Cambodia Research Articles

The Dynamics of Pro-Government Labour Mobilisation in Cambodia

Following the 2013 electoral setback and post-election protests, the ruling Cambodian People’s Party has pursued policy concessions to mobilise support from workers in the garment industry. This article examines the role of government-aligned unions in vote mobilisation. It is argued that despite their under-performance in the 2013 election, government-aligned unions retain the trust of the Cambodian People’s Party leadership and continue to play a vital role in facilitating co-optation by communicating public policies and political messages to workers, influencing the minimum wage determination process, and delivering free healthcare services. This article contributes to the growing literature on the Cambodian People’s Party’s post-2013 adaptation and the broader literature which often focuses on labour unions in single-party regimes.

Survey on Public Awareness, Attitude and Understanding Towards Epilepsy among Cambodian People

Survey on Public Awareness, Attitude and Understanding Towards Epilepsy among Cambodian People

The Impact of Non-Tariff Measures on the Exporting of Agricultural Products of Cambodia

The production and exporting of agricultural products were considered one of the most important roles of the Cambodian people. In the free trade world, tariff measures were not determined to be the main obstacle to moving products from one country to worldwide, but non-tariff measures, NTMs, were defined to be the main problem nowadays. An empirical investigation using the gravity model with four classes of NTMs: SPS, TBT, PSI, and NTB was carried out to assess the impact of Cambodia’s exported agricultural products abroad. In order to generate robust standard errors for hypothesis testing, the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) estimation method was combined with the bootstrapping technique. The results of this research supported the gravity model hypothesis, however, SPS and PSI were negatively affecting Cambodia’s exporting at significant levels of 10 percent and 1 percent, respectively, while the TBT measure had a positive influence on trade at a level of significant of 1 percent. In contrast, the NTB class had no significant impact on exports.

Learning the party line: The paradox of politics and Cambodian schools

AbstractThis article examines the paradoxical relationship between state schools and political parties in Cambodia. To gain electoral support, the ruling Cambodian People's Party controls donations to schools, teachers' behavior, and extracurricular activities. Yet schools simultaneously provide spaces for youth to develop a generational identity that encourages skepticism of the party. I suggest that focusing on political parties provides an important means for analyzing how schooling is connected to configurations of power, particularly in authoritarian contexts.

A Review on Development of Aquaculture in Cambodia

Aquaculture in Cambodia is gaining popularity due to growing anthropogenic pressures. Policy discourse is promoting its development as a viable alternative to fisheries. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries reports that aquaculture contributes to the daily livelihoods of rural poor farmers and employment. Fish is a significant source of animal protein, and aquaculture-based fisheries offer enormous potential for fish culture production. NGOs and other organizations are playing a significant role in developing aquaculture and managing aquatic resources in Cambodia. This study is to review on the development of aquaculture sector in Cambodia. The result showed that fish is the most important source of animal protein in Cambodian people’s daily diet. There is enormous potential in fish culture production from floating cage culture, earthen pond culture and rice-fish culture and other fish culture activities in small water bodies or aquaculture-based fisheries in Cambodia. Moreover, fish does not only play a major role in the daily diet, but also in the employment, economy of the rural poor farmer and improvement of women role in aquaculture

“Saving the Forest” with a REDD+ Project: Socio-Ecological Repercussions on Indigenous People in Cambodia

With the ecological threat associated with climate change and biodiversity loss, the push to expand green zones with minimal human presence is gaining momentum, especially in the Global South. In line with this worldwide tendency, the Kingdom of Cambodia has embarked on a long-term strategy for carbon neutrality, aiming to achieve zero emissions by 2050, making it the first in ASEAN to submit such a vision. Protecting the forest is the present-day motto. Beyond this mainstream rhetoric, this article delves into the survival realities of the indigenous people involved in Cambodia's conservation projects. The anthropological research intends to reveal the fate of the villages (human rights, access to land and natural resources, sovereignty) living in and around a conservation area. We examine the case of the transnational organisation Wildlife Conservation Society engaged in a Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) program in a territory traditionally inhabited by ethnic Bunong people. The findings provide significant insights, frequently neglected, into the challenges associated with the will to “save the forest”, with an extremely limited participation of the local population.

“Saving the Forest” with a REDD+ Project: Socio-Ecological Repercussions on Indigenous People in Cambodia

With the ecological threat looming over the world, the push to expand green zones with minimal human presence is gaining momentum, especially in the Global South. In line with this worldwide tendency, the Kingdom of Cambodia has embarked on a long-term strategy for carbon neutrality, aiming to achieve zero emissions by 2050, making it the first in ASEAN to submit such a vision. Protecting the forest is the present-day motto. Beyond this mainstream rhetoric, this article delves into the survival realities of the indigenous people involved in Cambodia's conservation projects. The anthropological research intends to reveal the fate of the villages (human rights, access to land and natural resources, sovereignty) living in and around a conservation area. We examine the case of the transnational NGO Wildlife Conservation Society engaged in a Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) program in a territory traditionally inhabited by ethnic Bunong people. The findings provide significant insights, frequently neglected, into the challenges associated with the will to “save the forest”, with an extremely limited participation of the local population.

The First Dinosaur from the Kingdom of Cambodia: A Sauropod Fibula from the Lower Cretaceous of Koh Kong Province, South-Western Cambodia

The first discovery of a dinosaur bone from the Kingdom of Cambodia is reported in this paper. It consists of a sauropod fibula from a sandstone layer on Koh Paur island, in Koh Kong province, in south-western Cambodia. The dinosaur-bearing bed belongs to the non-marine Grès Supérieurs series and is apparently of Early Cretaceous age. On the basis of various characters, notably the development of the anteromedial crest, the dinosaur fibula from Koh Paur is referred to a euhelopodid titanosauriform. This first dinosaur discovery in Cambodia suggests that the thick non-marine formations which cover vast areas in the south-western part of the country are potentially an important source of continental Mesozoic vertebrates.

The eradication of Cham Muslim women's ethnic identity in Cambodia, 1975–79

Between 1975 and 1979 the genocidal regime of Democratic Kampuchea (DK) in Cambodia targeted minorities including the Cham Muslim population. To hold the regime to account for its crimes against the Cambodian people, the Cambodian government in 2001 formed the Extraordinary Chambers of the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC). Using transcripts of testimonies and judgements from the ECCC, this article examines Gender-Based Violence (GBV) among the Cham Muslim population. The study shows that Alexander Hinton's arguments to explain GBV using cultural frameworks are insufficient in this case. Indeed, Nicole Rafter has proven it is important to take into account the broader genocidal context to the violence. This article argues that ECCC documentation proves that GBV cannot be explained by cultural contexts alone and instead needs to be understood as a means to destroy the Cham and Cham culture.

ឥទ្ធិពលនៃការបន្ថែមម្សៅណែមទៅលើគុណភាពរូបគីមី និងលក្ខណៈទូទៅរបស់ណែមសាច់ជ្រូក

Fermented pork (pork Nem) is a popular processed product among Cambodian people. Fermented pork is made from pork, pork skin, sugar, salt, garlic, chili, ginger, and Nem powder, which are thoroughly mixed and fermented. In the process of making fermented pork, substances such as nitrate and nitrite were added as main ingredients to maintain the pink color of Nem and get a better taste compared to products that did not add these substances. This research aims to study the effect of starch addition on the physicochemical quality and sensory characteristics (color, smell, taste, and appearance) of fermented pork and determine the suitable amount of starch that can enhance the physicochemical quality and sensory characteristics of fermented pork. The research was carried out using Completely Randomized Design, involving 3 treatments (T) and 9 replications. T1 used 1% of the Nem powder, T2 had 2% of the powder, and T3 had 3% of the powder. Parameters such as water activity, hydrogen potential (pH), ash content, moisture content, and the sensory characteristics (color, smell, taste, and appearance) of fermented pork were measured and analyzed. The results showed that adding different amounts of starch had little effect on the physical, chemical, and general characteristics of the fermented pork. Water activity, ash content, and moisture content were not significantly different. The pH levels of all treatments fluctuated during fermentation, which affected the sensory characteristics of the fermented pork. Regarding the appearance and taste, the first treatment (1% of starch) was found to have the highest score in relation to the sour taste of fermented pork. Therefore, this experiment showed that starch addition should not be used by more than 1% of pork, and nitrate powder had an effect on the production of fermented pork.

The Connection and Extended Development in Making for Khmer Ceramics Culture: A Case Study of Thailand and the Kingdom of Cambodia

The objectives of this research are to study the current status of the earthenware production profession, develop and disseminate knowledge gained from research about the cultural landscape network of Khmer-culture ceramics, and promote the exchange of knowledge in Khmer-culture ceramic production between Thailand and the Kingdom of Cambodia. The ultimate goal is to transfer the research findings into practical applications for both commercial and public benefits. The results of the research study have provided insights into the characteristics, patterns, and motifs of Khmer-inspired glazed ceramics in Thailand. Through the collection and study of various relevant data related to Khmer-inspired glazed ceramics, the wares used in Khmer-style glazed ceramics can be broadly categorized into two main groups based on their usage. The first group includes wares used in daily life, such as earthen jars, pots, cassettes, bottles, bowls, water pots with spouts, animal sculptures, and jewelry. The second group consists of wares used on special occasions or in religious ceremonies, such as fish and conch objects. Both groups of glazed ceramics are classified as stoneware fired at high temperatures. The cultural landscape network of Khmer-culture ceramics has identified three groups of pottery producers in present-day Cambodia. These groups are 1) the National Center for Khmer Ceramics Revival (NCKCR), 2) the Kampong Chhnang Ceramic Artisans Group, and 3) the Siem Reap Mordock Ceramics Group. To facilitate the transfer of professional skills in Khmer ceramics, training and skill-sharing programs have been established in designated locations in Thailand, specifically at the Department of Ceramics Technology, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Buriram Rajabhat University, and in Cambodia at the Siem Reap Mordock Ceramics Group. These practical training programs cover the entire process of Khmer-style glazed ceramic production, including soil preparation, shaping, decorative techniques, glazing, and firing. A collaborative work evaluation and a summary of the training results are conducted together. After conducting training workshops to transfer knowledge and skills in the pottery profession, the research team presented the outcomes of the training in three locations in Thailand, namely, the exhibition "Millennium Porcelain Fair, Ban Kruat Tradition" in Ban Kruat District, Buriram Province, "Bond Klay Keramic: International Ceramic Art Workshop & Conference 2017" at Ruen Thai, Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University under the Royal Patronage, Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani Province, and "Exhibition at RMA Gallery Sukhumvit Soi 22, Bangkok." In Cambodia, the works were showcased at the Angkor Handicraft Association (AHA) in Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia. Both exhibitions received significant interest from the visitors, contributing to the international recognition and dissemination of the creative ceramic works resulting from the cultural landscape network of Khmer-culture ceramics.

Remittance and Migrant Workers in Thailand: A Case Study of Parents in Sangke District of Battambang Province

Labour migration is a world phenomenon, and it has also become vital to Cambodian people in terms of remittances. This article examines the perception of parents whose children have migrated to Thailand. The paper examines the contribution of remittances on parents’ socio-economic improvement, with special attention to (a) reasons for migration to Thailand, (b) sectors of employment of migrant workers, and (c) remittances from Thailand and their usage in Cambodia. The study reveals that remittances from labour migration to Thailand are significant for living conditions of parents in Cambodia. The majority of workers migrated to Thailand due to lack of local job opportunities (93.5%), followed by those migrating in search of a decent income or salary (85.5%). There were also other reasons for migration, including household poverty (62.3%). In Thailand, migrant workers are employed in construction (35.5%), food/beverages (30.7%), services (18.0%), and industry (13.8%). They are hired in non-skilled positions, which makes them more vulnerable to exploitation and trafficking. The monthly average remittance was as small as 95.47 US dollars, and it is mostly used to contribute to parents’ living condition. In particular, there is a close relationship between remittances and holding an ID Poor status. It is clear parents with ID Poor status are highly dependent upon remittances. Parents of migrant workers used remittances for food consumption (35.98 US dollars), children’s education (22.05 US dollars), and healthcare (8.45 US dollars). This paper contributes to filling gaps in the literature regarding labor migration, remittances, and the impact on the parents of migrant workers in Cambodia.

Ending Tobacco Use Through Interactive Tailored Messaging for Cambodian People With HIV (Project EndIT): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

The prevalence of smoking remains high in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including the Southeast Asian nation of Cambodia. Smoking is especially hazardous for people with HIV. In Cambodia, approximately 43%-65% of men with HIV and 3%-5% of women with HIV smoke cigarettes. Thus, there is a critical need for cost-effective smoking cessation interventions for Cambodian people with HIV. This paper describes the design, methods, and data analysis plans for a randomized controlled trial assessing the efficacy of a theory-based mobile health smoking cessation intervention in Cambodian people with HIV. This 2-group randomized controlled trial compares the efficacy of a mobile health-based automated messaging (AM) intervention versus standard care (SC) in facilitating smoking cessation among Cambodian people with HIV. Cambodian people with HIV who currently smoke and are receiving antiretroviral treatment (target, N=800) will be randomized to (1) SC or (2) the AM intervention. SC participants will receive brief advice to quit smoking, written self-help materials, nicotine patches, and will complete weekly app-delivered dietary assessments for 26 weeks. AM participants will receive all SC components (but will complete smoking-related weekly assessments instead of dietary assessments), in addition to a fully automated tailored messaging program driven by the weekly assessments to facilitate smoking cessation. In the Phase-Based Model of smoking cessation, the cessation process is partitioned into 4 phases: motivation, preparation (precessation), cessation (quit date to 2 weeks post quit), and maintenance (up to 6 months post quit). Our AM program targets processes within these phases, including increasing motivation to quit, enhancing self-efficacy, obtaining social support, skills to cope with nicotine withdrawal symptoms and stress, and skills to maintain abstinence. All participants will complete baseline and 3-, 6-, and 12-month in-person follow-up assessments. The primary outcome is biochemically confirmed abstinence at 12 months, with 3- and 6-month abstinence as secondary outcomes. Potential mediators and moderators underlying treatment effects will be explored, and cost-effectiveness will be assessed. This study was approved by all relevant domestic and international institutional and ethical review boards. Participant recruitment commenced in January 2023. Data collection is expected to conclude by the end of 2025. By demonstrating the greater efficacy and cost-effectiveness of AM relative to SC, this study has the potential to transform HIV care in Cambodia and prevent tobacco-related diseases. Furthermore, it may be adapted for use in other Cambodian populations and in other low- and middle-income countries. Ultimately, the AM approach to smoking cessation could greatly improve public health in the developing world and beyond. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05746442; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05746442. PRR1-10.2196/48923.

Investigating the Situation for Children with Autism and Their Families in Cambodia

Following periods of conflict and instability during the oppressive regime of the Khmer Rouge (1975–1978) and the period of Vietnamese occupation (1978–1992), the Kingdom of Cambodia has adopted policies and initiatives that aim to ensure greater equity and stability across all services in the country as a signatory to international agreements for the promotion of universal primary education (United Nations 2015). The education of children with disabilities continues to present challenges to both policy makers and service providers in Cambodia, though government agencies have made a commitment and invested resources to improve facilities and increase awareness of the difficulties experienced by children and families. Previous studies of provision for children on the autism spectrum in Cambodia suggest that they are little understood and that many experience difficulties accessing appropriate services or support. However, these reports have often been based on localised small-scale studies and have not provided a broader national perspective of the situation. A national analysis of the situation for persons with autism was conducted to provide a more detailed picture of the experiences of children with autistic spectrum disorders and their families. Data were collated using focus groups and interviews with service users and providers from a purposive stratified sample across the country. The findings reveal that a limited awareness and understanding of autism amongst both professionals and the general public has limited opportunities for development. Education facilities and expertise are limited, and access to therapeutic and specialist medical provision is poor. The pervasive nature of poverty has been a major contributory factor in the slow development of and accessibility to services to this population. A number of recommendations have been made and are being used to shape future policies for children with autism and their families in Cambodia.

Cambodia’s political succession and the next government’s external policies

The victory by the ruling Cambodian People’s Party in July 2023 parliamentary elections occurred in the context of an ongoing leadership transition. Soon after the elections, Prime Minister Hun Sen announced plans to pass the premiership to his son, General Hun Manet, with broader generational change set to occur simultaneously in the ruling Cambodian People’s Party. Cambodia’s foreign policy, partly in preparation for this transition, has shifted from close alignment with China to a hedging posture in an effort to give the state more options in choosing its international partners.

Marketing Activities among Social Media Users in Cambodia: Mixed Method Research

Cambodian people generally use social media sites before using Google to find information. It is commonly assumed that social media is a place for first impressions and where businesses must present their products and services. This study used an explanatory sequential mixed method with a follow-up explanation design to evaluate the construct validity of social media marketing activities (SMMAs) with empirical data and developed assessment criteria for SMMAs. The quantitative samples were chosen using the stratified sampling technique, whereas the qualitative participants were chosen using the purposive sampling technique. The quantitative data were gathered from 500 Cambodian social media users via Google Forms, whereas the qualitative data were collected from seven experts via an online interview. Descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analyses (CFA), and content analysis were used to examine and test the research hypotheses. Subsequently, the key results were endorsed using a mixed method. The results uphold the research hypotheses at the statistical level p < .01. CFA with the goodness of fit indices confirmed the construct validity. The findings revealed SMMAs assessment criteria in five components and 27 indicators, including perceived risk, trendiness, interaction, customization, and entertainment, respectively. The quantitative and qualitative research findings of the assessment criterion of SMMAs in Cambodia, which were approved by the follow-up explanation design, complement each other.

ВОЕННО-МОРСКАЯ БАЗА РЕАМ КАК ОДИН ИЗ ФАКТОРОВ НАПРЯЖЕНИЯ В ОТНОШЕНИЯХ МЕЖДУ КНР И США

Since gaining independence, the Kingdom of Cambodia has been striving for neutrality in its foreign policy, which includes a ban on the deployment of foreign troops on its territory, refusal to join military-political blocs, and balancing the interests of China and the United States. At the same time, military cooperation with the PRC is perceived by Washington negatively. This article examines the impact of the Ream naval base on the interaction between Phnom Penh and the two superpowers, as well as on Chinese-US relations.

МАСШТАБНЫЙ ТРАНЗИТ ВЛАСТИ В КАМБОДЖЕ КАК РЕЗУЛЬТАТ ПАРЛАМЕНТСКИХ ВЫБОРОВ 2023 Г.

This article analyses the results of the July 2023 parliamentary election in Cambodia, election manifestos, and the structure of political forces. The author shows that a confident electoral victory of the Cambodian People’s Party accelerated the process of power change and the retreat of previously dominant politicians headed by Hun Sen. Key positions are now occupied by the younger generation led by Hun Manet. The article concludes that a clan-based, familial mechanism of power transition has been formed in Cambodia.

State Mobilization in Authoritarian Regimes: Youth Politics and Regime Legitimation in Cambodia

AbstractThis article explains the political significance of the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia, the quasi-youth wing of the ruling Cambodian People's Party in Cambodia. I argue that pro-regime events organized by the youth wing are a form of state mobilization designed to help the ruling party pre-empt the threat posed by the country's growing youth population. In doing so, the youth wing draws upon the monarchy, culture, and nationalism to regenerate the ruling party's legitimacy claims to make them more appealing to the target group. The article contributes to our knowledge of how authoritarian regimes mobilize citizens to maintain power.

Guidelines to enhance community participation in Community Learning Centres in the Kingdom of Cambodia

This research aims to (1) study the current state and needs of the community to enhance participation in Community Learning centres (CLCs) in Cambodia, and (2) consider the required coverage of guidelines to enhance community participation in CLCs. The research utilized a mixed-method design which conducted a survey with a sample of 28 CLC committee members and 197 community people using stratified random sampling. The quantitative data were analyzed through means [Formula: see text], standard deviation (SD), and Priority Need Index Modified (PNImodified). The in-depth interviews and Likert-scale questionnaires have been conducted with experts to clarify and confirm the guidelines’ item validity and feasibility. Overall, the practices of CLCs in enhancing community participation are at a moderate level, while the desirable needs of communities for participation in the CLCs in Cambodia are at a high level. This study suggests requirements for guidelines which will enhance community participation in CLCs in Cambodia comprising of vision, goals, and guidelines that aim to transform CLCs to become lifelong learning centres by 2030.