Improvement of National Road No. 48 Almost Completed
Phnom Penh, March 25, 2025 --The rehabilitation of National Road No. 48 from Sre Ambel to Koh Kong was 93.28 percent complete as of Mar. 23, 2025.The update was shared by H.E. Phan Rim, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, adding that the work is fully operational to finish the project as scheduled.The construction and improvement of the Sre Ambel-Koh Kong National Road was estimated to cost around US$59 million and is funded by the national budget and a concessional loan from the Republic of Korea.The 148-kilometre-long road links Chamkar Loung of Sre Ambel district to Khemarak Phoumin city, Kong Kong provincial city. The road is a part of ASEAN Highway 123, which connects Cambodia to Thailand and Myanmar at Dawei city.Once completed, the National Road 48 will reduce time and travel and transport costs, increase road safety, boost tourism, and boost local economic development with neighbouring countries.
Free Public Bus Service Ready for Khmer New Year Holiday
Phnom Penh, March 24, 2025 --The public will have access to free-of-charge public bus service back and forth between Phnom Penh and provinces during the upcoming Khmer New Year.The announcement was circulated by the Phnom Penh Administration late last week, adding that 597 buses will be used to provide the free service between April 12 and 17.Some 100 of the total buses will ensure the regular bus service in Phnom Penh during the said period, and the rest 497 will be for the back-and-forth service between Phnom Penh and provinces.The three-day celebration of the Khmer New Year 2025, the Year of Snake, will start on April 14.Flocks of people are set to return to their homeland, go to pagodas, travel to different tourism destinations, and join various entertainment activities to observe the New Year.The Royal Government annually provides free bus service to help reduce people's travel costs during one of the biggest holidays in the country.
Minister of Agriculture Opens "Around the Mekong River” Programme at Film Festival
Phnom Penh, March 24, 2025 --Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, H.E. Dith Tina, officiated the opening of the "Around the Mekong River” programme today, at the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Centre.The event, held within the framework of the Cambodia International Film Festival, commenced at 9:00 AM this morning.This marks the second consecutive year, H.E. Minister Dith Tina has delivered the keynote address at the programme, which focuses on raising public awareness concerning environmental challenges and the socio-economic realities of communities residing along the Mekong River.The "Around the Mekong River” programme, accessible to the public without admission fees, featured the screening of two documentary films. The first, produced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, highlighted ongoing conservation initiatives aimed at protecting the critically endangered Mekong River dolphins while the second documentary, created by a wildlife and conservation organisation, showcased the successful conservation efforts surrounding the Siamese crocodile population in Cambodia
More Than 80,000 Tourists Witness the Equinox Phenomenon at Angkor Wat Temple
Phnom Penh, March 24, 2025 --A total of 85,453 national and international tourists flocked to Angkor Wat Temple in Siem Reap provincial city to admire and take picture of equinox, a natural phenomenon when the sun rises over the central tower of Angkor Wat Temple, from Mar. 21 to 23, said the APSARA National Authority on Sunday.Among them, the source added, 14,233 were foreign tourists who travelled from various countries to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the central peak of this iconic Angkor Wat complex, the same source added.The equinox is the time when day and night are approximately equal in length, unlike some normal months when the night is longer than the day or the day is longer than the night.The equinox at Angkor Wat is not a coincidence, it is a feature of the Khmer ancestors who prepared the architecture of the temple in advance, with the intention of adjusting the natural phenomena for Angkor Wat to create an event of the sunrise at the top of temple.This special sunrise event occurs twice a year, in March (Spring or Vernal Equinox) and in September (Autumn Equinox).
Mekong Ganga Cooperation Food Festival 2025 Attracts Attention of Tourists on Walk Street
Phnom Penh, March 23, 2025 —Mekong Ganga Cooperation ( MGC) Food Festival was organised by the Embassy of India in Phnom Penh in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Embassies of Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Thailand in Phnom Penh, and Phnom Penh Municipal Administration.The food festival featuring signature cuisines from the MGC countries was inaugurated by Indian Ambassador H.E. Vanlalvawna Bawitlung along with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and embassies of Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, and Vietnam.More than 12 Indian, Cambodian, Laotian, Myanmar, and Thai restaurants based in Phnom Penh put up food stalls at the festival.As a special feature, the spouses of the Indian Embassy added to the charm of the food festival by putting up a stall of homemade food and delicacies, and all the proceeds will go to charitable works in Cambodia.With an iconic location on the Mekong riverside in front of the Ounalom Pagoda in Phnom Penh, the festival enthralled crowds of people and tourists flocking to the newly launched Phnom Penh Riverside Walk Street.According to the Indian Embassy, the Mekong Ganga Cooperation, established in the year 2000, has the distinction of being the oldest among the Mekong Cooperation mechanisms. The MGC has been carrying out many cooperative activities, and the MGC Food Festival was also part of the MGC Action Plan 2019-24. A new Action Plan is under formulation, with the year 2025 holding special significance as it marks the 25 years of the MGC.Tourism and people-to-people connection are among the priority areas for the MGC and the food festival was a welcome addition to further strengthen the key initiatives such as Phnom Penh Walk Street by the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration and the Royal Government of Cambodia.
National and International Tourists Gather at Angkor Wat Temple for Angkor Equinox
Siem Reap, March 21, 2025—National and international tourists flock into Angkor Wat Temple to admire and capture photos of Angkor Equinox (sunrise over the central tower of the Angkor Wat Temple) in Siem Reap province this morning.
Techo International Airport to Further Enhance Travel Convenience for Tourists
Phnom Penh, March 20, 2025 --Minister of Tourism H.E. Huot Hak, on Mar. 19 led a delegation of 100 tourism-related private companies to visit and inspect the progress of the under-construction Techo International Airport.“After the opening of Techo International Airport, combined with the vision of tourism development, the number of international tourists will exceed expectations,” H.E. Minister remarked, stressing that that the airport’s launch will significantly contribute to enhancing travel convenience for foreign tourists visiting the Kingdom.Located in Takhmao town, Kandal province, the Techo International Airport will be a major asset to Cambodia’s tourism sector, he added.H.E. Minister also highlighted the strong momentum in international tourist arrivals. In 2024, the number of foreign tourists increased by 23 percent to 6.7 million. The Ministry of Tourism projects that the number will rise to 7.5 million in 2025.The construction of Techo International Airport is currently 95 percent complete, with its official launch scheduled for July this year.Spanning more than 2,600 hectares, the Techo International Airport is a 4F-class airport capable of accommodating large aircrafts such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747. In its first phase, the airport will have the capacity to handle up to 13 million passengers per year.
ICC-Preah Vihear Reviews Its Conservation Progress, Plans Next Steps
Phnom Penh, March 20, 2025 --The International Coordinating Committee for the Safeguarding and Development of the Preah Vihear (ICC-Preah Vihear) has convened the 10th Plenary and Technical Session to discuss the restoration, conservation, and development of the resort at Preah Vihear Temple and Koh Ker Temple.Minister of Culture and Fine Arts H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona presided over the technical meeting on Mar. 19 at Siem Reap province with the co-chairmanship of China represented by H.E. Li Qun, Vice Minister for Culture and Tourism, and India represented by H.E. Ambassador Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, and with the attendance of relevant national and international partners and stakeholders.They reviewed the progress and quality of the restoration, conservation, and development work at the resort and the temple as well as the plan for the next steps.The discussion also focused on joint archaeological research specifically for the Kok Dei Chhnang at the Koh Ker Temple area to explore the Angkor period urban planning.According to Director General of the National Authority for Preah Vihear H.E. Kong Puthikar, the Royal Government of Cambodia extended a concrete road to ease the conservation work in the area.He added that the conservation team has discovered a site called Angkor Krang Temple located about 15 kilometres south of Preah Vihear Temple and is conducting a preliminary study and risk assessment of the temple's structure, art, and decoration.
Cambodia Commits to Public Reform
Phnom Penh, March 20, 2025 --The Royal Government of Cambodia remains committed to strengthening public sector reform with a focus on transparency and accountability.“If we reform, we survive; if we don’t, we perish,” said Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet while presiding over the closing ceremony of the Ministry of Civil Service’s annual meeting held at the Premier Centre Sen Sok, Phnom Penh this morning.The Premier expressed his full support for the Ministry of Civil Service’s mission and commitment to public sector reform under the Royal Government of the 7th legislature of the National Assembly.Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet encouraged all state institutions, especially young people to further join the public sector reform actively.“Accuracy is not yet 100 percent guaranteed, but we are on the path of reform. We will continue to work hard to improve and provide accuracy gradually,” he underlined.Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Hun Many, Minister of Civil Service, highlighted the need for a highly capable, efficient, and transparent public administration to drive Cambodia's socio-economic development.H.E. Hun Many also reiterated that his ministry has played a crucial role in shifting the perception that public sector recruitment is based on personal connections and financial influence. He emphasised the importance of a transparent recruitment process that fosters pride and trust among young Cambodians.Until January 2025, Cambodia has total 232,034 civil servants, including 96,969 women. Of them, 54,585 serve at the national level, while 177,449 work at the subnational level.
Acting Head of State Hopes Negotiations on Russia-Ukraine War Will Conclude with Fruitful Solution
Acting Head of State of Cambodia, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, has hoped that the negotiations between the parties involved in the Russia-Ukraine war will soon reach a resolution that ends the conflict.Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed his hope when he received a courtesy call by Russian Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Anatoly Borovik, at the Senate Palace in Phnom Penh this morning.During the meeting, the Cambodian Acting Head of State reiterated his belief that only negotiations can bring an end to a war, while war cannot be used to end a war.Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed his satisfaction with the long-standing relations between the two countries, and praising H.E. Anatoly Borovik’s diplomatic mission in Cambodia. He also thanked Russia for the scholarships to Cambodian students, which has contributed to developing Cambodia’s human resources since the days when the former Soviet Union helped train many of today’s Cambodian human capital.In addition, he highlighted the strong ties between the legislative bodies of the two countries, and urged closer engagement between their leaders. He mentioned the possibility of inviting the head of the ruling Russian party to visit Cambodia in the future.Samdech Techo Hun Sen also expressed his desire to see the expansion of economic and trade ties between the two countries.For his part, H.E. Anatoly Borovik laid stress on the good cooperation between Cambodia and Russia, affirming that on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2026, Russia is ready to work with the Cambodian side to further expand the bilateral relations.At the same time, H.E. Ambassador noticed the robust cooperation between the executive and legislative bodies as well as between the parties of both nations.
PM Calls Buddhist Monks to Continue Contributing to Human Capital Development
Phnom Penh, March 14, 2025 --Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, this morning called on all Buddhist monks to continue joining the Royal Government in fostering human capital with virtue, good manners and moral for the national development.Addressing a ceremony to offer Preah Sokunveary (holy fragrant water) to senior Buddhist monks, held at Botum Vattey Pagoda in Phnom Penh, Samdech Thipadei Prime Minister emphasised the vital role played by Buddhism in shaping individuals’ physical and mental health, intelligence and sense of responsibility.“Please continue to promote good manners, virtue and morals, and preserve Cambodia’s culture, traditions, and customs through sermons and social media. This will help reduce immorality and violence while fostering happiness and strengthening national solidarity,” he underlined.The ceremony stands as another testament to the growth of Buddhism in Cambodia, a country that enjoys peace and harmony. Buddhism is a legacy passed down by ancestors. The teachings of the Buddha are a source of love, wisdom, and peace of mind, profoundly influencing people’s thoughts and behaviours, he added.Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet also expressed his appreciation for the expansion of Buddhist teachings in the Kingdom. While Buddhism is the state religion, the Premier reaffirmed the government’s commitment to religious freedom.Cambodia continues to uphold and respect religious harmony, ensuring freedom of beliefs without discrimination.Minister of Cults and Religious Affairs H.E. Chay Borin said Cambodia has in total 5,146 pagodas across the country with over 70,000 Buddhist monks.
Ministry, UNESCO Discuss the Use of AI in Education
Phnom Penh, March 14, 2025 --The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in Cambodia have discussed the framework for artificial intelligence capabilities in the education sector.The discussion took place between H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, and Mr. Sardar Umar Alam, UNESCO Representative in Cambodia, in Phnom Penh on Mar. 12.Mr. Sardar Umar Alam expressed UNESCO’s interest in supporting MoEYS to promote the development of technology and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the education sector.H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron thanked UNESCO, saying that Cambodia wants to utilise AI to support teachers and students in their teaching and learning in order to broaden their thinking and apply STEM.For the first step, he suggested UNESCO support with establishing digital libraries and developing a practical framework to use AI in education.
Kang Keng International Airport Conducts Full Scale Airport Emergency Exercise KOS-EX24
Sihanoukville, March 13, 2025 --Kang Keng International Airport or Sihanouk International Airport (KOS) in Sihanoukville conducted a full scale emergency response exercise, KOS-EX24, on Mar. 12 afternoon, to test and improve its readiness for potential aviation incidents.The exercise was led by H.E. Son Sokhan, Secretary of State at the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, and H.E. Mang Sineth, Governor of Preah Sihanouk province, with participation from various relevant provincial departments, agencies, and institutions.The exercise aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the airport's emergency response plan, particularly in accordance with international and national aviation regulations.H.E. Son Sokhan emphasised the importance of adhering to: The 1944 Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation: This mandates member states to ensure high standards of emergency management. Annex 14 of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO): This provides guidelines for airport emergency planning. Cambodian Civil Aviation Technical Standards: These require operators to develop emergency response plans for international airports. Inter-Ministerial Circular No. 03 SRNN: Issued on Mar. 22, 2011, this directive outlines emergency management procedures within and around Cambodian airports.The exercise simulated various scenarios, including aircraft accidents within and outside the airport perimeter, in-flight emergencies, cargo incidents, bomb threats, and acts of terrorism."The purpose of this exercise is to test the effectiveness of our emergency plan, examine the implementation of procedures, and evaluate the response capabilities of airport operators and relevant authorities," stated H.E. Son Sokhan."We are pleased to report that the exercise proceeded smoothly and according to the plan."The KOS-EX24 exercise involved 293 personnel, five ambulances, and five fire trucks, with participation from 25 organisations across Preah Sihanouk province.The State Secretariat of Civil Aviation conducts emergency exercises at three levels: Tabletop exercises every six months, Medium-scale exercises annually, and Full scale exercises every two years. This exercise ensures that the airport is prepared to handle a wide range of potential emergencies, thus reinforcing the safety and security of air travel in Cambodia.
Cambodia Pledges to Work Harder Against Illicit Drugs
Phnom Penh, March 13, 2025 --Despite relentless efforts in fighting illicit drugs, Cambodia still has much more to do to address this global threat.Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Neth Savoeun, Chairman of the National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD), underlined the warning when presiding over the opening of the authority's work review and planning conference on Mar. 12.H.E. Neth Savoeun voiced the message following NACD's report indicating that the drug crime cases remain somewhat high.According to the report briefed by NACD Secretary General H.E. Gen. Meas Virith during the conference, the number of drug cases cracked down on increase by 31.84 percent in 2024, compared to 2023.In 2024, pertinent authorities cracked down on 10,630 drug crimes (a 2,567-case increase compared to the previous year) and arrested 27,071 suspects.Through the interventions during the year, 14.9 tonnes (an increase of over 11 tonnes compared to 2023) of illicit drugs were seized.With the trend, NACD leadership reaffirmed their deep commitment to fighting against the dangerous drugs.
Another Newborn Mekong Dolphin Spotted in Kratie Province
Phnom Penh, March 12, 2025 --A newborn Mekong Irrawaddy dolphin, estimated to be about two days old, was spotted in the Mekong River in Kratie province on Tuesday, at around 10:00 AM.The dolphin calf was photographed by a research team from the Fisheries Administration and WWF-Cambodia at Kampi pool, located in Kampi village, Sambok commune, Chetr Borei district, said the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in a press release AKP received this morning.Through the research team's examination, the calf was born to a mother dolphin with code 123 and was in a group of three other adult dolphins, the source added.This marks the fifth newborn dolphin recorded in Cambodia’s Mekong River since the beginning of 2025, signaling hope for the conservation of this critically endangered species.The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries expressed gratitude to local river guards, authorities, and community members for their ongoing efforts to protect and preserve Cambodia’s precious aquatic resources.As of early 2025, there are at least 105 Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins in Cambodia.Last year, the Kingdom registered nine newborns, the highest number in the past four year. In 2023, eight dolphin calves were born, up from six each in 2022 and 2021.The Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) are a living natural treasure of Cambodia and are fully protected under the Kingdom’s Fisheries Law. The population is ranked as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, the highest international threat ranking for endangered species.According to WWF-Cambodia, the presence of the dolphins in the Mekong is an indication of healthy fisheries and healthy rivers, including biodiversity and natural ecosystems that provide life-support services for people.
Complaint Filing Procedure for Foreign Tourists and Investors Improved to Promote Their Safety
Phnom Penh, March 12, 2025 --Cambodia's General Commissariat of National Police has issued a directive on a legal procedure of receiving and solving complaints for foreign tourists and investors to further ensure their security and safety in Cambodia.Signed by Commissioner General of the National Police H.E. General Sar Thet, the directive was issued on Mar. 11, highlighting the receipt, acknowledgement, and resolution of the filed complaints.It detailed necessary information that the complainant should write or type up in any language with a translation into Khmer or English or French to help competent authorities to study and investigate the case.The complainant must personally submit his/her complaint at the department or unit of tourist police or its line offices, or at tourist police unit or office under the capital-provincial police commissariat, or a police office at a municipality, district, or Khan in Cambodia, for which the complainant will be issued an official receipt of the filed complaint.The complainant will be issued an official acknowledgement or objection (that could be retrieved physically or online) following the initial study of the complaint by the competent authorities.With official acknowledgement of the complaint, the pertinent authorities will undergo in-depth investigation in cooperation with the complainant and other parties in order to solve it.The whole legal procedure in handling the complaint as well as its ultimate objective places the security and safety of foreign tourists and investors at its centre.
Equinox Angkor to Fall between Mar. 21 and 23
Phnom Penh, March 12, 2025 --The Equinox Angkor at Angkor Wat, one of the most spectacular events attracting tourists from around the globe and local Cambodians, will fall between Mar. 21 and 23 from 5:00 AM to 6:30 AM, the Ministry of Tourism said in an announcement released this morning.The Equinox Angkor event, the sunrise over the central tower of the Angkor Wat Temple, demonstrates the unique characteristics of the Khmer ancestors, deliberating design by Khmer Architecture; Layout for constructing the temple; Land arrangement; Calculations based on astronomy and Considerations of the celestial course along with beliefs and natural phenomena requirements which creates a phenomenon that shines at the centre of the Angkor Wat temple, said the source.During the Equinox event, thousands of tourists gather in front of the western entrance of the Angkor Wat Temple waiting to witness and take photos of the marvelous sunrise.The Ministry of Tourism thus called on national and international tourists and the general public to join and capture this amazing memorable event and promote Cambodia Tourism for the sake of the Nation and People under the banner: “Tourism For AII, All for Tourism”, “Tourism Grows in Peace” and “Each Person is an Ambassador Tourism”.The equinox is the time when day and night are approximately equal in length, unlike some normal months, the night is longer than the day or the day is longer than the night that always happens in the world.This special sunrise event occurs twice a year, in March (Spring or Vernal Equinox) and in September (Autumn Equinox).
Samdech Men Sam An Presides over 10th National Reading Day Celebration
Phnom Penh, March 11, 2025—Samdech Kitti Sangahapundit Men Sam An (Pic. 1), a Member of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the King, delivers her remarks while she was presiding over the celebration of 10th National Reading Day, held at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC) in Phnom Penh this morning under the theme “Reading connects people across generations in society”.
Cambodian PM: A Nation Cannot Develop and Progress Without Human Capital and Peace
Phnom Penh, March 11, 2025 --Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has reiterated the indispensability of peace and human capital for a country’s development.Addressing the graduation ceremony of more than 4,400 students of Vanda Institute, held at Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Centre here this morning, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said peace is the main catalyst, then human capital.The Premier said that now in Cambodia, some garment factories have robots and humans working together, so it requires our human resources to be more skilled and capable.“If we do not have good and qualified human resources, we cannot do anything because the main factor of development requires good human resources, while Cambodia is currently capable of producing many products, even cars,” he stressed.The Prime Minister said that Cambodia’s economy and development are now advanced, so human resources also need to be highly skilled and more capable.“If we do not have enough human resources, then we cannot talk about competition with others,” he underlined.Attention needs to be paid to both quantity and quality for human resource strengthening, that is why the Royal Government has opened up the possibility for Cambodian citizens to be able to learn everywhere from primary to higher education, said Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet.
ECCD: Foundation for Children's Long-Term Development
Phnom Penh, March 11, 2025 --Early childhood care and development (ECCD) is the foundation for the development of children's long-term welfare and health.H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, highlighted the importance of the development while giving a special lecture on "The Role of Early Childhood Education in Promoting the Quality of Education in Cambodia" in Phnom Penh on Mar. 9.It is a cornerstone for lifelong learning from the very early stage of life through building capacities and skills development, he added.He continued that Cambodia needs to invest in ECCD to build human capital essential to address poverty and achieve Cambodia's growth aspirations.