News

The facade of a new Khmer pagoda in Vietnam which was inaugurated amid large celebrations from December 30 to January 1. (Meng Kruypunlok/VOD)

Pagodas in Vietnam Guide Rejuvenation of Khmer Traditions

Organizers say half a million Khmer Krom people attended the opening of a new pagoda in Vietnam’s Soc Trang province over the three days leading into the New Year, as the community sees pressures selectively easing and traditions experiencing a revival.

Officers walk outside the burnt down Grand Diamond Casino in Poipet city on December 31, 2022. (Michael Dickison/VOD)

Compensation Plans Unclear for Casino Fire Victims

Officials are studying the “legal aspects” of compensation with a Poipet casino after a fire killed at least 26 people while those trapped inside reported a lack of alarms, sprinklers and safety measures.

One More Co. Ltd., a firm directed by the Pheapimex CEO's daughter Choeng Sokuntheavy, received 221.9 hectares of land at the center of Kirirom National Park, according to maps published in late December. (Danielle Keeton-Olsen/VOD)

Kirirom National Park, Bati District Land Granted to Elites

Relatives of infamous Pheapimex CEO Choeung Sopheap received forest land in the center of Kirirom National Park, while a minister, tycoons and an apparent relative of first lady Bun Rany all received state land, according to official documents published in late December.

A poster of Mahsa Amini, who died in Iran after morality police took her into custody for wearing her hijab too loosely, is raised at a protest in Istanbul on December 10, 2022. (Dilara Senkaya/Reuters)

More Than Protest: The Women, Life, Freedom Revolution in Iran

Even though I am currently residing in Cambodia, far away from Iran, the movement for Women, Life, Freedom has been haunting me for weeks, writes Veronika Gruber.

18,000 have been jailed; 500 killed. Closing my eyes and remaining silent in front of this extreme injustice toward humankind would mean my approval of the brutality of the Iranian regime, she says.

The burnt down Grand Diamond Casino in Poipet city on December 31, 2022. (Michael Dickison/VOD)

Casino Cleaner Recalls Three Hours in Poipet Inferno

Workers stuck inside the Grand Diamond City Casino told VOD their harrowing accounts of escaping the burning buildings, with the incident also raising serious questions about fire safety measures in the casino.

Prime Minister Hun Sen speaks about his nephew Hun Chea's lover at a groundbreaking ceremony in Kratie on January 2, 2023. (Hun Sen's Facebook page)

Hun Sen Warns Nephew Over Alleged Lover

Hun Sen warned his nephew Hun Chea and an alleged lover to end their relationship, publicly naming the woman and revealing her Facebook account at a government event.

Meshed bars block the entrance to the Prey Speu center. (Ananth Baliga/VOD)

Ministry: Deaths at Prey Speu Center, but No Negligence

The Social Affairs Ministry has confirmed an unspecified number of people dying at the notorious Prey Speu detention center after a local rights group alleged deaths and inadequate care, but a spokesperson denied any negligence or wrongdoing.

A huge fire engulfs the Grand Diamond City Casino in Poipet city on December 29, 2022. (Banteay Meanchey Provincial Police Facebook page)

19 Confirmed Dead So Far After Huge Poipet Casino Fire

At least 19 bodies have been pulled from a Poipet city casino, including Cambodian, Malaysian, Thai and Vietnamese workers — and the death toll could double, provincial authorities said Thursday afternoon.

In Mexico, Displaced LGBTQ+ People Push for Equal, Safe Jobs

Of 5 million people in Mexico – 5% of the population aged 15 years or over – who identify as LGBTQ+, nearly a third report being mistreated at work or not receiving the same benefits as their non-LGBTQ+ colleagues, according to the 2022 national survey on sexual diversity.