Cambodian Embassy in US Collecting for Flood Relief

Monday, 07 November 2011
Cambodian Embassy in US Collecting for Flood Relief
Men Kimseng, VOA Khmer | Washington, D.C

“They face a lot of shortages, and, most importantly, infectious diseases are worrisome. In the immediate future, they will need food, shelter and healthcare.”

The Cambodian Embassy in Washington is helping to raise funds for floods victims in Cambodia, following weeks of inundation that has left thousands of families stranded.

At a gathering in Washington Sunday, the embassy collected around $6,500 from some 200 Cambodian-Americans, the ambassador, Hem Heng, told VOA Khmer.

At least 250 people have died in the floods, which began in August and continued through September. The floods hit 17 provinces, covering some 400,000 hectares of rice fields and causing many to be evacuated to higher ground.

Arrests Spark Protests, Border Closing in Thailand

In October 2009, Thai activists wave Thai flags and chant slogans during a rally against Prime Minister Hun Sen's decision to make ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra his economic adviser, and the recent protest may just worsen the already tense relations between the two Southeast Asian neighbors. (Photo: AP)

Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh Friday, 31 December 2010

"Cambodia has closed the border to Thai nationals as a result and to prevent Thai “revenge.”

Cambodian officials ruled out the demands of protesters in Bangkok Friday who want the release of seven Thai nationals charged Thursday with illegal entry.

The suspects, including a Thai member of parliament and supporters of the “yellow shirt” People's Alliance for Democracy, were arrested Wednesday while reportedly looking into claims of Cambodian encroachment on Thai soil.

Authorities say they were caught half a kilometer inside Cambodia and near a military area.

Members of the Thailand Patriot Network gathered in front of the Cambodian Embassy to call for the release of the group. Protesters burned a coffin bearing the photograph of Prime Minsiter Hun Sen and vowed to continue their rally until those arrested are returned to Thailand.

“We cannot accept what they have raised,” Koy Kuong, a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told VOA Khmer Friday. He confirmed there had been protesters in front of the embassy, but said they dispersed before noon.

Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Pirumya has said his government will respect the judicial process here and has not so far called for a political release.

Meanwhile, Cambodian officials say Thailand has closed down an important checkpoint in Banteay Meanchey province, preventing Cambodians from crossing into Thailand there.

Many Cambodians typically use the crossing, in Obei Chon, in O'Chov district, where they travel for day labor on Thai farms and to purchase goods at Thai markets.

Cambodia has closed the border to Thai nationals as a result and to prevent Thai “revenge,” said Keo Sen governor of O'Chov district. “We must protect the safety of the people,” he told VOA Khmer.

Thai gov't tightens security for Cambodian embassy amid bilateral tension

Cambodian embassy in Bangkok (Photo: Reuters)

BANGKOK, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Security is tightened in front of the Cambodian embassy to Thailand in Bangkok Friday morning after Thailand recalled its ambassador from Cambodia over the latter's appointment of Thai former premier as government advisor, Thai media reported.

According to Thai News Agency, more security personnel were deployed at the embassy, including 230 policemen from various stations under the Metropolitan Police Bureau and some anti-riot units on rotated shift. Another 150 policemen would be deployed if there is a protest.

The security measures are taken as the bilateral relationship is in tension after Thailand and Cambodia governments on Thursday recalled their own ambassador.

The tension is triggered by Cambodian government's announcement on Wednesday night that it will appoint Thaksin shinawatra, Thailand's former premier who was ousted by a 2006 military coup, as economic advisor.

Thailand's Foreign Ministry on Thursday recalled it's ambassador from Phnom Penh, saying that the appointment is an insult to the Thai judicial system and affected Thai public's sentiment.

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya later Thursday confirmed the news report that Cambodia had recalled its ambassador from Thailand.

Thai Foreign Minister urges Cambodia to review decision on Thaksin appointment

BANGKOK, Nov 6 (TNA) - Thailand's Minister of Foreign Affairs Kasit Piromya urged the Cambodian government late Thursday to review its decision to appoint convicted former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as personal advisor to Cambodian Premier Hun Sen and advisor on economy to his government.

Mr Kasit said Phnom Penh must choose between personal interest and relations and the national interests and relations of the two countries.

He also confirmed the news report that Cambodia had recalled its ambassador to Thailand.

The Agence France-Presse (AFP) news agency quoted Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sok An as saying that "To reciprocate the recall of Thailand's ambassador-designate, the Royal Government of Cambodia decided to recall its ambassador for the time being but regards this only as a temporary measure."

He also told a news conference in Phnom Penh that the Cambodian envoy would be sent back to Bangkok only after Thailand has returned its ambassador-designate to Cambodia.

Thailand recalled its envoy from Phnom Penh in protest against the Mr Thaksin’s appointment. It is also reviewing all existing bilateral agreements and cooperation projects with Cambodia, including the ongoing cooperation which the Royal Thai Government has extended to Cambodia.

Meanwhile, Thai envoy to Cambodia Prasas Prasasvinitchai arrived in Bangkok at 9.55pm Thursday without giving any comment to the media. He reportedly requested the airport authority to provide a vehicle to pick him up at the aircraft.

In related developments, Thailand has stepped up security measures at the Cambodian Embassy in Bangkok. More personnel are assigned to provide security at the embassy, including 230 police from various stations under the Metropolitan Police Bureau and anti-riot units for rotated posting to the embassy.

Thais Protest Over Soldiers on Border

By Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
02 November 2009

Nearly 500 Thai protesters gathered in front of the Cambodian Embassy in Bangkok Monday to protest the presence of Cambodian troops near Preah Vihear temple. Soldiers from both countries have been entrenched along the border since July 2008.

The protest follows remarks from ousted Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra that he would not accept exile status from Cambodia. Prime Minister Hun Sen angered Bangkok last week by announcing he would welcome Thaksin in Cambodia without abiding by an extradition treaty.

The protesters demanded that Cambodian troops leave the area around Preah Vihear temple, which they claim belongs to Thailand.

Koy Kong, a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, called the demand “illegal.”

“Cambodia cannot accept the demand by Thai protestors,” he said.

Meanwhile, officials said Monday that Thaksin’s statements were likely to cool the ongoing war of words between leaders of the two countries.

“Thaksin showed his support for the Bangkok government,” by declining Hun Sen’s exile invitation, said Kem Sokha, head of the opposition Human Rights Party.

“If Thaksin makes asylum in Cambodia, it degrades the Thai government,” he said. “So, Thaksin does not want to degrade the Bangkok government in the name of the nation. Thaksin thinks of the national interest more than his personal interest.”

Yim Sovann, a spokesman for the Sam Rainsy Party, said Thakisn’s declining to come to Cambodia would “avoid an uncomfortable feeling between the ruling parties of Cambodia and Thailand.”

However, Ny Chakrya, chief investigator for the rights group Adhoc, said Thaksin may also want to keep his political options open. Were he to seek political asylum in Cambodia, he would not be allowed to participate in politics in Thailand. “So he decided not to go to Cambodia.”

Thaksin lives in exile and faces a two-year jail term on charges of corruption if he returns to Thailand.

Thais Protest Cambodia Asylum Offer to Thaksin

2009-10-27
New Tang Dynasty TV

After arriving in Thailand last week, the Cambodian prime minister said he was willing to grant asylum to former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

The prime minister said he considers Thaksin a victim of a political ploy in Thailand, but Thai protesters disagreed.

[Chaiwat Sinsuwong, People’s Alliance for Democracy]:
"The former Prime Minister is charged with corruption, the charge is not political. So, we, as Thais, are upset that he (Hun Sen) was a guest in Thailand and he spoke with a bad manner. So, today we are gathering here to show our dissent and condemn Cambodia, Hun Sen only."

Chaiwat is a leader of Thailand's People Alliance for Democracy, also known as PAD. It was the PAD who took to the streets of Bangkok and led a military coup in 2006, which forced Thaksin out of the country on corruption charges.

The Cambodian prime minister has also compared Thaksin to Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, a comparison that angered protesters.

[Chaiwat Sinsuwong, People’s Alliance for Democracy]:
"It is very inappropriate to compare Suu Kyi with Thaksin. Aung San Suu Kyi is too clean to be compared to dirty Thaksin."

The relationship between Thailand and Cambodia has deteriorated in the past few years. Last year, relations between the two countries worsened… when Cambodia registered a 12th century Khmer empire temple with UNESCO… that sits on a disputed border with Thailand.

Protest over Thaksin invite

Oct 27, 2009
AFP

BANGKOK - AROUND 100 Thai protesters rallied Tuesday outside the Cambodian embassy in Bangkok after the neighbouring country's premier offered refuge to fugitive former Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra.

Outspoken Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen last week offered safe haven to Thaksin - who was ousted in a coup in 2006 and is living abroad to avoid corruption charges - and suggested he take a job as his finance advisor.

Mr Hun Sen's comments cast a pall over a summit of Asian leaders hosted by Thailand at the weekend and have riled the Thai government, which says that Cambodia must extradite Thaksin if he steps foot on Cambodian soil.

'Hun Sen's action intentionally showed hostility to Thailand, its government and its military as well as the Thai people. It is interference in Thai politics,' said Bangkok protest leader Chaiwat Sinsuwong, adding that Mr Hun Sen should apologise.

Mr Chaiwat is a key member of Thailand's 'Yellow Shirt' movement, which hounded Thaksin's allies out of government last year by blockading Bangkok's airports, but Tuesday's protest was not officially staged by the group.

Security was tightened around the embassy with around 150 officers on guard for the rally, which dispersed without violence after two hours, said district police commander Colonel Samit Choensa-ard.

Security at Cambodian embassy [in Bangkok] tightened

27/10/2009
Bangkok Post

Security in front of the Embassy of Cambodia in Bangkok has been tightened on Tuesday after members of the People's Assembly of Thailand led by Chaiwat Sinsuwong announced they would protest there to oppose Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, who said last week he welcomed ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra to Cambodia.

A company of police have been deployed to guard around the embassy. Iron barriers have also been placed around the entrance.

Mr Chaiwat said in a radio interview in the morning that he would led protesters to gather in front of the Embassy of Cambodia to read a statement condemning Hun Sen and Puea Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, who went to meet Hun Sen last week in Phnom Penh.

"The People's Assembly of Thailand condemn the Cambodian prime minister for taking the opportunity during the Asean Summit in telling reporters that Cambodia would not hand over Thaksin if Thailand sought his extradition," he said. "This is an insult to Thailand, the Thai government and the Thai people, and it destroys good relations between the two countries."

He also demanded Hun Sen to apologise to Thailand.

Mr Chaiwat stressed that the protesters would not surround the embassy.

Cambodia to open embassy in South Africa next year [in exchange for South Africa's vote for a seat for Cambodia at UN Security Council]

August 03, 2007

Cambodia plans to open an embassy in South Africa in 2008 to strengthen relations and cooperation between the two nations, local media reported on Friday.

The plan was born after an Aug. 1 meeting between Ouch Borith, secretary of state of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and a visiting South African delegation led by Gloria Nonzwkazi Swartbooi, member of South Africa's Portfolio Committee, said Cambodian-language newspaper the Rasmei Kampuhcea.

Nonzwkazi Swartbooi said that he welcomes the establishment of a Cambodian embassy in South Africa to improve relations and cooperation between the two countries, the paper quoted the secretary of state as saying.

During the meeting, Ouch Borith requested that South Africa support Cambodia's non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council for a 2013 to 2014 mandate following an election to be held in 2012, reiterating his claim that the kingdom wants to enhance relations with South Africa and other African countries.

Source: Xinhua

Ineptitude of Cambodian Embassy in the US?

US May 13, 2007
What Cambodia Royal Embassy Is Doing in DC?

Op-Ed By Kok Sap,
Posted Online

In light of US Embassy pronouncement regarding the Cambodia 2,000 deportable, anybody sees and reads anything about the Royal Embassy in DC position on it? For weeks the Royally Do Nothing Embassy in DC was mute. From the outlook, this is where the royal government needs to examine its work ethics and responsibility. Citizens have no confidence in the Embassy at all. This reflects on the government ineptitude in comprehension on how important the Embassy can be seen in its citizen eyes.

I was asked to call on behalf of few Cambodia citizens who needed help to be in touched with their Embassy. In my first attempt on Tuesday morning, No one answered call. Then next day I called again and plus sent direct emails to the Ambassador himself. Then next day re-emailed the concerns to the same Ambassador. I waited and waited as days went by, no reply. The citizens of Cambodia became hopeless and deeply concerned then called on me on Thursday night. As soon as next morning office time passed I placed calls again and again with the understanding that the Embassy might have limited incoming lines available but it was not the case. Friends warned me to be patiently and yes-sir no-sir always if I wanted something done properly.

Still wanted to help friends out, then I had called my US Representative staff in DC to verify if the Royal Embassy was still officially there since the Ambassador was a FUNCINPEC element. To my surprise, I was told that it still has the same Ambassador as someone had picked her call and advised her to have caller calling back. I was relieved to hear then placed calls instantly. I got same response, NO One available to answer your call right now, please leave a brief message, name, number so we will return your call(s) as soon as possible. What's the definition of ASAP in the Embassy operation manual?

Let me reiterate I had called for Cambodia citizens not the US Khmer origin citizens. But yet this office appearance was over relaxed. Worst, I called friend who lived nearby the Embassy and I was told the Royal Embassy has its staff live there or someone would be there all the time. But it appeared automated 24/7 instead. This was called blatant irresponsibility in work ethics and duty.

Imagine, for a second, if a Cambodia citizen was in emergency or life and death situation.From what I had seen so far, it was unlikely to happen. These guys wear big name tags, talk big talks but carry NO stick when come to Cambodia citizen interests. Thus the 2,000 cases are supposedly to fallen through the crack of the Royal Embassy's "don't give a damn mode."

Other hand, not to gloat, but if the US Embassy staff were contacted on behalf of citizens included the naturalized) who needed help or intervention, for sure someone will be there. Example I learned one of my old school mates had heart attack and had died on the way to Cambodia on the Taiwan flagged flight. Soon the plane landed in Taipei, the US Embassy staff were there with a dispatched translator on line to console his loved ones who spoke Khmer only. Then all intergovernmental arrangements were secured to ship body for funeral at the wishes of the survivors. This is clearly distinguished where the bottom line in government for the people, by the people and serve the people foundation really comes in.

From this made me wonder, what my US Representative staff really thinks about the Royal Embassy after fact. I had called her back and expressed my appreciation in stepping in to help out. Well, sir I am so glad and thank you for contacting our office. It is our job to serve our citizens, she said. I am still thinking whether her nicety was a sarcasm or sincerity since she knew that I am a Khmer origin constituent. This example demonstrated that civility and customer oriented bureaucracy has kept US government as best to no matter what or who or where.