Hun Sen Dodges a Shoe, Microlenders Push Back, Phnom Tamao Zoo in Peril

May 13, 2022

DUCK MARTINS: Hun Sen’s first-ever trip to the White House was marred by a shoe-throwing incident. The Strongman sidestepped the loafer, but some local criticism stuck.
SHAM ALERT: After extensive interviews, a regional election watchdog gave its verdict on the chances of free-and-fair elections being held in Cambodia: Not gonna happen.
IN CAPTIVITY: The much-loved Phnom Tamao Zoo, which has delighted locals, tourists (and sun bears) for decades, is part of a large area now slated for luxury land development.

THE LEDE

Sole Brother

Glad-handers and a flying shoe greeted Hun Sen in Washington where he led an ASEAN delegation for talks with President Biden.

The Strongman visited the White House and spoke to a group of 2,000 Khmer expats. He also sat down with an assembly of social analysts and YouTube personalities.

The prime minister — likely playing to American sentiment — walked backed accusations that Kem Sokha had conspired with the U.S. to overthrow his government and even said the opposition leader should be allowed to travel abroad for medical care.

The shoe, for the record, didn’t hit Hun Sen, but he was unable to sidestep criticism from activists and others for his recent crackdown on dissent.

Trade Tussle

Cambodia blasted the E.U. with both barrels after the bloc threatened to withdraw all trade privileges. The government called the resolution a blatant trespass into domestic politics and an attack on the Kingdom’s sovereignty.

The E.U. warning cited a litany of perceived human-rights violations and called for the use of “all tools available” to place Cambodia back on a democratic path.

A full suspension could cost the Kingdom more than $623 million per year.

Even so, the government appeared unfazed by the bad publicity. Few are likely to lose sleep over deteriorating E.U. relations, as surging exports to the U.S. and China offset the losses.

Sweet Nothings

The CPP squashed chatter of a political détente sparked by a four-hour sit-down between Hun Sen and Kem Sokha.

The leaders met over bananas and cake during the funeral of Hun Sen’s brother. The unscheduled klatch prompted speculation the prime minister might resolve Kem Sokha’s legal woes and allow him to campaign in coming elections.

Analysts called such a deal wishful thinking. The CPP is days away from clinching another five years of unchallenged power. It has no reason to let Kem Sokha return and spoil the party.

TALKING POINTS

Democracy Flop

A regional election watchdog said local polls scheduled for June 5 were certain to fail the free-and-fair test. The Asian Network for Free Elections interviewed more than 60 stakeholders from across the political spectrum, concluding that legitimate elections were impossible under Cambodia’s repressive political environment.

Airport Row

National officials waded into a long-simmering standoff at the new Phnom Penh airport, where 121 families are fighting for a better offer on their land. The conflict has become a potent political issue in the area, leading to significant Candlelight Party gains.

Amazing Mekong

Fishermen on a remote stretch of the Mekong reeled in one of Southeast Asia’s largest and rarest fish: the Mekong giant stingray. Scientists called the discovery of the 4-meter, 180-kilogram specimen “significant,” and said the area likely harbors even bigger rays. The stingray was released unharmed.

Bank Shots

Microfinance institutions pushed back against allegations its money-lending practices “destroyed lives and wrecked communities,” saying the accusations damaged Cambodia’s reputation. A World Bank watchdog recently agreed to investigate claims its Cambodian partners were failing to protect their customers.

Art Scene

Battambang artist Chea Sereyroth explores the hardships of migration in “Quest,” a solo exhibition on display at Air Gallery, inside The Factory Phnom Penh. Across town, the Raffles Hotel Le Royal is showing “Transformed,” the first solo exhibit from Kampot painter Hom Rith, who creates kaleidoscopic tapestries of Cambodian life.

Zoo Zoned

The Phnom Tamao protected forest will soon boast Bentley’s and luxury hillside estates if developers get their way — and it looks like they will. The government has slated roughly half of Tamao Mountain — home to the Phnom Tamao Zoo and Wildlife Rescue Center — for real estate development, with more likely to come.

Covid Zero

Health officials reported zero new Covid-19 cases for a sixth straight day. Cambodia only counts tests performed by hospital labs, raising doubts about the claim. Local media, under threat of arrest for questioning official statistics, offers little pushback to government assertions.

BACKPAGES: From The Cambodia Daily Vault

Suspected Killer Sam Bith Sighted in Pailin

May 13, 2002
Former Khmer Rouge commander Sam Bith, wanted for his alleged involvement in the 1994 killing of three Western backpackers, has resurfaced, having been spotted at a Pailin restaurant last week.

Woman Arrested for Selling Explosives to Hotel Bombers Arrested

May 10, 2002
Officials have arrested a 42-year-old woman who police say sold explosives used in bombs that tore through two Phnom Penh hotels last year, killing three and wounding 11 others.

British Sex Offender Frustrates Authorities

May 9, 2002
The presence in Cambodia of fallen rock star and convicted sex offender Paul Francis Gadd continues to cause a “headache” for the government and police — one that could have been avoided, government officials and watchdogs said Tuesday and Wednesday.

Police, Lacking Charges, Free Accused Cannibal Cremators

May 7, 2002
Unable to find any law that had been broken, police Monday released two Banteay Meanchey province men who allegedly ate the corpse of a man they were supposed to cremate, officials said.

The Weekly Dispatch

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