Cambodia attracts holiday crowds during Khmer New Year

More than 4.3 million domestic and international visitors poured into Phnom Penh during the celebrations of Khmer New Year, traditionally celebrated between April 13 and 14, far exceeding expectations and reinforcing the capital’s reputation as a leading holiday destination.

Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni diagnosed with prostate cancer

On April 10, Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni announced that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and he is currently undergoing a treatment in Beijing. The diagnosis was confirmed following a thorough medical examination conducted by a team of specialists at one of a state hospital in the capital of China. Based on the doctors’ recommendations, the king will remain hospitalised while receiving treatment.

Cambodia to host 20th Francophonie Summit

Cambodia will be hosting the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh this November. The summit is expected to strengthen economic, cultural and diplomatic ties between the country and French-speaking nations, according to a statement on March 29 by the French ambassador to Cambodia, Olivier Richard.

Southeast Asia divided in reaction to the Middle East crisis

The US-Israel strikes on Iran, which killed the latter’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his influential aides on February 28, prompted different reactions across Southeast Asia. While geographically distant, Southeast Asian governments stated concerns, expressed with cautious language, economic anxiety, and, in some countries, blunt condemnation.