Cambodia

A deadly clash on the disputed border with Thailand triggered troop buildups, trench digs, and bunkers; both countries agreed to pull back as civilians are anxious, schools drilling, farmers delaying planting; Cambodia seeks ICJ, Thailand opts for talks

First Khmer-language AI model, enhancing digital access for farmers, students and public services was launched; developed by the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology, it aims to promote language and digital inclusion

Cambodia finalized a $1,2 billion deal with China to build the 151 km Funan Techo Canal between Mekong River and Gulf of Thailand; A 51% Cambodian-49% Chinese joint venture, it will boost trade and jobs, but raises concerns over ecological impacts

Ream Naval Base was upgraded with new pier and Cambodia-China Joint Logistics&Training Center; PM Hun Manet announced an upcoming visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping, emphasizing commitment to sovereignty, denying any exclusive foreign military presence

Health Minister urges continued efforts to promote public health through the Health Equity Fund Card, which provides free healthcare to vulnerable groups; the program ensures access to medical services for the poor, elderly, and disabled

Defense Minister inspected the construction of the Win-Win Memorial in Pailin, commemorating the end of Cambodia’s civil war; Win-Win Policy, introduced in the 1990s, aimed to reintegrate former Khmer Rouge into society through security guarantees

At the Education Congress, Education Minister Hang Chuon Naron launched Sala Digital, a virtual learning platform, and urged teachers to use ChatGPT and AI to enhance teaching, learning and research; teachers requested training for better implementation

The Kuoy ethnic group is celebrating Bonn Prey Lang, a two-day festival honoring the forest; around 2-300 people take part in religious ceremonies, including ordaining 100+ big trees to promote conservation and preserve their indigenous cultural identity

Monkeys at Angkor Archaeological Park are causing problems by stealing food and injuring visitors, as feeding by content creators has made them more aggressive; authorities urge tourists not to feed or touch the monkeys and are working to reduce incidents

The Dead River Restoration in Kampong Thom, 35% complete, restores a 30km river and builds 117 structures; it will divert 300m³/s of water, improving irrigation and water supply for 5 districts including Stung Sen, supporting agriculture and flood control

The first 2025 human death from avian influenza H5N1 was reported; 28 years old, the man from Kampong Cham province lived in an area with ongoing poultry outbreaks and had been involved in raising and feeding chicken

The Crane Rice initiative supports endangered sarus cranes by promoting eco-friendly farming; it reached 120 families and 132 hectares, offering farmers premium rice prices while creating safe crane habitats, balancing conservation and community welfare