Latest Cambodia News
Cambodia hopes a new canal will boost trade. But it risks harming the Mekong that feeds millions
PREK TAKEO, Cambodia (AP) — The Mekong River is a lifeline for millions in the six countries it traverses on its way from its headwaters to the sea, sustaining the world’s largest inland fishery and abundant rice paddies on Vietnam's Mekong Delta. Cambodia's plan to build a...
Cambodia pulls out of a regional development pact after protests
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said he was pulling his country out of a development agreement with neighboring Vietnam and Laos following protests that it was benefiting foreign interests. Critics on social media have focused on land concessions in...
A union leader freed from prison vows to continue a strike against Cambodia's's biggest casino
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — A union leader freed from prison Monday after serving time for her part in a strike against Cambodia’s biggest casino has vowed to continue the labor action until justice is done. Chhim Sithar was sentenced in May 2023 to two years' imprisonment for...
Cambodia decries US sanctions against one of its top tycoons implicated in forced labor
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia on Friday decried newly imposed U.S. sanctions on one of the country's top tycoons who has been implicated in allegations of forced labor, human trafficking and lucrative online scams. Cambodia’s foreign ministry expressed “deep regret over...
Cambodia's leader says arrested protesters were trying to overthrow the government
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia’s leader on Thursday condemned international human rights groups for criticizing the arrest of nearly 100 people for protesting against a decades-old regional development agreement with neighboring countries. London-based Amnesty International...
Cambodia says China gifting 2 warships as it finishes work expanding strategically important port
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia's Defense Ministry said Wednesday that China is giving its navy two warships of the type it has had docked for months at a strategically important base being expanded with Beijing's funding, which has raised concerns of China establishing a permanent naval...
Cambodia's prime minister welcomes artifacts returned by New York's Met and other collections
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia’s prime minister on Thursday led a celebration for the return of dozens of precious artifacts from museums and private collectors abroad, and said his government will continue working to bring more home. Hun Manet, who became prime minister...
Bangladesh protests are not the first time student uprisings have helped bring about radical change
BANGKOK (AP) — In Bangladesh, weeks of protests against a quota system for government jobs turned into a broad uprising that forced the prime minister to flee the country and resign. The demonstrations began peacefully weeks ago and were primarily led by students frustrated with...
Cambodia breaks ground on a China-funded canal and says it will be built 'no matter the cost'
PREK TAKEO, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia broke ground Monday on a controversial, China-funded canal to link the capital Phnom Penh to the sea, despite environmental concerns and the risk of straining ties with neighboring Vietnam. The $1.7 billion, 180-kilometer (111 miles) Funan Techo...
Japan's defense minister begins visits to Cambodia and Vietnam, both under Beijing's shadow
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Japan’s defense minister held talks with senior officials in Cambodia, a top ally of China, on Monday as he began a Southeast Asian trip that will also take him to Vietnam, whose relations with Beijing are complicated by maritime disputes. Japan has...
