DJ Ano appears live on TV3, fresh-faced and injury-free

A healthy, happy DJ Ano appears on TV3 on Wednesday. (Photo by: HENG CHIVOAN)

Thursday, 20 November 2008
Written by Meas Sokchea
The Phnom Penh Post

Her appearance dispells more than a week of gruesome reports about an alleged razor attack by a government official's jealous wife
TELEVISION presenter DJ Ano on Wednesday put to rest more than a week of rumours that she had been attacked with razors by the wife of a high-ranking government official and had fled to Vietnam to recover from her injuries.
The TV3 presenter, whose real name is Suon Pheakdei, appeared live on her network in full health and showing no signs of the alleged 83 razor cuts that had formed the substance of the lurid rumours.
In addition to refuting stories of the attack, which began circulating more than a week ago when she failed to turn up for work, Ano said she has asked for a police investigation to determine who might be responsible for spreading false information about her.
"I will file a complaint against those who started the rumours," she said. "When I heard the information about me, I had no idea what to do."
Kha Puon Keomony, director general of TV3, said Ano had taken time off from work to visit relatives abroad but that at her request, he had not released the information to the media.
"I didn't tell anyone," he said. "She asked me not to speak about her.

Day 1 of Bon Om Touk (Boat Race Festival)

Boat rowers practise for the annual Water Festival boat race on the Mekong river in Phnom Penh November 10, 2008. About 29,000 oarsmen in more than 420 boats will compete in the three-day race from November 11 to 13. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Boat rowers practise for the annual Water Festival boat race on the Mekong river in Phnom Penh November 10, 2008. About 29,000 oarsmen in more than 420 boats will compete in the three-day race from November 11 to 13. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
A boat captain prays before the start of a race on the first day of the annual water festival on the Mekong river in Phnom Penh November 11, 2008. About 29,000 oarsmen in more than 420 boats will compete in boat races during the three-day festival from November 11 to 13. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
A Buddhist monk blesses boat rowers before the start of a race on the first day of the annual water festival on the Mekong river in Phnom Penh November 11, 2008. About 29,000 oarsmen in more than 420 boats will compete in boat races during the three-day festival from November 11 to 13. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Boat rowers prepare for a race on the first day of the annual water festival on the Mekong river in Phnom Penh November 11, 2008. About 29,000 oarsmen in more than 420 boats will compete in boat races during the three-day festival from November 11 to 13. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

Hok Lundy’s chopper hit by lightning: Hun Sen's favorite curse bounced back on his close henchman?

Top cop died in helicopter crash in Svay Rieng province
09 Nov 2008
By Chivita and Sok Serey
Radio Free Asia
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
Click here to read the article in Khmer

Four-star general and national police commissioner Hok Lundy died in a helicopter crash in the evening of 09 November 2008 in Svay Rieng province.
Four passengers were on the private helicopter trip from Phnom Penh to Svay Rieng, including General Sok Saem, deputy army commander, and two pilots. All four died in the crash. The following is the report provided by Sok Serey based on questions asked by Chivita.
Chivita: We learned that police commissioner Hok Lundy died from the helicopter crash, how much can you confirm it?
Sok Serey: I received the official confirmation from Mr. Khieu Kanharith, the government spokesman, at about 10:30 PM (Cambodia time). Mr. Khieu Kanharith confirmed that 4-star general Hok Lundy died during the helicopter crash incident while traveling from Phnom Penh to Svay Rieng during a private trip in a private helicopter.
Chivita: Do you know where for sure the crash took place, and how was the crash?
Sok Serey: The source from whom I received the latest news indicated that the crash was in Bavet district, Svay Rieng province, near the plane landing zone in Bavet district, Svay Rieng province.
Chivita: How did the helicopter crash? What about the remains?
Sok Serey: According to a police official from the Khan 07 Makara, who was stationed at General Hok Lundy’s home, he claimed that the helicopter was about to land, but it was hit by lightning and the helicopter exploded into pieces. Hok Lundy’s remain is not in one piece anymore, it was blown into pieces because the helicopter was shattered into pieces after the lightning hit it before landing.
The remains of the 4 passengers included: the two pilots, General Sok Saem, and General Hok Lundy. Hok Lundy’s body was transported from Svay rieng to Neak Loeung in direction to his home in Phnom Penh.
Chivita: Regarding the timing, can you tell us when the crash took place?
Sok Serey: According to a source close to the case, he claimed that it took place past 7PM (Cambodia time).
Chivita: Did PM Hun Sen react or say anything about Hok Lundy’s death?
Sok Serey: Up until now, I followed news on all TV and radio stations in Cambodia, but there is no statement from PM Hun Sen yet. There is no statement issued by high ranking government officials either, but what is known is that there is an upheaval among mid-level police officers and district police officers who held meetings about the reception of Hok Lundy’s body which is transported from Svay Rieng to Phnom Penh.
Chivita: What about the remains of General Sok Saem and the two pilots?
Sok Serey: My source did not say anything about the other passengers involved in the accident, he only said that Hok Lundy’s remain is currently being brought over. The source seems to indicate that the other remains may be transported back together.
Chivita: In the plane, was there any relative of Mr. Hok Lundy?
Sok Serey: There is no official source indicating whether Mr. Hok Lundy’s relatives were traveling with him.

In Phnom Penh, Hok Lundy’s funeral held under tight surveillance

Hok Lundy's funeral (Photo: Pring Samrang, Cambodge Soir Hebdo)

10 Nov 2008
By Pen Bona
Cambodge Soir Hebdo
Translated from French by Luc Sâr
Click here to read the article in French

Hok Lundy’s funeral was held on Monday 10 November in his house in Phnom Penh, located near the ministry of National Defense. An important security force was deployed for the occasion.
Several high ranking government officials as well as numerous police officers participated in this religious ceremony. General Sok Phal, the deputy national police commissioner, told reporters that Hok Lundy’s remain will be sent back to Bavet, Svay Rieng, for burial. “The burial date is not set yet. His family would consult a Chinese astrologer to choose the date,” said the No. 2 top cop. According to Sok Phal, the funeral procession will be held in great pomp in respect of Hok Lundy’s high rank.
Cambodia top cop found his demise in the evening of 09 November during a helicopter crash. The accident occurred at about 8PM, in the southeast of the kingdom, at about 80 km from Phnom Penh. Three other passengers, including General Sok Saem, deputy RAFC commander, and two pilots also died in the accident. The top cop left Phnom Penh at 7PM to travel to Svay Rieng, his birth province. “He had a special mission to accomplish in this province,” Sok Phal said while adding that Hok Lundy’s body was found lying about 5-meter away from the helicopter. He did not seem to have any injuries. The helicopter belonged to Sokha Helicopters, a private company owned by Sokimex which recently invested in 9 new helicopters including 2 Ecureuils (French Squirrel type helicopter) built by Eurocopter and a Robinson R44.
Although the cause of the accident is still unknown, heavy rain in the region during the accident could be the origin.
Nevertheless, an anonymous source who was present on the spot of the accident, indicated that the helicopter landed normally, but that it exploded once it touched the ground. This information still needs to be confirmed.
According to Khieu Kanharith, minister of Information and government spokesman, who was reached by Cambodge Soir Hebdo, experts were immediately dispatched to the spot to investigate the cause of the accident. “We are waiting for the official report from these experts in order to come up with the preliminary findings,” Sok Phal indicated.

09 Nov: Cambodia celebrates independence from France

Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni greets officials during the Independence Day celebrations in Phnom Penh November 9, 2008. Cambodia celebrates its 55th anniversary of independence from France on November 9. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen is seen during the Independence Day celebrations in Phnom Penh November 9, 2008. Cambodia celebrates its 55th anniversary of independence from France on November 9. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni greets well-wishers as he presides over the country's 55th independence anniversary from France in front of Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni (L) watches the procession during the Independence Day celebrations in Phnom Penh November 9, 2008. Cambodia celebrates its 55th anniversary of independence from France on November 9. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Cambodian flag-bearers march in front of the royal palace during the Independence Day celebrations in Phnom Penh November 9, 2008. Cambodia celebrates its 55th anniversary of independence from France on November 9. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Cambodians march alongside a car decorated as a dove in front of the royal palace during the Independence Day celebration in Phnom Penh November 9, 2008. Cambodia celebrates its 55th anniversary of independence from France on November 9. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Cambodians march alongside a car decorated as a dove in front of the royal palace during the Independence Day celebration in Phnom Penh November 9, 2008. Cambodia celebrates its 55th anniversary of independence from France on November 9. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

Khmer "Maysak" may flood Vietnam and put its coffee harvest at risk

Fri Nov 7, 2008
Flood-hit Vietnam on storm alert, coffee at risk

HANOI (Reuters) - A tropical storm developing west of the Philippines could bring rain to disrupt Vietnam's coffee harvesting by early next week if it lands on the central coast, a storm-tracking website showed on Friday.
Tropical storm Twenty Four, or Maysak, is forecast to arrive in the province of Binh Dinh, to the east of Vietnam's Central Highlands coffee belt, the Tropical Storm Risk (www.tropicalstormrisk.com) site showed.
The storm, named after a tree in Cambodia's Khmer language, could cause sea swells and dump heavy rain on Vietnam's central coast over the next 72 hours, the national weather centre said in a storm bulletin on Friday.
Rain during the coffee harvest could halt the process, expected to peak late next week, and may also prevent farmers from drying beans outdoors, thus delaying delivery to port.
If they are unable to dry coffee cherries in the sun, farmers often have to switch to dryers, which raises the ratio of black beans and destroys the taste, both of which are problems if the beans are meant for export.
While floodwaters are receding, 17 northern and central provinces and Hanoi are coping with the aftermath of flooding from heavy rain that killed 93 people. Hanoi reported 22 deaths from the worst inundations in more than three decades, officials said.
On Friday the government urged fishing boats now at sea to take shelter. It also told oil and gas project developers to take precautions to ensure the safety of their rigs and equipment.
"Food reserves, drinking water, essential items for 15 days of use in areas vulnerable to floods should be prepared," the government told local authorities in Danang city, Ho Chi Minh City and 19 central and southern provinces.
Vietnam's main agricultural areas, including the Central Highlands coffee belt and the Mekong Delta rice basket, were not affected by the floods that struck Hanoi and other northern and central provinces.

UNESCO Begins Demarcating Preah Vihear Temple

PHNOM PENH, Nov 7 (Bernama) -- A UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) delegation has begun marking out the boundary of the Preah Vihear temple, said China's Xinhua news agency quoting national media reports Friday.
The Preah Vihear temple was listed as a World Heritage site in July and has since been at the centre of a border dispute between Cambodia, which owns the monument, and Thailand, where nationalists claim the 11th-century ruins were unfairly taken from the Thais.
Both sides have faced off over contested territory near the temple and elsewhere along the border, with troops opening fire on each other last month in a brief clash that left at least four soldiers dead.
Although the border has remained quiet since then, tensions remain high and Cambodian military officials said they would protect the UNESCO team.
"We are ready to provide security for the delegation when they post markers at the temple," Brigade 12 commander Srey Doek was quoted by the Phnom Penh Post as saying.
"Security is good and well-organized," he added.
Meas Yoeun, deputy military commander of Preah Vihear province, said that after the UNESCO had demarcated the temple border, troops guarding it would be withdrawn to another site.
"We will remove (the troops), but we are waiting for orders from higher levels," he said.
He added that both Cambodian and Thai soldiers at the front line are considering declaring the demarcated area a protected zone after the departure of the UNESCO team.