Editor’s Choice

Scam Workers Relocated From Cambodia to Laos, Myanmar

Amid targeted raids and arrests against scam and human trafficking operations in Cambodia, accounts from victims and a rescue group indicate that at least some syndicates are going to great lengths to relocate workers to a new country to evade capture.

Sunken Village: After Evictions, Ethnic Vietnamese Homes Underwater

Floodwaters have inundated a small relocation site inhabited by ethnic Vietnamese residents. The site has no running water or electricity, and a promised garment factory that was supposed to provide the 150-odd families with an employment opportunity remains half finished. To make matters worse, permanent residency cards given to residents are not being recognized by public utilities and private businesses, illustrating the discrimination faced by one of Cambodia’s largest ethnic groups.

Sam Rainsy and Hun Sen (VOD file photo)

Rainsy Ruling: French Court Backs Right to Expression in Exile

Sam Rainsy lacked evidence and precision in accusing and defaming Prime Minister Hun Sen online of alleged links to prominent deaths, a French criminal court ruled this week. But the court still cleared Rainsy of libel charges, saying debate on the little investigated cases was of “major” public interest given his position as an exiled opposition leader.

Workers compounds in Svay Rieng’s Bavet city on October 7, 2022. (Michael Dickison/VOD)

Echoes of Sihanoukville Troubles in Cambodian Border Town

As police raids have hit known scam locations and “illegal gambling” dens across the country, residents of casino haven Bavet say they have seen buses ferrying in hundreds of workers over the last few weeks to existing casinos and alleged scam compounds in the border town.

Land Minister Chea Sophara and Culture Minister Phoeurng Sackona meet commune residents in Siem Reap. (Hean Rangsey/VOD)

No Relocation Plans for Preah Dak, Land Minister Tells Protesters

A protest drawing several thousand people from across Angkor Archaeological Park took an abrupt turn Friday, when the land management minister said there were no plans for a mass relocation from the park’s Preah Dak commune – days after residents said authorities had told them the opposite.