹងធ្វើ នាយករដ្ធមន្ត្រីអស់មួយជីវិត"-- the language PM Hun Sen chose to use here is like a leader of a gangster mafia talks. He's so arrogant in his speech. It's beyond the English translation "If the people continue to vote for me, I (aign) will be [their] prime minister for life !!". Nobody holding any public offices using derogatory word "aign" in any public speeches like PM Hun Sen at all. Khmer language newspaper here published that Vietnamese settlers always vote for his party. I know for sure giving a fair election at western standard, PM Hun Sen CPP has no chance of winning at all.

Prime Minister Hun Sen built countless schools and named bridges, canals, recreation parks after him. PM Minister maybe good for Cambodia but I still certainly wouldn't want him to be my prime minister for life.

I am optimist my Cambodia will one day come out of this infancy stage of democracy. And I truly hope my PM Hun Sen could learn something from this current world event.

Let me end by stating a quote from American politician, Nicholas Burns commented to the Venezuela voters: "In a country that wants to be a democracy, the people spoke, and the people spoke for democracy and against unlimited power."

ពីខ្ញុំ
Vanak,
Phnom Penh

Cambodian Bloggers Award 2007

2007-11-23T12:32:00.000+07:00

The way I express my writings on the blog here, I don't think I should be at this award event. My close friends also advised me not to attend this event. However, I have obtained the registration form and filled everything out. Please click on the application to read my filled out form.

Vanak,
Phnom Penh.

(Added 25/11/2007) -- I thank you all for my readers' concern. I will not attend this event.

Back in August 30 of this year there was a Cambodia Blogger Summit -- I wanted to go, but didn't. My friends also told me not to go. I told them I just wanted to go there to sit and listen what the summit was about. The organisers wouldn't know who I am. As close friends, they even scolded me in reply "Why do you need to attend it for ? Unless you wanted to become the alligator food, then go"

I know the time is not right yet for me to attend these kind of social function.

One day my hope our leaders, lawmakers to fully embrace freedom of writing and expressing one's own opinion without fear of being persecuted. Change we must for the better and I shall live to see this day.

១៥ខ្នើត--កក្តិក Happy Bonn Omtouk !!

Vanak

== = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Cambodian Bloggers Award 2007
http://www.openetwork.info/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

Open Forum of Cambodia is holding the Cambodian Bloggers Award 2007 to select Cambodian Bloggers of the year of 2007. This award event will be held on December 22, 2007 from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. in the Conference Centre of World Vision (Address: #20, Street 71, Sangkat Tonle Bassac, Khan Chamkar Morn, Phnom Penh).

Interested Cambodians or Cambodian Bloggers can download the application form at http://openetwork.info/award.doc , fill out it and submit it to blog@of.forum.org.khThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or the office of Open Forum of Cambodia by December 16, 2007 at 5 p.m.

For more information, please contact:
E-mail: visal@of.forum.org.kh

Be my friend or I put you in prison

2007-11-13T11:01:00.002+07:00

I am very sad by the verdict of Vietnam court to imprison the venerable monk Tim Sakorn, a Cambodian citizen for charge of stirring up "the unity friendship between Vietnam and Cambodia". Tim Sakorn found guilty of the charge and the court sentences him to serve 1 year time in prison.

Vietnam must realise it cannot coerce the friendship. It's like if you don't want to be my friend, I will come in to arrest you and put you in prison. Still if you show displeasure you don't want to befriend with me, I'll put you in prison too. My mind cannot comprehend this concept at all. Friendship between each other must start from the heart of one another.

I would like to humbly ask Vietnam to free Tim Sakorn.

Vanak

We prefer English not Vietnamese

2007-11-07T01:27:00.000+07:00

I took this picture yesterday from the back from one of covered-motor taxis here in Phnom Penh . The message on the billboard is good. To foreingners who visiting Cambodia wouldn't know what the billboard is about. He/she has to know how to read Khmer.

But wait ! The Vietnamese texts are right undeneath Khmer. This has baffled me as to why the Vietnamese appeared as a second language in my Cambodia. I know there are a lot of illegal Vietnamese come to settle to Cambodia. Maybe the message is geared toward them.

At the bottom of the sign there are serveral insignias (logo) sponsoring this ad. I notice there are 3 NGO's and Cambodia's Minister of Tourism and Minister of Interior.

I would ask our Cambodia lawmakers Minister of Tourism and Minister of Interior to please not using Vietnamese text as the second language. These days English would be like an international language. Most people read English not Vietnamese.

The English translation of the ad would be "WE'RE DEFINITELY AGAINST CHILDREN SEX TRAFFICKING" .

Our lawmakers has no reasons to promote Vietnamese language inside Cambodia.

-Vanak.

Cambodia: Leader Severs Ties With Gay Daughter

2007-11-01T02:39:00.000+07:00

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: October 31, 2007
Prime Minister Hun Sen said he planned to legally disown his adopted daughter, who is a lesbian, so she cannot claim any inheritance. Mr. Hun Sen made the disclosure about his closely guarded family life in a speech at a graduation.

“My adopted daughter now has a wife,” he said. “I’m quite disappointed.”

At the same time, he appealed to people not to discriminate against homosexuals, adding, “Most of them are good people and are not doing alcohol, drugs or racing vehicles.” -end of AP quote.
---Vanak's Comment:
Oh, Mr. Prime Minister what a double standard you are ! There's a saying "Do what I said not what I do". Sir, with all due respect, by disowning your lesbian daughter you are discriminating against homosexual already.

My comments on new title given the CPP leaders

2007-10-16T00:21:00.001+07:00

Last week news were dominating the radio and TV in Cambodia. It was the main talk in town on His Majesty, King Norodom Sihamoni of the Kingdom of Cambodia has given new titles to the Cambodian People Party (CPP) leaders.

Chea Sim 's new title is Somdach Akak Moha Thomak Pothisal សម្តេចអគ្គមហាធម្មពោធិសាល ជាស៊ីម
Hun Sen 's new title is Somdach Akak Moha Sena Badei Decho សម្តេចអគ្គមហាសេនាបតីតេជោ ហ៊ុនសែន
Heng Samrin 's new title is Somdach Akak Moha Pak-Ngear chakrey សម្តេចអគ្គមហាពញាចក្រី ហេង សំរិន

I believe the timing of giving these titles to these 3 leaders of the party is not coincidental but very crucial to boost the popularity of the puppet party that has Hanoi Vietnam as the backbone. The timing is just right for the general election is coming near.

First of all the new title is ridiculous. I attempted my best to pronounce them, let alone knowing what these titles mean.I kept wondering why us Khmer likes to do something so different from the world ? We have so many rankings and tittles !! We're creating new titles thinking we are a sophisticated Kingdom. I'm sure there are higher tittles than these. Just make them up !

Assuming the titles are high enough for whatever the titles mean. Still, these 3 people don't deserve them. What have they done in their leadership to improve our lives? The rich are getting richer the poor are getting poorer. The NGO Global Witness reported widespread destruction of the forest is still continue to this day. Rampant corruption is continues. Land grabbing by the big and powerful people who has connections to the CPP leaders. Bribery always coming into the play. For example, we need to bribe the officials get a property ownership documents, getting driver license, getting birth certificate. Here in Cambodia, even mailing an envelope we need to bribe too !!

Lastly, if King Norodom Sihamoni is not a coward then he's a weak king. Why didn't he have anything to say about protecting the border from Vietnamese and Thail ? How about Vietnamese who's coming to live on Cambodia illegally ? What about Khmer Monk Tim Sakhorn who's the Vietnamese has imprison him ? The king stays quiet and pretenses nothing happening to the suffering of his Khmer people. He now praised the CPP leaders for afraid they might take away his title. By the king's act, he is truly going for the interest for Hanoi government. The king has loss my respect on this part.

Like I mentioned on my profile description, any party that is supporting the interest of Yuon Hanoi, I certainly will not vote for this party.

Vanak.
Phnom Penh.

Editorial -- Sralanh Khmer News (Issue 525)

2007-10-10T10:10:00.000+07:00

This is again an excellent piece of editorial article 'Bawriyai Lek Niss' -- បរិយាយលេខនេះ - (This Issue Editorial) . Printed in Sralanh Khmer issue# 528 -- 09 October 2007.

The editorial is about the past incident where monks from Wat Unnalom and Wat Lanka together had a brawl with Kampuchea Krom monks who were holding a peaceful demonstration against the oppressing Communist Vietnamese government.

Sralanh Khmer editorial section 'Bawriyai Lek Niss' is my favourite reading piece I never fail reading the section. The writing always injecting opinion so freely such as condemning the corrupt Prime Minister Hun Sen government.

The injured monk is Khmer Kampuchea Krom monk. Please continue on reading the article. Click on the article for enlargement.

Prime Minister Hun Sen Speech on Youtube

2007-10-06T20:30:00.000+07:00

I went to Youtube and search for 'Hun Sen' I then discovered this clip that was posted about 3 months ago. Oh I laugh so hard at this clip. Read the comments from viewers
here at Youtube.

FREE TIM SAKORN

2007-10-06T18:54:00.000+07:00

Tim Sakorn, the Abbot monk was kidnapped by Vietnam government in late August 2007. Up to this day, Vietnam is still holding him. Let us hope and pray Vietnam would release him soon.

--Vanak.

Click on picture will lead to RFA website on the news of Tim Sakorn -- Khmer font must be installed in order to read.

Khmer Cartoon of CPP logo transformation (Political satire)

2007-10-03T10:18:00.001+07:00

Click on the logo of the Prime Minister Hun Sen's Cambodian People Party (CPP) would lead to new logo transformation. It is so true how the CPP has become. Satire Khmer cartoon is taken from Sacravatoons.

Don't call me a xenophobe .

2007-09-27T10:02:00.000+07:00

My previous entry on អនិកជន Anikachun -- What do I think about foreigners/ Khmer returnees ? received some interesting responses. Most notably the lengthy comment posted from Battambangnative has awaken me to reread KC’s final response to my email. Thank you, Battambangnative for your comment!

Regarding free speech, KC wrote “…I also believe that it is good as long as these free expressions do not incite hatred and violence”. He also went on to mention the term " xenophobic" and "racist". This perked my interest to write this blog entry.

After I read Battambangnative comment, I started to think that KC’s response is ambiguous. KC truly did try to send me some message. So now I thought If I write something about the ruling CPP Prime Minister Hun Sen govenment corruption, I ‘m inciting instability and violence. If I write about Vietnamese (Yuon), I’m xenophobic and inciting racist and hatred. This is like when I say the truth, but the truth is not to your liking, then you are accusing me of xenophobic, racist, inciting hatred and violence. Now I’m confused. What can or can’t I say anymore? Enough. I am not xenophobic nor racist. On with the truth how I feel toward the Vietnamese.

As far as the Vietnamese goes, which we always called them ‘Yuon’ really does have the intention to take Cambodia as theirs. (If any foreigner tells you not to use the word ‘Yuon’ because it is racist and derogatory, don’t believe them. We have the word ‘Yuon’ in our Khmer dictionary and it defines that it is not a derogatory term at all).

Back In 1979 just before I was born, Vietnam invaded Cambodia and annexed the country as theirs. I read Cambodia was called “Rath Kampuchea ” or State Cambodia. This implied that Cambodia was not a country but a state, which belonged to Vietnam . This was and is a scary thought. Thanks to the UN world community pressured Yuons to get out of Cambodia in accordance to Paris Peace Accords signed in October 1991.

Vietnam always wants to swallow up Cambodia . They successfully took the lower Cambodia Kampuchea Krom already. Recently I saw Wanna, Khmer blogger posted the a picture billbord that he took in Vietnam. The picture has a fatherly- like Communist leader Ho Chi Minh lifts up a child for cuddling to his mustachio face. On the background there’s the contour of the Vietnamese map covering Cambodia – Laos and the whole southeast Asia. The dreadful Communist red star designates the Hanoi as the capital. Beneath the picture, the slogan read “Let's rebuild our country neater, bigger.”

Bigger? Bigger to where ? I know for sure if Vietnam try expanding ‘bigger’ to north of its border into China, the host will surely give the Viets a warm response-- in kind, that is.

A click on the Picture will lead to source at http://blog.icambo.com.

These sorts of belligerent displays and slogan are proof that Vietnam is truly an expansionist nation. They wiped out the indigenous populations in kingdom of Champa and went on to eliminate Kampuchea Krom (Lower Cambodia). We Cambodians and the world should be very aware of Vietnamese.

Please respect our Cambodia sovereign nation. I want my country. I want my Khmer language. I want my culture & tradition. A big NO to Viets in Cambodia. Now please don’t call me a racist xenophobe.

អនិកជន Anikachun -- What do I think about foreigners/ Khmer returnees ?

2007-09-22T12:46:00.000+07:00

I received an email from KC*, who’s currently living in our Cambodia. I choose to post this because the sender asked what's my feeling toward the Khmer returnees who have come back to live in Srok Khmer. This is the very question I wanted to write on the blog entry.

*KC. To protect the privacy, I changed the sender’s name to 'KC' and edited specific country where sender's from to just ‘Europe’.

Here are the sender's mails and my response.

>KC <*****@*******.com> wrote:
> Dear Vanak,
>
>
My name is KC, I'm from Europe. I came across your blog by chance and was surprised by your frankness in expressing your thoughts and views. I haven't been visiting many blogs, so I don't know whether you are an exception or rather the rule. However, I think it's great to hear young Khmers expressing freely their clear views on whatever topic they choose.

You talk a lot about politics. As a foreigner living in your country for a little while now, I was wondering whether you are not worried about threats from other people who don't share your political view? I think it is sad that this question is being asked - it shouldn't be a problem at all - but this is unfortunately the reality of Cambodia, that people sometimes have to be careful of what they say. Maybe I'm wrong?

I actually wanted to ask you your view on another subject: Cambodian returnees (Cambodian people who have fled Cambodia during the war to another country such as Australia, France, the US, ... and who now come back to live in Cambodia again).

I have met a few of such "returnees" and my impression is that they are not treated like real Cambodians by local Cambodian people here, and sometimes discriminated against. Sometimes, some of these returnees don't properly speak Khmer (because they have lived for most of their lives abroad), and sometimes they come back to Cambodia as a relatively rich person. Do you think this creates jealously? As a young, local Khmer, what is your opinion on these people? Do you think they can be the future of Cambodia, bringing back know-how and education into your country? Or not? Why do you think they are not always been treated like real Cambodians by local people?

Thanks for your time, Vanak, and keep up your blog!

> Best regards,
>
>
>KC

Jumreap Soor KC,

Thank you for visiting my blog. I am much honoured for your compliment of my writings. I like to write and I try to find the time to write. I write mostly what I feel about. Yes I sometime fear what I write too. My friends have warned me not to write any thing bad about our leaders, the ex-king or the government. I feel this would be wrong. To express what we feel aobut is very fundamental for all of us. Sensible leaders/government should listen to voices of the people rather than to silence them.

Another reason I like to write is I want to practice my English. I learned a lot from reading materials in English. I lerned vocabularies and the writing styles from the readings.

You aksed me how my feeling is like toward "Khmer returnees". For all these Khmer returnees whether they are temporary visiting or permanently coming back to live in Cambodia, we called them "Anikachun" អនិកជន . The term itself already has a negative connotation already. Anikachun literally translated as "a person who has no permanent resident". Anikachun must be a Khmer returnee . You are European, we wouldn't call you anikachun. You're just the foreigner.

My feeling toward anikachun wouldn't fairly represent the mass feelings of the general population here at all. I personally do envying them. They're so rich. They spend their dollars so freely. Most Anikachuns are very nice. Thier morals are straight forward and trust worthy. They accustomed to the good leadership, good governance, with true democracy and rules of law (i.e. EU, US, Australia...etc), that's why I think they seems to have higher morals or ethic than us. Yes, I envying them but also I respect them.

I think Anikachuns and foreigners alike have more of positive influences rather than negative ones on us Khmers. I must say few foreigners are bad. They come to Cambodia to gratify their sexual deviances and exploit underage Khmer women and children. Perhaps few of them. To these individuals if they're found guilty of the sexual offense I would be among the first to support the law to castrate them then toss them in jail for life. Please pardon my strong feeling.

Overall I wouldn't discriminate against Anikachuns or foreigners at all. They came back to the country because they feel attached to it. They love Cambodia that's why they came back to live or visit. They have money. They spent. They create economy for us. They create jobs for us. They teach us. The least us Khmer could do is to learn the good things from these Anikachuns and foreigners.

KC, I hope I answered some of your questions. Thank you again.

Best,
Vanak

>KC <*****@*******.com> wrote:
>
>
> Jumreap Soor Vanak,

Thank you very much Vanak, for your long reply and for sharing your views with me.

I totally agree with you that it is a fundamental right to be able to express freely what you think is right or wrong. (I also believe that it is good as long as these free expressions do not incite hatred and violence. For example, in some countries in Europe, it is forbidden by law to express racist views. So although I support very much free expression, I also understand that there are some limits to some expressions if they lead to violence, racism, xenophobia etc.)

It's also interesting for me to hear your perspective on the Khmer returnees living in your country, so thank you again for this.

I wish you good luck with your blog, and hope that you will continue creating positive debates about many aspects of Cambodia. I think more debate is needed and more room needs to be created for new, fresh ideas.

Have a good week!

KC

The Familiar Sign Dominating Villages Across Cambodia

2007-09-16T09:04:00.000+07:00

The bright colourful sign was erected in my village district. It's the ruling party Cambodian People Party (CPP). The party signs are all over on the streets of Phnom Penh too. I saw a lot of them along the Sisowath Quay and on the Russian Blvd. A friend of mine is so tired of this sign. One time he and I came across to the sign and he exclaimed: "Merl ! boros jomkout bey nak ! -- មើល ! បុរស ចំកួត បី នាក់ -- Look ! these three stooges* " I then told him to be respectful even if we don't share their policies of leading our country.

This is a big publicity or propaganda for the CPP. I don't see other party signs at all. I think this is not a fair representation. The CPP controls the laws -- maybe the law allow them to post their own party signs, but when other opposition parties asked for their signs to be put up, permission is needed. Usually permission is not granted; therefore the opposition party signs will be torn down.

Furthermore, the CPP does everything to benefit its own party and pleases Yuon Hanoi. I heard from an elder of my village. He said that many times when any Khmer nationalist asked for permission to have a radio station, the ruling CPP denied by stating the reasons there's no more radio frequencies left. But instead they granted the permission to the Vietnamese immigrant/Vietnamese embassy to operate the Vietnamese language radio station in our Srok Khmer. By pleasing Yuon Hanoi, CPP leaders are indeed stooges*.

- Vanak-

*Stooge -- [informal] Someone who always does what someone else wants them to.
-- Longman Advanced American Dictionary(c) 2000.

Cambodia Stock Exchange

2007-09-10T10:34:00.001+07:00

Recent news is the South Korea will help setting up Cambodia Stock Exchange by 2009. What kind of established companies will be listed in the Cambodia Stock Exchange ? In 2 year time I certainly shall wait and see.

Meanwhile enjoy this satire cartoon from Sacrava Toon. I could'nt help laughing out loud (LOL) all the companies names listed in our stock exchange.

In Hong Kong it has the HANG SANG index. In Cambodia HUN XENG index ? How appropriate !!

Cambodian Vehicle License Plates

2007-09-05T10:35:00.003+07:00

I just strolled along on the street here at Phnom Penh the other day, I noticed there were so many civilian vehicles with different license plates were driving and parking all over the markets and in front of restaurant. I'm not complaining on the cars that have Phnom Penh or Kg Cham or Kg Speu...plates.

The cars I'm talking about are CIVILIAN cars such as Lexus, Landcruiser, Mercedes, Camry...etc. Their license plates are related to government such as :

ខេមរះភូមិន្ធ Royal Cambodian Arm Forces(RCAF) , រដ្ធ STATE, រាជការ Government, នគរបាល Police, រដ្ធសភា Senate, រាជវាំង Royal Palace។

These people are corrupt they register their vehicles as such to avoid paying higher tax. I know a family who has his regular pickup truck registered as the រាជការ Government license plate .

What goes around comes around to haunt you, Mr. Sihanouk!

2007-08-10T10:06:00.003+07:00

I apoligise for haven't been updating my blog lately. I will try. I have received many resourceful documentation and Khmer poems to my mailbox. I appreciate a lot. Please keep them coming. I will find time to organise and put them on the internet for all for generation of us Khmers to read. I know most of the great writings are coming from Khmer oversea writers such as America, Australia, Europe....etc. They write so freely I really admire them.
Here's an excellent piece writen by Mr. Soun Sereyratha. My translation: What goes around comes around to haunt you, Mr. Sihanouk ! There are two pages for this poem. Don't forget to click on the second page.

Vanak
Phnom Penh
blogbykhmer@gmail.com

Cambodia-Vietnamese Friendship Memorial

2007-08-02T11:14:00.002+07:00

This is late news. I try to get on the internet as much as I could. I cannot help comment on the bombing of Cambodia Vietnamese Friendship Memorial Monument. This past Sunday 29 July 2007, it happened that somebody planted a couple kilograms (3-4kg) of TNT in trying to topple the massive Viet friendship monument. After the bomb exploded, within 2 to 3 hours the police found the suspects right away. Amazing ! The two suspects are both Khmer Krom people.

It is very skeptical for just within hours of explosion, the police found the suspects right away.We ought to think back about incident in 1997 when somebody tossed the grenade into Sam Rainsy crowd, the murdered of actress Piseth Pearlika, shooting of singers Touch Sreynich and Pov Panha Pich, and disappearance of abbot Tim Sakhorn. Our incompetent government have yet to find the perpetrators who has committed far worst crime than vandalising this useless so-call friendship monument.

In my opinion i believe Yuon themselves who planted TNT and then blame on the Kampuchea Krom people -- it is old tactics the Vietnamese uses as an excuse to destroy our Khmer Krom brothers.

វាក្យសព្ទ សំរាប់ថ្ងៃនេះ Vocabularies for today

2007-07-25T09:47:00.000+07:00

I read both Khmer and English news every day. I came across these three words:

1. Cronyism
2. Nepotism
3. Kleptocratic

What do these words really mean ? I went on the internet for the definitions. Here's what I found out:

Cronyism (noun) : Favoritism shown or granted to friends without regard for their qualifications, as in political appointments to office.

Nepotism (noun): Favoritism shown or granted to families without regard for their qualifications, as in political appointments to office or doing businesses.

Kleptoracy (noun) : A government characterized by rampant greed and corruption.

Can anybody think of a country governs by these three characteristic ?

Fake Monk Tep Vong -- Sralanh Khmer News

2007-07-20T08:54:00.000+07:00

This is a very good article I got it from Sralanh Khmer News, issue#456 19July2007. It's an excellent writing on the head monk Tep Vong who serving the Vietnamese boss at Hanoi rather than us Khmer. Although he is the biggest figure of the all Buddhist monks in our coutnry, I have no respect for him. Please read. It contains so much facts all of us 'koun' Khmer children should be aware on the fate of our country. Understanding the intention of Vietnamese is very important. Please, please read.

ខ្ញុំ វណ្ណះ

យួនលួចដីខ្មែរ កែប្រវត្តិសាស្ត្រ -- Vietnam Plundered Cambodia land -- altered the history

2007-07-15T08:12:00.002+07:00

This Khmer poem I received from oversea via Email attachment. I really love freedom of writings !! You can write so freely. Poems like this stuck in our hearts so deeply; it will be recited by us Khmer for generations. It's true--Vietnam plundered Khmer land "Kampuchea Krom". Once they took our land, they suppressed the indigenous Khmer. The forced to defrock Khmer Buddhist monks. Khmer cannot practice their custom. Khmer cannot speak and learn our own Khmer language. They fabricated the history of the region. The entire South Vietnam from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) was Khmer land. Ho Chi Minh City is always "Prey Nokor" to us Khmer. Vietnam must respect Cambodia sovereignty.

The present day Hun Sen government must change the direction to not ever become the slave of Vietnamese government.

ខ្ញុំមិនចង់រវល់អំពី នយោបាយបាយទេ!I try to stay away from politics --

2007-07-14T11:57:00.002+07:00

ខ្ញុំមិនចង់រវល់អំពី នយោបាយបាយទេ I try to stay away from politics-- but I can't . I try so hard not to involve with politics, but it is so painful to me for all my Khmer families and frineds. The reason is Vietname always have the intention to govern Cambodian just as it does it to Laos at the present day.

I must confess I had a few of Vietnamese ethnic friends who live in Phnom Penh. One time there were some conversation reguarding about Cambodia and Vietname. ALL of these Vietnamese friends think that there should not be any border between Vietnam and Cambodia.

What kind of friends are they? I was a little bit mad but I tried to be calm. Then my response to them was: "Right, there should not be any border between Vietnam and Cambodia. Then all of you Vietnamese must adopt Cambodian way of livings. All laws and regulations must be coming from ភ្នំពេញ Phom Penh--not Hanoi. All of the Vietnamese must learn Khmer Language. "Khmer" ខ្មែរ and only "khmer" is the official language of Indochina . No Vietnamese language and custome to be allowed in Indochina -- if you all agree to this and adopt Khmer style of living then I would agree there shouldn't be any border between us. After these Vietnamese friends heard from my response. They were all quiet.

I then tried to placate to them: We must respect each other customs. Vietnam must give up the idiotic Ho Chi Minh doctrine that Vietnamese is to governed Indochina after the French leaves. Vietnam must stop intervening with Cambodian affairs. Vietnam is Vietnam. Laos is Laos. Cambodia is Cambodia. Let us respect each other. Do not migrate to Cambodia. Respect our borders and country sovereignty.

After I said this, all of my Viet so-called friends were very quiet. I don't know what they think to what I just said to them.

ពីខ្ញុំ វណ្ណះ Vanak.

សាមគ្គី "កម្ពុជា-វៀតណាម" ជាអាវុធ សំរាប់បំបាត់ អត្តសញ្ញាណខ្មែរ

2007-07-11T17:17:00.000+07:00

I found this article from Khmer Mchas Srok webpage. It's a great article. Click on the left logo will lead to KMS webpage.

If font cannot be read please click here
Thank you Khmer Mchas Srok !
--Vanak

សាមគ្គី "កម្ពុជា-វៀតណាម" ជាអាវុធ សំរាប់បំបាត់ អត្តសញ្ញាណខ្មែរ

សាមគ្គីកម្ពុជា-វៀតណាម ជាអាវុធពិសេស របស់របបភ្នំពេញសព្វថ្ងៃ ដែលគ្រប់គ្រង ដោយ "គណបក្សប្រជាជន" ដែលបាន ពង្រឹង ឡើងតាំងពីឆ្នាំ ១៩៧៩ រហូតមកដល់ឆ្នាំ ២០០៧ ហើយនិងពង្រីក ជាបន្តទៅទៀត យ៉ាងលឿនទៅអនាគត ។ អាវុធពិសេសនេះ ជាអាវុធមួយសំរាប់សម្លាប់ អត្តសញ្ញាណខ្មែរ ជាប្រាកដ ។ ឧទាហរណ៍មួយយ៉ាងច្បាស់ ដែលជាមុខព្រួញ របស់អាវុធ ដ៏ពិសេសនេះ គឺ ការបំផ្លាញ‌ព្រះពុទ្ធសាសនា ប្រពៃណី របស់ខ្មែរ ។

ព្រឹត្តការណ៍ដែលយួន ហាណូយ បាន ចាប់ផ្សឹក ព្រះសង្ឃខ្មែរ នៅកម្ពុជាក្រោម ដែលរស់នៅលើទឹកដី ដូនតា របស់ខ្លួន ហើយដែលមាន កំហុស តែមួយ គឺទាមទារ រក្សាសិទ្ធិ គោរពតាមប្រពៃណី និងជំនឿ ដែលមាន តាំងតែ ពីដូនតា មក គឺ ព្រះពុទ្ធសាសនា តាមប្រពៃណី ខ្មែរនេះហើយ ដែលជាផ្នែក មួយ នៃអត្តសញ្ញាណរបស់ខ្មែរ ។ នេះជា អំពើមួយដែលយួន ហាណូយ បាន ធ្វើ ដើម្បីបំបាត់ អត្តសញ្ញាណ របស់ខ្មែរ ។

ព្រឹត្តការណ៍ដែលកើតមានឡើងនៅភ្នំពេញ ដែលជាទឹកដីរបស់ខ្មែរ កាលពី 03 មេសា ២០០៧ ដោយ អាជ្ងាធរ ភ្នំពេញ និង អាជ្ញាធរសង្ឃ ដែលអនុញ្ញាតឲ ព្រះសង្ឃក្លែងងក្លាយ កោរសក់ ពាក់សំពត់ ពណ៌លឿង ទៅវាយដំ ព្រះសង្ឃ ខ្មែរកម្ពុជា ដែលកំពុងធ្វើបាតុកម្មសំរាប់ ទាមទារឲគេដោះ លែង ព្រះសង្ឃ នៅកម្ពុជាក្រោមនោះ ជាអំពើ មួយយ៉ាងព្រៃផ្សៃ ដោយគេគ្មានបំណងអ្វី ក្រៅអំពី បន្ថោក បន្ទាប ព្រះសង្ឃខ្មែរ ឲខ្មែរលែង គោរពព្រះសង្ឃខ្មែរ ដែលជាទីជំរកនៃឫសកែវ នៃ ព្រលឹងខ្មែរ។ ទាំងអជ្ញាធរគ្រហស្ថ ទាំងអជ្ញាធរសង្ឃ បានអនុវត្តពេញទំហឹង នូវគោលការណ៍ សាមគ្គី "កម្ពុជា-វៀត ណាម" ដើម្បឹកំទេច ជំនឿព្រះពុទ្ធសាសនាខ្មែរ តាម បញ្ជា របស់ ហាណូយ ។

ព្រឹត្តការណ៍ដែលកើតមានឡើងនៅភ្នំដិន កាលពីថ្ងៃ ១ កក្កដា ឆ្នាំ ២០០៧ ដោយ ទាំងអជ្ញាធរស្រុកខ្មែរ ទាំង អជ្ញាធរសង្ឃខ្មែរ បានចាប់ផ្សឹក ចៅអធិការវត្ត ភ្នំដិនខាងជើង ព្រះនាម ទឹមសា ខន ដោយសារ តែ ព្រះសង្ឃ អង្គនេះ ធ្វើមេត្តាធម៌ តាមព្រះពុទ្ធសាសនា ដោយទទួល ព្រះសង្ឃ ស្នាក់នៅ ព្រោះព្រះសង្ឃ អង្គនោះត្រូវធ្វើដំណើរផ្លូវឆ្ងាយ ។ គេយកលេស ជាថ្មីម្តងទៀត ថាជាអំពើ ដែល ប៉ះពាល់ទៅលើ សាមគ្គី "កម្ពុជា-វៀតណាម" ។

សាមគ្គី "កម្ពុជា-វៀតណាម" ពិតជាអាវុធ ដ៏ពិសេស មួយរបស់ ហាណូយ សំរាប់កាន់ក្តាប់កម្ពុជា តាម រយ:អាជ្ញាធរភ្នំពេញ និង អាជ្ញាធរសង្ឃនៅភ្នំពេញ ក្នុងបំណង បំបាត់អត្តសញ្ញាណខ្មែរ ដើម្បីនៅពេល ខាងមុខ នេះ និងស្រូបយកប្រទេសខ្មែរ ឲទៅជា ផ្នែកមួយ នៃ សហព័ន្ធឥណ្ឌូចិន ដែលជាបំណង យ៉ាង ប្រាកដ របស់ហាណូយ ។

ខមស - ២ កក្កដា ២០០៧

_____

Listenning KMS Radio Ecoutez Radio KMS

Website : http://www.khmer-mchas-srok.org -

Two Fake Buddhist Monks --សង្ឃក្លែងក្លាយពីរនាក់

2007-07-08T23:19:00.001+07:00

ខ្ញុំគិតថា សង្ឃទាំងពីររូបនេះ ស្លៀកស្បង់ជីពរ មើលទៅគួរជាទីគោរព -- តែសង្ឃទាំងពីរនេះ មាន ចិត្តអាក្រក់ព្រៃផ្សៃបំផុត។ ការបង្ខំផ្សឹករបស់ជនទាំងពីរ ទៅលើព្រះតេជគុណទឹមសាខន ហើយ និរទេសលោកទាំងបង្ខំទៅស្រុក យួន ១)រំលោគ យ៉ាងធ្ងន់ធ្ងរ ទៅនឹង វិន័យសង្ឃ នៃព្រះពុទ្ធសាសនាយើង ២) រំលោគសិទ្ធរបស់ ពលរដ្ធ ដែលចែងក្នុង រដ្ធធម្មនុញ្ញ ដែលហាមមិនអោយនិរទេស ពលរដ្ធខ្លួន ទៅប្រទេសដ៏ទៃឡើយ។។These two monks Tep Vong, the nation's supreme Buddhist patriarch and Non Gnet, leader of Khmer Buddhist are fake monks. They look respectable with the monk saffron robes but deep inside they are indeed very evil -- they serve the interest of Yuon Hanoi. The forced defrocking act by these two individuals on the Venerable Bhikku Tim Sakhorn and deported him to Vietnam1) Grossly violated Buddhist law 2)Violate the right of the citizen of Cambodia as stated in the country's constitution prohibiting the deportation of its citizen.

I feel so sad today for Bikkhu Tim Sakhorn

2007-07-05T01:26:00.000+07:00

Bikkhu (monk) Tim Sakhorn was forced to defrock by Cambodia head monks Tep Vong & Non Nget on charged that Tim Sakhorn caused friendship instability between Vietnam and Cambodia. According to news report, Tim Sakhorn was then whisked away by PM Hun Sen bodyguard unit Hing Bun Heang.

Bikkhu Tim Sakhorn was deported to Vietnam . I feel our Cambodian headmonks Tep Vong and Non Nget are so cruel. How could they done this to our fellow Khmer? These head monks serve the interest for Vietnam not for our Cambodians.

Poem written by Mr Soun Sereyratha from United States. I really love how he writes so freely expressing what he feels. Freedom to express so freely is makes society progress. Thank you !! Please keep on writing for us Khmer younger generation.

បា្រសាទ ព្រះវិហារ Preah Vihear Temple -- Khmer Poem

2007-07-04T22:19:00.001+07:00

កាលពីលើកមុន ចុងឆ្នាំ២០០៦ខ្ញុំបានសរសេរលើ blog ស្តីអំពី បា្រសាទ ព្រះវិហារ របស់យើងផងដែរ សូមចុចលើរូបនៅខាងឆ្វេង នឹងនាំទៅអត្តបថ posting នោះ Late last year in 2006 I wrote Preah Vihear article on this blog. Click the image on the left will bring to that posting.

The new poem written by Khmer from oversea. I received this forwarded poem from France via email attachment. There was Adul Wichiencharoen, Thailand chairman of national heritage said that Cambodia's Preah Vihear listing as UN's World Heritage Site should be included Thailand also, because the entrance to Preah Vihear Temple is on the Thai side. What a shameless act by Wichiencharoen.

This is not right . Thailand should not make the road entrance toward Cambodia temple, claimed as theirs and wanted to be part of it. The border is clearly demarcated. But Thailand inches (moving the border) whatever it can toward Cambodia side. Thailand should not have any saying in what's belong to Cambodia. Thailand is shameless on trying to get what belongs to Cambodia.

ស្រុក ហ៊ុនសែន -- Hun Sen Regime (Khmer Poem)

2007-07-02T10:13:00.001+07:00

Khmer Poem written by Srey Sra-Em to express our current Cambodia government under Prime Minister Hun Sen leadership. I feel this is the era of sadness -- there are poems written such as this one. These kind of writings reflect true existing condition on our Cambodia. Our people feel very frustrated with PM Hun Sen regime. That why we put to use our pens and papers writing out how we feel. This is a great poem. The download of the PDF format is at the left column of the screen.

[សូមចុចនៅលើរូប ដើម្បីពង្រីកអក្សរធំ--ស្រួលអាន---For easy reading, click on image to enlarge]

Khmer Poem: គោព័ទ្ធស្នឹង ស្នឹងយួនដំ ដំខ្មែរដក ដកអោយបាន - Ko Pord Sneng Sneng Yuon Dam

2007-06-27T11:31:00.000+07:00

Click on the poem title on the left will lead to full download of the poem in pdf. To read online click below text images for larger and more readable font.

Last week I came across a stimulating writing I would like to share with you. The author Soun Sereyratha is the master of poems composer! Here in Srok Khmer this is my first time to read the style of a prose like this. I would never know how to write Khmer poem like this. Each word is selected to be rhymed and then re-used as the starting entry onto the next stanza. The content is so meaningful. Once I started reading I didn’t want to stop. I paid to every attention of the words the author chose to use. For example, in stanza#10 I laughed so hard. I know it is by no accident, but the author crafted to have it this way. Twisted words “Sdach Ai ស្តាច់អាយ– Sdai Ach ស្តាយអាចម៍”, then immediately leading to the stanza right underneath “Kar Kdan— ក ក្តាន់(I laughed this part). The author carefully avoided the profanity. But readers would notice the implication of the twisted word is there. The content in this part means our King Sihanuok is the type of person who is “si cho”ស៊ីចូរ, យកចិត្ត kiss up to the Viets.

The content of the poem is true. All of us Khmer should be aware of the intention of Vietnam ’s policy toward us. Thank you Mr. Soun Sereyratha for crafted this prose for us Khmer’s younger generation.

Below is the complete text of the original poem. Please click on the image for enlargement of the text .

PM Hun Sen On Future Oil Revenue

2007-06-20T10:40:00.000+07:00

From RFA 18 June 2007, here's my translation off Prime Minister Hun Sen responded to The Cambodia Daily on question concerning Cambodia ’s petroleum revenue:

“I am sick and tired of all news describing about something that is not to be worried about. Also I’d like to thanks all who take part concerning this issue that is not to be worried about. The [oil] treasure is beneath the ocean floor we don’t even know whether it exists or not, but now we’re start worrying about spending the [petroleum income] money. While we haven’t reap not a single cent from the petroleum yet, they even started to ciritisize the government has no ability to manage the money [revenue from the petroleum]. Your[the Cambodia Daily] news is notorious in writing about this issue. Go ahead, The Cambodia Daily, please write about it ! Say that: ‘Now Hun Sen is asking people to help find money for Cambodia rather than discussing about the spending on the money we don’t even have.’ ” end quote.

My comment:
Your wrong, Mr. Prime Minister! Regardless whether we haven’t seen a single cent yet, all us Cambodians have legitimate concerns on this issue. You must have a plan to assure 100% all money will go into our national treasury. No more corruption! No more dealings with circle of friends and families. If our Cambodia government is smart, we better have a plan to pay off the debt to those we owe, World Bank, IMF, China , Russi, and the Yuon Hanoi. After you, Mr. Prime Minister leaves the office, we don’t want so much amount of debt to fall upon our Khmer children for generations. ខ្ញុំមិនចង់ឃើញកូនខ្មែរ គ្រាន់តែកើតង៉ាមកភ្លាម គឺជំពាក់គេ វ័ណ្ឌក ទៅស្រេចនោះទេ។

ពីខ្្ញុំ Vanak

Within My Khmer concience, I am too shameful

2007-06-17T07:12:00.001+07:00

The political cartoon was taken from www.sacrava.blogspot.com. Click on the picture will link to Sacravatoon website.

When I first started blogging in 2005, I was very afraid of saying anything offensive to our current one strongman rule government which is our current Prime Minister Hun Sen. I was afraid to say anything about politics in our Srok Khmer for fear of my life. But now I've come to realized If I'm afraid to post anything I feel it's not right about my country's polyci, then my feeling would be suppressed.

Freedom of feeling should not be suppressed. We should freely express what we feel. The government should listen to voices of the people: Their sorrow, thier hardships, their feelings. Then the governemnt should try to improve and realized what it does for the country is wrong and try to correct it.

Government who silences (kills) the people because of what it doesn't like what the people said (feel), that governent is wrong. The government should listen to voices of the popeople. The government or leader should erase the mentality: "If you said or do anything I don't like, I will silence(kill) you.

I really admired the well developed countries like America, Englend, France, Australia, Japan and other countrys (sorry i could not mention all). Their coutnry are so advanced. They have proven democracy works. They listen to voices of the people.

I found this polictical cartoon from Sacrava. I feel so shameful of our Prime Minister Hun Sen. We are begging the world for money. I'm too shameful. Prime Minister Hun Sen goverment is too currupt. With millions and millions of dollars from the worlds aide, without corruptions I know our Cambodia can be free from the abyss of this poverty.

thank you for reading my blog.

ពីខ្ញុំ
វណ្ណះ
Vanak
Svay Rieng Cambodia

Poem: Family Who Steals Part 1-2-3-4

2007-06-14T12:26:00.001+07:00

Khieu Kanharith, Misnister of Information should explain the public on the Global Witness research publication involving mainly Prime Minister Hun Sen's family and friends on destruction of Cambodia forest.

The below poems "Family Who Steals Part 1-2-3-4were forwarded to me. I thought it's very appropriate to post it, since my previous post was about the "Family Who Steals From [our Khmer] Nation by Global Witness. Everybody here in Srok Khmer who keeps up with the news knows it. All involved with our Prime Minister Hun Sen family and friends. So I am just posting this along. I don't think Khieu Kanharith, Minister of Information should suppress the Global Witness publication. He should prepare the rebuttal of what Global Witness printed. I believe Global Witness has done a very thorough investigative research with a lot of colour photos to support their findings.

ដើម្បីពង្រីកធំសូមចុចលើimage កំណាព្យ--For enlargement please press on poem image

Poem: Family Who Steals--Part 2

2007-06-14T12:24:00.000+07:00

ដើម្បីពង្រីកធំសូមចុចលើimage កំណាព្យ--For enlargement please press on poem image

Poem: Family Who Steals--Part 3

2007-06-14T12:22:00.001+07:00

ដើម្បីពង្រីកធំសូមចុចលើimage កំណាព្យ--For enlargement please press on poem image

Poem: Family Who Steals--Part 4

2007-06-14T12:07:00.001+07:00

ដើម្បីពង្រីកធំសូមចុចលើimage កំណាព្យ--For enlargement please press on poem image

Prime Minister Hun has done it again. The family tree--thievery of the nation

2007-06-06T11:38:00.001+07:00

Download Khmer version (Part 1)
Download Khmer version (Part 2)

Download English version (complete)

The Family Tree--Thievery of the nation

Our dearest most beloved Prime Minister has done it again. Global Witness, a non-governmental organisation (NGO)published Khmer version of 120 pages report entitled "Cambodia's Family Tree". For the freedom of information I'm just passing this publication along. Please click on the link to download directly from Global Witness website. There are Khmer version and English version. They are all in pdf format.

Who is the insolent one ? តើអ្នកណាមួយព្រហើនកំរោលចូល?

2007-05-24T11:16:00.001+07:00

This news was happened last week. I try not to have any opinion and wanted to be neutral. But I couldn’t help to stay away from it. I have to get it off from my chest.

I am quoting from PM Hun Sen in response to RFA reporter’s question on terminating position of Tourism Minister who was currently held by a member of FUNCINPEC party. PM Hun Sen then appointed his own CPP party to the position post. The reporter was questioning if this act would end the relationship between the two parties.

PM Hun Sen shot back in fiery anger and pointed a finger straight to the reporter:
“From the name ‘RFA’ when asking questions, let me use one word to describe and go ahead broadcast it ! The name ‘RFA’ not only the radio station itself but also its reporter who asking question is ‘insolent’…I’ve seen your RFA station is very insolent and far beyond. Moreover, its reporter asking questions also very insolent ! “

RFA reporter by his pen name Keo Nimol now is in hiding for fear of his life after he asked the question to the prime minister. He was so afraid. PM Hun Sen bodyguards were circling around him.

The reporter was just merely asking the question. PM Hun Sen is appeared as the insolent one. He should control his temper answered the question calmly.

Angkor Wat will not make to the new 7 wonders

2007-05-23T11:52:00.001+07:00

The New7Wonders Web site was conducted and the result is to be announced on 7 July 2007. The latest top ten result has: Greece's The Acropolis, Mexico's Mayan city of Chichen Itza, the Colosseum in Rome, Paris' Eiffel Tower, the Great Wall of China, Peru's mountaintop city Machu Picchu, Jordan's desert city of Petra, the mysterious statue of Easter Island, Britain's Stonehenge, the Taj Mahal in India.

I think this internet campaign of choosing the seven wonders of the world is bogus. It is not fairly represented. To those who voted, do they actually have visited ALL OF THE PLACES ? To me the whole Angkor complex is a wonder by itself. It cannot be compared to any others.

Khmer Karaoke- សុំពេលវេលា កាត់ចិត្តពីអូន

2007-05-02T06:06:00.001+07:00

បទចំរៀងនេះខ្ញុំចូលចិត្តខ្លាំងណាស់ ខ្ញុំសូមសរសើរដោយស្មោះដល់អ្នកនិពន្ធ ហ្វៃសំអាង របស់ក្រុមហ៊ុន SSB។ កាព្យចំរៀងសរសេរបានល្អ ហើយមាន អត្តន័យមែនទែន ឯខាងបច្ចេក ទេសថតវីដេអូ និង សំដែងធ្វើអោយខ្ញុំ ជក់ចិត្តតែម្តង ។

ខ្ញុំឆ្ងល់មួយចំពោះបទភ្លេងនេះ មិនដឹងជា ហ្វៃសំអាង ចំលងយកមកពីសៀម ឬ ក៏គាត់សរសេរបទភ្លេង ដោយខ្លួនឯង? ទំនាក់ទំនង បទភ្លេងនេះគឺ ដូចជាបទសៀមតែម្តង ប៉ុន្តែខ្ញុំក៏មិនដឹងជាក់ច្បាស់ដែរ ប្រហែលជា ហ្វៃ សំអាង មានទេពកុសលខាងនិពន្ធតែងភ្លេងចំរៀង ឬ ក៏គាត់មានទេពកុសល ខាងតែលួចចំលងពីបរទេស?
OK, I really like this song. I would like to give high praise to the song writer/producer Vai Som Ang of SSB Production. The lyrics are very good and meaningful. As for the technique in the video and the acting make me addicted to this song even more.

I’m wondering if Vai Som Ang copied the music from the Thai or he wrote the music himself. I’m not so sure, although the music sounds like Thai’s. Perhaps Vai Som Ang could be a talented song writer or he just talented in stealing and copying from others.

Khmer Unicode ខ្មែរ យូនីខូដ installation

2007-05-01T02:37:00.001+07:00

កុំព្យូទ័រខ្្ញុំចាស់មែនទែនហើយវាច្រើនតែខូច ពេលវាខូចម្តងៗខ្ញុំត្រូវតែ install Windows XP សារជាថ្មី។ដល់តែinstalled Windows រួច ខ្ញុំឡើងវង្វេងវីរកនឹងខិតខំinstall អក្សរខ្មែរ យូនីខូត យើង។ខាងក្រោមនេះគឺជា instruction ខ្ញុំសរសេរ ដើម្បីងាយស្រួលក្នុងការinstall អក្សរខ្មែរ យូនីខូដ។ I have a very old PC and it crashes very often. Every time it crashes I have to reinstall Windows XP operating systems. After I installed Windows, I have a very hard time and confused of how to install our Khmer Unicode fonts. Below is the the step by step instruction I compiled. So now installing our Khmer Unicode is as easy as 1-2-3-4. That's it .

ចុច image នៅខាងឆ្វេង នឹងតផ្ចាប់ទៅខ្មែរ យូនីខូដ installation site.

(A) Folder C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox doesn't have USP10.DLL

(B) Folder C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox has USP10.DLL

Figures (a) and (b) were taken from http://www.librarything.com/profile/thomvanak using Mozilla Firefox browser.

1) Go to http://www.khmeros.info download file either
KhmerUnicode1.3.0 or Khmer Unicode1.2.5FindUsp. Install the file onto your PC.

2) Installed Windows Office 2003 so that Word could be used for typing our Khmer Unide fonts

3) File USP10.DLL should be present in
C:\Program Files\Khmer Unicode 1.3\ USP10.DLL
Copy USP10.DLL by hold the Ctrl key drag USP10.DLL and drop into respective folders:
-> C:\Program Files\Common Files\ Microsoft Shared\OFFICE11\ USP10.DLL

-> C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\ USP10.DLL (If Mozilla Firefox is your browser)

-> C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\ USP10.DLL (If Internet Explorer is your browser)

4) Set your browser to view Khmer Unicode:

For Internet Explorer browser
->Tools->Internet Options
->General (tab)
->Appearance (bottom section)
->Fonts
->Language Script
->Choose Khmer->Khmer OT

For Mozilla Firefox
->Tools
->Options
->Content
->Default Font: Khmer OS System (size 16)

The above steps worked for me all of the time. You may also refer to this webpage for more details:
http://www.sbbic.org/en/install-khmer-unicode-windows

-vanak

My Election Reaction

2007-04-04T22:39:00.000+07:00

I hadn't post my blog for the past weeks. Partly because I was so sad. It was the saddest week I've gone through. And another thing there was so much anticipation for the past week of our national commune election. My reaction of this election it was not good. I still think our Prime Minister Hun Sen (CPP) party is controlling the NEC (National Election Committe) . People from my village said when (1) they're corrupt and (2) as power hungry as they are and (3) they're in control of the country, and (4) has Yuon Hanoi as their boss, they could easily manipulate the election result in their favour. Now CPP party are holding most chief positions in the commune villages and districts throughout the country.

I'm not totally all pessimistic. On the brighter side we Cambodians can vote. That is so important. The election rules must follow the western standard. The western countries have proven democracy worked! Just look at their countries, they are so advanced. Now all what we Cambodians must do is copy what's working and what not working from them and learn from them. We must humble ourselves. Don't be too proud and hard headed (Kbal reung).

កោះត្រឡាច Koh Tralach

2007-03-14T04:24:00.000+07:00

Click the yellow cover page on the left to download this complete book. The book is in Khmer. Sorry its not in english :( But, even if you don't read Khmer, download it for your reference. It's a great book.

កោះត្រឡាច "Koh Tralach" has stuck in me. After I read Khmer book "គុក នយោបាយ Kuk Noyobai--Political Prison" by Bunchan Mol, I was even more curious where "Koh Tralach" is. Thanks to today internet, information can be retrieved at our finger tip.

កោះត្រឡាច Koh Tralach, also known as Poulo Condore, is an archipelago with 16 smaller islands surrounding one large island. It is located in the South China Sea with the distance 230 km from ក្រុងព្រៃនគរ Krong Prey Nokor (Saigon). Koh Tralach always belongs to Khmer. In 1954, the French turned over to the Vietnamese.

Koh Tralach was made into a peniteniary (prison) during the French colonial time. The French sent those who they were suspected to revolt against them for independence to this island.

Excerpt taken from introduction of the book គុក នយោបាយ.

The book I recently read was "Kuk Noyobai" -- Polical Prison by Bunchan Mol written in 1971 is an excellent book to dig into the history. It is a biography journal of the author Bunchan Mol under the French colonialism which he accounted from 1936 to 1945 the end of World War II. Through this book I was so moved how our peaceful, beautiful island of flora and fauna with pristine beaches was made into a living hell under the French then sadly was lost to the Vietnamese.

I highly recommend this book. I just uploaded electronic version (pdf) to my webpage at Esnip. Please click yellow cover page image above to download the complete text. The book is in Khmer. Sorry its not in english :( But, even if you don't read Khmer, download it for your reference. It's a great book.

Like the rest of Cambodia provinces, the Vietnamese have been trying so hard to eliminate any traces of Khmer origin. Koh Tralach these days is called by Vietnamese name 'Con Dao' or 'Con Son'. No matter how hard they're trying, just likeកោះត្រល់ Koh Tral or Koh Trol (Phu Quoc), កោះត្រឡាច Koh Tralach is always in the heart of every Khmer.

ខ្ញុំ វណ្ណះ
ភ្នំពេញ-ស្វាយរៀង

ខ្មែរក្រៃលែង--Episode 2 Wat Phnom វត្តភ្នំ

2007-03-14T03:18:00.000+07:00

ខ្មែរក្រៃលែង-Extreme KHmer -Episode 2 Wat Phnom វត្តភ្នំ

Encrochment of Thai On Cambodia Soil

2007-03-09T05:52:00.000+07:00

European Cambodia Watch Group requested Royal Thai military coup government to immediately stop their own agenda on encroaching onto Cambodia soil.

Men Nath, the leader of the watch group in Christensen, Norway spoke openly on 07 March 2007 that Thailand has the agenda to continue to intimidate on the line of border between the two countries.

The encroachment from the Thai occurred to the Cambodia side of the border in region of O Kror-ngoogn near the proximity of Pol Pot’s burial place at Anlung Veng. The Thai knowing the place will be becoming a tourist site that could attract visitors to see Pol Pot’s grave, they has sent their elite black uniform soldiers crossing into Cambodia side to put up warning signs prohibiting Cambodian landowners building homes in their own village.

For further details please continue on the reading in Khmer. -- ខ្ញុំ Vanak

Hun Sen: Don't ask for any more schools to be built, if I loose election

2007-03-07T04:27:00.001+07:00

កាលពីគ្រាមុនខ្ញុំ បានសរសេរលើប្លក(blog)ស្តីអំពីចំងល់របស់ខ្ញុំថា ហេតុអ្វីបានជាអ្នកកាន់អំណាចធំៗនៅស្រុកខ្មែរយើង ដូចជាលោកនាយករដ្នមន្រី្តហុនសែន សាងសង់ សាលា សួនច្បារ ស្ពាន ហើយចូលចិត្តដាក់របស់ ទាំងនេះជាឈ្មោះ របស់គាត់ ហាក់ ដូច ជា គ្មានការខ្មាស់អៀនទាល់តែសោះ ...Earlier I have written on this blog of the big powerful people in Cambodia such as Prime Minister Hun Sen who built schools, gardens, bridges. Then he named them after himself. It seems like he has no shame at all. The daily publication of Sralanh Khmer News 06 March 2008 reported PM Hun Sen warned yesterday at Kompong Thom speech that if CPP [his own party] looses the upcomming election, "do not come to beg for Hun Sen or Chea Sim or Heng Samrin for more schools [to be built]”.

Shame on you, Mr. Prime Minister! Improving people's lives by building schools, hospitals, bridges, libraries, roads are the government obligation, sir.

Please continue on reading the rest of the article.

Practical Uses of the GPS in Cambodia

2007-02-28T10:11:00.000+07:00

Global Positioning System(GPS) receiver is a hand held device that could tell you exact location anywhere on earth. Suppose I am in the middle of my rice field, the GPS could tell the exact coordinate of longitude and latitude I am standing at. This technology really amazed me. If I’m to travel in the open sea, desolate desert or deep in forest I will never get lost.

What GPS is used for in Cambodia? I read in a Khmer language newspaper up in Banteay Mean Chey province, the rich and powerful who has connections with the ruling party did utilize the GPS. They used it for land grabbing from the poor. I could picture they just came to the villagers’ lands, pulled out GPS receiver and started to lay fences around the perimeter. According the news article the villagers got so mad they protested against them. They got a hold of the GPS equipments smashed and burned them in a pile of fire.

I love to have a GPS system, but I personally wouldn’t know what I could practically use it for in Cambodia. I am not a big person who has any connection with PM Hun Sen. Therefore I couldn’t possibly grab any lands from the villagers. Well, even if I’m a big person, I have a conscience not to selfishly do corrupted things. But, one thing I know our Cambodia government could use the GPS for: Border demarcation.

A Portable handheld GPS -- picture obtained from the internet.

Our border is very important for every Cambodian. We have our own land and home we must protect from Yuon to the east, Siamese to the west, and the Leov to the north. Currently our incompetence government does very little to clearly demarcate the border. Every time I pick up our Khmer newspapers I occasionally saw article on border dispute with the two greedy neighbours, mainly Vietnam and Thailand. We have maps to go by. Then now we should use the GPS to mark where our border line should be. What is there unclear about it? GPS can point to accuracy of physical marking of our border within 1.5 to 2 meters. This is one of the issues I hope our Phnom Penh government to resolve soon.

ខ្ញុំ Vanak.
Svay rieng (eastern border)

My uploaded music-- Enjoy !!

2007-02-26T09:18:00.000+07:00

I played around with the media player. I'm able to have multiples songs onto the player. Here are ten of my favourites I just uploaded. I especially love the 2nd last from the bottom "REY09_16 Kantret tret heuy" កន្រ្តេតត្រេតអ្ហើយ!. The up-down of the music tune and lyrics are so fun! I hope you're able to listen to them OK. If you like them , Click here will take to the folder where I stored these songs. You can download them one by one to your computer. -vanak

ឃាតករប៉ងសំលាប់ពៅបញ្ញាពេជ្រ Gun Men Shot Pov Panha Pich

2007-02-23T23:38:00.000+07:00

Pov Panha Pich,23, one of my favourite singers was shot on the morning 23/02/2007 at around 6:35am by two gun men. She was rushed to Calumette Hospital, then taken to Vietnam for further intensive treament.

Press PLAY on Esnips player below to hear Pov Panhapich's song "Anna"

Anna_PovPanhaPich....

Pov Panha Pich not only has a great voice, but also very pretty. I remember when I first saw she performed on her song "Anna".

The police must act quickly to find who the assasins were and who really behind this attempted killing.

Most importantly, I wish and hope for Pov Panha Pich speedy recovery.

Vanak
=====Please continue reading below=====
(The article and pic are from Agence France Presse (AFP)
Fri Feb 23, 2:15 PM ET

PHNOM PENH (AFP) - A Cambodian pop singer was critically wounded Friday when unknown gunmen shot her twice as she arrived at an English-language school in the capital Phnom Penh, police said.

Pov Panhapich was shot in the stomach and throat and later evacuated to Vietnam for treatment, city police chief Touch Naruth said, adding that he did not think it was a case of robbery.

"When she got out of her car, the two offenders immediately shot her," he said. "It is not a robbery case, it is some other dispute. But we cannot conclude what the dispute stemmed from. We are investigating."

The 23-year-old is a popular fixture on the weekend concert circuit, and news of her attack quickly spread through Cambodia via SMS text messages and phone calls between distraught fans.

She is the third well-known local celebrity gunned down in recent years in Cambodia, where young performers are sometimes taken as mistresses by powerful businessmen or government officials.

Singer Touch Sreynich remains paralysed in the United States after being shot in the face and neck in 2003, while movie star Pisith Pilika was shot dead in 1999.

Several other lesser-known pop stars have also been attacked, sometimes by having acid thrown in their faces.

The Cambodia Watchdog Council, a local rights group, called the attacks against young female performers an emerging trend of intimidation, especially against women.

"(The attacks) show the weakness of the Phnom Penh authorities and Cambodian government to crack down on killers," it said in a statement, demanding that the international community also pressure authorities to rein in rising street crime.
.
.

អូនរាំសមទេ?Upbeat Khmer song for the soul

2007-02-21T10:59:00.000+07:00

The past week has been a very hectic schedule for me. I missed using computer and internet so much. It seemed like I was away from the civilisation. Beside reading books and newspapers, internet is another window to the outside world for me. I would read global news from all over. Google search on topic I don't understand. Interacting with Khmer students from all over the world. Read and post my comments on our Khmer fellows' blogs. I feel so free to express my opinion. I don't know if I could live without the internet.

I just uploaded a "Saravann" song. This song is one of my favourites! "Oan ram som tay?" . It's appropriate, since our Khmer New Year is around the corner. I don't know duets who sing this song. I'm guessing the guy's voice is Chhom Bunyong. But for the girl's I don't know whose voice might belong to. I need you expert out here to identify the female vocal is, because she sounds soooo good !!! Listening to these kind of upbeat songs always make me happy. The lyric is proper, yet flirtatious.
Press PLAY on Esnips player below to hear "Oan Ram Som Tay ?"

Oan_ram_som_te.mp3

Over the week I had a chance to finish my reading "The Garden of Eden" by Ernest Hemingway. I didn't like the book at all. I wrote a brief review over at my
LibraryThing.
My review: "Garden of Eden"
The story is the about David a writer with his newlywed wife Catherine on vacation in the south of France and Spain. Catherine then fell in love with another girl Marita. Catherine brings Marita into David life.

In the story, it's the most conversation between a husband and wife I ever read about. Pointlessly on most part, they talk incessantly about everything and about nothing. I gave 1 1/2 stars because there's no point of climax in the story at all. What they did was drink, have sex, drink, go swimming, have haircut, meet another girl, drink more, Catherine drives to town alone and ended unfinished. There's no more to read. Whew! I sighed and scratched my head.

I can't relate to the story line.It just doesn't apply to an average person who is an amateur writer where the wife doesn't work spent such a lavish vacation, then they hook up with another girl involve with a love triangle. I wasted my time of reading the whole 245 pages of this Hemingway and learned not a single thing from this book. I just didn't get it. I am sorry I felt short on the psychology of what Hemingway was trying to portray. This book is off from my shelf.

Vanak,
Cambodia
21 February 2007

សៀវភៅដែលខ្ញុំអាន Books I Read

2007-02-10T20:13:00.000+07:00

Here are some of my books I manually uploaded to LibrayThing. My own personal library! (Click on the picture will take to the site)

I remember when I was at a very young age the only book my mother read to me was from Khmer Folks Tales & Legends ប្រជុំ រឿងព្រេងខ្មែរ. That was the beginning when I started to like reading.
Now I am quite an avid reader of newspapers and books. Through much readings I've learned new vocabularies and grammar. Subsequently, my writing both in English and Khmer have been improving gradually.
I have discovered website that keeps track of all books I have or have read. This site is very nice. It's like my very own personal library. Each book I read, I can write review and comment then rate the book from 1 to 5 stars depend on my liking of that book.

I have uploaded few of my Khmer language books up there. Some of these books I haven't give a rating yet. As of today (10Feb2007) including English books, I have recorded a total of 26 books. Please browse the 2nd page to see them. I will try to periodically update as often.

ខ្ញុំ វណ្ណះ
Vanak,

PM Hun Sen's Vulgarity

2007-01-31T09:15:00.000+07:00

On recent event, Prime Minister Hun Sen has just received a honourary PhD degree in Education from Hanoi National University . Professor Nguyen Viet Thinh from Hanoi awarded him the certificate at the Ministry of Foreign Affair in Phnom Penh .

I’m wondering how many PhD’s has PM Hun Sen received? I know at least one university in the United States also gave him the PhD. I can’t remember what's the name of university and in what year they awarded him.

Now since Dr. Hun Sen is highly educated, he should at least behave and speak like one. I’ve noticed he’s so vulgarly contemptuous in his language almost every time I saw him on TV. He yells with words a mafia thug would choose to use. (Refer to the Khmer caption/picture). The language Dr. Hun Sen uses is beyond my translation’s capability into English. You just have to know Khmer language/culture in order to understand a deeper meaning. For example, calling or addressing people as 'ah' is very condescending and very rude.

One time I posted onto one Khmer blogger webpage saying something like " នៅស្រុកខ្មែរ អាណាមានលុយ អាណាមានអំណាច គឺអាហ្នុងឈ្នះ Noev Srok Khmer, ah nah mean luy, ah nah mean om-nach, ah nung chnass -- translation: In Cambodia, whoever has money, whoever has power that person wins". I felt very bad for I chose Khmer word "ah" អា rather than "neak"អ្នក. I wowed not to use this kind of language ever again.

In a civilised world no matter how educated or not educated we are, we don’t need be vulgar in our language. Dr. Hun Sen needs to be civilised himself. As a leader, he should tone down his choice of wordings to the respectable level of a prime minister.

A little awkwardness...

2007-01-24T22:48:00.000+07:00

"...I hope[...] we might see each other again."

"Do you mean that?"
He put his arms around her. "I'm scared to tell you how much I mean it."
"Scared ?"
"Of frightening you off. I said a foolish thing earlier."
"About marrying me and having children ?"
"I mean it, but I said it in an arrogant way."
"That's OK," she said. "When people are perfectly polite, it usually means they don't really care. A little awkwardness is more sincere."
"I guess you're right. I never thought of that."

Jackdaws--page 247. (c) 2001 Ken Follet

I really like the open attitude of the main character, her nickname is Flick in the novel "Jackdaws" by English writer Ken Follet. Above passage is the conversation between Flick and Paul taken from the story.

Our Khmer girls should remember if the guy is a little awkward when he speaks and acts, it's because he's sincered. But, beware if the guy is proper and polite for he has so much to hide.

This maybe true. I know some people are so proper and polite but inside they're bad; they look down on people with dark skin. They think dark skin are people from Srok Sreh (countryside ជាអ្នកស្រែ).

Regardless how each one of us looks on the outside, we should be valued people who have true motive with good intention from their hearts.

--Vanak.

Who's who behind destruction of Cambodia (Book Review)

2007-01-18T07:15:00.001+07:00

This is the book I think our PM Hun Sen and the cohorts of his CPP party would love to ban. The title of the book is “Angkar Chea Norna ? “ Who is Angkar ?” The book reveals who’s who behind the organization which led to the destruction of our Cambodia. On the cover of the book has 6 headshot pictures: Ho Chi Minh , Sen Gnoc Minh, Tou Samuth, Salot Sar (Pol Pot), Chea Sim, and Hun Sen. The book is written in 1994 by Kim Thi Uy, nickname “Yey Tieng” (Grandma Tieng).

I just started to read the first couple of pages and now I am hooked. It’s extremely interesting to me. Now at page 17 where it’s describing the expansionist Yuon of Tonkin killed and completely annihilated the entire Cham race. The Chams kingdom of Champa was wiped out from world map by Vietnamese in year 1696 AD. Yuon then changed the name Champa to Annam and continued to expand southward. Our Khmer provinces were falling one by one and eventually our entire Kampuchea Krom region was swallowed up by the Vietnamese in year 1840 AD.
I highly recommend this well researched book. It came in 3 volumes. You can easily find “Angkar Chea Norna ?”at booksellers everywhere throughout of our country.

Thank you, Kim Thi Uy (Yey Tieng) for putting the pieces of our history together for the young Khmer generation like me to read. Through this book, I’m even more aware the intention of our neighbour Vietnam was, still is , and always up to no good.

(Poem is taken from introduction of the book. Click on the content for enlargement)

រដូវច្រូតកាត់ប្រមូលផល-Rice Harvesting Season

2007-01-16T10:37:00.000+07:00

Ah...'tis the season of harvesting.

When harvesting time comes every one of us is very happy.Rice yield this year is more than the previous. Thanks the heavens for the abundant rainfall we had.

It's cold and windy in morning, we're always wrapping ourselves in our ក្រមារ krarma (scarf). Our long-sleeve

shirts and kramars help shield from the nature's elements of cold wind and sun ray.

Rice exporting from our Cambodia are mainly to Vietnam and Thailand. There is no direct export from our country going to America, Europe or Australia at all. This is due to the corruption of our government who top leaders expect some money under the table or as we call it here

'tea money' លុយទឹកតែ or simply bribery when any Khmer entrepreneur wanted to start an import/export business. I hope one day our government will eliminate bribery practice. Rather than taking bribery, the government should encourage and even give incentive to entrepreneurs who want to start up an import/export business.

Our Khmer homegrown rice tendered from the growing to harvesting seasons, through sweat and hard work. I am so sadden once they exiting to our neighbouring countries, our authentic Cambodia rice are labeled as 'Product of Vietnam' or 'Product of Thailand' and ready to be exported to America, Europe and the rest of world. :(

ស្រាធ្វើអោយមនុស្សស្រវឹង Wine makes people drunk

2007-01-10T03:40:00.000+07:00

A drunkard. Heracles statue, from the House of the Stags, Herculaneum. (1st century AD)

ស្រាធ្វើអោយមនុស្សស្រវឹង តែស្រវឹងនិង <<អំណាច>> គឺស្រវឹងខ្លាំង ជាងស្រាទៅទៀត Wine makes people drunk. But, “power” makes people drunk even more.

American Congressman from California, Dana Rohrabacher directed the question to Gnoun Ngel ងួនញ៉ឹល, our country’s law maker of CPP suggested the current prime minister Hun Sen of our country to retire at around the same time he's retiring. He said Hun Sen should not ក្រាញអំណាច hold on or cling to power for so long.

Mr. Gnoun Ngel ងួនញ៉ឹល responded to Mr. Rohrabacher stated the election laws warrant to elect a prime minister when the party has won the election. Then Mr. Rohrabacher replied it has nothing to do with the election law. It’s very much based on ‘personal decision’ that Hun Sen should retire.

I agree with Mr. Rohrabacher. Retirement is a personal decision to act for the benefit of the country. If any individual hold on to power for so long that person is truly drunk with or addicted to power. Thus, the country continues to be corrupted and advances to nowhere.

ស្រឡាញ់ស្រីខ្មែរ-Srawlanh Srey Khmer

2007-01-05T09:35:00.000+07:00

ខ្ញុំមិនមែនជាអ្នកចេះតែងកាព្យគ្លោងអីក៏ប៉ុន្តែ I wish I know how to write poems like this one.

I found this poem at www.khmervoice.com. All my praise and admiration to the author.

(Click on the picture for enlargement)

My comments on Saddam Hussein 's Death

2006-12-30T22:15:00.000+07:00

The strongman dictator Saddam Hussein of Iraq was hanged. He was operating the country like he was running a mafia business. Corrupted to the core. The army was his. The police was his. The court and the law were his. His family, brothers, sons appointed in high government positions.

My reaction is justice was served of this condemned criminal. I agreed with Jawad Abdul-Aziz who Sadam killed his father, three brothers and 22 cousins. Jawad said this execution of Sadam "now, he is in the garbage of history" .

That's what happen when you ruled the country through fear, intimidation and killings. In general, the country is not progress when you have one strongman rules for so long.

Democracy and will of the people prevailed.

Sok Serei Suspicious Accident and RFA Covering Up

2006-12-29T07:25:00.001+07:00

Khmer Radio Free Asia statement released: "For listeners who would like to donate money to help pay Mr. Sok Serei ‘s hospital fee, please contact his family directly.”

I think Khmer Radio Free Asia (RFA) is covering up or trying to hide Sok Serei “suspicious road accident”. Khmer language RFA Director, Kem Sos should have some explaining to do.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF.org) reported Sok Serei, a Radio Free Asia journalist had “suspicious road accident “ while riding his motor scooter on the street of Phnom Penh on the evening of 13 December 2006. Bystanders who witnessed the incidence saw a driver who drove a large vehicle in opposite direction slammed open the vehicle‘s door which knocked Sok Serei and his daughter off to the concrete road. Sok Serey and his daughter were taken to the hospital. His daughter was in a stable condition while he was in a coma for over night.

Sam Rainsy, the leader of the Sam Rainsy Party visited Sok Serey at the Calumets Hospital on 21 December 2006. Sok Serei told Sam Rainsy that of all his radio reporting news, he heavily covered the rampant corruption within the country. In one of his reporting coverered the Chinese company Green Rich on logging inside the 18,300 hectares at Botum Sakor National Park in Koh Kong province. Cambodia Department of Environment secretly withdrew the lawsuit. It allowed Green Rich Company to continue the logging inside the national park. (see picture).

Green Rich clear cutting of the forest at Botum Sakor National Park, Koh Kong.

Kem Sos, the Khmer RFA Director has very much to do in covering up or hiding the corruptions. According to Khmer language news Sralanh Khmer issue 23 December 2006, Sok Serey said his reporting that was planned to broadcast would reveal many top government ministers involving the corruptions. Kem Sos prohibited Sok Serei's reporting to be aired because those top corrupted ministers are all Kem Sos's own friends and acquaintances.

For Sok Serei it was a “suspicious” accident for sure, but it even more suspicious when Khmer RFA said absolutely nothing about the accident until 8 days later. On 21 December 2006 it released the news on the incident. The official announcement from RFA was seeking donations from listeners to help pay Sok Serei’s hospital bill. Here’s my translation from RFA’s released statement: “For listeners who would like to donate money to help pay Mr. Sok Serei ‘s hospital fee, please contact his family directly.” RFA did not tell HOW listeners can contact his family. How irresponsible Khmer RFA is when coming to aid of their fellow employees.

I love listening to Khmer RFA news programs. The RFA broadcast service is funded by American people. The American government should investigate Director Kem Sos whether he adheres to high standard of journalism or he serves as disinformation for us all.

More reading on: Cambodia: Plantations and the Death of the Forest

I can resist everything except temptation

2006-12-29T07:08:00.000+07:00

I abandoned the part 2 of the below “Around the Town” posting. I edited the story as it's just one part.

On that second part I was going to write about the watch seller enticed me to buy another watch. It looked so good. English writer Oscar Wilde wrote “I can resist everything except temptation”. That’s exactly how I felt. The temptation of getting a second watch was so great.

That day I smiled the biggest when I walked out from the watch shop with new different Citizen model worn on my wrist. This one is a Promaster Tough, model PMT56-2732.

Two watches for me. That's enough. That's luxurious!

Illumination on the face of my Citizen Promaster PMT56-2732 at night time.

Around the Town

2006-12-20T13:12:00.000+07:00

Top view on Phnom Penh Psa Tmey (New Market). The photo here was found from the internet. To the owner of the photograph, please don't sue me.

Yesterday I stopped by at the watch shop in Psa Tmey Phnom Penh. It is the same shop I bought my first Citizen Promaster watch from about 2 weeks ago. The seller of course recognised me from my countryside 'Srok Srehស្រុកស្រែ' appearance, with dark complexion and unmistakable eye glasses. Not many people from Srok Sreh are wearing eye glasses at age 26 ! My poor eye sight failed me miserably before my age. I now have to wear eye glasses which make me look like an intellectual fool .

So I chit chat with the watch seller on news of here and there. We talked about Sok Serey, Radio Free Asia (RFA) reporter fell into coma resulted from a car hit him while riding his moto. Sok Serey did some investigative reporting on government corruption. His incendiary reporting might have hit hard on the top corrupted officials and that's why they wanted to silence him. What's so astonishing to both of us was RFA said absolutely nothing about it. I've been listening to RFA every day both in evening and morning broadcasts, I heard not a single word on the purported accident. It’s probably like the government made a deal under the table and bribed RFA to shut up.

Then the conversation went into how I really love the watch I purchased from him two weeks ago. The watch seller told me he doesn't carry that model PMT56-2711 anymore. He said my Citizen Promaster watch on the streets of Phnom Penh, would be as rare as ‘1000 year old ginseng’ This really lightened up my mood. It made me feel so privileged on the power of money! If you have money you can buy everything even the 1000 year old ginseng! It made me feel so good for I know my money is hard earned through sweat and toil. Not a single riel ($) I earned by no mean, through guilt, dishonest nor corruption. There're too many corrupt government officials here already, I don’t need to be like one of them.

ប្រាសាទព្រះវិហារ Preah Vihear Temple Is In Khmer Soul

2006-12-12T02:27:00.002+07:00

Thailand Admission Ticket to see Cambodia's Prasat Preah Vihear.

(Picture: I found on the internet)

Recently, according to the newspaper Moneakseka Khmer printed an article stated Thai still has intention to ‘swallow up’ Prasat Preah Vihear (Temple) through propaganda to tourists visiting Thailand. The article said Thailand Tourism has been handing out small tourguide (booklets) to tourists with the map showing Preah Vihear Temple is clearly inside their country.

I was appalled by this unscrupulous mean committed by Thailand. Yes, upset too. As a civilized country, Thailand stoops so low and so arrogant toward Cambodia. They take advantage of every opportunity they can to intimidate Cambodia. What a shameful act. If Thailand continued to be so deceptive like this, they will not get any respect from world community. One tourist wrote he “was amazed to find that Thailand has a "Wat Prasat Pra Wiharn" historical park, despite the fact that it’s in Cambodia!”. Another foreign tourist wrote when he was up at the temple he saw English hand-painted signed posted "Preah Vihear Is In Khmer Soul". He commented the word "Soul" should have been changed in the letter from ' u ' to ' i ' --so sign would be read "Preah Vihear is In Khmer Soil"

Preah Vihear Temple is really Cambodia heart and soul. We even had one of our northern provinces named after it. It would be ironic if our Preah Vihear province we named had no Prasat Preah Vihear. Thanks to justice in World Court. . In 1962 World Court members ruled 9 to 3 in favoured of awarding Preah Vihear Temple to the rightful owner.

Thailand should take corrective measure to print accurate tour guides not to mislead tourists or otherwise people will claim ignorance had indeed befallen upon the entire Thai race. What a shame.

Blog Administrator
Thom Vanak.

The Timepiece --Precision of Japanese Craftsmanship

2006-12-07T02:50:00.000+07:00

Have you ever experienced ‘Buyer’s regret' syndrome? Many times I have, but I’m getting more wiser now. I buy things base on my need, not want.

‘Buyer’s regret’ is something I want to have when I see it. For example, the latest mobile phone from Nokia or Motorola. The other day I saw the display at Soriya Mall inside the glass case. Oh! They look so good! I just want it. Had I bought the new mobile phone, I would have regret for my wasteful spending. My old Nokia I purchased 3 years ago has never failed me. It still reliable and works just as great.

What I saw at the market the other day was not a mobile phone, but it was a timepiece!!-- A beautiful wrist watch that fits my style and need (hahaha—lolx, I’m trying to justify my purchase).

There are only two movement makers that are well-known: Either the watch is Swiss or Japanese. I happened to like the Japanese movement. I don’t care about Swiss’s Tissot, Tag Hauer or Rolex ! I love the Japanese precision and craftsmanship. That beautiful wristwatch I purchased was a Citizen Promaster. (See Picture)

This Citizen watch I bought was marketed only for Japan. It is not for America nor Europe market. Its model is PMT56-2711. It’s a Citizen Promaster Tough (PMT). It made from titanium rather than stainless steel. I read from the internet that titanium is almost ½ (half) the weight of stainless steel, but twice stronger! Titanium metal doesn’t corrode nor attract to magnet. Because titanium metal is light but strong, it is the metal of choice for building space shuttles and satellites in launching them into the outer space. I can say this titanium watch is truly light in weight. It fits just right on my left wrist. The face of the watch is populating with tiny hexagonal shapes on deep blue colour. At night, the large numbers and hands illuminate so brightly. This watch has the Eco-drive technology where it uses any light source (sunlight, daylight, lightbulb..etc) as energy and charging to the internal battery. So practically, people claimed that it will never need to change the battery. Another feature I love about this watch is the Perpetual Calendar. This means the date is ALWAYS right until year 2100. Each ending month whether the date is 30, 31, 28, 29, is ALWAYS correct. And, also the watch is 200 meters water resistance. Now not only I can swim, but also dive down to 200 meters deep, without worrying water will get into it. Haahaha-- look like if I’m to ever dive 200 meters deep!! . I swim in rivers and lakes occasionally and dive at most 6 meters deep to the bottom. That's it. I'm not a fish, so my mammalian lung can't hold the breath too long under the water. Six meters deep is very minimal as compare to the threshold of 200 meters.

I’m extremely pleased with my watch's purchase . No regret at all. In our rugged Cambodia and as a modest Khmer farmer who’s so active in outdoor farm works (tver sreh–jomkar, naysat-trey(fishing)), I know I will enjoy the Citizen “Promaster Tough” timepiece that will last me through the test of time.

Citizen Promaster Tough. Model: PMT56-2711 .

Of Kings And Men

2006-12-01T04:58:00.000+07:00

I'm now reading fantasy fiction 'The Belgariad' by David Eddings. It's a used book. Well worned on the cover. Here's dialogue chosen from the novel between two characters Garion & Silk.\

"Yes, Garion?", Silk asked, rousing himself.
"What kind of man is the king?"
"Which king?"
"Of Sendaria."
"A foolish man---like all kings" Silk laughed.....
[....]
"How do they get to be kings, then?" Garion demanded.
"Some are born to it," Silk said. "The stupidest man in the world can be a king if he has the right parents"

I just laughed. How true !!

"Meas Kmao--Black Gold" Oil Found in Cambodia

2006-12-01T02:08:00.000+07:00

Recently I read a Khmer language newspaper with the headline (my translation) "The Benefits of Oil and Gas Could Become Economic War For Corrupt Officials in Cambodia". The headline really caught my attention so I went on reading the entire article.

American company Chevron was granted by our Cambodia government to do oil and gas exploration on our continental shelf--off the sea coast along Kampong Som and Kampot areas in the Gulf of Thailand. In 2004 and 2005 Chevron hit the black gold in 4 out of 5 drillings, and they plan to drill 10 more places within the next 2 years.They estimated from 121 to 700 million of barrels could be found in our Cambodia ocean.

The Cambodia people are very skeptical about the income from oil and gas will go into the country's development from current state of extreme poverty. They are worry the income generated would fall into the hands of corrupt and the powerful officials. Prime Minister Hun Sen kept touting the government won't allow the benefits from our oil and gas to become a 'curse' for the Cambodia people. He said this because he awares of corrupt officials are in fierce competitions with each other to reap whatever they can.

Cambodia leaders should put their heads together. The world is watching us very closely. World Bank has announced Cambodia natural oil and gas is the economic source for Cambodia. One United Nation observer said oil and gas could generate income our country from $6 billion to $7.5 billion(US) per year. Let's hope these oil and gas revenue will help rebuilding our country and gradually paying off all of our debts.

ខ្ញុំឈឺស្មាខាងស្តាំ - A pain on my right shoulder

2006-11-14T05:45:00.000+07:00

ថ្ងៃនេះមិនដឹងជាមកពីអី ខ្ញុំឈឺស្មាខាងស្តាំ ខ្ញុំខំរកនឹកថា ខ្ញុំបានធើអីខ្លះ? មិនបានលី ឬ សែង ឬ រែក លើស្មានេះផង ប្រហែលជាសាច់ដុំវាទាញ ឬ មួយយ៉ាងណា ឥឡូវនេះខំលេបថ្នាំ Ibuprofen សង្ឃឹម ថាឱសថ នឹងជួយសំរាលភាពចុកគ្រាំនេះ។ ដល់ឈឺស្មាតែម្ខាងយ៉ាងនេះ ខ្ញុំចង់តែវាយ អាម្ខាង ឆ្វេងទៀត អោយវាឈឺស្មើរគ្នា ដើម្បីនៅពេលខ្ញុំធើ្វ ដំណើរ កុំអោយវាដូចជាប្អៀង បាក់ទៅម្ខាង៕

What’s happening to me today? I have a pain on my right shoulder. I try to think what did I do? I didn’t carry anything on that shoulder. Perhaps some type of muscle pulled?. Now I’m taking Ibuprofen in hoping the pill will alleviate the pain. When it’s hurting only on one side like this I just want to self-inflict the left side so the pain would be balanced out. This case when I’m walking I don’t feel my one side of shoulder is drooping.

What I Think About Conscription Law

2006-10-26T05:10:00.000+07:00

Logo of Cambodia National Assembly. It recently has just passed the conscription law. It requires to draft men from 18 to 30 years old to serve in the military.

Cambodia 'Rath Sakphea' National Assembly has just passed the conscription law. The new law requires men of my age to serve the military for 18 months. If our Cambodia in the time of war I can understand that. But,we are in the time of peace. Economic development and education should be our top priorities. We don't need to have a larger army. Who are we going to fight against ? The Vietnamese ? The Thai ? Militarily, we have no chance against the modern weaponry of these powerful neighbours. Educate ourselves and learned the internation law is more beneficial should 'muy jom-arm' ( 1 inch) of our land is encroaching by them.

According to western voices this conscription law is to correct the Cambodia unemployement problem. So true, I agree with the western critics. Cambodia should have strong rule of law. Clean up corruption in all of the government posts, such as police, judges...etc. If our country is free of corruption, then outside countries would be willing to invest and woudn't be afraid to do businesses in our country. This will lead to economic development.

Mandatory serving in the military will put me 18 months BEHIND from my pursuing goal. I am so sad and afraid of the military drafting law right now. How incompetent these Khmer law makers. Who's in the right mind came up with this ? Insanity. I will not vote for the persons or the party who are made and passed this law. In such a peaceful time as now, whoever came up with this law are not out here to serve the public for prosperity of Cambodia; they are very, very short sighted.

The Fool of A Prince

2006-10-25T03:27:00.000+07:00

The Fool of A Prince

There is news all over here in Phnom Penh on Prince Norodom Ranariddh has been ousted from the leadership of FUNCINPEC party will start a new party. This is what I called the 'Fool of A Prince', and Prime Minister Hun Sen 's dream comes true. PM Hun Sen loves new parties created. The devision of the opposition parties would weakening the core of the opposition itself. Split votes would be resulted from the multi opposition parties. Thus, Mr. Hun Sen's party will ALWAYS win the election. Since the plan fall right into it perhaps PM Hun Sen himself is behind the scheme of Prince Ranariddh's ousted.

Why us Khmer never learn ? The prince's pride and the ego are so high. I wish he would just accept the fact. Humble himself. Rather than start a new party he should throw support to endorse the FUNCINPEC party. Be true to the party for he will win the people's heart and mind. 'Humble' is the key word. Apologize to the people and his party that he had disappointed them. Come out clean !! I have a soft heart readily to forgive, forget and live on.

One thing is optimistically about my Cambodia is that we still have the opposition party in the political arena, or otherwise we're no different from our neighbour Laos, where I think Hanoi is currently dictating the head governement at Vientiane.

From My Opionion,
Vanak Thom

Blog By Khmer

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"Min You Min Chhabb" a Poem in Khmer by Sék Serei

Political cartoon I like

Publications that enhance our Khmer democracy and leadership

Cambodian numerals on Thai currency

My view on Lèse majesté law in Thailand

Thai's Incursion Into Cambodia Soil

Hok Lundy Is Dead

My Heart Goes Out For Our Slained Soldiers

Discovering the Literary Genious

Blogger or Wordpress ?

ឯកសារសំខាន់បំផុតដែលកូនខ្មែរយើងគ្រប់រូបត្រូវអាន

CAMBODIA on PREAH VIHEAR : ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!

Letter to King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand

Preah Vihear of Cambodia

Updates from Phnom Penh Cambodia

Khmer Poem - ប្រាង្គព្រះវិហារ​ The Pillars of Preah Vihear

The Thai so-called Watchdog Group Spying on Cambodia ?

ឱសីលធម៌ខ្មែរ​ O ! Where's Our Khmer Ethic ?

The Vietnamese's excuse to come to Cambodia

David Meas, An Unscrupulous Lawyer ?

Q&A on Blogging in Cambodia

The 'Strongman' PM Hun Sen Comparision Logic

Gen Tea Banh -- Just a simple question to a Yes or No answer.

Job Opening at Radio Free Asia Khmer Service វិទ្យុអាស៊ីសេរី ជ្រើសរើសបុគ្គលិក

Hanoi Vietnam Stay out of Cambodia !

Oh, Mr. Prime Minister Hun Sen – you don’t fool me

Khmer Poem -- កំណាព្យ : ខ្មែរមិនត្រូវឆោត ខ្មែរមិនត្រូវចាញ់

Although voting is secret, I know the party I WILL NOT vote for

សុំ​បេះ​ដូង​មួយ​ចំណែក -- Give me a portion of your heart

Sandals sold in Vietnamese market .

Don't be dumb or you'll be duped ! . កុំល្ងីល្ងើ ពកថ្ងាស

Spratly Islands and Koh Tral កោះត្រល់

Happy New Year សួស្តីឆ្នាំថ្មី ២00៨

Madame President of the Cambodian Red Cross

The people spoke for democracy and against unlimited power

Cambodian Bloggers Award 2007

Be my friend or I put you in prison

We prefer English not Vietnamese

Cambodia: Leader Severs Ties With Gay Daughter

My comments on new title given the CPP leaders

Editorial -- Sralanh Khmer News (Issue 525)

Prime Minister Hun Sen Speech on Youtube

FREE TIM SAKORN

Khmer Cartoon of CPP logo transformation (Political satire)

Don't call me a xenophobe .

អនិកជន Anikachun -- What do I think about foreigners/ Khmer returnees ?

The Familiar Sign Dominating Villages Across Cambodia

Cambodia Stock Exchange

Cambodian Vehicle License Plates

What goes around comes around to haunt you, Mr. Sihanouk!

Cambodia-Vietnamese Friendship Memorial

វាក្យសព្ទ សំរាប់ថ្ងៃនេះ Vocabularies for today

Fake Monk Tep Vong -- Sralanh Khmer News

យួនលួចដីខ្មែរ កែប្រវត្តិសាស្ត្រ -- Vietnam Plundered Cambodia land -- altered the history

​ខ្ញុំមិនចង់រវល់អំពី​ នយោបាយបាយទេ!​I try to stay away from politics --

សាមគ្គី "កម្ពុជា-វៀតណាម" ជាអាវុធ សំរាប់បំបាត់ អត្តសញ្ញាណខ្មែរ

Two Fake Buddhist Monks​​ --​សង្ឃក្លែងក្លាយពីរនាក់

I feel so sad today for Bikkhu Tim Sakhorn

បា្រសាទ ព្រះវិហារ Preah Vihear Temple -- Khmer Poem

ស្រុក ហ៊ុនសែន -- Hun Sen Regime (Khmer Poem)

Khmer Poem: គោព័ទ្ធស្នឹង ស្នឹងយួនដំ ដំខ្មែរដក ដកអោយបាន - Ko Pord Sneng Sneng Yuon Dam

PM Hun Sen On Future Oil Revenue

Within My Khmer concience, I am too shameful

Poem: Family Who Steals Part 1-2-3-4

Poem: Family Who Steals--Part 2

Poem: Family Who Steals--Part 3

Poem: Family Who Steals--Part 4

Prime Minister Hun has done it again. The family tree--thievery of the nation

Who is the insolent one ? តើអ្នកណាមួយព្រហើនកំរោលចូល?

Angkor Wat will not make to the new 7 wonders

Khmer Karaoke- សុំពេលវេលា កាត់ចិត្តពីអូន

Khmer Unicode ខ្មែរ យូនីខូដ installation

My Election Reaction

កោះត្រឡាច Koh Tralach

ខ្មែរក្រៃលែង--Episode 2 Wat Phnom វត្តភ្នំ

Encrochment of Thai On Cambodia Soil

Hun Sen: Don't ask for any more schools to be built, if I loose election

Practical Uses of the GPS in Cambodia

Khmer Poem - ប្រាង្គព្រះវិហារ The Pillars of Preah Vihear

ឱសីលធម៌ខ្មែរ O ! Where's Our Khmer Ethic ?

សុំបេះដូងមួយចំណែក -- Give me a portion of your heart

ខ្ញុំមិនចង់រវល់អំពី នយោបាយបាយទេ!I try to stay away from politics --

Two Fake Buddhist Monks --សង្ឃក្លែងក្លាយពីរនាក់

អូនរាំសមទេ?Upbeat Khmer song for the soul

ប្រាសាទព្រះវិហារ Preah Vihear Temple Is In Khmer Soul