News from the Mekong

His dreams for filmmakers in the Mekong region. His role in opening the eyes of communities in his native Yunnan to the power of video. His generous insights as a mentor. His crinkly, smiling eyes and his sense of fun.

Lao television journalist Souvannaphet Champhone or ‘Phet’, a fellow in the ‘Imaging Our Mekong’ programme, passed away on Jul. 26, 2009. He had liver cancer.

PHNOM PENH, Dec 15 (Newsmekong) - Cambodia could be the latest Asian country to adopt tighter laws governing the activities of local and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs), a move many believe will put further pressure on the South-east Asian country's already fragile democratic space.

PHNOM PENH, Jul 24 (Newsmekong) - The armed standoff between Cambodia and Thailand over ownership of the ancient Hindu temple of Preah Vihear is the latest chapter in the neighbouring countries’ troubled relationship.

BANGKOK, Jul 18 (IPS) - Amornchai Sirisai has been a regular visitor to the Thai-Cambodian border, close to where a 10th century Hindu temple sits atop a steep cliff. But it is not tourism that brings the Thai national to the ancient site.

RATANAKIRI, Cambodia, Jul 10 (IPS) - In thick forest in the north-east Cambodian province of Ratanakiri, a team of lawyers uses a global positioning satellite handset to mark the location of traditional spirit forests and gravesites belonging to local Jarai villagers.

RATANAKIRI, Cambodia, Jun 27 (Newsmekong) - The wording of the two-page document in Dam Chanthy’s hands may be vague and legalistic, but the meaning is crystal clear. It details yet another land concession covering nearly 7,000 hectares that a company wants to plant with rubber and acacia trees.