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Phnom
Penh (Ah!)
Travel
Tips
- Faces
& Places - May
2004
James Loving - National Radio Text Service
Former US Ambassador Charles B. Salmon Jr. Addresses American Foreign Policy - Changes At Phnom Penh's Riverfront - NAGA Moves - Olympic Stadium Properties For Sale - Who Is Teaching, Training and Influencing The Youth Of Cambodia? - Phnom Penh's Traffic Barriers - Khmer Dining - NR Readers Visit NR - NR Mail
Wednesday May 19, 2004 Cambodia is going through some changes. In part education is one of the keys. Khmer youths are soaking up knowledge as rapidly as they can absorb it. In doing so they are exposed to foreigners' knowledge, character and integrity. Some examples of those that are influencing Khmer youths thinking and conduct are noted in this Phnom Penh Travel Tips.
FORMER US AMBASSADOR TO LAOS CHARLES B. SALMON JR. ADDRESSES AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY @ UNIVERSITY OF CAMBODIA The University of Cambodia in collaboration with the US Embassy in Phnom Penh presented a public lecture forum on 'American Foreign Policy' Thursday May 13th at the school. Charles B. Salmon, Jr. the former American Ambassador to Laos was the guest speaker. Salmon currently is a foreign policy advisor for the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies. Salmon is on a trip speaking to students in Vietnam, Burma/Myanmar, Laos and Taiwan. The program was facilitated by H.E. Neang Phat, a member of the university's Board of Trustees and also is the Director General of Defense Services in Cambodia's Ministry of National Defense. The meeting was open to the public that helped result in a capacity turnout. Salmon noted his surprise of the transformation of the ASEAN region over the past few years. Using a parable from the sport of boxing he said that the ASEAN was performing above its weight (in its accomplishments). "Give credit for the people in the area that accomplished so much in such a short period of time," he said. He pointed out how pleased he was with the civic planning along the Mekong River. Salmon said in an Asian Development Bank report indicated that 80% of Cambodian exports are textiles. He added that the United States opened that market for Cambodian textiles. He also mentioned Cambodia being accepted to the WTO and that the country would have to make some adjustments. Salmon talked about other countries in the Asian region noting how important a role China and Japan played. Though India is not in the region he noted that it is important in Asia foreign policy. Throughout the program the students were quiet and attentive. During a question and answer session Salmon was asked how important is Cambodia to the United States. Salmon said the country must campaign for interest. He pointed out human rights and governance concerns. He noted that some countries ARE REPORTED ON and SOME COUNTRIES REPORT. Salmon said Amnesty International Human Rights Watch and other countries criticized the United States on its death penalty. The most interesting question came from a young man (non student) that appeared to be about thirty who didn't identify himself. He went on to address subjects one of which probably occurred before he was born that being the United States carpet-bombing of Cambodia. When asked his identity after his statements and question he revealed that he was from England. Salmon commented that none of the Cambodians in attendance asked that question. His reply was "Many acts (the US) took turned out to be unfortunate." He went on to say that US trade policies have helped in the prosperity of the region. In summary the students had a chance to hear and learn about things they may know nothing about. This is the new Cambodia. To put this into perspective of the then and now the then is that the Khmer Rouge murdered scholars for being educated. The now is the new Khmer generation is seizing the opportunity to be just that. NR MAIL You may remember that I contacted you last December inquiring about the likelihood of being able to watch a football match in Cambodia during my holiday in May? (I) wondered if you knew any more details of if and when a league season is likely to start? (I will be) in Phnom Penh for Saturday 22nd I imagine. What are my chances do you reckon, although I do realize concrete information is likely to be unavailable? Many thanks Ian Bruce NR The Cambodian Daily reported March 10th that Cambodia was invited to participate in a tournament featuring Asian teams that are struggling to build a program. Countries such as Sri Lanka, East Timor, Afghanistan, Mongolia, Laos and Tajikistan fall into this category. The Cambodian Football Federation's Tola May knows nothing about the event. The senior national team has no forthcoming competitions prior to the Tiger Cup to be held in Vietnam and Malaysia in December. The FA Cup began last week in Phnom Penh. Nine teams are participating including Samart the defending champions of the Premiere League. Games are held every Saturday and Sunday at the Navy Field. Hok Sochetra functions as Samart's player/coach. The Premiere League has yet to set a start date for its season. Speculation is it will begin after the FA Cup.
NR READERS VISIT NR NR readers Ian Bruce and his girlfriend visited NR in Phnom Penh. The British couple had been traveling trough Africa prior to Cambodia. They have been taking in all of the football they can handle including the African Nations Cup. A visit to a Cambodian FA Cup football game is also planned. OLYMPIC STADIUM PROPERTIES FOR SALE The controversial Shin Tian Dih Plaza shops and condominiums surrounding Olympic Stadium are selling for US $106,000. They can be rented for US $800 a month. The three level shop/condo's include five bedrooms and four baths, kitchen plus a room that can be used for a bedroom or office. Parking spaces can be rented for US $15 per month with two spaces available for every unit. This is one of the areas in the development that has caused so much controversy. The tunnels used for parking were originally designed for the drainage of stadium sewage. The facility currently lacks an adequate drainage system to accommodate large crowds for the 60,000-seat stadium. Cambodia had to turn down their opportunity to host this years Tiger Cup because of the situation. Future development plans include a 12-story office building that will also house a supermarket. Construction is planned to begin in 2005 and will take one and a half years to complete. PHNOM PENH'S RIVERSIDE AMUSEMENTS Three years ago we advised travelers to come to Cambodia within two years before it lost its natural charm and became westernized. . In most areas that time has come to pass. Phnom Penh has been going through development changes and for the good. A place to have fun and an opportunity to forget the problems of the region has emerged in the city. Reclaimed land at the end of Sihanouk Boulevard at the riverfront is now the home of the Naga Casino, the Black & White Gym and an amusement park. The Chaktomuk Garden Amusement Park is attracting large crowds of Khmer families. The amusement park has numerous Ferris wheels, merry-go-rounds, trains, bumping cars, a roller skating rink and other rides for all ages. Naga Casino relocated this past year from the boat they occupied to their own building housing a hotel/casino. The hotel remains under construction. The old Naga boat is moored in the Tonle Sap River directly in front of the Black & White Gym. Adjacent to Naga sits the new National Assembly building. The Assembly is not currently occupying the premises awaiting the formation of a new government. There are numerous eating-places on the amusement area grounds ranging from food stalls to two indoor restaurants. KHMER DINING During the Khmer New Year Phnom Penh was virtually deserted. A couple visiting Phnom Penh visiting for the first time were wandering around Sihanouk Boulevard looking for a Khmer restaurant THAT WAS OPEN. This is a difficult task during the New Year since most restaurants and businesses are closed. The New Year is celebrated throughout the week. Cambodian's return to the homes in the provinces to visit their families and pay homage to their ancestors... thus you and your stomach are pretty much on your own. To cut to the chase Pon Lok restaurant on the riverfront's Sisowath Quay road has some of the best tasting Khmer food at reasonable prices that can be found in Cambodia. Pon Lok Restaurant: #319-323 Sisowath Quay - Tel: (23) 212-025 SAY WHAT??? The famed club Martini's a fixture in Phnom Penh for eleven years is said to be closing by August 1st. The land in that area is to be developed. Will that happen? Stay tuned. TRAFFIC BARRIERS STOP TRESPASSERS If you've been to Phnom Penh and observed the chaos that existed on the corner of Monivong and Sihanouk Boulevards with traffic cutting across the road through the Cal Tex gas station causing traffic jams and danger…. that problem has been eliminated. Concrete barriers have been erected to prevent that from happening. The intersection is now safer to cross the street and more importantly for Cal Tex/ Star Mart customers not as dangerous to access their business. CAMBODIAN REFUGE RETURNS There are so many stories regarding Cambodian refugees returning the country and some remain. Twenty-seven year old Khmer/American Khoen Ros returned to Cambodia for the second time since he immigrated to the United States at the age of five. The result of this trip is Ros built a house, met a Khmer lady and plans to marry in July. Ros returned to the United States last week and will return for the wedding. GREED, LACK OF TALENT OR CREDIBILITY? What radio station manager in Phnom Penh has inserted himself on the only two SPONSORED shows on the station during the first quarter of this year according to the schedule on their web site? It raises the question is the move due to greed, a lack of talent at the station, a conflict of interest, ego or all mentioned? If there is a lack of talent… WHY? Is the station manager doing his job when there is a lack of sponsorship growth and talent development over a five year period? The station doesn't pay most of its student employees. They do pay $2 an hour for some DJ's that aren't hosting a sponsored show. Sponsored shows PAY THE MONEY. In this case Cam Shin and Pencil Markets were the sponsors. The latest posted schedule (March) also only noted two sponsored shows with Pencil not included. Total (gas) returns as a sponsor. That deal was originally brought to the station by the hosting DJ. Under the Americans watch the station released a CD of pirated songs FOR SALE in CD shops. Could this type of theft factor in WTO agreements? The CD says it's the stations Top Ten requested songs. With an example like this Khmer youth are led to think this is the way to do business. Do the math, logic and GO FIGURE EMPLOYEE RAID What NGO chief is raiding his former employee to hire some of their staff? CREDIBILITY GAP What Asia Foundation funded NGO chief is dodging paying a $30 debt that's been due for 2 ½ years. Other than ducking, hiding, lying and not showing up for arraigned meetings to pay the debut this person is responsible for training and setting an example for his young Khmer employees. The lack of responsibility is heightened when you consider that the individuals bar bill for a week could exceed the $30 owed as he is seldom seen without a beer when at a bar or restaurant. It raises the question doesn't a persons integrity factor into the Asia Foundation's criterion for funding? This is one example of what type of individual that is influencing the thinking and actions of young Khmers. BARS FALLING LIKE FLYS The bar business in Phnom Penh is like a Ferris wheel where some bar owners get on while others get off. Word has it that numerous bar/restaurants are up for sale. Names mentioned include the Riverside, The Riverhouse Lounge and K Bar. The K Bar was purchased this past year. The Riverhouse and Riverside have been in business for several years. SAY WHAT!!! BUYER BEWARE In a recent edition of Phnom Penh's Bayon Pearnik magazine it mentioned that an enterprising gent bought a bar in Cambodia and soon after taking over he found that the lease was about to run out on the property. COMPUTER ACCESSORIES PTC has a large stock of computer accessories for some of the best prices in town. They have a huge turnover and the product moves fast. PTC is located across from the Pash Thmei (Central Market) @: 75Eo, 77Eo and 83Eo Street 126. Tel: 023- 723-473. Email: PTC.COMPUTER@bigpond.com.kh RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES One indicator that Phnom Penh/Cambodia is on fast forward catching up to speed with products is finding rechargeable batteries at the Big A supermarket on the second floor. Some camera shops and computer supply shops also carry them. A year ago we couldn't find them in a camera shop or computer accessory store. The price is comparable or less than if purchased in Thailand. DOUBLE DEALING? If surviving in the restaurant/bar business in Cambodia for a foreigner wasn't tough enough check this out. A Khmer restaurant/guesthouse owner was friendly with a foreigner who eventually invested in a bar/restaurant on his property. A great deal of expense was made to improve the site. After spending a great deal of money on advertising and a grand opening the owner presented the new restaurant owner/friend (?) a water bill for $300 and said their customers aren't allowed to use his toilets In Cambodia $300 worth of water can fill the Pacific Ocean (just joking but you get the picture).
© Copyright: National Radio. Any use of these materials, whole or in part, is prohibited unless authorized in writing by National Radio. Contact: nationalradio@yahoo.com ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
© Copyright: National Radio. Any use of these materials, whole or in part, is prohibited unless authorized in writing by National Radio. Contact: nationalradio@yahoo.com ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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