By now this story has made the rounds, so more or less everybody in Cambodia knows about it; not only did blogs pick it up but the PPP found it newsworthy enough to dedicate an article to it; we all know now it was a hoax – whether intentional or unintentional we can just surmise; my guess is it was quite intentional. Khmer journalists sometimes have this foible to thumb their noses at their readers. And did they succeed this time!
KI-Media published an English translation taking it quite seriously; not to mention their readers who maden an almost unprecedented number of comments. The majority did fall for the story.
Even the Details-Are-Sketchy blog commented on it with proper outrage, although with her (?) usual sarcastic overtone.
Don’t people have any sense for reality any more, or do they really think the world, and especially Cambodia has come to this? I mean, think about it! A cool $1.0 million for a bride? It goes without saying this is for a virgin, a highly regarded female attribute in Asia. Although it is not uncommon that parents do sell the virginity of their daughter, with the girl ending up in prostitution in a lot of cases, that prize would deter even the most determined aphrodisiac-seeking Asian male. It is also not uncommon that wealthy parents seek out equally wealthy bridegrooms, but we were dealing with a cash-price here. Who wants to dish out that kind of money for the proverbial cat in the bag?
And really, I don’t think a bride is held that high in esteem by the rich young Khmer as one example shows. I met a son of a successful Khmer businessman not too long ago. He drives a Lamborghini (at $400K not for everyone, and this is not the only expensive car he owns). He was going on and on about his car, and one could see that this was really a very prized possession of his. I finally asked him whether he was married. He said, yes, he is. To my question who comes first for him, he only half-jokingly said, ‘They are both equally important to me’.
Anyway, whatever the editor was thinking, for this to appear in a newspaper as hard news would seem so far-fetched that one could ordinarily not help but conclude that this was a hoax. I was so amazed at the reaction and outrage this produced that I could only attribute this to people’s preconceived ideas about Khmer rich people and Cambodia in general. To them Cambodia is practically a cesspool, and anything is possible here. It is, of course, not surprising that the people who comment on KI-Media fell for it, as I believe their intellectual acumen is with a few exceptions somewhat lacking to begin with. But then we know those people don't know too much about Cambodia anyway.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Recent News – April 2010
Tourist Boost in S’ville
The PPP reports a ‘sharp’ increase, namely 50% more international tourists over the Khmer New Year in Sihanoukville province. A (surprising) 650, yes you read it right - 650, international visitors came to the region (versus 410 in 2009), according to the director of the tourism department.
If that accounts for a boost I don’t know what they would call 1000 visitors – a deluge? This was over the New Year holidays. Who are they kidding? Did they count the expats from Phnom Penh, or what?
Before making such unreflected public comments this director had better learn how to compile real statistics.
Similarly, the 9% increase over 2009 isn’t what they make you believe. Most of that increase is derived from Vietnamese tourists coming for a 3 day visit; that’s how long they usually stay. Additionally, they are not known to be big spenders. In the end, the bottom line for the country is still more or less the same as in 2009 so far. I do know a small number of hotels, though, that are always booked solid. They are even expanding right now.
Rubber Prices
The same issue of the PPP says that rubber prices soared a whopping 236 per cent. This is, of course, true. As of the time of this writing one ton of crepe rubber traded at $3,729, and it looks like prices are going to continue climbing.
Ly Phalla, the director of government’s rubber directorate says he hopes that prices will keep on rising. That’s, however, a pretty short-sighted, if not outright amateurish, view.
One needs to look at the underlying reasons for these incredible increases. He cited the bad weather last year resulting in a decrease in production in 2009. That’s only part of the story. He must have forgotten that there was and still is an economic crisis going on in the world. Thailand, for one, deliberately decreased production on slow demand. Slow demand was the main factor for those plummeting prices to begin with.
The current rise is caused by the still breath-taking growth in China, which is leading directly into an overheating of especially the commodities market. Don’t forget, high natural rubber prices make synthetic rubber look much more attractive. So there is an inherent danger in that rubber price explosion. It will lead to higher prices for rubber based products, which in turn might lead directly to a slowing of demand again. So that spike is sure to come down again to more reasonable levels. Additionally, there is a ‘natural’ shortage at the end of the wintering season. The resumption of production is just starting now. Once it is in full swing again around June, July, prices should stabilize, if not come down. My bet, and my hope, is that prices will settle at the $3,000 mark. That’s high, to begin with. Why hope? I just think of the past bubbles; bursting bubbles always have a dramatic effect, and I just don’t like this kind of drama.
The PPP reports a ‘sharp’ increase, namely 50% more international tourists over the Khmer New Year in Sihanoukville province. A (surprising) 650, yes you read it right - 650, international visitors came to the region (versus 410 in 2009), according to the director of the tourism department.
If that accounts for a boost I don’t know what they would call 1000 visitors – a deluge? This was over the New Year holidays. Who are they kidding? Did they count the expats from Phnom Penh, or what?
Before making such unreflected public comments this director had better learn how to compile real statistics.
Similarly, the 9% increase over 2009 isn’t what they make you believe. Most of that increase is derived from Vietnamese tourists coming for a 3 day visit; that’s how long they usually stay. Additionally, they are not known to be big spenders. In the end, the bottom line for the country is still more or less the same as in 2009 so far. I do know a small number of hotels, though, that are always booked solid. They are even expanding right now.
Rubber Prices
The same issue of the PPP says that rubber prices soared a whopping 236 per cent. This is, of course, true. As of the time of this writing one ton of crepe rubber traded at $3,729, and it looks like prices are going to continue climbing.
Ly Phalla, the director of government’s rubber directorate says he hopes that prices will keep on rising. That’s, however, a pretty short-sighted, if not outright amateurish, view.
One needs to look at the underlying reasons for these incredible increases. He cited the bad weather last year resulting in a decrease in production in 2009. That’s only part of the story. He must have forgotten that there was and still is an economic crisis going on in the world. Thailand, for one, deliberately decreased production on slow demand. Slow demand was the main factor for those plummeting prices to begin with.
The current rise is caused by the still breath-taking growth in China, which is leading directly into an overheating of especially the commodities market. Don’t forget, high natural rubber prices make synthetic rubber look much more attractive. So there is an inherent danger in that rubber price explosion. It will lead to higher prices for rubber based products, which in turn might lead directly to a slowing of demand again. So that spike is sure to come down again to more reasonable levels. Additionally, there is a ‘natural’ shortage at the end of the wintering season. The resumption of production is just starting now. Once it is in full swing again around June, July, prices should stabilize, if not come down. My bet, and my hope, is that prices will settle at the $3,000 mark. That’s high, to begin with. Why hope? I just think of the past bubbles; bursting bubbles always have a dramatic effect, and I just don’t like this kind of drama.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
God Save the King of Thailand
I have been very busy lately, hence no post for some time. Additionally, there wasn't anything worthy writing about in my opinion. Just the same old, same old. It appears as though things are moving in circles, and we've been around all that stuff a few times.
But one interesting story caught my eye as it has a direct impact on Cambodia, and that is, the current Thai crisis. ABC Australia broadcast a report on the Thai King and the Thai Royal Family, its role in today's Thailand, and indirectly in the crisis.
You Tube still has that report online, although ABC itself makes it only available to Australien viewers. Here it is:
Draw your own conclusions, and possibly parallels.
But one interesting story caught my eye as it has a direct impact on Cambodia, and that is, the current Thai crisis. ABC Australia broadcast a report on the Thai King and the Thai Royal Family, its role in today's Thailand, and indirectly in the crisis.
You Tube still has that report online, although ABC itself makes it only available to Australien viewers. Here it is:
Draw your own conclusions, and possibly parallels.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Recent News - March 2010
1. Sponsorship of the Military
The Prime Minister recently announced that private enterprises and individuals should sponsor a military unit. Promptly, the Phnom Penh Post published a list of such sponsors, allegedly drawn up by the government. The government did not issue a confirmation, nor did it deny that this list was indeed real.
I don’t know where this idea came from and who the father of this brainchild was. On the outside it makes sense for a country that is so cash-strapped for necessary development programs; but then, it spends about 3% of the national budget on the military, but the overall spending on security is almost 13%, or $256 million, which is quite hefty all things considered. And additionally, it isn’t as if Cambodia is in state of siege and would need all this patriotic, meaning material, support from its citizens. Realistically, the threat of war with Thailand is virtually non-existent. Those border skirmishes certainly stoked Cambodian’s pride and fervor for their heritage, but to use this as a pretext for such an action appears a little far-fetched.
Perhaps somebody got this idea traveling in the U. S. There you can adopt a highway. The sponsorship entails the donation of a certain amount of money that would be used to repair a stretch of highway. In return that stretch would be named after the sponsor and posted along the highway.
So how about calling this program, “Adopt a Brigade.” Then the brigade would not be ‘Unit 256’ but the ‘XYZ Brigade’ – the commercialization of the military. Maybe two competing companies could then solve their marketing conflicts with military force?
I hope this idea dies as quickly as it appeared.
2. Internet Exchange Points
The other news that raised the hackles of many a person was the idea that Telecom Cambodia would be awarded the installation of one sole Internet Exchange Point, effectively giving Telecom control over Internet content in Cambodia. In a country where less than 1% of population have access to the Internet, this is just as ill-conceived an idea as the one above.
It also raised concerns when the head of Telecom announced they could indeed block any undesirable content, which is nothing less than censorship. Although Telecom is state-owned its function is to provide telecommunications to the public, not to censor news or restrict the freedom of expression.
The Minister of Information, Khieu Kanarith, mollified the public with his statement that the government has no interest in restricting the flow of information from the Internet, and even cited the ‘undesirable’ website Reahu that was not blocked (despite Md. Bun Rany’s attempts to have it shut down). So let’s just hope that the head of Telecom was making unreflected personal comments (there is a nice slang term for this: 'talking out of his ….'), which indeed appeared to be the case here, given Khieu Kanarith’s rejection of the idea.
The other issue, of course, is the central Internet Exchange Point, which by all acounts is a free service provided by a few ISPs, but when awarded to Telecom would become a chargeable service, making already expensive Internet access even more expensive. The Internet is not only an entertainment media but also a great source of valuable information and can be and is used for educational purposes. Making it less affordable to the masses is tantamount to restricting access to the Internet. And that’s a bad idea in today’s world, no matter how you look at it. However, it’s not a done deal yet, so there is room for hope it will fade away quietly but forever.
The Prime Minister recently announced that private enterprises and individuals should sponsor a military unit. Promptly, the Phnom Penh Post published a list of such sponsors, allegedly drawn up by the government. The government did not issue a confirmation, nor did it deny that this list was indeed real.
I don’t know where this idea came from and who the father of this brainchild was. On the outside it makes sense for a country that is so cash-strapped for necessary development programs; but then, it spends about 3% of the national budget on the military, but the overall spending on security is almost 13%, or $256 million, which is quite hefty all things considered. And additionally, it isn’t as if Cambodia is in state of siege and would need all this patriotic, meaning material, support from its citizens. Realistically, the threat of war with Thailand is virtually non-existent. Those border skirmishes certainly stoked Cambodian’s pride and fervor for their heritage, but to use this as a pretext for such an action appears a little far-fetched.
Perhaps somebody got this idea traveling in the U. S. There you can adopt a highway. The sponsorship entails the donation of a certain amount of money that would be used to repair a stretch of highway. In return that stretch would be named after the sponsor and posted along the highway.
So how about calling this program, “Adopt a Brigade.” Then the brigade would not be ‘Unit 256’ but the ‘XYZ Brigade’ – the commercialization of the military. Maybe two competing companies could then solve their marketing conflicts with military force?
I hope this idea dies as quickly as it appeared.
2. Internet Exchange Points
The other news that raised the hackles of many a person was the idea that Telecom Cambodia would be awarded the installation of one sole Internet Exchange Point, effectively giving Telecom control over Internet content in Cambodia. In a country where less than 1% of population have access to the Internet, this is just as ill-conceived an idea as the one above.
It also raised concerns when the head of Telecom announced they could indeed block any undesirable content, which is nothing less than censorship. Although Telecom is state-owned its function is to provide telecommunications to the public, not to censor news or restrict the freedom of expression.
The Minister of Information, Khieu Kanarith, mollified the public with his statement that the government has no interest in restricting the flow of information from the Internet, and even cited the ‘undesirable’ website Reahu that was not blocked (despite Md. Bun Rany’s attempts to have it shut down). So let’s just hope that the head of Telecom was making unreflected personal comments (there is a nice slang term for this: 'talking out of his ….'), which indeed appeared to be the case here, given Khieu Kanarith’s rejection of the idea.
The other issue, of course, is the central Internet Exchange Point, which by all acounts is a free service provided by a few ISPs, but when awarded to Telecom would become a chargeable service, making already expensive Internet access even more expensive. The Internet is not only an entertainment media but also a great source of valuable information and can be and is used for educational purposes. Making it less affordable to the masses is tantamount to restricting access to the Internet. And that’s a bad idea in today’s world, no matter how you look at it. However, it’s not a done deal yet, so there is room for hope it will fade away quietly but forever.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Will He Rise Above Himself?
In view of Sam Rainsy’s recent self-imposed exile the question arises whether he can ever become the opposition leader in Cambodia again. It appears as though this time his opponents want him gone for good. He may appeal to the world opinion and hold press conferences all he wants, it won’t have much effect on the eventual outcome. Which also leads to the questions well-known government critic and eminent overseas Khmer commentator Dr. Tith raised in an open letter published on his website back in February 2010, and which I am quoting here in an edited version.
Quote
Is he an effective and capable leader?
The answer centers on whether Sam Rainsy can be an effective opposition leader against Hun Sen and his CPP and whether he has all the characteristics of a great leader such as those below-mentioned world leaders who led their people to freedom.
Sam Rainsy does not have the minimum of characteristics required of a national hero such as South Africa’s Nelson Mandel, Burma’s Aung San Suu Kyi, or India’s Mahatma Gandhi to attract respect and support from the most influential, and respectable people and leaders in the world. This is the main question about Sam Rainsy as a leader. Therefore, will he be able to muster the all necessary support that is needed internally and externally, to carry the heavy burden that he assigned to himself?
Can he be compared to other well-known modern heroic leaders such as; Nelson Mandela, Aung San Suu Kyi, Mahatma Ghandi?
The answer is unfortunately, No. Because he lacks the moral and physical courage of those great leaders mentioned earlier. We do not wish him to be jailed by Hun Sen. But, some time, when a leader is engaged in challenging a “leader” like Hun Sen, there is almost a certainty that jailing is a very high possibility. All three great leaders mentioned earlier have spent an enormous amount of their useful years in jail; Mandela had spent 27 of his life in jail and solitary confinement, under the racist South African Aparthei regime; Mahatma Gandhi, more than nine years in British jail, and Burma’s Aung San Suu Kyi has been in house arrest for the last ten years. In addition, even great thinkers such as the Chinese philosopher and political moralist, Confucius and the French Playwright, history philosopher, and founder the Enlightenment Movement in Europe, did not hesitate to go to jail in the defense of their belief.
Will he be able to challenge Hun Sen?
The answer deriving from the factors contained in the previous questions, is No. Because, Hun Sen has the full support of Sihanouk; and Sam Rainsy is trapped by Sihanouk due to his family’s past complex – father - relationship with the former king.
Unquote
One may not completely agree with this assessment, but it is hard to dispute considering his fleeing the country whenever he is in hot waters. It appears as if Sam Rainsy does not have the moral and physical courage to face the consequence of his actions. His jail sentence may be a miscarriage of justice, and the new lawsuit against him appears just as preposterous, but so were the lawsuits and ‘legal’ actions against those great leaders Dr. Tith mentions. Sam Rainsy has chosen exile over jail, like most people would, but perhaps going to jail, making him in effect a martyr, would be the one heroic act elevating him to true leadership status. That act, however, takes courage only few people possess.
All the more surprising was an announcement made by an SRP spokesperson that Sam Rainsy would return to Cambodia soon. That statement contradicts the ones Sam Rainsy made not long ago that he would not come back to go to prison; that he will fight from abroad.
Quote
Is he an effective and capable leader?
The answer centers on whether Sam Rainsy can be an effective opposition leader against Hun Sen and his CPP and whether he has all the characteristics of a great leader such as those below-mentioned world leaders who led their people to freedom.
Sam Rainsy does not have the minimum of characteristics required of a national hero such as South Africa’s Nelson Mandel, Burma’s Aung San Suu Kyi, or India’s Mahatma Gandhi to attract respect and support from the most influential, and respectable people and leaders in the world. This is the main question about Sam Rainsy as a leader. Therefore, will he be able to muster the all necessary support that is needed internally and externally, to carry the heavy burden that he assigned to himself?
Can he be compared to other well-known modern heroic leaders such as; Nelson Mandela, Aung San Suu Kyi, Mahatma Ghandi?
The answer is unfortunately, No. Because he lacks the moral and physical courage of those great leaders mentioned earlier. We do not wish him to be jailed by Hun Sen. But, some time, when a leader is engaged in challenging a “leader” like Hun Sen, there is almost a certainty that jailing is a very high possibility. All three great leaders mentioned earlier have spent an enormous amount of their useful years in jail; Mandela had spent 27 of his life in jail and solitary confinement, under the racist South African Aparthei regime; Mahatma Gandhi, more than nine years in British jail, and Burma’s Aung San Suu Kyi has been in house arrest for the last ten years. In addition, even great thinkers such as the Chinese philosopher and political moralist, Confucius and the French Playwright, history philosopher, and founder the Enlightenment Movement in Europe, did not hesitate to go to jail in the defense of their belief.
Will he be able to challenge Hun Sen?
The answer deriving from the factors contained in the previous questions, is No. Because, Hun Sen has the full support of Sihanouk; and Sam Rainsy is trapped by Sihanouk due to his family’s past complex – father - relationship with the former king.
Unquote
One may not completely agree with this assessment, but it is hard to dispute considering his fleeing the country whenever he is in hot waters. It appears as if Sam Rainsy does not have the moral and physical courage to face the consequence of his actions. His jail sentence may be a miscarriage of justice, and the new lawsuit against him appears just as preposterous, but so were the lawsuits and ‘legal’ actions against those great leaders Dr. Tith mentions. Sam Rainsy has chosen exile over jail, like most people would, but perhaps going to jail, making him in effect a martyr, would be the one heroic act elevating him to true leadership status. That act, however, takes courage only few people possess.
All the more surprising was an announcement made by an SRP spokesperson that Sam Rainsy would return to Cambodia soon. That statement contradicts the ones Sam Rainsy made not long ago that he would not come back to go to prison; that he will fight from abroad.
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