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Leaked Call Sparks Political Storm: Thailand PM Faces No-Confidence Vote Amid Cambodia Clash

June 24, 2025, 8:58 pm

Thailand’s Bhumjaithai Party said Tuesday it would bring a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her government, adding to the pressure on the beleaguered premier. It comes after the party withdrew from last week’s government coalition and amidst heightened tensions with neighboring Cambodia.

The motion, scheduled for next week, will be the first big parliamentary test for Paetongtarn since she was publicly and politically criticized for a leaked telephone call with Cambodia’s ousted Prime Minister Hun Sen. During the call, she blamed a Thai senior military commander and paid respects to Hun Sen a move that has invited scathing criticism in a nation in which the military plays powerful influence.

Bhumjaithai, which has 69 seats in parliament, will require a minimum of 30 other lawmakers to approve the motion when parliament resumes on July 3. The party’s spokesperson, Boontida Somchai, stated that it is negotiating with opposition parties to support the move.

The aftermath of the call has also seen legal repercussions. A group of senators have asked the Constitutional Court and the national anti-graft agency to probe Paetongtarn’s actions, and potentially have her removed. Anti-government demonstrations are also set to start Saturday.

Even as the tempest raged around her, Paetongtarn maintained that her coalition government was solid and had endorsed a cabinet reshuffle and $3.5 billion in infrastructure spending. Pheu Thai Secretary-General Sorawong Thienthong said the government still has a parliamentary majority and is not concerned.

In the midst of political crisis, tensions with Cambodia are escalating. Thailand has shut all of the border gates across seven provinces over security concerns following a fatal clash in May. Trade and tourism have been interrupted, and Thailand has also promised to switch off electricity and internet services to suspected scam centres on the other side of the border charges Cambodia rejects.

Thailand Shuts Border to Cambodia Amid Escalating Dispute & Political Fallout

June 24, 2025, 3:36 pm

Thailand has banned tourists and travelers from entering Cambodia as a bitter border dispute between the two countries intensifies. The ban blocks all vehicles and people crossing from several Thai provinces and stops foreign tourists from flying into Cambodia’s Siem Reap.

Thailand Shuts Border After Clashes Kill Soldier

The Thai military announced on Monday that the new restrictions fit the current security risks. Tensions have soared since deadly clashes along the border in May killed a Cambodian soldier. In response, both countries began trading harsh penalties.

Cambodia blocked imports from Thailand, including fruits, vegetables, electricity, internet services, and Thai dramas and movies. Thai authorities said some exceptions to the ban may be allowed for students or medical patients if approved at border checkpoints.

The military added that the restrictions also aim to disrupt illegal scam networks operating in Cambodia.

PM’s Leaked Call Fuels Political Crisis

The Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra vowed to crack down on scams, promising actions like cutting internet services used by Cambodian security agencies. She also announced a ban on foreign tourists flying from Thailand to Siem Reap.

Thailand previously applied similar measures against Myanmar, where scam networks trapped thousands of foreigners.

The dispute has now triggered a political storm in Thailand. A leaked phone call between Paetongtarn and Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen drew widespread criticism. In the call, she called him “uncle” and told him to ignore a Thai military commander who “just wanted to look cool.”

Paetongtarn defended her remarks as a negotiation strategy, but critics accused her of weakening the army’s authority. After the controversy, a key coalition partner of her Pheu Thai party left the alliance, deepening the crisis.

The roots of this dispute go back to more than a century to border lines drawn after France’s colonial rule over Cambodia.

Thai PM’s Secret 17-Minute Call With Ex-Cambodian Leader Triggers Uproar

June 20, 2025, 4:14 pm

A leaked 17-minute conversation between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodia’s former prime minister Hun Sen has thrown the Thai government into crisis, broken the ruling coalition, and re-awakened deep-seated threats of a further military coup in the politico-sensitive country.

The call, recorded on June 15, followed a deadly border skirmish on May 28 near the ‘Emerald Triangle’, a contested area where the borders of Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos meet. One Cambodian soldier was killed, escalating nationalistic tensions that have simmered for decades over the disputed land.

In the recording, PM Paetongtarn can be heard brokering the relaxation of cross-border limits with Hun Sen. But it wasn’t only the substance, but her demeanor as well that angered. Talking down to Hun Sen as ‘Uncle’ and terming a high-ranking Thai army officer an ‘opponent’, the comments angered right-wing quarters, especially the military upper crust and nationalist camps.

Coalition Breaks, Public Outcry Mounts

The reaction was swift. The Bhumjaithai Party, the country’s second-largest member of the ruling coalition, pulled its support on Thursday, claiming national security. “The PM compromised national interests and undermined the military,” the party leaders accused. The loss has brought the government to a narrow 255-seat majority in the 500-seat House of Representatives.

Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut of the People’s Party labeled the leaked audio “the final straw,” demanding new elections and Parliament dissolution. Protesters marched around Government House the same day, waving Thai flags and calling for Paetongtarn’s resignation. Some senators meanwhile have promised to pursue impeachment, and grievances against the Prime Minister have begun pouring into law enforcement agencies.

Apology, Fallout, and Diplomatic Clash

Apologising to the furor, Paetongtarn clarified that her statement was part of a de-escalation strategy. “It was a negotiation strategy,” she told reporters. In an interview with reporters on Thursday, she regretted the leak and accused Hun Sen of exploiting the chat for local political points. “I will no longer conduct private conversation with Hun Sen,” she added.

The audio, said to have been circulated by Hun Sen to more than 80 Cambodian officials prior to its appearance on his Facebook page, elicited an immediate response from Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Ministry. Thai officials protested formally with the Cambodian ambassador, describing Phnom Penh as committing a “serious breach of diplomatic etiquette and trust.”

Historical Ties and Renewed Coup Fears

Paetongtarn, daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has long come under scrutiny from nationalist elements for her seeming soft line towards Cambodia. Her father described Hun Sen as a “godbrother” at one time and was an adviser to the Cambodian government. Both Thaksin and his sister Yingluck Shinawatra were ousted in 2006 and 2014 military coups, respectively.

Today, with her government embattled and confronting growing public unrest, many fear the past repeating itself. The Thai military, who remain a dominant political institution with strong connections to the monarchy, made a rare public comment on Thursday, urging citizens to “have confidence in the army’s dedication to defending national sovereignty through legal mechanisms.”

Aside from political repercussions, the appeal has also revived past border conflicts, most importantly over the UNESCO-protected Preah Vihear Temple. Although the International Court of Justice in 1962 found that the temple was Cambodian, a 4.6 sq km buffer zone surrounding it is still in dispute.

In Cambodia, patriotic fervor has increased in the aftermath of the deadly confrontation, with Thai imports being banned, Thai TV dramas being cancelled, and internet throttling across borders. Thai officials, on the other hand, have brushed aside accusations of provocation, including allegations of drone monitoring.

Sensitive Moment for Paetongtarn

As her Pheu Thai Party navigates this storm with a fragile majority and mounting credibility issues, analysts warn that Paetongtarn must act swiftly to restore public trust and assert national sovereignty—or risk the same fate as her ousted predecessors.

Two Toddlers Die After Accidentally Detonating War-Era Grenade in Cambodia

February 23, 2025, 1:44 pm

A rocket-propelled grenade explosion claimed the lives of two toddlers in Cambodia on February 22. The accident happened in a remote village in Siem Reap province, a region that witnessed heavy fighting between government forces and Khmer Rouge rebels during the 1980s and 1990s. Heng Ratana, director general of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), stated that the children, both two years old and cousins, were playing in the dirt when they accidentally struck the grenade. This triggered a deadly explosion, killing one child instantly. Unfortunately, the other succumbed to injuries at the hospital.

Expressing his grief, Heng Ratana said, “The war has completely ended and there has been peace for more than 25 years, but the blood of Cambodian people continues to flow because of landmines and the remnants of war.”

Cambodia Resumes Demining Efforts

Meanwhile, Cambodia has restarted its demining operations after a temporary suspension. The program was halted when US President Donald Trump ordered a 90-day freeze on foreign aid. However, US officials recently granted a waiver, allowing the operations to continue.

Even though the civil war ended in 1998, Cambodia remains one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. Decades of conflict have left dangerous explosives scattered across the land. As a result, hidden landmines and unexploded ordnance continue to cause casualties.

Landmine Casualties Continue

Since 1979, landmines have killed approximately 20,000 people and injured over 40,000. Sadly, these incidents are still frequent. Just last month, two deminers died while removing an anti-tank mine from a rice field. In another tragic case, a farmer lost his life after stepping on a landmine.

A Long Road to a Mine-Free Cambodia

Authorities estimate that more than 1,600 square kilometers (620 square miles) of land remain contaminated, putting nearly a million Cambodians at risk. The government had initially set a goal to clear all landmines by 2025. However, due to funding shortages and the discovery of new minefields along the Thai border, the deadline has now been extended by five years.

Trump’s Aid Freeze Disrupts Anti-Trafficking Efforts in Cambodia

February 12, 2025, 9:37 am

Donald Trump‘s decision to halt U.S. foreign aid has severely impacted organizations combating human trafficking in Cambodia. Thousands of individuals, trapped in forced labor within scam call centers, are now at greater risk as funding for shelters, rescues, and rehabilitation programs dries up.

Scam Compounds Exploit Vulnerable Workers

According to U.N. estimates, hundreds of thousands of people work under coercion in scam operations across Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos. Many are deceived with false job promises and later forced to participate in online fraud. These compounds, often supported by local elites, generate significant profits at the expense of trafficked individuals.

Cambodia’s Only Independent Shelter Struggles to Operate

A key shelter in Phnom Penh, run by the Catholic charity Caritas, is on the brink of closure due to the funding cut. This facility is the only non-governmental shelter that assists both Cambodian and foreign scam compound survivors. Two sources familiar with the situation confirmed that victims have already been turned away. Fearing retaliation from the Trump administration, they chose to remain anonymous.

Rescues and Anti-Trafficking Programs Halted

The aid freeze has also suspended civil-society-led rescue missions and trafficking prevention initiatives. Previously, groups worked alongside Cambodian authorities to help victims escape from captivity. Many survivors flee by jumping out of windows or relying on rescue operators. However, without financial support, these efforts are rapidly disappearing.

U.S. Sanctions Key Cambodian Official

Last October, the U.S. imposed sanctions on Ly Yong Phat, a senior figure in Prime Minister Hun Manet’s Cambodian People’s Party. He was accused of running businesses that trafficked individuals into scam call centers. The crackdown, however, has not stopped trafficking networks, and the ongoing aid freeze is making victim rehabilitation even harder.

Journalists and Activists Face Growing Pressure

The fight against these scam operations has already put civil society and independent media under intense government scrutiny. Authorities have shut down media outlets covering the issue, and a journalist investigating scam compounds was arrested. The latest funding crisis has further weakened anti-trafficking efforts.

Critical Support Services Shut Down

Caritas received financial backing from USAID through Winrock International, with an expected $1 million in funding over two years. Additional support came from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a U.N. agency heavily funded by the U.S. Now, with the funding halted, vital services for survivors—including trauma care, legal assistance, and visa support—are in jeopardy.

Jake Sims, co-founder of Shamrock, an organization combating cyber-enabled crimes, emphasized the shelter’s importance. “It is the only qualified and competent shelter,” he said, highlighting its role in helping victims reintegrate into society.

Victims Struggle to Rebuild Their Lives

Even when victims escape, reintegration remains a challenge. Many end up in police custody, followed by prolonged detention in immigration centers. Without savings or legal assistance, they struggle to return home.

Mina Chiang, founder of Humanity Research Consultancy, warned of dire consequences. “In 2022, my team and I saw cases where Taiwanese survivors became homeless on Cambodian streets after escaping scam compounds,” she said. Others, she noted, were hunted down by criminals after fleeing.

Rescue Efforts on Hold

Li Ling, a rescue worker and PhD student studying cyber-enabled slavery, revealed that she stopped assisting scam workers due to the funding freeze. Six victims left the Caritas shelter when operations were suspended, and two have since gone missing. “I am concerned they may have ended up back in scam compounds,” she said, explaining that without resources, they might have taken desperate measures to survive.

Medical aid programs for injured victims have also suffered. One organization, which previously covered emergency surgeries for escapees, including individuals who jumped from buildings, can no longer offer assistance.

Uncertain Future for Victims

Neither USAID, IOM, nor the Cambodian government has responded to requests for comment. Meanwhile, shelters, rescue operations, and medical aid programs remain paralyzed, leaving thousands vulnerable to further exploitation.

“Temple Run” Trend at Cambodia’s Angkor Wat Temple Sparks Outrage

August 29, 2024, 10:39 pm

A new trend on social media, where tourists mimic the popular “Temple Run” video game at Cambodia’s ancient Angkor Wat temple, is causing concern among conservationists and historians. Angkor Wat, a nearly 900-year-old Hindu-Buddhist temple complex in Siem Reap and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has seen an influx of visitors filming themselves running, jumping, and performing stunts within its sacred grounds. These videos are styled to replicate the experience of playing “Temple Run,” a mobile game that gained popularity in 2011.

According to reports, these videos have become widespread on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, with some garnering over 2 million views. Set against fun sound effects and designed to entertain, these clips often show tourists crashing through the historic site and its surrounding temple ruins, mimicking the fast-paced, adventurous gameplay.

When History Meets TikTok: Angkor Wat Edition #NoCoinsCollected #TempleRunners #CambodiaGoneWild pic.twitter.com/dntL8U7PvZ

— Ottster Gaming (@OttsterG) August 29, 2024

However, experts warn that these stunts pose a significant threat to the preservation of the ancient structures. Simon Warrack, a conservation consultant, highlighted the potential physical damage tourists could cause to the temple stones, not only by bumping into them or knocking things over but also by diminishing the spiritual and cultural significance of these historic sites. The trend reflects a growing disregard for the sacredness of Angkor Wat and its cultural heritage, as the quest for viral social media content continues to overshadow respect for ancient cultural treasures.

Cambodian Environmental Activists Sentenced To Harsh Prison Terms

July 3, 2024, 5:25 pm

Ten activists from Mother Nature, a well-known youth-led environmental group in Cambodia, have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from six to eight years. This decision has been widely condemned by human rights organizations. The activists were charged with plotting against the government, and three were also accused of insulting the king. They have denied all charges. The trial has faced criticism for its lack of transparency and fairness. Four of the activists were arrested outside the court in Phnom Penh after the verdict which was delivered on Tuesday, while the others were sentenced in their absence.

Amnesty International called the verdict a severe blow to civil society in Cambodia, pointing out that the government is not willing to listen to young environmental leaders. Montse Ferrer, Amnesty’s deputy regional director for research, criticized the government for choosing to jail those who speak out. Human Rights Watch also condemned the government, accusing it of siding with special interests over environmental protection.

Mother Nature, famous for its viral videos and youth involvement, is one of the few environmental groups left in Cambodia, where freedom of speech is becoming more limited. The group has a strong record of activism, including stopping a Chinese-led hydroelectric dam project in Areng valley and exposing corrupt sand export practices in Koh Kong. Their efforts earned them the Right Livelihood Award in 2023 for their brave and engaging activism.

Last year, Cambodia experienced a major political change when long-time leader Hun Sen transferred power to his son, Hun Manet. This transition came after an election that excluded major opposition parties and saw the shutdown of independent media. These political changes have made ut even harder for civil liberties and environmental activism to thrive in the country.

The founder of Mother Nature, Alejandro Gonzalez-Davidson, was deported from Cambodia in 2015 and was also sentenced in absentia. He noted that the court did not clearly explain the charges of plotting against the state. These charges seem to be related to an incident where members recorded pollution runoff into the Tonlé Sap River in 2021. The lese majesty charges were tied to a leaked Zoom meeting discussing political cartoons.

Among those sentenced were Thun Ratha, Long Kunthea, Phuon Keoraksmey, Binh Piseth and Pork Khoeuy, who got six-year prison terms for plotting. Gonzalez-Davidson, Sun Ratha and Yim Leanghy received eight-year sentences for both plotting and insulting the king and were fined KHR 10,000,000 (around £1,900). These harsh sentences highlight the growing repression of environmental activists in Cambodia.

60 Indians Rescued From Cambodian Job Scam; Safely Repatriated

May 24, 2024, 1:42 am

The Indian Embassy on Thursday in Cambodia announced that the initial group of 60 Indian nationals, who were saved from deceptive employers, have been repatriated to India. These individuals were rescued by authorities from a location named Jinbei-4 on May 20, with the operation being conducted in collaboration with officials in Sihanoukville. Recently, the Indian Embassy also released a guidance advising individuals traveling to Cambodia for employment to ensure that their job arrangements are made exclusively through authorized agents sanctioned by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Always committed to helping Indians abroad.

First batch of 60 Indian nationals rescued by Indian Embassy in Cambodia from fraudulent employers return home. Thank the Cambodian authorities for their support. @MOICambodia @IndianDiplomacy @MEAIndia @meaMADAD pic.twitter.com/8PwGnO59Kg

— India in Cambodia (@indembcam) May 23, 2024

In a post on X, the Indian embassy said, ” Always committed to helping Indians abroad. First batch of 60 Indian nationals rescued by the Indian Embassy in Cambodia from fraudulent employers returned home. Thank the Cambodian authorities for their support.”

Further in another post the Indian Embassy disclosed that, “These individuals were transferred from Sihanoukville, in Cambodia to Phnom Penh today with assistance from the Embassy for travel documents and other arrangements to facilitate their return home.”

60 ?? nationals have been rescued by the Embassy in cooperation with Sihanoukville(SHV)authority. These nationals, victims of fraudulent employment, were sent from SHV to PhnomPenh today. Embassy is assisting with travel documents & other arrangements for their early return home. https://t.co/S7Q3jmFlAw pic.twitter.com/2mDOeNJqxD

— India in Cambodia (@indembcam) May 22, 2024

“60 nationals have been rescued by the Embassy in cooperation with Sihanoukville(SHV)authority. These nationals, victims of fraudulent employment, were sent from SHV to PhnomPenh today. Embassy is assisting with travel documents & other arrangements for their early return home,” Indian Embassy in Cambodia said on X.

#PressRelease : on the rescue of Indian nationals trapped in scam operations in Cambodia. The Mission remains committed to assisting its citizens and facilitating the repatriation as soon as possible. @peacepalace_kh @IndianDiplomacy @devyani_K @AmbSaurabhKumar pic.twitter.com/fnJmSoncKG

— India in Cambodia (@indembcam) May 21, 2024

“The Embassy of India, Phnom Penh is in touch with several Indian nationals who have reached out to us, and who have been subsequently evacuated by Cambodian authorities from a place called Jinbei-4 on May 20,” the Indian Embassy in Cambodia said in a press release.

The issue has been escalated to the highest levels of Cambodian authorities to facilitate the swift repatriation of these Indian nationals.

“Cambodian authorities have informed us that around 60 Indian nationals have been sent from SHV to Phnom Penh today so that they can be sent back to India with the Embassy’s assistance for travel documents, etc.” the release added.

Additionally, the embassy affirmed its ongoing communication with Cambodian authorities, ensuring that essential support and guidance are provided to these Indian nationals on their journey back to India.

A team of Embassy Officials is already stationed in Sihanoukville to offer necessary assistance to the returning Indian nationals. Any other Indian nationals encountering challenges and desiring repatriation to India are encouraged to contact the Embassy.

Furthermore, the Mission has established a temporary Control Room in Sihanoukville for three days (May 21-23). Several advisories have been issued by the Embassy to caution Indians seeking employment in Cambodia against falling victim to unauthorized agents.

Indian nationals have been warned against engaging in activities contrary to the purpose of their visa, such as seeking employment on a “Tourist Visa,” and advised against involvement in illegal cyber activities, with instructions to reach out to the Embassy and Cambodian hotline numbers.

The Government of India and the Embassy of India remain steadfast in their commitment to providing assistance to Indian nationals ensnared in fraudulent schemes orchestrated by unscrupulous individuals. To date, the Mission’s intervention has facilitated the rescue and repatriation of over 360 Indian nationals back to India.

MEA Cautions Indian Job Seekers Travelling To Laos and Cambodia

May 17, 2024, 5:51 pm

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued an advisory for Indian nationals traveling to Laos and Cambodia about scams by fake agents offering lucrative employment opportunities. Job seekers were advised to connect to authorized agents only and get in touch with the Indian embassy for clarification.

Instances of individuals being enticed by these fraudulent schemes have already surfaced. The advisory highlights that deceptive job offers for roles such as digital sales and marketing executives, or customer support service are being promoted by dubious organizations involved in call center scams and cryptocurrency fraud in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone in Laos. These companies have agents stationed in various locations, including Dubai, Bangkok, India, and Singapore, who are actively recruiting Indian citizens. The recruitment process consists of a simple interview and a typing test, with companies enticing candidates by offering attractive compensation packages, hotel accommodations, return airfare, and assistance with visa processing.

The ministry explained, “Visa on Arrival in Thailand or Laos does not permit employment, and the Lao authorities do not issue work permits to Indian nationals coming to Laos on such visas.” Thus, Indian nationals are urged to be cautious of such fraudulent or exploitative job offers.

Inside the Scam: Indians Forced into Fraudulent Activities in Cambodia

March 31, 2024, 2:45 pm

Roughly 5,000 Indian nationals are allegedly being detained in Cambodia and coerced into conducting online scams targeting Indians in their home country. The extensive magnitude of the fraud, with estimated proceeds totaling a staggering ₹500 crore over the past six months, has spurred collaborative efforts between the two nations to dismantle the operation.

“We have seen the media reports on Indian nationals stuck in Cambodia. Our Embassy in Cambodia has been promptly responding to complaints from Indian nationals who were lured with employment opportunities to that country but were forced to undertake illegal cyber work,” the Ministry of External Affairs said, adding that around 250 Indians have been “rescued and repatriated” so far.

As per media accounts, individuals held in Cambodia were compelled to engage in scam activities targeting people in India. They reportedly posed as law enforcement officials, contacting potential victims and claiming that suspicious items were discovered in packages sent by them, thereby extorting money from them.

The police first became aware of this extensive scam late last year after a senior central government employee reported being defrauded of more than ₹67 lakh and lodged a complaint. On December 30, the Rourkela Police in Odisha dismantled a cyber-crime syndicate and apprehended eight individuals purportedly linked to the operation of relocating people to Cambodia.

“We arrested eight persons from different parts of the country and have prima facie evidence against multiple people involved in the scam. We issued Look Out Circulars against 16, following which the Bureau of Immigration detained two men – Harish Kurapati and Naga Venkata Sowjanya Kurapati – at the Hyderabad airport after they landed from Cambodia,” an officer said, the Indian Express reported.

The Modus Operandi

Stephen, one of the individuals rescued from Cambodia, holds an ITI degree. He revealed to The Indian Express that when the coronavirus pandemic hit, he pursued some computer courses. He went on to elaborate on the modus operandi of the racket.

“An agent in Mangaluru offered me a data entry job in Cambodia. There were three of us, including one Babu Rao from Andhra Pradesh. At the immigration, the agent said we were going on a tourist visa, which made me suspicious,” he told Express.

According to Stephen, they were escorted to an office in Cambodia where they underwent interviews. He mentioned that only two out of the three managed to pass the interview. Stephen noted that the boss was Chinese, with a Malaysian aiding in translation for them.

“They tested our typing speed among other things,” he said. “It was only later that we found out that our job was to look for profiles on Facebook and identify people who can be scammed. The team was Chinese, but a Malaysian translated the instructions to English,” he added.

A Day In The Lives Of Cyber Slaves

Compelled to impersonate women using fabricated social media profiles and fake photos, the men were assigned daily quotas, facing repercussions for failing to meet them. This was the daily routine for recruits in a country where they were enticed with the “promise” of better job prospects.

Stephen, as cited in The Indian Express report, stated that the “cyber slaves” endured periods without food or rest if they failed to meet their daily targets.

“We had to create fake social media profiles with pictures of women sourced from different platforms. We were told to be careful while picking the photos,” he said.

“A “South Indian woman” would trap someone in the north to avoid raising any suspicion. We had targets and if we didn’t meet them, we would not get food or be allowed to go to our rooms. Finally, after a month and a half, I contacted my family and with the help of some local politicians, they managed to speak to the Embassy,” he said.

How Were The Indians Scammed

Rourkela police official Upasana Padhi informed The Indian Express that the accused lured the men, or potential scammers, to Cambodia under the pretense of offering employment opportunities.

Upon arrival, the men were coerced into joining companies involved in fraudulent activities, she noted. These companies confiscated their passports, rendering them unable to leave, and compelled them to work 12-hour shifts each day.

“If anyone refused to do what is asked of him, he would be tortured by way of physical assaults, electric shocks, solitary confinement, etc. Many Indians not willing to engage in such scams are trapped there. We are trying to identify, contact, and bring them back through proper channels,” Ms Padhi said.

The scammers would pose as women on dating apps and chat with the potential targets. “After some time, they would convince the target to invest in cryptocurrency trading. Many were duped in India this way,” she said.

According to the Rourkela Police, the agents got the men to join another company that focused on investment scams in October 2023. “This company lured people to invest in fake stocks. They also created a fake online app,” the officer said.

Ms. Padhi stated that the police have amassed critical details, such as the whereabouts of the fraudulent companies, their agents, methods of operation, and organizational structure.

Additionally, they have pinpointed three senior operatives of Indian descent and one senior operative from Nepal. “We intend to arrest key players in this scam with the help of Interpol,” she added.

Cambodia: 72-year-old killed by 40 crocodiles after falling in enclosure at family farm

May 26, 2023, 2:58 pm

A Cambodian man was killed by 40 crocodiles on Friday after falling into their enclosure on his family’s reptile farm, according to authorities.

When the crocodile grabbed the stick he was using as a goad and drew him in, the 72-year-old was trying to transfer it out of a cage where it had lay eggs.

The main group of reptiles then attacked him, tearing his body apart and splattering blood all over the concrete enclosure at the farm in Siem Reap.

“While he was chasing a crocodile out of an egg-laying cage, the crocodile attacked the stick, causing him to fall into the enclosure,” Mey Savry, police chief of Siem Reap commune, told the media.

He further added “Then other crocodiles pounced, attacking him until he was dead.” Savry also revealed that the remains of the victim’s body were covered with bite marks.

He even claimed that the crocodiles bit off one of the man’s arms and consumed it.

According to the police head, a two-year-old child was killed and eaten by crocodiles in 2019 after wandering into her family’s reptile farm in the same area.

There are several crocodile farms in and around Siem Reap, the gateway city to the world-famous Angkor Wat monuments. The reptiles are kept for their eggs, skins, meat, and the commerce in their young.

Rajnath Singh meets counterparts from US and Australia in Cambodia

November 22, 2022, 2:44 pm

Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister of India met his counterparts from Australia and the United States in Siem Reap, Cambodia. He held a meeting with Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Richard Marles in Cambodia.

The two presidents talked about expanding defence ties and improving collaboration between Australia and India during their discussion. Rajnath Singh, in particular, travelled in Siem Reap on November 21 to co-chair the India-ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting and to take part in the 9th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM Plus). Rajnath Singh announced on his official Twitter account that he had “insightful discussions” with Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense, Mr. @RichardMarlesMP, about strengthening defence ties and expanding cooperation between India and Australia in Siem Reap, Cambodia, on Monday.

Richard Marles tweeted, “Great to see @rajnathsingh today to reflect on the significant growth of our defence partnership in 2022 and discuss our shared ambitions for future cooperation. Australia and India are great friends and we share an interest in an open, prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific

Rajnath Singh held a meeting with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, during his visit to Combodia. He tweeted, “Delighted to meet the US Secretary of Defence, Mr Lloyd J. Austin in Siem Reap.” He also had a meeting with New Zealand Defence Minister Peeni Henrae in Cambodia.

Singh tweeted, “Had a wonderful interaction with the Defence Minister of New Zealand, Mr. Peeni Henare.”

Earlier on 21^st November, Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia General TEA Banh.

Rajnath Singh and TEA Benh discussed the strong historical and cultural ties between India and Cambodia at the meeting. According to a news release from the Ministry of Defence, the two leaders recognised the Cambodian temple complex Angkor Wat as a representation of the “long-lasting relations” between their two countries.

India and Cambodia are commemorating 70 years of diplomatic relations this year. Rajnath Singh gave Cambodia his congratulations for holding the ASEAN and ADMM Plus chairmanships in 2022 at the meeting. The two leaders reviewed the full range of defence cooperation and talked about ways to strengthen bilateral ties between their two countries that would benefit both parties.

Vice President Dhankhar participates in 17th East Asia Summit in Cambodia

November 13, 2022, 12:34 pm

Jagdeep Dhankar, Vice President on Sunday participated in the 17^th East Asia Summit in Phnom Penh , Cambodia. Dhankar and his wife Sudesh Dhankar arrived on a three-day visit to Cambodia on November 11.

Alongside the 17th East Asia Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Jagdeep Dhankhar also met US President Joe Biden. It is important to note that Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, did not go to the East Asia Summit. Despite getting an invitation from the host Indonesia to the G20 leaders’ conference slated for next week, he is not certain to go.

Notably, the East Asia Summit includes eight dialogue partners—India, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Russia—as well as ASEAN member states Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

The premier venue for strategic discussion in the Indo-Pacific is the East Asia Summit (EAS). It is the only forum led by leaders where all significant Indo-Pacific partners gather to discuss the political, security, and economic issues that the region is currently facing, and it has a significant impact on fostering tighter regional cooperation.

The annual Leaders’ Summit, which often takes place in conjunction with ASEAN Leaders meetings in the fourth quarter of every year, is the culmination of the EAS calendar, according to a statement provided by the Australian government. Leaders also make statements on current events to demonstrate political will for shaping policy responses and to establish a foundation for collaboration.

In addition to the Leaders Summit, the EAS Foreign Ministers and Economic Ministers convene annually.

Meetings between EAS Environment, Energy and Education Ministers are also held from time to time. Almost entirely as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, the 16th East Asia Summit took place on October 27, 2021. Dhankhar took part in the 19th ASEAN-India Summit earlier on November 12 in Phnom Penh.

The ASEAN-India Summit is notable for celebrating the 30th anniversary of dialogue relations between the two nations. In Phnom Penh, Vice President Dhankhar met with Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia. The “wide-ranging” discussions between the two leaders included a variety of topics, including de-mining, human resources, and development initiatives.

In Phnom Penh, Dhankhar and Hun Sen were present when four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged between India and Cambodia in the fields of culture, wildlife, and health. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar attended a gathering for the Indian community on November 11 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Speaking on the occasion, VP Dhankhar remarked, “We think of Cambodia as our civilizational sister and extended family, just as we think of Cambodia as the respected land of Lord Buddha.” In Phnom Penh’s Chakto Mukh Conference Hall, Dhankhar and his wife Sudesh Dhankhar attended the painting exhibition of the ASEAN-India Artists Group.