Cambodia 20240506: Synchronicity, Disruption, Strain

Mekong Memo Cambodia Weekly: Business, politics, finance, trade & legal news.

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Headlines:

Cambodia United Behind Canal Project

Press Freedom Story a Web of Narratives

ASEAN Investments Fuel Economic Boom

Regional Casino Showdown as Thailand Joins the Fray

New Airlines, Routes Take Off in SEA

Diplo Roundup: US, MX, TR, CH, DE, FI, AU, VN, PH

Phnom Penh Gears Up for Massive Job Fair

ASEAN Through Cambodia's Lens

$16 Billion ‘Eco-City’ Sees Backlash

Chinese Naval Presence Demands U.S. Response

Court Upholds Sentence Despite Global Outcry

Exports to Japan Surge by Nearly a Fifth

Phnom Penh to Copy a Siem Reap Success Story

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Cambodia United Behind Canal Project

The $1.7 billion Funan Techo Canal has Cambodia rallying behind it like never before, from government bigwigs to even opposition voices. PM Hun Manet sees the canal as more than just an infrastructure lift - it's a symbol of national unity and patriotism. Despite Vietnam's eco-worries and the West's geopolitical jitters, Cambodia is standing its ground on its right to progress. The project should allow a cut in ties with Vietnamese ports and beef up Cambodia's regional logistics clout, and there's a rare consensus within the country about its benefit and necessity.

Read more: The Star (National Spirit), Khmer Times (Unity Movement), Khmer Times (Opposition Support), Khmer Times (Unity), UCA News (Endorsement), Radio Free Asia (Economic Implications), Nation Thailand (China Influence), Radio Free Asia (Environmental Safety), Vietnam News (Information Request), Radio Free Asia (Non-Negotiable Stance)

Press Freedom Story a Web of Narratives

The Cambodian press freedom debate is a tale of two stories. On one side, PM Hun Manet is urging journalists to play it straight, fix mistakes, and ditch the judgy reporting. He wants the media to be ethical info-sharers, not adversaries. At the same time, a government report has painted a rosy picture of press freedom, with most journalists apparently feeling free to report honestly and ethically. But international watchdogs like Reporters Without Borders aren't buying it, ranking Cambodia low on press freedom and flagging concerns about the quality and independence of info available to the public. It's a tug-of-war between government expectations and global perceptions of media freedom in Cambodia.

Read more: Khmer Times (ethical journalism), Khmer Times (role of journalists), Cambodianess (press freedom critique), Khmer Times (positive survey results)

ASEAN Investments Fuel Economic Boom

The Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC) is leading the charge in domestic economic expansion, teaming up with ASEAN heavyweights like Singapore's Changi Airports International and SIA Engineering. These tie-ups are focused on big-ticket projects like developing Phnom Penh's main future airport, hoping to swap out Chinese investments for sustainable growth through long-term Southeast Asian partnerships.

Read more: Nikkei Asia

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Regional Casino Showdown as Thailand Joins the Fray

The gaming industry is feeling the heat as Thailand gears up to legalize its casino own sector, likely luring tourists and gamblers away from Cambodian fixtures. Despite Cambodia's efforts to regulate and grow its gaming market, the arrival of Thai casinos could shake up the regional gambling scene. With 87 casinos up and running, Cambodia has been a major player in Southeast Asia's gambling tourism, but the tide could turn, with investments and tourism drawn to Thailand, known for its higher visitor numbers, lower gaming taxes, and plans for mega-casinos. This comes as both countries crack down on illegal gambling to curb related crimes like human trafficking.

Read more: Asia Gaming Brief (Regulatory), Khmer Times (Competition)