A picture of the dead body of a young female traffic accident victim lying on the street. Is this an image from one of Cambodia's infamously graphic local newspapers? No, it is page 5 of the November 16 English-language Phnom Penh Post, and the editorial decision to use it has outraged many in the expatriate community.
Pascal Brandt-Gagnon is general manager of Asia Insurance (Cambodia). In January 2005 Asia Insurance became the first and only company in Cambodia to offer Bankers Blanket Bond (BBB) insurance. In January 2006, Acleda, Cambodia's leading micro-finance bank, purchased BBB insurance and saw deposits increase dramatically in the ensuing weeks. Brandt-Gagnon spoke to Cat Barton about Cambodia's anti-insurance mentality, the lack of public confidence in the banking sector, and the impact of introducing BBB insurance to the country.
What is a Bankers Blanket Bond?
There was a time, not so long ago, when International Women's Day would have passed in Cambodia without most people noticing. But its significance is recognized by more people now with each passing year.
On March 17th, more than 200 women gathered at a Women Leaders reception to celebrate International Women's Day..
The reception was hosted by four ambassadors and the head of the World Bank in Cambodia- all of whom are women
Psst - want to buy a genocidal maniac's used car? Thanks to eBay, this rare claim to fame is now possible. For a mere 35,000 pounds ($72,000) minimum bid, Pol Pot's alleged former stretch limo could be yours.
"Currently on display at the famous French colonial Renakse hotel (Monireth Boulevard) - opposite the Kings' Royal Palace, the car was discovered by a previous editor of the Phnom Penh Post being used to transport water melon's to the Central Market (Psar Thmei) ... The current owner purchased the car in 2001 and has painstakingly restored it to its current glory.", eBay Says.
Nata is an elegant alternative for the urbanite who knows her way around a spa. While the spa offers the usual range of services -- from aromatherapy to traditional Asian bodywork--its specialized treatments are what set the facility apart from the rest of Phnom Penh's offerings. Nata's signature body and facial treatments employ the "Methode Physiodermie," a Swiss brand of spa care that uses lymphatic drainage techniques and prescriptive, aromatic blends to promote detoxification and improve circulation.
Once, Phnom Popay, or Goat Mountain, was a heartland of Cambodia's ethnic Muslim Cham people, who raised hundreds of the creatures in this secluded spot about 50 kilometers from the capital in Kampong Speu province.
The war changed all that, and by 1970, the area was a Khmer Rouge stronghold and all the Cham had fled or been killed. Today, this again a peaceful spot, a beautiful pagoda stands surrounded by forest at the peak of a hill. Down below a stream runs, making it a favorite picnic spot for Phnom Penh people and locals alike.
Congratulations to Pop Cafe, Green Vespa, Angkor Palm and Funky Munky, the four main winners of our 2006 Bar & Restaurant of the Year competition.
From a field of 60 contestants, and with over 5000 ballots cast, these four businesses were voted the winners by their customers. Congratulations also to the category winners: Pacharan, The shop, Freebird, Equinox, Talkin To A Stranger, Salt Lounge, Viroth's, La Residence d'Angkor, Curry Walla, Linga, Banana Leaf and The Warehouse.
It's difficult to miss; a big neon sign marks the spot of one of Siem Reap's most happening afternoon and evening hotspots. Shaded from the heat of the sun, the Angkor Night Market, located just a few blocks from Bar Street, offers an array of wares that could not fail to please any shopper, as well as small eateries selling cold drinks and snacks for time outs.
After a day wandering in the heat of the temples, most exhausted tourists head to the night market to be pampered by a cool night breeze and a relaxed atmosphere world's apart from the crowded Psar Chas or Old Market.
Last month was the observance of World Fair Trade Day and many of the groups working in this area got together at Phnom Penh's National Cultural Center to celebrate it. The crowd included craft producers and the general public, checking out information booths, playing games, watching some performances and sewing a giant kromar together. We posed a few questions to organizers Nina Howard (Artisans Association Cambodia) and Annie Perng (Village Focus International):
It is more than 30 years since the story was last told of the Bayon, the enigmatic state temple of Jayavarman VII, the greatest king of ancient Angkor. Recently, researchers from several disciplines have again been probing the mysteries of this extraordinary monument and its giant face towers. Under an eminent editorial team, Bayon: New Perspectives brings together for the first time leading scholars whose findings and insights challenge, not always in consensus, many of the earlier interpretations of the Bayon's art, architecture and inscriptions.