The conflict between the Thais and the Cambodians are still on fire after a group of 100 Thais got held near the Preah Vihear Temple and were accused of crossing the border of Cambodia. A Thai Army ranger in the troop was injured after stepping into a landmine. His leg was ripped off and amputated. He was released by the Cambodian Authority to receive the proper treatment. According to a Thai military official, the ranger stepped on a landmine near the temple but the troop did not really cross the border into Cambodia. Three other Thai protesters, a man, a woman and a Buddhist monk who got arrested by the Cambodian authorities were released and are now in Thailand. Because of the crossing of Thai protesters on the land, Cambodia has closed the border crossing going to the entrance of the temple. (Click here to read the full article)

Cambodian drivers of cyclos and bicycle taxis are now calling the attention of the Cambodian government regarding the treatment they have been getting from various city guards. The drivers are complaining about guards in different markets who keep on chasing them away. According to them, there are also instances in which some of the guards ask money from them to not harass and give them protection in return. The drivers say they can’t afford to give them money as they only earn 8,000 riel a day equivalent to $US 2. The drivers ask the government for help so they can work properly and earn a living for their families. (Click here to read the full article)

Cambodian government welcomed US FBI”s offer to help in the investigation of the assassination of Khim Sambo, an opposition aligned journalist and his son Khath Sarin Pheata. The Federal Bureau of Investigation said that the killing incident could frighten the people in participating in the upcoming election. Cambodian police already have leads but the FBI is just in stand-by in case the government of Cambodia asks for any assistance. Khmer Journalist Friendship Association, Cambodian Association for the protection of Journalists, Reporters without Borders, International Federation of Journalists among other journalist organizations have expressed their anger over the incident which is already the 12th case of journalist murder since the election done in 1993. The president of Cambodian Human Rights Group Kek Galabru concluded that the objective of the killing is to scare journalists and keep them from writing and exposing the truth in relation with the general election. Khieu Kanharith, spokesman of Cambodian government and Information Minister said that FBI’s assistance would be of great help in capturing the criminals and claiming justice. (Click here to read the full article)

No fare increase will take place in Cambodia despite the ongoing oil price hike in relation with the upcoming election. Taxi drivers have been asked to not increase fares during the election season to encourage more people to travel to their villages and vote. Chreang Sophann, Phnom Penh deputy governor stated that they want more people to vote that is why fares have to be kept stable. However, the drivers are calling for measures to stop the increase on gasoline prices otherwise, they will stop operation. (Click here to read the full article)

1 - http://www.cambodia.org/news/
2 - http://www.phnompenhpost.com/index.php/2008071520257/Online-Edition/Cyclo-drivers-in-security-guard-smackdown.html
3 - http://www.phnompenhpost.com/index.php/2008071420256/Online-Edition/FBI-could-probe-journalist-s-murder.html
4 - http://www.phnompenhpost.com/index.php/2008071420255/Online-Edition/Taxi-drivers-say-no-fare-to-campaign-season-price-cap.html