tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48753962782359941932024-03-13T09:19:55.966-07:00Welcome to Cambodia The Kingdom of WonderTraveling in The Kingdom of wonderRonaldohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652875195682467374noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875396278235994193.post-66751585337057870692011-12-24T18:17:00.000-08:002011-12-24T18:37:30.958-08:00HISTORY OF HUN SEN ( The strong man in the world )<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurgIIlYqLKA5vUHGlzx-yRBrBABbwY5RMuSP-cNp7Xsfr2RJmndDDIIaIBaKQ-s3FhQRVDYJnkNSioAJKr6yRIcs7uOKYbtIy_c51FuUisMujlOf9Nzz926iXPb88ror-zW0iClB5yxgz/s1600/cambodia-pm_1820237i.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurgIIlYqLKA5vUHGlzx-yRBrBABbwY5RMuSP-cNp7Xsfr2RJmndDDIIaIBaKQ-s3FhQRVDYJnkNSioAJKr6yRIcs7uOKYbtIy_c51FuUisMujlOf9Nzz926iXPb88ror-zW0iClB5yxgz/s320/cambodia-pm_1820237i.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689888329229374962" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40jIgcHCo11tHmhN6pFqw9nWFdtwTdQ5xU3CWOvx73BG2MIYLJe9VRV3DxWDHPi1rH6i92v6TrthgprPs5ihQQJ5R0efJI4okMCHUEnnJkdM2KzREhuU4cesgTyoDR_X7mB4ZtBL7gwmJ/s1600/Hun%252BSen_family.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40jIgcHCo11tHmhN6pFqw9nWFdtwTdQ5xU3CWOvx73BG2MIYLJe9VRV3DxWDHPi1rH6i92v6TrthgprPs5ihQQJ5R0efJI4okMCHUEnnJkdM2KzREhuU4cesgTyoDR_X7mB4ZtBL7gwmJ/s320/Hun%252BSen_family.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689888181392100466" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyGBMPNCRDpoQ0-U5It04rEq-uJC1QXYscIpmRMAuKoqbpV2rNSIxdl33CRg8dzBbDEMUx5KDKBjoKAe1y8Dgf9oqeqe6NtGW_itL3TBQr-SE_I0HI4wEAkglJt04sZzSysU_PoZtSUsC/s1600/Hun+Sen+in+5-star+general+03+%2528DAP%252C+Khem+Sovannara%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyGBMPNCRDpoQ0-U5It04rEq-uJC1QXYscIpmRMAuKoqbpV2rNSIxdl33CRg8dzBbDEMUx5KDKBjoKAe1y8Dgf9oqeqe6NtGW_itL3TBQr-SE_I0HI4wEAkglJt04sZzSysU_PoZtSUsC/s320/Hun+Sen+in+5-star+general+03+%2528DAP%252C+Khem+Sovannara%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689887988340779122" border="0" /></a>Hun Sen(born 5 August, 1952)[1] is the current Prime Minister of Cambodia.Hun Sen´s political career started as member of Khmer Rouge, achieving the rank of battalion commander. Together with Heng Samrin and Chea Sim he was charged with implementing forced labor camps and exterminating 'undesirables' in eastern Cambodia.[2] In 1977 he fell out of grace with Pol Pot and was forced to flee to Vietnam. There he joined the United Front for the National Salvation of Kampuchea (UFNSK). He returned to Cambodia in 1978 when Vietnam invaded and overthrew the Pol Pot regime. The Vietnamese established the People's Republic of Kampuchea of which Hun Sen became a prominent member.[3] Supported by the Vietnamese, Hun Sen quickly gained the position of prime minister of the People´s Republic.[4] He has been the sole leader of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP), which has governed Cambodia since the Vietnamese-backed overthrow of the Khmer Rouge in 1979. Since the restoration of multi-party democracy in 1993, the CPP has been in a coalition with the royalist Funcinpec party.<br /><br />His current, full, honorary title is Samdach Akeak Moha Sena Thapdey Decho Hun Sen. The titlePersonal life<br /><br />Hun Sen is married to Bun Rany. They have six children, 3 sons and 3 daughters: Manet, Mana, Manit, Mani, Mali and Malis. The youngest, Malis was adopted. Hun Manet is a 1999 West Point Academy graduate and obtained his PhD in Economics at the University of Bristol.<br /><br />In October 2007, Hun Sen made a surprise announcement at a graduation ceremony, in front of an audience of nearly 3000, that his adopted daughter was a lesbian. He had taken legal steps to disown Malis and to prevent her from receiving any inheritance. Nonetheless, he asked the audience to accept homosexuals.[10][11][12]<br /><br />Although Hun Sen's birthday is officially celebrated on April 4, 1951, he had revealed that his actual date of birth was August 5, 1952.[13] He had apparently lied about his date of birth to appear older when joining the Khmer Rouge as a youth. "Samdech" was attached to his name in 1993 by King Norodom Sihanouk. It is only an honorary title and does not give him further powers. He has a glass eye, the result of a wound sustained during the Khmer Rouge offensive against Phnom Penh in April 1975. Hun Sen is currently the longest serving leader in South East Asia and is one of the longest serving prime ministers in the world, having been in power through various coalitions since 1985.Ronaldohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652875195682467374noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875396278235994193.post-30898470097395120402010-09-24T20:52:00.001-07:002010-09-26T19:33:59.731-07:00History of Bon Pchum Ben<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-A-GxwgFVPOXQ6yfo4XcZwpwbCUTm6817ULIsx-QTKhDtZSSJ3Z1SFjX-aYDUKTW1BtkcL5bDVKlR-9nKK0D-77iXD4G_2RbbbcinvIB4LJECgDByYq2Es-tvlpvvqnis-zsPfUUX2vC/s1600/Sany+Bon+DakBen.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-A-GxwgFVPOXQ6yfo4XcZwpwbCUTm6817ULIsx-QTKhDtZSSJ3Z1SFjX-aYDUKTW1BtkcL5bDVKlR-9nKK0D-77iXD4G_2RbbbcinvIB4LJECgDByYq2Es-tvlpvvqnis-zsPfUUX2vC/s320/Sany+Bon+DakBen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520701277973460114" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzzQTti6K6HaHD7KQVCzj9cTsSSpQYbnJ8cqDIAJoRfCOGIbJcm7_5f9pdpBHKNSE69RGmYPvm5GQQnfEi9m_uqFD3oYlAQGi3DWWa6OgpUYKTXCO8VZcedKmYMRvY-MXKTdbPD2oaHVL/s1600/PchumBen.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 231px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzzQTti6K6HaHD7KQVCzj9cTsSSpQYbnJ8cqDIAJoRfCOGIbJcm7_5f9pdpBHKNSE69RGmYPvm5GQQnfEi9m_uqFD3oYlAQGi3DWWa6OgpUYKTXCO8VZcedKmYMRvY-MXKTdbPD2oaHVL/s320/PchumBen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520701136154619330" border="0" /></a><br />Bon Pchum Ben or Feast Festival for Ancestors<br />Overview Snapshot<br /><br />Bon P'chum Ben is the remarkable celebration of Cambodian annual gathering. On the 15th day of the waning moon(Ronouch) during the tenth month of the Khmer calendar, called Pheaktrobotr, Cambodian Buddhists celebrate this auspicious P'chum Ben event (the Festival of the Dead or Feast Festival for Ancestors). This celebration usually falls in the first half of September in the western calendar. This year it falls on October 8. It is called P'chum Thom(big festival). Actually, the celebration has begun since the waxing moon(K'nert) day falling in September 24; and this is called P'chum Touch(small festival). During the period between big festival and small festival, people always commit to take turn in offering food to the monks who are staying in door of three months rainy retreat. This is called Kan Ben (food offering turn).<br />The history, meaning and objectives<br /><br />According to the Vinaya(discipline) of Bhikkhu Monks; they have to stay in door or rainy season hibernate for three month starting from the first waning moon of Srab(July) to the fifteenth waxing moon of Assoj(October) annually. These three month periods reasonably recommended by the Bhikkhu monks assembly presided by Buddha to amend this law in order to benefits for the Bhikkhu monk community such as - monks have to spend this three month full time to study and practice Dhamma, - teachers, students and laypeople can make acquaintance with each other in one place to bolster their harmony, - and it is the rainy season which is hard for the monks to wander around because it is wet, muddy and easily to step on crops of farmers.<br /><br />But monks able go outside the door of temple during the rain-retreat unless they have sufficient excuses such as to preach the Dhamma, visit ill relatives, participating functions or get away from some disasters etc. However, if any monks have offended this law, they would be sentenced by a weak condemn of the Sangha's assembly and they can be uncharged when they confess in front of the assembly.<br /><br />Through this important three months of strict practicing of Dhamma makes laypeople increased their faith and generosity to feed and take care all monk Sangha. So each family and villages will take turn to offer food and other four necessities to monks daily. And there are two specific days which laypeople join together to make the ceremony more crowded and significant. They are the P'chum Touch(small festival) and the P'chum Thom(big festival). Especially, P'chum Thom is recognized as the most important day for all citizens regardless of ethnic background, color, race or faith have to pay attention and join this ceremony.<br /><br />P'chum Thom have happened since the Sakymuni Buddha period. When king Bhibisara felt sad about his absence to pay back gratitude to his ancestries and heard the crying sound every night in his palace, he went to ask some advices from the Buddha and he got insight that he has to celebrate the food offering ceremony annually. We don't know that when this cult of celebration was being celebrated by Cambodian Buddhists, but following our observation, it must be arrived in Cambodia in the same time of the arrival of Buddhism. It has become the root of Khmer culture and unique identity. This celebration has coincidently combined with the genuine religious cult of Cambodia that dominantly respects and worships their ancestors. This religious cult is called the Religion of Neakta.<br /><br />The full outcomes of P'chum Ben day signifies many different aspects to bond Cambodia together in both material and spiritual, social value and unique identity, harmony and prosperity. It is not different from the Choul Chnam day or Cambodian New Year Day that these two celebrations are remarkable events and the most auspicious days. We can outline some of these prospects beneficial of P'chum Ben day.<br /><br />1. To offer the chance to everybody to stay away from all evils, to cultivate the good and to purify their mind.<br />2. To provide the opportunity for everybody to empower their peaceful mind and spiritual adherence.<br />3. To pay gratitude to their dead ancestors as well as their living seniors.<br />4. To share their kindness and compassion by exchanging of their food, snacks and money with each others and especially to the poor people. Remarkably, this period is considered as the hardest time for low income or poor conditioned people to find food to eat in Cambodia.<br />5. To bond everybody together through their spiritual practice, gratefulness, socializing and local stylizing.<br />6. To increase the sense of multiculturalism, fraternity, compassion, unity and righteousness.<br />7. To unify the interests, concerns and identity roots of the national or international distinctions or stratifications.<br />Truth of fact about P'chum Ben Day<br /><br />There is the reality and legendary about P'chum Ben Day. - Buddha taught and explained that our ancestors who died and reborn as angels, animals, human beings or in hell cannot receive our meritorious dedication. But if any of our ancestors or relatives who were born as the hungry ghost (Praet); they need food a lot and they cannot eat like us; they eat only through our goodness, generosity and offering; and has dedicated to them by naming those relatives. Doing this, all those relatives of hungry ghost can receive all those delicate food and offerings. So it is possible to gain merits as our ancestors can receive our offerings, through our own hearted generosity and gratefulness. - Buddha encouraged King Bhimpisara to celebrate this festival as well as everybody has to celebrate this too. Nobody in this world has never had relatives or ancestors who have been passed away. More than this, this auspicious celebration also inspires us to pay gratitude with our living parents, grandparents or seniors too. - As the season is remarkable for its darkness during the night makes Cambodian people think that their dead ancestors could be released from the abysses of hell and wander around all over seven temples. If they don't see any of their children or relatives have not offered any food or gain merits to dedicate to them; they will be sad and sorrowful in their heart. This reflects badly to their survival relatives which can bring along with bad Kamma, bad luck and sufferings.<br />Practical ways<br /><br />During this time everybody prepares their body and mind, and sacrifice both materials and time to join this day. All villagers and all different stratification of people prepare their food and sweet, four necessities, offerings, special clothes dressing; and they obligate to undertake the five commandments during this auspicious occasion.<br />For the food comprises of:<br /><br />- Ordinary meal such as rice, soups, salted grilled fish, fresh grilled fish with mango sauce, spring roles, salad and fermented fish etc. - Some seasonal snacks or baked such as Num Onsam and Num Korm (steamed cakes wrapped in banana leaves). Num Onsam is a kind of cylindrical cake of glutinous rice wrapped around a mixture of pork, salt and other ingredients. Num Korm and Nom Thmey is shaped like a pyramid and made of rice-flour and filled with a coconut and palm sugar mixture. Some other distinctive fruits and snacks.<br /><br />For the four necessities include:<br />1. Saffron robes<br />2. Other storable food<br />3. Umbrella, raincoats or other shelters<br />4. Medicine, shampoo, toothpaste and tooth brash etc. These four necessities always pack with brightly, pyramid wrap<br /><br />Some other Offerings include:<br />Candles<br />Incense sticks<br />Flowers<br />Water<br />Perfume<br />Garland or leis<br /><br />Clothing is very colorful and delicate which include Sompot Hol or Sompot Phamoung which is the silk skirt of Cambodian women. It is dressed for national important day and Buddhist ceremonies. These delicate skirts always dress with short sleeve blouse(Aov Pak) made in Cambodia and put with tiny scarf. Men wear neat dresses and polite.<br />Five commandments or prepts<br /><br />The five precepts in which every Cambodian Buddhist is aware about it and practice them in their daily life. Importantly, in this occasion they have to observe it to re-affirm their obligation and purification.<br />1. Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami<br />I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures.<br />2. Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami<br />I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given.<br />1 3. Kamesu micchacara veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami<br />I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual misconduct.<br />4. Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami<br />I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech such as lying, malicious words, harsh words and talk in vain.<br />5. Suramerayamajja pamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness.<br />Overview<br /><br />The appropriate practices during the cession When food, dressing and other necessities are already prepared; individuals have to be aware when they are stepping into the monasteries compound or ceremonial places. They should keep quiet, modesty and polite. Wearing hats are not allowed. They should take off shoes before stepping into the hall or ceremonial space. People will go in front of the Buddha statues and sit with a right position, bow down three times, lit the candles and incense sticks, offer flowers and perfume. After listening attentively to the monk's preaching, chanting or other blessing; they should prepare food which is ready to offer to the monks. Most of the time, all participants will put their rice into the rice bowl collecting by the long process of monks. During offering food into alms bowl, they have to take off shoe and concentrate on merits and dedicate to their dead ancestors or the family. All of these good deed activities must be attentive, silent, peaceful, mindful and compassionate. When our mind is peaceful during the cession; we can feel the great merits growing in our heart and the blissful sense we should receive from this paying gratitude to our ancestors. More than this, when the application of our mind access deeply, subtle and insightful to the Dhamma; we can get into the Dhamma stream which is the stream of Enlightenment.<br />Conclusion<br /><br />There are many other things symbolizing Cambodian culture and identity, but P'chum Ben Day is considered as the most important one. In this day, people will not only attend because of their faith, their generosity or habit, but to survive their daily life and strengthen the "family society tradition of Cambodia". Distinctively, to develop their individuality of right thought and right understanding; and walk persistently toward individual's goal follows the eightfold path of ethnic awareness, peaceful meditation and insightful wisdom. This is rigorous for everybody to come, participate and enjoy with this auspicious day.Ronaldohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652875195682467374noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875396278235994193.post-14124247170755302232010-05-04T20:03:00.000-07:002010-05-04T20:20:44.617-07:00History of World Cup.<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkuGmB1_rSpOc1GohswRqvIjNX6XRWjDatFlYPivincXBI4Cw-TTYSEgGjl89BXxFNblqgifjfHVIkHe6KhgSvC9NQxbcccpremNIQY7pLafDnHVdpgt8V4qnGaaM97mfGPpIpfJqd3Iz/s1600/world_cup_trophy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkuGmB1_rSpOc1GohswRqvIjNX6XRWjDatFlYPivincXBI4Cw-TTYSEgGjl89BXxFNblqgifjfHVIkHe6KhgSvC9NQxbcccpremNIQY7pLafDnHVdpgt8V4qnGaaM97mfGPpIpfJqd3Iz/s320/world_cup_trophy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467616875758776210" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Uraguay Team</span></span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsSQZ-AyA8b8530J9uA_5sC8r5JtDA7X1lEAeBNqeZ4fZPuwQoIt3r8EWiWv36qMKDt_sC7SZUZdtTXPIv0BR2n_ZfzauQlJphWdoBSuN0PgBCevbTNcBQj4Tg2BdqWpewcBQxfDhdEVR/s1600/1930_winner_uruguay.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 317px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsSQZ-AyA8b8530J9uA_5sC8r5JtDA7X1lEAeBNqeZ4fZPuwQoIt3r8EWiWv36qMKDt_sC7SZUZdtTXPIv0BR2n_ZfzauQlJphWdoBSuN0PgBCevbTNcBQj4Tg2BdqWpewcBQxfDhdEVR/s320/1930_winner_uruguay.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467616618276336466" border="0" /></a>The seeds which marked the beginning of this great event were planted by the president of the World Football Federation, in 1926. There would be no such thing as a world cup history if it were not for Jules Rimet, who first took the presidency in 1921. The positive message infused by Rimet is summarized by his famous words "Soccer could reinforce the ideals of a permanent and real peace", as he pushed to organize an international event that would make no discrimination on the grounds of professional or amateur status. As his words were spoken the plans for a world tournament involving all of the federations was being planned for the coming 3 to 4 years. Along with the help of 5 other officials, Rimet organized the event for 1930. Via congressional meetings of the World Football Federation the semantics for the tournament were laid out and finalized.<br /><br />On May 26th, 1928 the World Cup was born. History was changed forever as five European countries plus a chosen host of Uruguay planned to hold the first tournament on May 18th, 1929 at the congress of Barcelona. Uruguay was chosen as host based on their outstanding Olympic record, and as Rimet was encouraging a regime of international peace, utilizing the reputation the Olympic games already held was simply intelligent leveraging.<br /><br />The actualization of the event did not transpire until the year later, when on July 13th, 1930 the first game of the first world cup kicked off in Pocitos Stadium, and France beat Mexico 4 to 1. This truly marked the beginning of a long and wonderful world cup history.<br /><br />The first world cup was the only event to not involve the modern qualifying rounds. The only European teams involved were France, Belgium, Yugoslavia, and Romania. Other European teams either wished to remain in purely Amateur events, or argued that the expected trip time was far too long. Other than Uruguay six additional south American teams participated, including Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay and Peru.<br />Winners of the 1st World Cup - Uruguay - 1930<br /><br />Two teams remained to complete the final 13 for 1930, Mexico and the United States. The U.S. was utilizing a heavily Scottish roster for the event.<br /><br />In the end it was Uruguay battling Argentina for the cup. Victory and the first world cup went to Uruguay as they beat the Argentineans 4 to 2.Ronaldohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652875195682467374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875396278235994193.post-11279908863738605802010-04-08T18:06:00.000-07:002010-04-08T18:17:49.931-07:00The Year of Tiger<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPiv0SpUVDKM5wQFSW3wmYpHjjRfzPDVIbNSEFFyXUvZScAd0vjCnsJCZ_HUppyWiLizeRoFIR-cWmHV6-MrVQK1fIeUwjReXIX6wJiaNPty6nEB-X2MMVU1T_D6SOW1mcNWxSF1ofkLM/s1600/hpn_2.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 349px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPiv0SpUVDKM5wQFSW3wmYpHjjRfzPDVIbNSEFFyXUvZScAd0vjCnsJCZ_HUppyWiLizeRoFIR-cWmHV6-MrVQK1fIeUwjReXIX6wJiaNPty6nEB-X2MMVU1T_D6SOW1mcNWxSF1ofkLM/s320/hpn_2.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457938298814951154" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkz097yanWNIsaaalpXTb6bUonXX9uIa4GFyktKkifhcgwhVAxW4EE-BxiEPTJlXThUEMdj_EJZIxC08SJEYVi-Rcsd6pGnsHh_OLFdZKmZiJWIKT96bIpCY8QgIThr3CaPf-k7Kd1qrW0/s1600/4225022072_80fa9f65de.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 371px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkz097yanWNIsaaalpXTb6bUonXX9uIa4GFyktKkifhcgwhVAxW4EE-BxiEPTJlXThUEMdj_EJZIxC08SJEYVi-Rcsd6pGnsHh_OLFdZKmZiJWIKT96bIpCY8QgIThr3CaPf-k7Kd1qrW0/s320/4225022072_80fa9f65de.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457938153834483986" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">មហាសង្ក្រាន្តឆ្នាំខាល ទោស័ក</span><br /></span></div><br />ចុល្លសករាជ ១៣៧២ – មហាសករាជ ១៩៣២<br />ពុទ្ធសករាជ ២៥៥៤ – គ្រឹស្តសករាជ ២០១០<br />សុភមស្ដុ ! វរមង្គលាជយាតិរេក<br />.<br />ព្រះពុទ្ធសករាជព្រះសាសនា អតិក្កន្តាកន្លងទៅបាន ២៥៥៣ ត្រឹមថ្ងៃ ១៥ កើត ខែពិសាខ លុះដល់ថ្ងៃ ១ រោច ខែពិសាខ ឆ្នាំ ខាល ទោស័កតទៅចូលពុទ្ធសករាជ ២៥៥៤ ។<br />.<br />នឹងគណនាឆ្នាំ ខាល ឥឡូវនេះសង្ក្រាន្តចូលមកនៅថ្ងៃពុធ ១ កើត ខែពិសាខ ត្រូវនឹងថ្ងៃទី ១៤ ខែមេសា ២០១០ វេលាម៉ោង ៧ និង ៣៦ នាទី ព្រឹក ។ ពេលនោះព្រះអាទិត្យចេញពីមីនរាសីទៅឋិតនៅឯមេសរាសីតាមផ្លូវគោវិថី គឺផ្លូវកណ្ដាល ទើបមានទេពធីតាមួយព្រះអង្គជាមគ្គនាយិកាព្រះនាម មណ្ឌាទេវី ជាបុត្រទីបួននៃកបិលមហាព្រហ្ម គង់នៅចាតុម្មហារាជិកា ទ្រង់អម្ពរពណ៌ អន លម្អនៅព្រះកាណ៌ដោយសៀត ផ្កាចម្ប៉ា អភរណៈទ្រង់ពាក់ កែវពិទូរ្យ ភក្សាហារទ្រង់សោយ ទឹកដោះស្រស់ ព្រះហស្តស្ដាំទ្រង់ ម្ជុល ព្រះហស្តឆ្វេងទ្រង់ ឈើច្រត់ ទ្រង់គង់ឈរលើខ្នង គទ្រភៈ (សត្វលា) ដែលជាពាហនៈ ។ ទើបនាំអស់ទេវបុត្រ ទេវធីតាទាំងមួយសែនកោដិហោះទៅកាន់ គុហាកែវ ធម្មមាលី នាទីភ្នំកៃលាសខេត្តហិមពាន្ត ជាទីតម្កល់ទុកនូវព្រះសិរសា កបិលមហាព្រហ្ម ដែលតម្កល់លើពានមាស នាំមកដង្ហែប្រទក្សិណ ភ្នំព្រះសុមេរុរាជតាមផ្លូវព្រះអាទិត្យចរ ចំនួន ៦០ នាទី (២៤ម៉ោង) ។ ទើបនាំយកទៅតម្កល់ទុកកន្លែងដើមវិញ ហើយប្រជុំ ទេវបុត្រ ទេវធីតាទាំងមួយសែនកោដិចូលទៅស្រង់ទឹក អនោតត្តមមហាស្រះ ដែលមានទឹកហូរចេញពីបំពង់ថ្មកែវដែលជាមាត់គោ ឧសភរាជ ទាំង ៧ ត្រជាក់ក្សេមក្សាន្តព្រះរាជហឫទ័យ ហើយនាំគ្នាចូលទៅសមាទានរក្សាសីលដោយសោមនស្សរីករាយគ្រប់ព្រះអង្គ ក្នុងភគវតីសភាសាលា ដែលវិស្សកម្មទេវបុត្រនិមិត្តថ្វាយ ដើម្បីបន្ទោរបង់អពមង្គលអោយជ្រះស្រឡះ ហើយចម្រើននូវសិរីសួស្ដីជ័យមង្គល ជន្មាយុយឺនយូរដល់ទេវតា និងមនុស្សសត្វផងទាំងឡាយតាំងពីឆ្នាំថ្មីចូលមកនេះបានធូរទូលំ ទូលាយ សុខក្សេមក្សាន្ត តរៀងទៅ ។<br />ថ្ងៃពុធ ១ កើត ខែពិសាខ ត្រូវនឹងថ្ងៃទី ១៤ ខែមេសា គ្រឹស្តសករាជ ២០១០ វេលា ម៉ោង ៧ និង ៣៦ នាទីព្រឹក ជាថ្ងៃចូលឆ្នាំ ខាល ទោស័ក ។<br />.<br />ថ្ងៃព្រហស្បតិ៍ ២ កើត ខែពិសាខត្រូវនឹងថ្ងៃទី ១៥ ខែមេសា គ្រឹស្តសករាជ ២០១០ ជាវារៈ វ័នបត ។<br />ថ្ងៃ សុក្រ ៣ កើត ខែពិសាខ ត្រូវនឹងថ្ងៃទី ១៦ ខែមេសា គ្រឹស្តសករាជ ២០១០ នៅវេលាម៉ោង ១១ និង ១៨ នាទី ៣៦ វិនាទី ជាវារៈឡើងស័ក គម្រប់ជាសង្ក្រាន្តបីថ្ងៃ ស្រេចបរិបូណ៌ចូលជាសកល ឆ្នាំ ខាល ទោស័ក ចុល្លសករាជ ១៣៧២ និងមហាសករាជ ១៩៣២ តទៅ ។<br />.<br />ក្នុងឱកាសសង្ក្រាន្តបីថ្ងៃ សូមអស់ប្រជាពលរដ្ឋប្រុសស្រីផងទាំងឡាយរៀបចំពលិកាគ្រឿងសក្ការបូជា អុចប្រទីបជ្វាលា ថ្វាយព្រះរតនត្រ័យ និងទទួលស្វាគមន៍ទេវបុត្រ ទេវធីតាឆ្នាំថ្មី ហើយខំលះបង់ចិត្តអាក្រក់អន្យតិរ្ថីយជាចិត្តអប្រីយ៍ ជាប់ដោយគំនុំគុំគួនព្យាបាទឈ្នានីសដែលកើតមានក្នុងឆ្នាំចាស់អោយ ជ្រះស្រឡះតាំងចិត្តប្រព្រឹត្តល្អ ប្រកបដោយ មេត្តា ករុណា មុទិតា ឧបេក្ខា និង បញ្ញា ធ្វើបុណ្យសុន្ទរ៍ទានតាមប្រពៃណី រក្សាសីលប្រាំអោយបានជាប់ជានិច្ច នោះទើបទេវតានឹងអោយពរ សព្ទសាធុការ លោកអ្នកនឹងមានសិរីសួស្ដី សុភមង្គល វិបុលសុខគ្រប់ប្រការ តាំងពីឆ្នាំថ្មីនេះតរៀងទៅ ។<br />.<br />រណ្ដាប់ទទួលទេវតា<br />រណ្ដាប់ទទួលនូវទេវតាតាមទំនៀមពីបុរាណរៀងរហូតមក ត្រូវរៀបរានទទួលទេវតានៅខាងមុខផ្ទះមួយ សម្រាប់តាំងគ្រឿងពលីការផ្សេងៗ ។ ត្រូវរៀបក្រាលសំពត់ពណ៌ស ឬស្រគាំ ហើយរៀបបាយសី ៩ ថ្នាក់មួយគូ បាយសី ៧ ថ្នាក់មួយគូ បាយសី ៥ ថ្នាក់មួយគូ បាយសី ៣ ថ្នាក់មួយគូ បាយសីប៉ាឆាមមួយគូ ស្លាធម៌មួយគូ ទឹកអប់មួយគូ (ទៀន ៥ ធូប ៥) លាជ ៥ ផ្កា ៥ ដាក់លើជើងពាន ១ គូ ចេកនួន ចេកណាំវ៉ា ពីរជើងពាន ផ្លែឈើ ១១ មុខ រៀបដាក់ជើងពាន ១១ គូ ដូងឡៅមួយគូ ទឹកស្អាតពីរកែវ ។ ឆ្នាំនេះគួររកទឹកដោះស្រស់ ដាក់ទទួលទេវតាផង ព្រោះជាភក្សាហារ របស់ទេវធីតា ។<br />.<br />កំណត់សម្គាល់<br />ចំពោះបាយសី ៩ ថ្នាក់ ៧ ថ្នាក់ សម្រាប់នៅព្រះបរមរាជវាំង ចំពោះប្រជារាស្ត្រគួរធ្វើត្រឹម ៥ ថ្នាក់ចុះមក ឬរៀបត្រឹមគ្រឿងសក្ការៈបូជាដែលមានទៀនប្រាំ ធូបប្រាំ ស្លាធម៌ កូនចេកមួយគូក៏ល្អដែរ ។ ចំពោះផ្លែឈើសម្រាប់ប្រជារាស្ត្រ គួររៀបអោយបានត្រឹម ៣ ឬ ៥ មុខជាការប្រសើរ គឺរៀបទៅតាមធនធានរបស់ខ្លួន ។ នៅគ្រប់ដង្វាយទាំងអស់ត្រូវដាក់ផ្កាម្លិះភួងពីលើគ្រប់ដង្វាយ នៅលើជើងពាន និងលើបាយសីត្រូវដោតទៀនហើយដុតបំភ្លឺ ។<br />.<br />ដកស្រង់ចេញពីការផ្សាយរបស់ក្រសួង ធម្មការ និងសាសនា<br />គណៈកម្មាការស្រាវជ្រាវ វិជ្ជាហោរាសាស្ត្រប្រពៃណីទំនៀមទម្លាប់ខ្មែរ និងវិទ្យាស្ថានពុទ្ធសាសនបណ្ឌិត្យ<br /><br /> * Share/BookmarkRonaldohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652875195682467374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875396278235994193.post-54058942540827714582010-04-08T17:51:00.000-07:002010-04-08T18:06:37.279-07:00History Of New Year Khmer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkXOzkLRm_OAefLly4aXvR1tJmK47TW3rtmTV164DuzHV1qR0M-k9CovjPhE5O5jrDzZ9mX3kHzDBL0CSrfmCE853p0zZY5vJcxxfIOvyJFOhIO0WEty_azq823xNe-zgcAAMNCOvjPlE/s1600/in7lhg.jpg.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkXOzkLRm_OAefLly4aXvR1tJmK47TW3rtmTV164DuzHV1qR0M-k9CovjPhE5O5jrDzZ9mX3kHzDBL0CSrfmCE853p0zZY5vJcxxfIOvyJFOhIO0WEty_azq823xNe-zgcAAMNCOvjPlE/s320/in7lhg.jpg.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457936009013031570" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjir6mPeWU9oTb6lfnU-q6qSz4k0kBorykHnTbuei8AaAcS3RfCRKToewXjib90Zmk6pG3-0rWKqWwd6f0vJUKsU8cL5QYgzbD3fM4KiApSjIo8uwE15uQ249Z51PB4A6mFUY8tUvuHvbI5/s1600/New-Year-Flag.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjir6mPeWU9oTb6lfnU-q6qSz4k0kBorykHnTbuei8AaAcS3RfCRKToewXjib90Zmk6pG3-0rWKqWwd6f0vJUKsU8cL5QYgzbD3fM4KiApSjIo8uwE15uQ249Z51PB4A6mFUY8tUvuHvbI5/s320/New-Year-Flag.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457935848317473666" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHw2q5ZFHcP760LIqmloBjHFv6FsC9L7XxGQ7T677_z2N3LRQwTzqDveWYpOdoqHCFYhI79m7qQjzqkOFsf_rdXwwYFUOR0yZk33TBXkMHAojDFiWo1QONaVMwxbRgVZcL3c5HkBuq0qcX/s1600/hpn_2.gif"><br /></a>In ancient countries of Chompou Tvip (the central continent of the seven continents surrounding Mount Meru) the elder people adopted the Khmer New Year’s date in Khè Mikasè (January), i.e. the early year. According to the lunar calendar, they formerly chose three seasons including Heman Radov or winter, Kimha Radov ir hot season and Vasan Radov or rainy season.Since Chol Sakarach (Lesser Era) they have formally adopted the solar calendar and held the Khmer New Year Festival in Khè Chèt (fifth month) that is a free time from their farming. Four main seasons in the solar calendar contain winter, spring, summer and autumn.<br /><br />The Khmer people have adopted the fifth solar month, known as Khè Chèt, to celebrate their New Year festival. Usually, according to the solar calendar, the Khmer New Year falls on the 13th of April although sometimes it falls on the 14th of April.<br /><br />The auspicious occasion of the Khmer New Year is detailed in the astrological almanac and extends over three days. The first day is known as Maha Sangkran or “Great Almanac Day”, the second day is called Veara Vanabath or “Worshipping Day”, and the third day is known as Veara Leung Sak or “Rank and Promotion Day”. Of the three days Veara Leung Sak is considered the most auspicious.<br /><br />The history of the Khmer New Year is closely connected to the seven signs of the zodiac for the week. The legend of the New Year is detailed in the Almanac which says: In ancient, happier times, a young man by the name of Thoamabal, the son of a tycoon, had an extensive knowledge of three Vedas (ancient books on Hinduism) by the age of seven. Thoamabal’s father built a temple under the spread of a large Chrey tree (a fig tree) on the banks of a river that was home to many species of birds. He had an innate ability that enabled him to understand the languages of birds. He had an innate ability that enabled him to understand the languages of birds.<br /><br />Thoamabal’s attributes allowed him to become a layman in charge of religious ceremonies for all classes of people. Upon hearing this news another religious leader Kabel Maha Prohm, decided to challenge Thoamabal with tree riddles. He vowed that if Thaomabal could successfully answer the riddles he, Kabel Maha Prohm, would be beheaded; however if Thoamabal could not answer the riddles correctly then it would be Thoamabal who would be beheaded. Thoamabal insisted on having seven days to answer the puzzling enigma until Kabel Maha Prohm agreed.<br /><br />For six days Thoamabal could not solve the problems and knew that he faced the prospect of being killed by Kabel Maha Prohm the next morning. He therefore decided ton hide himself and let his life fade away by natural causes. He hid himself beneath a pair of sugar palm trees in which a pair of eagles were nesting, that night Thoamabal overheard the eagles talking.<br /><br />The female asked, “What will we eat tomorrow morning?” The male eagle replied, “We will eat the flesh of Thoamalobal because tomorrow he is going to be beheaded by Kabie Maha Prohm due to his inability to solve the riddles”. The female then asked, “What are the riddles?” The male answered, “The first riddle is, where is luck to be found in the mornine?” Of course the answer is that luck is on the face because people always take water to wash their faces.<br /><br />The second riddle asked, where is luck located at noon? It is on the chest because people always take water to wash their chests. Finally, the third question asked, where is luck located in the evening? The answer is that luck is on the feet because people always wash their feet in the evening. Thoamabal overheard all of the conversation and so happily returned to his temple. In the morning Kabel Maha Prohm came to ask Thoamabal if he could answer the three riddles.<br /><br />Thoamabal successfully answered each of the riddles. Kabel Maha Prohm realixing he had failed, called his seven daughters, who were maids of Branma, to learn of his fate.Kabal Maha Prohm said, “Your father is foing to be beheaded in front of Thoamabal. If my head is set on the earth , if will set fire to Earth, if my head is thrown into the air, the rain will evaporate, if my head is thrown into the sea, the sea will dry up. Therefore I ask you, my seven daughters to get a holy metal tray on which to set your father’s head”. Having said this, he beheaded himself and his head was passed to Neang Toungsa, the eldest of his daughters. She placed her father’s head on the holy tray and then proceeded to walk around Mount Meru for one hour, respectfully keeping the tray on her right hand. She then took the tray to the temporary sanctuary of Phnom Kailas. At Phnom Kailas, Preah Visakam created a hall where seven holy glasses (Pheakabatei Saphea) were set. The glasses were for use by angels during ceremonies. Each year the seven angels took turns to invoke the head of Kabel Maha Prohm to and complete a holy procession around Mount Meru. Following the holy procession the angels returned to their heaven.<br /><br />The Seven Angels of the Almanac: If the annual procession talls on a Sunday then the day will be known as Toungsa, Monday is Kooreak, Tuesday is called Reaksa, Wednesday is Kereney, Friday is known as Kemera and Saturday is Mahaotra.<br /><br />During the Khmer New Year Festival, youths gather to play popular traditional games such as Chaol Chhoung (throwing a ball) and Bas Angkunh (throwing brown seeds). The youths are normally divided into female and male teams to play these games.<br /><br />In some parts of Cambodia, e.g. Siem Reap and Battambang, they play a game known as the “Trot Dance”. Trot performers dance and ask for alms from house to house in their village. A man will ride on a long curved stick with a deer’s head on one side and with a cluster of grass on the other side like the deer’s tail. Two men pretend to be hunters and are armed with a crossbow. When they receive alms they will donate it for the benefit of the local pagoda.<br /><br />In villages along the Mekong Riverinthe province of Kandal women gather to rowboats in front of the pagodas. This action is believed to appease the crocodiles. This custom originated long ago when many crocodiles lived in the river. In some villages, people trample on effigies to appease the ghosts that live in the trees near the pagodas and ask for happiness in the coming year.<br /><br />The Khmer people will gather together and visit pagodas and temples on the occasion of the Khmer New year. Each year many residents from other provinces visit Angkor Wat to worship to the powerful gods and trace their ancestors’ heritage.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Note: The Twelve years in the lunar calendar<br /><br />1. Year of Rat<br /><br />2. Year of Ox<br /><br />3. Year of Tiger<br /><br />4. Year of Rabbit<br /><br />5. Year of Dragon<br /><br />6. Year of Snake<br /><br />7. Year of Horse<br /><br />8. Year of Goat<br /><br />9. Year of Monkey<br /><br />10. Year of Rooster<br /><br />11. Year of Dog<br /><br />12. Year of Pig<br /><br /></div> <br /><br />source: Ministry of Tourism of CambodiaRonaldohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652875195682467374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875396278235994193.post-51879343077001300462010-02-04T23:57:00.000-08:002010-02-05T00:18:22.681-08:00History of Chinese New Year<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIcNCbc74tyz4397bWNx8u7KMfx2OQv5DGYgPP_3ONHD9IBKDHY2w1AGqLKxOSv9ixFsmGxcZ5bYL689I6H8YTpnk1aIz_gVUqpuFWlY5wnYEBv3INOjzIGW0TN1HdwZf37j-HMq3YWBq/s1600-h/year_of_the_tiger.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 297px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIcNCbc74tyz4397bWNx8u7KMfx2OQv5DGYgPP_3ONHD9IBKDHY2w1AGqLKxOSv9ixFsmGxcZ5bYL689I6H8YTpnk1aIz_gVUqpuFWlY5wnYEBv3INOjzIGW0TN1HdwZf37j-HMq3YWBq/s320/year_of_the_tiger.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434670208903611442" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvHfoYosAYudJiSxUUt7NGrWIPOWeyqHr7Zw8tFxvmNK-n-Jtc33Kj2_Sua2lG4PuXlABSgKTqW4V9yb3E9J_XcGGJntdIR0n64RJsUVSa_CSGBDkYCBNJiHzcwOKqh9ZY1nYg8YAx0Eg/s1600-h/chinese-calendar-2009.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvHfoYosAYudJiSxUUt7NGrWIPOWeyqHr7Zw8tFxvmNK-n-Jtc33Kj2_Sua2lG4PuXlABSgKTqW4V9yb3E9J_XcGGJntdIR0n64RJsUVSa_CSGBDkYCBNJiHzcwOKqh9ZY1nYg8YAx0Eg/s320/chinese-calendar-2009.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434670056169175074" /></a>
<br />The Chinese New Year has a great history. In our past, people lived in an agricultural society and worked all year long. They only took a break after the harvest and before the planting of seeds. This happens to coincide with the beginning of the lunar New Year.
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<br />The Chinese New Year is very similar to the Western one, rich in traditions, folklores and rituals. It has been said that it is a combination of the Western Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year. This is hardly an exaggeration!
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<br />The origin of the Chinese New Year itself is centuries old - in fact, too old to actually be traced. It is popularly recognized as the Spring Festival and celebrations last 15 days.
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<br />Preparations tend to begin a month before the date of the Chinese New Year (similar to a Western Christmas). During this time people start buying presents, decoration materials, food and clothing. A huge clean-up gets underway days before the New Year, when Chinese houses are cleaned from top to bottom. This ritual is supposed to sweep away all traces of bad luck. Doors and windowpanes are often given a new coat of paint, usually red, then decorated with paper cuts and couplets with themes such as happiness, wealth and longevity printed on them.
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<br />The eve of the New Year is perhaps the most exciting part of the holiday, due to the anticipation. Here, traditions and rituals are very carefully observed in everything from food to clothing. Dinner is usually a feast of seafood and dumplings, signifying different good wishes. Delicacies include prawns, for liveliness and happiness, dried oysters ( ho xi), for all things good, fish dishes or Yau-Yu to bring good luck and prosperity, Fai-chai (Angel Hair), an edible hair-like seaweed to bring prosperity, and dumplings boiled in water (Jiaozi) signifying a long-lasting good wish for a family. It is customary to wear something red as this colour is meant to ward off evil spirits. But black and white are frowned upon, as these are associated with mourning. After dinner, families sit up for the night playing cards, board games or watching television programmes dedicated to the occasion. At midnight, fireworks light up the sky.
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<br />On the day itself, an ancient custom called Hong Bao, meaning Red Packet, takes place. This involves married couples giving children and unmarried adults money in red envelopes. Then the family begins to say greetings from door to door, first to their relatives and then to their neighbours. Like the Western saying "let bygones be bygones," at Chinese New Year, grudges are very easily cast aside.
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<br />Tributes are made to ancestors by burning incense and the symbolic offering of foods. As firecrackers burst in the air, evil spirits are scared away by the sound of the explosions.
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<br />The end of the New Year is marked by the Festival of Lanterns, which is a celebration with singing, dancing and lantern shows.
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<br />At the Festival, all traditions are honored. The predominant colors are red and gold. "Good Wish" banners are hung from the ceilings and walls. The "God of Fortune" is there to give Hong Baos. Lion dancers perform on stage continuously. Visitors take home plants and flowers symbolizing good luck. An array of New Years specialty food is available in the Food Market. Visitors purchase new clothing, shoes and pottery at the Market Fair. Bargaining for the best deal is commonplace!
<br />Ronaldohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652875195682467374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875396278235994193.post-34524249304470343792009-11-19T20:19:00.000-08:002009-11-19T20:31:46.966-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisP0pRB0ogR9oqCYmSnf88IXagDZNiX8hhQ7L1h_zDUiBAQKZY5PgdeeaNoHC7MTGfkhHs-hUTicnc1RN4KOpQDGhmAP5OeF30coyz3n4nZeqttm8CcXYfSnGy5VuwrBMu2fwnbdM5_Byv/s1600/11+%28Small%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 330px; height: 221px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisP0pRB0ogR9oqCYmSnf88IXagDZNiX8hhQ7L1h_zDUiBAQKZY5PgdeeaNoHC7MTGfkhHs-hUTicnc1RN4KOpQDGhmAP5OeF30coyz3n4nZeqttm8CcXYfSnGy5VuwrBMu2fwnbdM5_Byv/s320/11+%28Small%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406037213451188930" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvf3LKhYb5i7mL3LLI3HStQsGBAu4XzBchC92MBhe9jtpKiwtPZebPaCz32N5famdfq8HTFovTXjjbZuzN3kbh9PP2zZxRiUQVAPPxbl6oAJN41nH58S0GJtK__bgmKe3CQ75ETXCgDp7/s1600/DSC03913+%28Small%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 330px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvf3LKhYb5i7mL3LLI3HStQsGBAu4XzBchC92MBhe9jtpKiwtPZebPaCz32N5famdfq8HTFovTXjjbZuzN3kbh9PP2zZxRiUQVAPPxbl6oAJN41nH58S0GJtK__bgmKe3CQ75ETXCgDp7/s320/DSC03913+%28Small%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406037127926276050" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">U-23 </span>Cambodia 3-2 Hoang Anh Gia Lai<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Scorers:<br />- Cambodia 3: Chan Chhaya 12', 36', Kouch Sokumpheak 88'<br />- Hoang Anh 2: Le Van Truong 54', Tran Minh Thein 59'<br /><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Cambodia Playe</span>r : Lay Raksmey, Tieng Tiny (C), Chan Dara, Khoun La Boravy, Oum Kumpheak, Keo Kosal, Phoung Narong, Lorn Sotheara, Sou Yiti (GK), Prak Mony Udom, Touch Pancharong<br />Sok Rithy ,Tiny, San Narith ,Sotheara, Kouch Sokumpheak ,Udom, So Seila (Kosal), Eang Piseth ,Narong, Chan Chhaya ,Kumpheak.<br /><br /> Pheak Rady, Khim Borey, Keo Sokgnon, Chhun Sothearath, Sun Sovannrithy, Peng Bunchhay (GK), To Vann Thann.Ronaldohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652875195682467374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875396278235994193.post-51764666130268000422009-11-12T20:18:00.000-08:002009-11-12T20:26:29.576-08:00Politics: Cambodia and Thai<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCzjY2wyJZjEdD1wx55Tdnaef1wM1L1i-vRQrf-gju0yoaoD8UmtdEqf4AKPI6BRXZQRK87g2hxZqZPAnpF-LmY_We2Qn1gqjqxAOGbv54rHp6q0Sd987bnKCGyTSP3t8u2iAwtr6T_sy/s1600-h/Abhisit+-+Thaksin+-+Hun+Sen.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 347px; height: 184px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCzjY2wyJZjEdD1wx55Tdnaef1wM1L1i-vRQrf-gju0yoaoD8UmtdEqf4AKPI6BRXZQRK87g2hxZqZPAnpF-LmY_We2Qn1gqjqxAOGbv54rHp6q0Sd987bnKCGyTSP3t8u2iAwtr6T_sy/s320/Abhisit+-+Thaksin+-+Hun+Sen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403438172848770818" border="0" /></a>BANGKOK, Nov 12 (IPS) - Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen is known for his brash and earthy vocabulary even when, as he did in early April, he talks about himself. ”I am neither a gangster nor a gentleman, but a real man,” the politician who has led his country for 25 years said in a fit of rage.<br /><br />The target of his ire at the time was Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, following comments the latter had made during a parliamentary debate in the Thai capital.<br /><br />Hun Sen criticised Kasit for calling him a ”gangster” during that debate, but Kasit shot back, saying his description of Hun Sen in Thai had got lost in translation. The actual words were ”Nak Leng,” Kasit had explained, which in Thai means ”a person who is lion-hearted, a courageous and magnanimous gentleman.”<br /><br />It was Kasit's second run-in with the Cambodian leader in under a year. In late 2008, when the former veteran Thai diplomat was in the political wilderness as a speaker for a conservative, right-wing protest movement, he had called Hun Sen a ”thug” during a speech at a public rally.<br /><br />If the new Thai government, formed under a cloud of controversy last December, was hoping that Hun Sen would move on from such moments, then the current war of words between the two countries suggests otherwise.<br /><br />”The Thais seem to have forgotten that Hun Sen has a very good memory. He does not forget easily,” a South-east Asian diplomat from a regional capital told IPS on the condition of anonymity. ”He unearths details and history he knows well to go after those who criticise him.”<br /><br />But the current war of words between Cambodia and Thailand has degenerated into personal insults and a trading of charges about interfering into each country's judicial and domestic affairs.<br /><br />Hun Sen raised the stakes this week in an increasingly volatile relationship between the two South-east Asian kingdoms by targeting his Thai counterpart, Abhisit Vejjajiva, in a verbal barrage.<br /><br />”I would not be surprised if there was a link here with comments made by political allies of Abhisit,” the diplomat added. ”It is Hun Sen getting back.”<br /><br />Besides words, Phnom Penh also rejected a request by Bangkok on Wednesday for the extradition of ousted Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who arrived in Cambodia on Tuesday to begin his new role as Hun Sen's economic advisor.<br /><br />Thaksin, whose popular elected government was turfed out of power in a 2006 military coup, has been living in exile to avoid a two-year jail term after a Thai court found him guilty in a conflict-of-interest case.<br /><br />To goad the Abhisit administration, Hun Sen welcomed Thaksin with warm hugs and handshakes, and offered his own villa in Phnom Penh for the fugitive former Thai premier to stay in.<br /><br />Bangkok has not fallen for Phnom Penh's bait, for now. Even though it bristles at such hospitality and the verbal salvos fired by Hun Sen, the Thai government is trying to stay above the fray, offering statements that appear calm and diplomatic.<br /><br />”The government is stressing that the problem between both countries is still a bilateral issue,” Thani Thongphakdi, Thai foreign ministry's deputy spokesman, told IPS. ”We want to see a positive sign from Cambodia that gives precedence to bilateral ties over personal relationships.”<br /><br />Yet at the same time, the Thai government is taking a tougher line towards the range of ties it maintains with its eastern neighbour. ”We are reviewing existing agreements, existing cooperation and future cooperation between the two countries,” Thani revealed. ”Everything is on the table.”<br /><br />Bangkok's unilateral actions against Cambodia has already seen the Thai ambassador in Phnom Penh withdrawn and Thailand revoking a memorandum of understanding between the two countries to explore oil and gas reserves in the Gulf of Thailand.<br /><br />It followed Hun Sen's tongue-lashing that targeted Abhisit. ”People should know that when I was starting my political career, the Thai prime minister (Abhisit) was still a child running around, playing,” Hun Sen told Cambodian journalists on Sunday, the transcripts of which IPS has seen.<br /><br />”If Abhisit is so sure of himself, then he should call an election. ‘What are you afraid of? Is it that you are afraid you will not be the prime minister?'” Hun Sen continued, driving home his current achievement as South-east Asia's longest-standing premier, as opposed to Abhisit, who has been in office for less than a year.<br /><br />”I am prime minister of Cambodia who has received two-thirds of the vote in the Cambodian parliament. How many votes does Abhisit have? ‘You have chosen somebody else's chair to seat yourself in',” goaded Hun Sen, referring to the question of legitimacy that has dogged the Abhisit government. ”You claim other people's property as your own. How can we respect that?”<br /><br />The 57-year-old Hun Sen has been Cambodia's premier for 25 years, a period where he has not shied from revealing his authoritarian streak, using a mix of violence, intrigue and verbal attacks to cling to power. His journey to power began on the economic and social fringes of the poorer Cambodia, including a short stint when still a teenager as a soldier for the genocidal Khmer Rouge in the later 1970s.<br /><br />The 45-year-old Abhisit hails from the opposite end, being born into wealth, enjoying a British education and feeling at home among Thailand's patricians. He formed a coalition government after a controversial court ruling last December saw the collapse of the elected government, paving the way through a combination of military influence and cash enticements to broker a deal to secure a parliamentary vote than a win at a general election.<br /><br />Hun Sen's penchant for dipping into his country's history to take on the Abhisit administration is also threatening to expose a darker side of Thailand's relationship with its poorer and weaker eastern neighbour.<br /><br />To counter Bangkok's current charges that Phnom Penh is interfering in Thailand's internal politics and judicial system by rolling out the welcome mat for Thaksin, Hun Sen retorts by reminding the Thais about the hospitality they offered to Khmer Rouge leaders like Khieu Samphan and Nuon Chea, now about to face justice in a United Nations war crimes tribunal.<br /><br />”The Thai judiciary has not much value to be respected,” Hun Sen said during his weekend encounter with Cambodian journalists. ”Khmer Rouge leaders Khieu Samphan and Nuon Chea were living in Thailand for years. This was a violation of international law that Thailand had signed.”<br /><br />”Hun Sen is absolutely correct,” said Tom Fawthrop, co-author of ‘Getting away with Genocide? Elusive Justice and the Khmer Rouge Tribunal'. ”In fact after 1979, when the Khmer Rouge were driven out of Cambodia by Vietnam, (Khmer Rouge leader) Pol Pot and other leaders all fled to Thailand.”<br /><br />”The Khmer Rouge's fight to regain power was aided by logistics and weapons that flowed through Thailand, even tanks,” Fawthrop, a regional expert who spends time in Phnom Penh, told IPS. ”The Thais violated the international law after the 1991 Paris peace accord by letting the Khmer Rouge operate along its border, which was not the case along the Vietnamese and Laotian borders.”<br /><br />Hun Sen's current anti-Abhisit rhetoric may not be the isolated views of Cambodia's leader but may find resonance among its people, added Fawthrop. ”The Thai-Cambodian relationship has to be looked at in a historical context. The Cambodians feel a huge sense of grievance.”Ronaldohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652875195682467374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875396278235994193.post-88467471995202100392009-11-09T20:16:00.000-08:002009-11-09T20:26:51.953-08:00More Trouble in Siam<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://visitkhmer.blogspot.com"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbb4au17NqWw9s548H0cb1xu7UnoimYohPVkXJwhrPnRN59N18csQxIgyY9ABnHrCv8oM68bSfgc0xx9kjnZ8geBMMjxbdJS-gfdOO8KFIBwMNX35K2O1RqvwQo0pFC8hoh7QaM4iLaHEk/s320/xin_04212050820266561384816.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402326477409532754" border="0" /></a>Thaksin needles the government and a fugitive financier is returned<br /><br />The government of Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his Democrat Party are being battered by a series of events including the visit to Phnom Penh this week by Thaksin Shinawatra, the leader ousted in a 2006 coup, and a wide-ranging interview that Thaksin gave in Dubai to the Times of London in which, among other things, he accused the Privy Council surrounding King Bhumibol Adulyadej of manipulating the monarch.<br /><br />Also the extradition of disgraced financier Rakesh Saxena, 57, who had staged the longest battle in Canadian history to avoid being sent back to Thailand to face charges he had helped to embezzle tens of millions of dollars in phony bank loans in 1996, now injects a volatile new set of issues into Thailand's shaky political agenda.<br /><br />How much damage the political contest has caused is uncertain. Nomura Global Economics reported in late October that: "The Thai economy contracted the most among Asean countries in 2Q09 in year-on-year terms, driven by a decline in exports (-21.8%) and gross fixed capital formation (-10.1%)" and that "political uncertainty has delayed a recovery in consumption and investment."<br /><br />The Thaksin interview, a long series of self-justifications which can be found here, has outraged government officials at a time when Abhisit is scheduled to be at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Singapore and meet with US President Barack Obama. It can also be expected to drive the royalists in the People's Alliance for Democracy, which twice brought down governments aligned with Thaksin, into new demonstrations over Thaksin's supposed disloyalty and meddling by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in Thai affairs by offering Thaksin a position as his "economic adviser."<br /><br />Saxena arrived last Friday, bundled in blankets in a wheelchair and said to be suffering from a stroke that had partly paralyzed him. He was immediately whisked away to Thailand's Crime Suppression Bureau. Prior to his flight from Thailand, he was said to be close to Newin Chidchob, the Northern Thailand politician whose defection along with those of 16 of his followers from the Thaksin delivered Abhisit Vejjajiva and the Democrat Party to power.<br /><br />The supporters of the billionaire fugitive Thaksin have been clamoring for Saxena's extradition for months on the theory that bringing him back could put the Democrat-led majority coalition in danger. Along with Newin, several other politicians in his camp, including Suchart Tancharoen and Pairoj Suwanchawee, have been identified as making money from the fraud perpetrated by Saxena. Prior to his extradition from Vancouver, BC, Saxena said he feared for his life. He later said had a full list of the politicians, some now in the cabinet, who were involved in the scandal that sent him in flight. The Democrats have assured the press that he is under 24-hour guard in Bangkok.<br /><br />For his part, Abhisit has pledged cooperation with the authorities, telling reporters that "Everyone is obliged to supply information even though such information may harm the cliques within the government because we have to uphold the national interest."<br /><br />Although the Democrats were in opposition and led the censure debate over the Bank of Commerce scandal, the support of Newin's so-called Group of 16 was instrumental in delivering Abhisit and the Democrats to the shaky hold on power that they have enjoyed for the last several months. Many of Newin's allies are now scattered throughout the unwieldy 35-member Thai cabinet.<br /><br />Over the last week, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen added to the uncertainty by offering to employ Thaksin Shinawatra as an "economics advisor," perhaps in retaliation for PAD anti-Cambodian activity at the Preah Vihear temple since 2008. Both countries have recalled their respective ambassadors over the affair. Despite the political setbacks, the absent Thaksin probably remains the second-most popular figure after the ailing king.<br /><br />Saxena's return, given his role in the linchpin of the scandal, couldn't be more inconvenient for Abhisit. It was Saxena's role as treasurer advisor to the Bangkok Bank of Commerce, whose collapse with US$3 billion in debt in 1996 was one of the contributing factors to the devaluation of the Thai baht and ultimately the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997-1998. He was charged with looting US$88 million through establishing a series of phony loans through the bank. According to media reports, he and his team identified moribund companies, pumped up their balance sheets while looting the assets and firing staff, then sold them to unsuspecting shareholders. Among the companies targeted as takeover objects were Morakot Industries, Jalaprathan Cement, Semiconductor Venture International and Phoenix Pulp and Paper.<br /><br />In July of 1995, according to reports, he transferred more than US$80 million out of Thailand in defiance of banking regulations and, shortly after that, followed the money out to Canada.<br /><br />The financier ultimately washed up in British Columbia, where his extradition hearing was the longest in Canadian history. Even after the presiding judge ruled there were grounds to extradite him, it took the federal justice minister more than three years to order his return to Thailand.<br /><br />The return of Saxena -- who has been implicated in a series of dubious stock schemes and a counter-coup in Sierra Leone while under house arrest in Vancouver, comes at an extremely sensitive time for Thailand, with Bhumibol increasingly infirm. The 86-year-old monarch last week returned to the public eye after more than a month in hospital, more frail than ever and with the royal succession in doubt although the official line is that he will get the job. The king's son, Vajiralongkorn, is deeply unpopular and it appears that the royal family may be in the hands of a regency run by the queen, Sirikit.<br /><br />Abhisit, in Singapore this week for the APEC conference, and his Democrats are beset on one side by the pro-Thaksin Red Shirts, who have now formed the Phieu Thai Party, and the anti-Thaksin Yellow Shirts, who are establishing a royalist party of their own, the New Politics Party which was formed in July.<br /><br />There appears to be considerable behind-the-scenes agitation to pardon Thaksin, perhaps in exchange for his forsaking political activity in exchange for the restoration of his billion-dollar telecommunications fortune. Whatever happens, Saxena's return adds yet another explosive to the volatile mixture that is Thai politics.Ronaldohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652875195682467374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875396278235994193.post-52598607608059986972009-11-07T19:23:00.000-08:002009-11-07T19:28:55.274-08:00Thaksin is on a new offensive<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYi9-KtRXny7K6vbAJ9m-_9p50Xz6N3hBpTUAjm-wK25vPGgb1BmqEp4B7B9Ec-mKCUHLQcAyQplmlVngXZvQ8yiDZe75LC8KHrkInQku-LzJbSMK-ce0A9bRN5__klUkR34BO-TWU4il/s1600-h/Hun+Sen+-+Thaksin+Shinawatra+%28Chor+Sokunthea%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 343px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYi9-KtRXny7K6vbAJ9m-_9p50Xz6N3hBpTUAjm-wK25vPGgb1BmqEp4B7B9Ec-mKCUHLQcAyQplmlVngXZvQ8yiDZe75LC8KHrkInQku-LzJbSMK-ce0A9bRN5__klUkR34BO-TWU4il/s320/Hun+Sen+-+Thaksin+Shinawatra+%28Chor+Sokunthea%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401568513208998482" border="0" /></a>BANGKOK - THAILAND'S fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's appointment earlier this week by Cambodia's mercurial Prime Minister Hun Sen has jangled nerves in the Thai capital and entangled both countries in a diplomatic brawl that prompted Thailand first and then Cambodia to recall their ambassadors on Thursday.<br /><br />Analysts say Thaksin's latest move could be the launchpad for a political comeback.<br /><br />'Thaksin is on a new offensive. This is a calculated campaign to undermine this government and to change governments,' said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political science professor at Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University. 'He wants to retake what he sees as his legitimate right, which is to have another election that he believes he will win.'<br /><br />For the government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, Cambodia's action is a slap in the face it feels compelled to respond to. It called the appointment an 'interference in Thailand's domestic affairs.'<br /><br />From cyberspace, Thaksin tweeted to his 40,000 Twitter followers that Abhisit's recall of the Thai ambassador was a 'childish overreaction', and tweeted in a seperate message: 'I'm asking permission from all Thai people to advise the Cambodian government ... until I have a chance to serve you again.'<br /><br />Current Prime Minister Abhisit faces the challenge of how to calm the political maelstrom around Thaksin. 'Thailand is now in the international spotlight and its leader has been discredited,' said Sompop Manarungsan, a political economist at Chulalongkorn University. 'The strategy Thaksin is using, I call it 'crashing.' He is destroying everything in his path to reach his goal.'Ronaldohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652875195682467374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875396278235994193.post-26513133289493502352009-11-05T18:56:00.000-08:002009-11-05T20:18:57.398-08:00Thaksin Shinawatra Said<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDepNOkc1ILPyrlql-rMshGhteuqgBPAQKQN5ocMramKe7Yl-OAMmi31u2jQEGf0YO7ioHRguK_Wu1fbOqLTj93Q4M-1BVsP_sFT7qsCjufS6j_3nIBEjCiH601fDpi3VezjXI03u512m/s1600-h/Hun+Sen+-+Thaksin+%28Bkk+Post%29%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400820414004506290" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 340px; height: 208px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDepNOkc1ILPyrlql-rMshGhteuqgBPAQKQN5ocMramKe7Yl-OAMmi31u2jQEGf0YO7ioHRguK_Wu1fbOqLTj93Q4M-1BVsP_sFT7qsCjufS6j_3nIBEjCiH601fDpi3VezjXI03u512m/s320/Hun+Sen+-+Thaksin+%28Bkk+Post%29%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a> Thaksin Shinawatra claimed it was "an honour" to be appointed Cambodia's economic adviser. As his motherland is staring at a major diplomatic row with a close neighbour and businessmen in both countries are bracing themselves for an unpredictable impact, there is a thin line between "honour" and "shame".<br />In his fight to clear his name, Thaksin has stopped at virtually nothing. And even after the Thai ambassador to Phnom Penh was recalled and Bangkok decided to cut assistance to Cambodia, he showed no signs of guilt, concern or remorse. Bangkok was being childish and overreacting, he tweeted.<br />Thaksin's blurring sense of patriotism is understandable. Having been ousted by a military coup, convicted for a crime he refuses to accept and seen his own political movement neutralised one after another, he can be forgiven for trying to embarrass his opponents who are holding the reins of power. But everything has its boundary - and Thaksin has crossed it.<br />Only he and Cambodian Premier Hun Sen know whether the controversial asylum offer and the economic-adviser appointment were out of the latter's own goodwill or the former Thai leader had a hand in it. But even if Thaksin had nothing to do with the Cambodian moves, the least he could have done is show he cared about his country.<br />A neighbourly row of this nature can easily encompass the fighting colours in Thai politics. It threatens the whole country, be it yellows or reds or neutral Thais. Disruption of trade, border blockades, troop redeployment and the subsequent mounting tension on the already-strained relations will not discriminate against anyone.<br />Thaksin could have said "No, but thank you" to the Cambodian offer, but he has chosen to inflame the situation by saying the Thai government was overreacting, like a child. This came from someone who should have known better, who witnessed first-hand as a Thai leader what misunderstandings between the countries could lead to and who was on the verge of sending commandos into Cambodia himself to rescue Thai diplomats and businessmen running for their lives from angry torch-wielding protesters.<br />The difference between now and then is the attack on the Thai Embassy may have been caused by an accident, but this time there are people who seemingly want it to happen. Thaksin stands out among them. Hun Sen cannot drag himself into the Thai fray without Thaksin showing the way. If Thaksin's opponents' hardline stand on the Preah Vihear conflict was what first strained bilateral relations, things took a major turn for the worse when Thaksin's representative, Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, visited Phnom Penh and kick-started the asylum-offer episode.<br />What is Thaksin prepared to do now? On one side is a country he once called home, where he is both loved and loathed, but on the other side is a place that is offering him comfort. A truly grateful man would do anything but pit both countries against each other.<br /><div></div>Ronaldohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652875195682467374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875396278235994193.post-88608032928076822522009-11-05T18:49:00.000-08:002009-11-05T19:04:16.630-08:00Khmer-Siam Relationship<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXO_f_cpTOiU3-QO3jzmZBxBX8KILY50lC-sNSOEwM-hmoj-nSaTMMM75zDwV5h8yvsgKAztQfyg9efgDU_6zu0mffY95Je1_OQrLmFfzHLylUumi_bxLcBaRnODEW7DKN8q3cGFg7ftW/s1600-h/Khmer-Thai+chrono+(The+Nation)[1].jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400817608113099682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 253px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXO_f_cpTOiU3-QO3jzmZBxBX8KILY50lC-sNSOEwM-hmoj-nSaTMMM75zDwV5h8yvsgKAztQfyg9efgDU_6zu0mffY95Je1_OQrLmFfzHLylUumi_bxLcBaRnODEW7DKN8q3cGFg7ftW/s320/Khmer-Thai+chrono+(The+Nation)%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a> Thailand recalls envoy from Cambodia, Phnom Penh retaliates in kind<br />Just as many had feared, the stormy relationship between Thailand and Cambodia was pushed to the edge yesterday when Bangkok responded to fugitive ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra's appointment as the neighbouring country's economic adviser by recalling its ambassador from Phnom Penh.<br />Cambodia's retaliation - the planned recall of its ambassador here, You Aye, who Deputy Cambodian Prime Minister Sok An said would not return until Bangkok sends its own envoy back - ensured bilateral ties were at their worst level in years.<br />If Thaksin's appointment was an unmistakable diplomatic provocation, recalling the Thai envoy was the strongest possible response yet - equivalent to a downgrade of relations between the countries.<br />Former foreign minister Tej Bunnag warned that the ambassadorial recalls meant a major channel of communications had been removed.<br />The Foreign Ministry recalled Prasas Prasasvinitchai, the ambassador to Phnom Penh, to Bangkok yesterday after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen announced on Wednesday that Thaksin had been royally appointed as economic adviser and would not be extradited to Thailand.<br />These new developments add more problems to the ongoing process of boundary demarcation, and border conflicts at the area near the Preah Vihear Temple will become more difficult to resolve.<br />Now it is up to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to calmly speak to Prime Minister Hun Sen when they meet in Tokyo today and tomorrow at the Japan-Mekong Summit, Tej said.<br />"Bilateral ties should not be damaged by a single individual," he added.<br />However, Chavanont Intarakomalyasut, secretary to the foreign minister, said there were no plans for Abhisit to meet Hun Sen during the Tokyo summit.<br />"We will not call him but if he calls us, we might talk," he said at a press conference. "So far we have nothing to say to him."<br />Reflecting Bangkok's "enough is enough" attitude, Chavanont said Thailand would not tolerate Hun Sen's behaviour any longer because the government had already explained Thaksin's legal status to him several times.<br />"Thaksin's appointment is seen as an interference in Thailand's domestic affairs and a failure to respect the Thai judicial system," he said.<br />Downgrading bilateral relations is always an option for Thailand when it comes to responding to Cambodia. The Kingdom had previously downgraded ties in 2003 after an arson attack at the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh - ironically while Thaksin was prime minister. But that was a brief estrangement because Thaksin was always on good terms with Hun Sen.<br />However, this Democrat-ruled government is different. It is not clear how long it will take to resume normal relations, because the Thai side is going to review all bilateral agreements and cooperation projects. Thailand has a number of ongoing projects with Cambodia in many areas, including transportation and energy.<br />Every time relations between the two nations get sour, Thai interests in Cambodia, notably in trade and investment, always get affected. The 2003 riots and the anti-Thai sentiment caused a lot of damage to Thai businesses in the country, and investors were only able to resume their businesses a few years ago.<br />Thailand currently has scores of investment projects worth billions of baht, but bilateral trade in the first half of this year showed a 25-per-cent contraction from the same period last year, though trade experts believed it would recover in the second half. Border trade was also expected to show signs of recovery if relations had not been jeopardised.<br />Besides, the situation could become worse if a party in Cambodia stoked anti-Thai sentiment, as happened in 2003.<br />The only way to maintain bilateral interests would be to mend relations as soon as possible. However, with Thaksin and Hun Sen now the best of friends, observers say things can go either way - better or worse.Ronaldohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652875195682467374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875396278235994193.post-24309919310798063422009-11-05T18:36:00.000-08:002009-11-05T18:54:23.142-08:00Thai government recalled ambassador from Phnom Penh<a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.visitkhmer.blogspot.com"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400814949894579330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 229px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXuPNuQB2cjEzupY4PP8dWnjJniXCPZ5E_FTE5pa1y7Pfg1JuatJdl0FacwOIPn_kn5m6al2_C2IjYd0klGeNwJ7f-vnP81Odg-jNCKVufU31ebf3ptx1b58rYsmDa07WuxRB6TGph4Ww/s320/Menage+a+trois%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Thai government recalled its ambassador from Phnom Penh on Thursday, following a decision by the Cambodian government to appoint ousted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra as an adviser to the Prime Minister Hun Sen.<br />The withdrawal, ordered by Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, was another blow to worsening relations between the two countries, which both have troops amassed along an already contentious border.“We have recalled the ambassador as the first diplomatic retaliation measure to let the Cambodian government know the dissatisfaction of the Thai people,” Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was quoted saying in Bangkok.<br />“Last night’s announcement by the Cambodian government harmed the Thai justice system and really affected Thai public sentiment,” Agence France-Presse quoted Abhisit saying.<br />Officials announced on Wednesday that King Norodom Sihamoni had approved Thaksin as an economic adviser to Hun Sen, who has said he would welcome the fugitive official in spite of an extradition treaty with Thailand.<br /><br /><div></div>Ronaldohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652875195682467374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875396278235994193.post-68093389059308413112009-10-25T21:18:00.000-07:002009-10-25T21:25:53.872-07:00Khmer Water Festival<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpXm13stfgsYQbQe2WvPZ4-gjV-72LLLYMFKl32WVRpTtlT1X_1J9WRg0k4n0j7lkKHLUIRtldhof5A6RvGQa8qpB_I3Mk8hzZpVE1LzvkR3eS8NsneXFJDb__TisDWTRqJRoqOGQwlc5/s1600-h/capt_hs10311040509_cambodia_water_festival_hs103-741653.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396759370100892962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpXm13stfgsYQbQe2WvPZ4-gjV-72LLLYMFKl32WVRpTtlT1X_1J9WRg0k4n0j7lkKHLUIRtldhof5A6RvGQa8qpB_I3Mk8hzZpVE1LzvkR3eS8NsneXFJDb__TisDWTRqJRoqOGQwlc5/s320/capt_hs10311040509_cambodia_water_festival_hs103-741653.jpg" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396759014144089890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 218px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 281px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLfg0IbNiyz37KrhxtFoJPEuMoXytwAY0UjWa8G3pB7FERLHKa7FLxc7tNs_NEQl2sUkrtFAhRfVGb3IVzLuaHcbfuua_i5rvsJQ4XX45zM5Oc9t3hPhkJZRpyxiqrUCHtfoMekhAwQPf/s320/water_festival-2%5B1%5D%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div> The Water Festival in Cambodia takes place each year in October or November, at the time of the full moon, and is the most extravagant and exuberant festival in the Khmer calendar, outdoing even the new year celebrations. Starting on the day of the full moon in late October or early November, up to a million people from all walks of life and from all over the country flock to the banks of the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers in Phnom Penh to watch traditional boats racing on a huge scale. This year more than 400 of the brightly colored boats with over 2,500 paddlers battled it out for top honors. The boat racing dates back to ancient times marking the strength of the powerful Khmer marine forces during the Khmer empire.<br />During the day, the boats race in pairs along a kilometer-long course, and then in the evening brightly decorated floats cruise along the river prior to and during the nightly fireworks displays.<br />There is often a parallel festival at Angkor Wat and although it is smaller in scale it is just as impressive due to the backdrop of Angkor Wat.<br />The festival marks the changing of the flow of the Tonle Sap River and is also seen as thanksgiving to the Mekong River for providing the country with fertile land and abundant fish. It is at this time when the river flow reverts to its normal down-stream direction. In a remarkable phenomenon, the Tonle Sap River earlier reverses its course as the rainy season progresses, with the river flowing "upstream" to Tonle Sap Lake. Then as the rainy season tapers off, the river changes direction once again as the swollen Tonle Sap Lake begins to empty back into the Mekong River, leaving behind vast quantities of fish.<br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Ronaldohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652875195682467374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875396278235994193.post-25589169250412930452009-10-16T20:47:00.001-07:002009-10-16T20:51:21.925-07:00Bou Sra Waterfall<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://visitkhmer.blogspot.com"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 347px; height: 313px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0882cLGUpvStdrJlh-_6A4V0T7Mhn97HM28W-DVjWOfpdGiRvcjPp4X8BvAbFjW7BQJpnGtqJ7itEDxSfxvsme3-Oq5O2TMM1egGcVwSe8qHCavwF51r5yh4qQtQ-ln4sRhVoeevoaM9/s320/090916055054Mondulkiri.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393410756551822050" border="0" /></a>Bou Sra Waterfall is a waterfall in Mondulkiri Province in Cambodia. It is located in Pechr Chenda District 43 kilometres from the provincial town of Mondulkiri along a red soil road.<br /><br />In its first stage the waterfall has 15m diameter and 15-20m height during the rainy season, and a 20m diameter and 18-25m height in dry season.<br /><br />The second stage of waterfall lies 150 metres from the first stage. During the dry season it has a 23m diameter and a 15-20m height and during the rainy season has 20m diameter and 18-25m height. [1]<br /><br />At the third stage, the waterfall is more powerful than at the second stage, but it cannot be reached by man due to geographical obstructions.Ronaldohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652875195682467374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875396278235994193.post-25710440683317564142009-10-16T20:29:00.000-07:002009-10-16T20:42:24.346-07:00Kulen Waterfall<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWIfxT_aTIIzfYrlqDVAOaNTDzYA8glQNbgZUTrzz_dmqqsUY91NLlEMATh8Ha2SLe2yQaQp1RMKLuBGTH3ftKCFqqgdXDUq0k2J6yzsaFq9RirTqAM_q1gElwzTuhE8KuNX4LWcTrGjK/s1600-h/phnom+kulen+waterfall.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 227px; height: 341px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWIfxT_aTIIzfYrlqDVAOaNTDzYA8glQNbgZUTrzz_dmqqsUY91NLlEMATh8Ha2SLe2yQaQp1RMKLuBGTH3ftKCFqqgdXDUq0k2J6yzsaFq9RirTqAM_q1gElwzTuhE8KuNX4LWcTrGjK/s320/phnom+kulen+waterfall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393406937252923378" border="0" /></a>These mountains are located 30km northwards from Angkor Wat. There is a sacred hilltop site on top of the range and the area was declared a national park by the government of Cambodia.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Phnom Kulen</span> is widely regarded as the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire and is located some 48km from Siem Reap. Of special religious meaning to Hindus and Buddhists, it was at Phnom Kulen that King Jayavarma II proclaimed independence from Java in 802 A.D.<br /><br />The site is known for its carvings representing fertility and its waters which hold special significance to Hindus. Just 5cm under the water's surface over 1000 small carvings are etched into the sandstone riverbed. The waters are regarded as holy, given that Jayavarman II chose to bathe in the river, and had the river diverted so that the stone bed could be carved. Carvings include a stone representation of the Hindu god Vishnu laying on his serpent Ananta, with his wife Lakshmi at his feet. A lotus flower protrudes from his navel bearing the god Brahma. The river then ends with a waterfall and a pool.<br /><br />The Khmer Rouge used the location as a final stronghold as their regime came to an end in 1979. Nearby is Preah Ang Thom, a 16th century Buddhist monastery notable for the giant reclining Buddha, the country's largest.Ronaldohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652875195682467374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875396278235994193.post-71026193065239066122009-10-15T20:40:00.000-07:002009-10-15T20:47:40.672-07:00King Norodom Sihamoni<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2EJ5cWT8swP7r3z9nt8g88ZgNGGfkGAPX_P3y7-O9Iz_QP4qrKn1ZfmUS7w9Gt5FNvbZDdsYJOhxfU4E1cOmule1Sp1cgHZY1JTxaEhMEwg2_jBBGsBRj_dGkyW2d8wqpLHYn5EBme4Ao/s1600-h/Seihamuni1[1].jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393038352930691218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 216px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2EJ5cWT8swP7r3z9nt8g88ZgNGGfkGAPX_P3y7-O9Iz_QP4qrKn1ZfmUS7w9Gt5FNvbZDdsYJOhxfU4E1cOmule1Sp1cgHZY1JTxaEhMEwg2_jBBGsBRj_dGkyW2d8wqpLHYn5EBme4Ao/s320/Seihamuni1%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br />Norodom Sihamoni (Khmer: នរោត្តម សីហមុនី, born 14 May 1953) is the King of Cambodia. He is the eldest son of Norodom Sihanouk and Norodom Monineath Sihanouk. Previously Cambodia's ambassador to UNESCO, he was named by a nine-member throne council to become the next king after his father Norodom Sihanouk abdicated in 2004. Before ascending the throne, Sihamoni was best known for his work as a cultural ambassador in Europe and as a classical dance instructor.<br /><br />Before he was crowned king, his royal title was: Sdech Krom Khun (ស្តេចក្រុមឃុន), equating him to the rank of 'great prince.' As king, his title is: Preah Karuna Preah Bat Sâmdech Preah Bâromneath Norodom Sihamoni Nai Preah Reacheanachakr Kampuchea (in romanized Khmer); roughly translating to: His Majesty, King Norodom Sihamoni of the Kingdom of Cambodia. His given name, Sihamoni, comprises two morphemes from his parent's given names, Sihanouk and Monineath.<br /><br />Sihamoni was born in 1953. At the time of his birth and that of his younger brother, his mother, a Cambodian citizen of Italian and Khmer ancestry, had been one of King Norodom Sihanouk's constant companions since the day they met in 1951, when a young Monique Izzi won first prize in a beauty contest sponsored by UNESCO.[1] She soon become one of the most enduring and stable influences in Sihanouk's life, and is often referred to as a "tower of strength" by close members of the Cambodian Royal Family.[2] She was granted the title of Neak Moneang at the time of her marriage to King Norodom Sihanouk in 1952. (A step-granddaughter of the late Prince Norodom Duongchak of Cambodia, Queen Monineath is a daughter of Pomme Peang and her second husband, Jean-François Izzi, a French-Italian banker.) [3] The Royal Ark website entry about the genealogy of the Cambodian royal family states that Sihanouk and Monineath were married twice, once on 12 April 1952, when she was 15, and again ("more formally", according to the website) on 5 March 1955; she is described as Sihanouk's seventh wife.<br /><br />King Norodom Sihamoni has 12 half-brothers and half-sisters by his father's various relationships; his only full sibling, a younger brother, HRH Samdech Norodom Narindrapong (born 1954) died in 2003.<br /><br />He has spent most of his life outside Cambodia. As a child, Sihamoni was sent to Prague, Czechoslovakia, by his father in 1962, where he, while attending elementary school, high school and Academy of Music Arts, studied classical dance and music until 1975. He is fluent in French and Czech, as well as being a good speaker of English and Russian. During the 1970 coup d'état by Lon Nol, Sihamoni remained in Czechoslovakia. In 1975, he left Prague and began to study filmmaking in North Korea, and in 1977 returned to his native Cambodia. Immediately, the ruling Khmer Rouge government turned against the monarchy, and Sihamoni was put under house arrest by the Khmer Rouge with the rest of the royal family until the 1979 Vietnamese invasion. In 1981, he moved to France to teach ballet and was later president of the Khmer Dance Association. He lived in France for nearly 20 years, but even then he regularly visited Prague, where he spent his childhood and youth. He is the only ruling monarch who speaks Czech.<br /><br />In 1993, the prince was appointed Cambodia's delegate to UNESCO, the UN cultural body based in Paris, where he became known for his hard work and his devotion to Cambodian culture. He previously refused an appointment as Cambodia's ambassador to France.<br /><br />On October 14, 2004, he was selected by a special nine-member council, part of a selection process that was quickly put in place after the surprise abdication of King Norodom Sihanouk a week before. Sihamoni's selection was endorsed by Prime Minister Hun Sen and National Assembly Speaker Prince Norodom Ranariddh (the new king's brother), both members of the throne council. He was inaugurated and formally annointed as King on Friday, October 29, 2004. King Sihamoni and his parents, King Father Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath specifically requested that the ceremonies be kept low-key because they did not wish for the impoverished country to spend too much money on the event.<br /><br />The original gold and diamond encrusted crown, a sacred symbol of Mount Meru, used in official coronation ceremonies in Cambodia for centuries dating back to the ancient Angkorian Empire, disappeared along with many other items of Royal Regalia during the Lon Nol regime in the early 1970s. As stated by Julio A. Jeldres, King Father Norodom Sihanouk's official biographer, "The King did not want a crown remade because of Cambodia's poverty." <br /><br />Sihamoni remains a bachelor, and there have been persistent reports [7] that he is gay. Sihamoni has no children, but this does not pose a problem because the King in Cambodia is selected by the throne council even when such a successor exists.Ronaldohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652875195682467374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875396278235994193.post-66351283779914874952009-09-29T02:05:00.000-07:002009-09-29T02:16:59.714-07:00Prahok Ktiss<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmBsvmqueD_gqpuaY-4sP6cN4CldUb9LSBeJLzLED-UuX-rEocz1v-nRRsFxvmiHqkMxrwWI6BRT2-5qgybaAmW2lqMkDBSVFzWUVW1fAKB9E8T5m09FJGQ0Q2azyOdGFncXqSTFVW_GF/s1600-h/prahok_ktiss[1].jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386813044256911154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 228px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 97px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmBsvmqueD_gqpuaY-4sP6cN4CldUb9LSBeJLzLED-UuX-rEocz1v-nRRsFxvmiHqkMxrwWI6BRT2-5qgybaAmW2lqMkDBSVFzWUVW1fAKB9E8T5m09FJGQ0Q2azyOdGFncXqSTFVW_GF/s320/prahok_ktiss%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;"> Ingredients</span>- 0.2 kg of smoke fish;- 0.1 kg of dry freshwater shrimp;- 0.5 kg of pig front leg meat;- 0.2 kg of Prahok;- 1 big ripe coconut fruit;- 0.05 kg of already sliced citronella trunks;- 0.1 kg of smoke spices; - 0.05 kg of garlic;- A bit of saffron, Amomum Galanga, citrus hystrix peels and leaves;- 0.2 kg of ripe tamarind;- 0.3 kg of Rumhorng egg plants (kind of egg plant that goes well with the dish);- 0.2 kg of sugar;- 1 coffee spoonful of MSG;- Fresh vegetables to be eaten raw: Long bean, egg plant, ginger, head cabbage, cucumber.<br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;">How to cook</span><br />Pound and mash the smoke fish after taking out the bones. Pound and mash the dry shrimps after cleaning them. Slice the pig meat into small bits. Slice and mash the fish paste completely. Cut open the coconut and get its milk: 300ml for Phase One, and 300 ml for Phase Two. Take out the seeds and the inside of the smoke spices, clean them and mash them. Slice the citronella trunks into tiny bits and then pound them together with saffron, Amomum Galanga and citrus hystrix leaves to make a mash mixture. Mix water with the ripe tamarind and make a small bowl of sour solution. Fry the egg plants until they look brown. Fry the spices until they turns red. Cook the Phase One 300 ml coconut milk until it turns a little brown color. Add the fried spice and then the mash mixture into it, and leave the combination to shiver using medium source of cooking power. Put the mashed pig meat and leave it to cook. Put the shrimps and smoke fish, mingle them in the solution, then add some prahok, sugar and some more coconut milk and leave it to moderately shiver foe 10 minutes. Then, put citrus hystrix leaves and the bowl of tamarind water, and leave the solution to cook another 5 minutes. Finally put the eggplant and stir the soup. Then, taste it, and that's it.<br /><div></div>Ronaldohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652875195682467374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875396278235994193.post-70533530192241403812009-09-29T02:00:00.000-07:002009-09-29T02:12:14.803-07:00Amok<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOv16i9KivgKDK2JvrRd5D3jIkXJXDI2a4OvHBzFr5oiWqgbgwQEtZ1r8kM9Ohz7JppBs1vVEq7eGjHDDxgG5hOF5VAYyY32_IsjOXLSYE4WtuIGs4ADBELK96OK_PnDUMAmsS89mLLM_/s1600-h/amok[1].jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386812600227626482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 227px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 181px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOv16i9KivgKDK2JvrRd5D3jIkXJXDI2a4OvHBzFr5oiWqgbgwQEtZ1r8kM9Ohz7JppBs1vVEq7eGjHDDxgG5hOF5VAYyY32_IsjOXLSYE4WtuIGs4ADBELK96OK_PnDUMAmsS89mLLM_/s320/amok%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#33cc00;"><br /></span><div><span style="color:#33cc00;">Ingredients</span>- 1 kg of mud fish;- 1 ripe coconut fruit;- 5 trunks of citronella;- 0.5 kg of smoke fish;- 0.5 kg of garlic;- Bits of saffron, Amomum Galanga, Amomum Zingiber;- 6 leaves of citrus hystrix and some peels;- 2 ripe bell pepper fruits;- 1 duck egg; salt, sugar, fish, sauce, MSG;- Leaves of star fruit and banana trees<br /><span style="color:#009900;">How to cook<br /></span>Cut the fish in to small slices and take the bones out Slice and crush the citronella trunks and pound them together with saffron, Amomum Galanga, Amomum Zingiber, citrus hystrix leaves to make a mash mixture Slice the smoke spices into small bits Break the coconut fruit, squeeze the nut to get its milk by making the phase-one milk and phase-two milk Cut the ripe bell pepper into two Pour half of the phase-one coconut milk into a frying pan to cook until it turns a litter brown Then, put into the pan the spices and the mash mixture, and stir it up Add the phase-two milk and turn off the cooking gas after the solution becomes cooked and dry enough After that, add the fish, salt, fish sauce, sugar, egg, and fully mix up the ingredients Make package of banana leaves, lay star fruit leaves at the bottom of the package, then put enough of the cooked fish on the star fruit leaves, and then top it with a bit of citrus hystrix leaves and ripe bell pepper. Turn on the gas and cook the dish again Add 1 spoonful of the phase-one coconut milk into the fish, and leave it to cook for a short while. And the dish is done. </div>Ronaldohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652875195682467374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875396278235994193.post-62575862494873352252009-09-27T20:50:00.000-07:002009-09-29T01:59:24.089-07:00Samdech Choun Nath<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3cNX4Yq28QEhS3DImT2xtLgxdFrkAzO248AH-PG4rcNScB0CqGHSj0ztJkJP2_WN19oA9kmmJFKesERwYC6qgC8gngYawKoHOSxCCFWLkY8RISYaxfFxqtfTqns_yaqO49LJTAW8EoOB-/s1600-h/choun+nat[1].JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386811067159354210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 336px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 344px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3cNX4Yq28QEhS3DImT2xtLgxdFrkAzO248AH-PG4rcNScB0CqGHSj0ztJkJP2_WN19oA9kmmJFKesERwYC6qgC8gngYawKoHOSxCCFWLkY8RISYaxfFxqtfTqns_yaqO49LJTAW8EoOB-/s320/choun+nat%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Samdech Sangha Raja Jhotañano Choun Nath (born March 11, 1883 - died September 25, 1969) is the late Supreme Patriarch Kana Mahanikaya of Cambodia. Amongst his achievements is his effort in conservation of the Khmer language in the form of the Khmer dictionary. His protection of Khmer identity and history in the form of the national anthem, Nokor Reach and Savada Khmer are also amongst his contribution to the country. Conserving the Khmer Language Venerable Chuon Nath was the head of a reformist movement in the Khmer Buddhist Sangha which developed a rationalist-scholastic model of Buddhism, rooted in linguistic studies of the Pali Canon. This new movement, known as Dhammayuttika Nikaya, influenced young Khmer monks in the early 20th century. The new movmenet also cultivated Khmer-language identity and culture, giving rise to the notion of Cambodian nationalism. Chuon Nath pushed for a series of innovations in the Khmer Sangha beginning in the early twentieth century: the use of print for sacred texts (rather than traditional methods of hand-inscribing palm-leaf manuscripts); a higher degree of expertise in Pali and Sanskrit studies among monks; a vision of orthodoxy based on teaching of Vinaya texts for both monks and lay-people; and modernization of teaching methods for Buddhist studies. He also oversaw the translation of the entire Buddhist Pali cannon into Khmer language; and the creation of the Khmer language dictionary. The French set up its protectorate over Cambodia and intended to replace the Khmer language with its own through the so-called "pseudo-French intellectuals." This intention rallied many Cambodian scholars to the course of conserving the Khmer language; one such scholar was Samdech Choun Nath. A son of farmers who later became a monk, Samdech Choun Nath dedicated his life to upholding Buddhism and the conservation of Khmer language in the country that was highly influenced by French colonialism. He had an extensive knowledge of the Khmer language. He was probably the most famous and most knowledgeable monk Cambodia had ever had. A master in Buddha’s teaching, he was very well known around the Buddhism circle as well as very adept at languages. Throughout his life he encouraged the use of "Khmerization" in both public education and religions. What Samdech Choun Nath meant by "Khmerization" was he wanted to derive new Khmer words from its ancestral roots, the Pali and Sanskrit languages. For example, when the train arrived first in Cambodia, there was no Khmer word for the train. Samdech Choun Nath thus derived the word for train from Sanskrit and Pali word of Ayomoyo which means something that's made of metal. Together with the word Yana which means vehicle, came the Khmer word for train which we know today as Ayaksmeyana, pronounced Ayak-smey-yean. However, Samdech Choun Nath’s Khmerization wasn't overall accepted by all Khmers. Other scholars such as Keng Vannsak who were pro-French didn't find the kind of Khmer words derived from Pali and Sanskrit to be convenient. They revolutionized another kind of derivation which they want to adopt normalized French word into Khmer vocabulary. The only major change was to use Khmer alphabet to write the word rather than using the Roman alphabets used by the French. But despite opposition, Samdech Choun Nath’s Khmerization succeeded. He was a member of the original committee granted royal order to compile a Khmer dictionary in 1915 and was credited as the founder of the dictionary as he pushed for and finally succeeded in printing the first edition of the current Khmer dictionary in 1967. Samdech Choun Nath’s other contribution to Cambodia include the current national anthem, Nokoreach. Nokoreach was written to correspond to the motto of the nation, "Nation, Religion, King" as well as demonstrate the grandeur and the mighty past of the Khmer nation. Savada Khmer Samdech Choun Nath's ballad Savada Khmer calls for all Khmer to unite, to remember and to uphold the great history of the Khmer people. English Translation All Khmers, please remember the root and history of our great country Our boundary was wide and well known Others always thought highly of our race And always placed our race as the elders. We have great heritage and culture Which has spread far and wide in the Far East. Religion, arts and education, Music, philosophy and strategies are all that we've spread. All Khmers, please remember our roots and history Which speaks of the grandeur of our great race Make up your mind and body and try hard to rebuild In order to lift the value of our nation To once again rise to the greatness that we once had. </div>Ronaldohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652875195682467374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875396278235994193.post-15949974760711196212009-09-13T02:51:00.001-07:002009-09-13T21:33:14.084-07:00Sihanouk Ville<a href="http://visitkhmer.blogspot.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381098937053471058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 382px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 279px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzEcrWlsV6auDqXTaC5K_dQzESNZ30PSxBYlwz2rDtGuLEUro129wDdZJ41zKbUm5plQo-fAgjgvT-kvAPD-sZx41oEsoqJyCnOUqQzBAGqoZNbYRMz_nSlE7K61rMeFRdERW9u5BoLG7/s320/28012009389.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.visitkhmer.blogspot.com"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380898674908095730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 388px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrqsgcSztfZBspT51q-a_RrWCtiT7VuWHYgMjLxGrIFUHMLbNPOFAMgfqTVa_weec3uYKYte7zxc92Kpxj914r16LIgsad3PVkwolV03MNsV9WtNGd5dRChR6sGtcnq7sPj1C9_Oyhdne/s320/28012009391.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">Sihanouk Ville known as</span> “Kampong Som” province is located along the sea and South Western side of Cambodia. It takes about 4 hours by bus from Phnom Penh and it is 250 kilometers. Sihanouk Ville is gradually developed, and a few new towns are under construction. This only international seaport of Sihanouk Ville makes Cambodia develop faster, now it also serves as a port for import, export cargos and tourist cruise boats.<br /><br />Security at the moment is not a problem for tourists who would like go on vacation. The number of tourists is still low, but it will increase rapidly. White sand beaches are innate and unruffled. Ochheuteal, Sokha, Otress, Independence are popular beaches for sunbathing, snorkeling; swimming and relaxing. Unfortunately, some of the beaches are controlled by private companies.<br /><br />Town of Sihanouk Ville was constructed in 1950 during the French time (1863-1953). It served as a beach and industrial town. It is best suited for industrial purposes because cargos are transported in and out every day making this port very busy. The beaches attract local and foreign tourists from Phnom Penh and overseas. Recently, the airport of Sihanouk Ville was reopened for tourists from Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Angkor Beer factory produces local beer. There are many companies that like to invest to this region. In the near future new towns will be constructed near the old one.<br /><br />General Information:<br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />How to get in?<br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />You can reach Sihanouk Ville from Phnom Penh city by bus or taxi and it takes about 4 hours and costs you around US $5. Recently, Siem Reap airways have flights from Siem Reap to Sihanouk Ville directly and this will increase the number of tourists. If you visit Kampot and want to continue to Sihanouk Ville it will take just about one and a half hour. Tourists can come to Sihanouk Ville from Koh Kong province, where the international border serves as the doorway between Cambodia and Thailand. Buses and boats can reach Sihanouk Ville from Koh Kong. </div></div>Ronaldohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652875195682467374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875396278235994193.post-70238063932199594012009-09-13T02:51:00.000-07:002009-09-13T21:35:46.816-07:00The interest Beach in Sihanouk Ville<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXoa8jAzZz4miRWtx2fZCOtpAlLU7X4xAgznfyHLnJFqiDFUnIYlTIGUHzg2LrULZeIspJ0a1sZ0yu54kQniJwQF-wRdPboe-yff07k360c5or24vYE1DAywKhAJ22k0WdZOSyXyKWvaWi/s1600-h/siha.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381103726011750322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXoa8jAzZz4miRWtx2fZCOtpAlLU7X4xAgznfyHLnJFqiDFUnIYlTIGUHzg2LrULZeIspJ0a1sZ0yu54kQniJwQF-wRdPboe-yff07k360c5or24vYE1DAywKhAJ22k0WdZOSyXyKWvaWi/s320/siha.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div>What to do and see?<br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />Besides swimming and snorkeling, at the beaches, tourists can do their diving at Remote Island to see varieties of fishes and others marine creatures. Price of diving with professional guide is 70 US dollars. You can also hire water motorbikes at US $30 per hour. If you want to just drink and chill out you need to visit Otress beach, because it is a calm private beach.<br /><br />Ochheuteal beach: is the most popular beach for swimming, dining, snorkeling and driving (water Moto). This beach is calm, sand is white, and tourists can stay until midnight. Local and foreign tourists swim here together. Restaurant and bars are located along the beach; BBQ of sea food is the mostly served food at lunch and dinner. Boat trip to the island can be organized by local agents and the price varies depending your negotiation skills. Internet cafes can also be found at Ocher Teal.<br /><br />Sokha beach: This beach is owned by Sokha hotel, the only 5 star hotel in Sihanouk Ville. This beach is the most beautiful of all beaches of Cambodia. Locals are not allowed to swim there; it is reserved only for tourists who stay at Sokha beach hotel. Sand and water is white and clean, calm.<br /><br />7 Chann beach (Independence beach): Named after the hotel which was built during the French time, 7 Chann that means 7 stories of the hotel building. This beach is private owned as well; presently the hotel has enlarged their beach line about 500 meters. This Beach is not reserved for the guests of the Independence resort & spa. It provides the best atmosphere for the honeymooners.<br /><br />Otress beach: It is 10 minutes drive by motorbike from Ocher Teal beach. This beach is still natural and calm. Tourists enjoy their vacation here, because there are not so many people like Ocheu Teal beach. The restaurant & the bar that are located along the beach have friendly staff. This beach is clean & has beautiful sunsets.<br />Ream Beach: The Khmer movie, “Snam Sne Samut Ream”, was filmed here. This beach is quiet, very few people swim here, because it is far from town. There are many restaurants with hammock for welcoming the tourists.<br /><br />Unfortunately, coconut trees were cut recently, if not it would have a beautiful view during the sunset.<br /><br />Other beaches and places to see:<br />There are many more beautiful beaches such as Victory, Hawaï and Hunsen.<br /><br />Kbal Chay water falls:<br />You need to set aside a half day for your trip to Kbal Chay water falls and Ream beach together. It is popular falls even among the local people and you can swim here. </div>Ronaldohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652875195682467374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875396278235994193.post-53298768313713190232009-08-08T18:45:00.000-07:002009-08-08T19:20:19.398-07:00East Mebon Temple<a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.visitkhmer.blogspot.com"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367777034642626498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 202px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT58gXOLp6l27GfBRPXk4nectB1Yc5evynRl3SUvgrgm_BiHaRdkVpadmpQ5vbdbWYU3IjWn8I7jvVn3DUi-NzaW3Mh7ogTXer_bT6e6i_7NX2kDu2hBt3EnLQiCkRWpTXl52dRJ-eIPKR/s320/m2.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFaMeE5n4LrIEj0cVmvvvIsxR2jvab8QYRESjXR0h4M3xf89vVPU_VRxaL2QkJUe0t7h4us9JdmU1evLzoDwAPERS8JHwKfbuLUjtzS4r9lsS5SJz6zYVoJA9Uo46urRqthAcn0hgoRQz/s1600-h/me1.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367775441844126546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFaMeE5n4LrIEj0cVmvvvIsxR2jvab8QYRESjXR0h4M3xf89vVPU_VRxaL2QkJUe0t7h4us9JdmU1evLzoDwAPERS8JHwKfbuLUjtzS4r9lsS5SJz6zYVoJA9Uo46urRqthAcn0hgoRQz/s320/me1.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br />Mebon temple is about 500 meters northeast of Pre Rup temple. The temple was built in AD 952 by <a href="http://visitkhmer.blogspot.com/">King Rajendravarman</a>.<br />The temple is similar to Pre Rup in plan, construction and decoration. A major difference, however, is that the east Mebon once stood on a small island in the middle of Yasodharatataka (the East Baray).<br />The only access was by boat to one of the four landing platforms, situated at the mid-points on each of the four sides of the temple. The decoration on the lintels of the temple is superior in quality of workmanship and composition to that of Pre Rup.<br /><br />The motifs on the false doors, with small mythical figures frolic king amongst foliage, are particularly fine.<br />WEST MEBON TEMPLE<br />West Mebon temple is located in the middle of West Baray on an island about 11 kilometers northwest of Siem Reap. The temple was built in the second half of the 11th century by King Suryavarman I, dedicating to Vishnu Brahmanism. It was originally surrounded by a square rampart with three square, sandstone gopuras and a sanctuary on one level crowned with a lotus.<br /><br />Most towers have collapsed, but the three on the east side are reasonably intact. A sandstone platform at the center is linked to a causeway of laterite and sandstone that leads to the east dyke. The side of the towers are carved with lively animals set in small squares, a type of decoration found also at the Baphuon.<br /><br /><br />The temple is similar to Pre Rup in plan, construction and decoration. A major difference, however, is that the east Mebon once stood on a small island in the middle of Yasodharatataka (the East Baray).<br /><br />The only access was by boat to one of the four landing platforms, situated at the mid-points on each of the four sides of the temple. The decoration on the lintels of the temple is superior in quality of workmanship and composition to that of Pre Rup.<br /><br />The motifs on the false doors, with small mythical figures frolic king amongst foliage, are particularly fine.<br />WEST MEBON TEMPLE<br />West Mebon temple is located in the middle of West Baray on an island about 11 kilometers northwest of Siem Reap. The temple was built in the second half of the 11th century by King Suryavarman I, dedicating to Vishnu Brahmanism. It was originally surrounded by a square rampart with three square, sandstone gopuras and a sanctuary on one level crowned with a lotus.<br /><br />Most towers have collapsed, but the three on the east side are reasonably intact. A sandstone platform at the center is linked to a causeway of laterite and sandstone that leads to the east dyke. The side of the towers are carved with lively animals set in small squares, a type of decoration found also at the Baphuon.<br /><br /><br />The temple is similar to Pre Rup in plan, construction and decoration. A major difference, however, is that the east Mebon once stood on a small island in the middle of Yasodharatataka (the East Baray).<br /><br />The only access was by boat to one of the four landing platforms, situated at the mid-points on each of the four sides of the temple. The decoration on the lintels of the temple is superior in quality of workmanship and composition to that of Pre Rup.<br /><br />The motifs on the false doors, with small mythical figures frolic king amongst foliage, are particularly fine.<br />WEST MEBON TEMPLE<br />West Mebon temple is located in the middle of West Baray on an island about 11 kilometers northwest of Siem Reap. The temple was built in the second half of the 11th century by King Suryavarman I, dedicating to Vishnu Brahmanism. It was originally surrounded by a square rampart with three square, sandstone gopuras and a sanctuary on one level crowned with a lotus.<br /><br />Most towers have collapsed, but the three on the east side are reasonably intact. A sandstone platform at the center is linked to a causeway of laterite and sandstone that leads to the east dyke. The side of the towers are carved with lively animals set in small squares, a type of decoration found also at the Baphuon.<br /><br /><br />The temple is similar to Pre Rup in plan, construction and decoration. A major difference, however, is that the east Mebon once stood on a small island in the middle of Yasodharatataka (the East Baray).<br /><br />The only access was by boat to one of the four landing platforms, situated at the mid-points on each of the four sides of the temple. The decoration on the lintels of the temple is superior in quality of workmanship and composition to that of Pre Rup.<br /><br />The motifs on the false doors, with small mythical figures frolic king amongst foliage, are particularly fine.<br />WEST MEBON TEMPLE<br />West Mebon temple is located in the middle of West Baray on an island about 11 kilometers northwest of Siem Reap. The temple was built in the second half of the 11th century by King Suryavarman I, dedicating to Vishnu Brahmanism. It was originally surrounded by a square rampart with three square, sandstone gopuras and a sanctuary on one level crowned with a lotus.<br /><br />Most towers have collapsed, but the three on the east side are reasonably intact. A sandstone platform at the center is linked to a causeway of laterite and sandstone that leads to the east dyke. The side of the towers are carved with lively animals set in small squares, a type of decoration found also at the Baphuon.<br /><br /><br />The temple is similar to Pre Rup in plan, construction and decoration. A major difference, however, is that the east Mebon once stood on a small island in the middle of Yasodharatataka (the East Baray).<br /><br />The only access was by boat to one of the four landing platforms, situated at the mid-points on each of the four sides of the temple. The decoration on the lintels of the temple is superior in quality of workmanship and composition to that of Pre Rup.<br /><br />The motifs on the false doors, with small mythical figures frolic king amongst foliage, are particularly fine.<br />WEST MEBON TEMPLE<br />West Mebon temple is located in the middle of West Baray on an island about 11 kilometers northwest of Siem Reap. The temple was built in the second half of the 11th century by King Suryavarman I, dedicating to Vishnu Brahmanism. It was originally surrounded by a square rampart with three square, sandstone gopuras and a sanctuary on one level crowned with a lotus.<br /><br />Most towers have collapsed, but the three on the east side are reasonably intact. A sandstone platform at the center is linked to a causeway of laterite and sandstone that leads to the east dyke. The side of the towers are carved with lively animals set in small squares, a type of decoration found also at the Baphuon.<br /><br /><br />The temple is similar to Pre Rup in plan, construction and decoration. A major difference, however, is that the east Mebon once stood on a small island in the middle of Yasodharatataka (the East Baray).<br /><br />The only access was by boat to one of the four landing platforms, situated at the mid-points on each of the four sides of the temple. The decoration on the lintels of the temple is superior in quality of workmanship and composition to that of Pre Rup.<br /><br />The motifs on the false doors, with small mythical figures frolic king amongst foliage, are particularly fine.<br />WEST MEBON TEMPLE<br />West Mebon temple is located in the middle of West Baray on an island about 11 kilometers northwest of Siem Reap. The temple was built in the second half of the 11th century by King Suryavarman I, dedicating to Vishnu Brahmanism. It was originally surrounded by a square rampart with three square, sandstone gopuras and a sanctuary on one level crowned with a lotus.<br /><br />Most towers have collapsed, but the three on the east side are reasonably intact. A sandstone platform at the center is linked to a causeway of laterite and sandstone that leads to the east dyke. The side of the towers are carved with lively animals set in small squares, a type of decoration found also at the Baphuon.Ronaldohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652875195682467374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875396278235994193.post-3495048440641632832009-08-05T05:25:00.000-07:002009-08-07T23:32:08.984-07:00Sen Monorum Waterfall<a href="http://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-7351693709355968&host=pub-1556223355139109&dt=1249711595440&lmt=1249647337&prev_fmts=468x15_0ads_al_s&output=html&format=fp_al_lp&correlator=1249711362756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.visitkhmer.blogspot.com%2F&ea=0&frm=0&ga_vid=762045323.1249711368&ga_sid=1249711368&ga_hid=1589961113&flash=6.0.79.0&w=468&h=15&u_h=600&u_w=800&u_ah=566&u_aw=800&u_cd=32&u_tz=-420&u_his=1&u_java=true&ifi=2&dtd=M&kw_type=radlink&rt=ChBKfRXzAAfxhQp63hjfPA9uEgtJbmRpYSBNb3ZpZRoIZlVSZ-n5RV8oAVITCMr2ysGyk5wCFQvqegod8EA3_A&hl=en&kw0=Cambodge&kw1=Khmer&kw2=Blog+Counter&kw3=Cambodia+TV&kw4=India+Movie&okw=India+Movie"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366455459719010050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 246px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVdXxpTxT-hP9IsHhlh-7ZvR48YboOMlTQ51V6pCT3BN5S0RmkKPGIisGIEUZJrMzD6IGA0t3elJhRK2l53SrYlWTPn68z4FQeKuubeD9NNQYmDUQMPgzrSqok9JHnNaU_6jhHqzbT_X3/s320/2443-792578.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-7351693709355968&host=pub-1556223355139109&dt=1249711595440&lmt=1249647337&prev_fmts=468x15_0ads_al_s&output=html&format=fp_al_lp&correlator=1249711362756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.visitkhmer.blogspot.com%2F&ea=0&frm=0&ga_vid=762045323.1249711368&ga_sid=1249711368&ga_hid=1589961113&flash=6.0.79.0&w=468&h=15&u_h=600&u_w=800&u_ah=566&u_aw=800&u_cd=32&u_tz=-420&u_his=1&u_java=true&ifi=2&dtd=M&kw_type=radlink&rt=ChBKfRXzAAfxhQp63hjfPA9uEgtJbmRpYSBNb3ZpZRoIZlVSZ-n5RV8oAVITCMr2ysGyk5wCFQvqegod8EA3_A&hl=en&kw0=Cambodge&kw1=Khmer&kw2=Blog+Counter&kw3=Cambodia+TV&kw4=India+Movie&okw=India+Movie"><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><br />Locates at </strong></span>Sen Monorum </a>District in five-kilometer distance from the provincial town by red soil trail, Along either sides of the trail, there are industrial plantations like rubber, coffee and cashew as well. The local people usually meet each other at Sen Monorum waterfall during the holidays and <a href="http://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-7351693709355968&host=pub-1556223355139109&dt=1249711595440&lmt=1249647337&prev_fmts=468x15_0ads_al_s&output=html&format=fp_al_lp&correlator=1249711362756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.visitkhmer.blogspot.com%2F&ea=0&frm=0&ga_vid=762045323.1249711368&ga_sid=1249711368&ga_hid=1589961113&flash=6.0.79.0&w=468&h=15&u_h=600&u_w=800&u_ah=566&u_aw=800&u_cd=32&u_tz=-420&u_his=1&u_java=true&ifi=2&dtd=M&kw_type=radlink&rt=ChBKfRXzAAfxhQp63hjfPA9uEgtJbmRpYSBNb3ZpZRoIZlVSZ-n5RV8oAVITCMr2ysGyk5wCFQvqegod8EA3_A&hl=en&kw0=Cambodge&kw1=Khmer&kw2=Blog+Counter&kw3=Cambodia+TV&kw4=India+Movie&okw=India+Movie">national festivals </a>because it closed to the provincial town.<br /><br />Sen Monorum waterfall has three stages:<br /><br />-First stage: The waterfall has slow speed, one-meter height and 2-4 meter diameter.<br />-Second stage: During the rainy season, the waterfall has strong speed, 6-7 meter height and 8-meter diameter. During the dry season, the waterfall has 7-9 meter height and 4-5 meter diameter. At the waterfall, there is a large space of resting and enjoying.<br />-Third stage: Locates at one- kilometer distance from the second stage. The waterfall has 1.5-meter height only.Ronaldohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652875195682467374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4875396278235994193.post-4760133659834695702009-08-05T05:09:00.000-07:002009-08-05T05:51:20.750-07:00Bokor Mountain<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7EUiTiRpQ_vXsGfu2l2d9J-k6dpx3LwTZ6MxbyTsKVRT9OY8WJ92npqymry4fPbe1rJ_EegpIoiQvAEGD-FSq-QjvxjhD4JJtXlfDjERbPx-2JuHBNhn9i1mGV5xeHGXSt8CzBdnXxmBl/s1600-h/bokor_img1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366451179804064658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 285px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7EUiTiRpQ_vXsGfu2l2d9J-k6dpx3LwTZ6MxbyTsKVRT9OY8WJ92npqymry4fPbe1rJ_EegpIoiQvAEGD-FSq-QjvxjhD4JJtXlfDjERbPx-2JuHBNhn9i1mGV5xeHGXSt8CzBdnXxmBl/s320/bokor_img1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR41vG1A4YqSEghcFeYO39lWYVVfUHVLhufQnYSsd9-FB7upkbvYjCgcJwzbl8yuxC1emxiLWk4bLr-PqVdP6Tdn9PdIaXo68dMDKkKp6ew8M3lJkQyrLHp8-sJYfT0RqWFOi7oFXXictO/s1600-h/bokor_img2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366450920586762658" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 290px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 222px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR41vG1A4YqSEghcFeYO39lWYVVfUHVLhufQnYSsd9-FB7upkbvYjCgcJwzbl8yuxC1emxiLWk4bLr-PqVdP6Tdn9PdIaXo68dMDKkKp6ew8M3lJkQyrLHp8-sJYfT0RqWFOi7oFXXictO/s320/bokor_img2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div><br />The road to the summit of Bokor Mountain is pock-marked and strewn with rocks; vehicles crawl up the winding road lined with faded kilometer markers. Through sun-lit gaps in the trees, a glimpse of the sea brightens the weary faces of travelers and when they reach the summit, buttons are pressed and car windows slide down to the smell of wild flowers and the bite of cold air.<br /><br />Dilapidated buildings with missing doors and windows for eyes—their façades patched with rust-colored-lichen—watch the arrivals through empty frames. In the early twenties, these solemn quiet buildings were once the lively heart of the famed ‘Borei Bokor’ or ‘City of Bokor’. In 1922 King Sisowath agreed to the construction of this settlement. A settlement, with schools, a hospital, a pagoda and a Christian church, hotels, a post office, a power plant and a water-supplying plant. Bokor became a haven for French holiday-makers. <br /><br />uring the Sangkum Reastr Nyum era (1955-1970), led by Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, ‘Borei Bokor’ was famed for its windswept beauty and incomparable scenery. In 1961, King Norodom Sihanouk, ordered the renovation of all public buildings and the construction of additional buildings to beautify the area to entice more visitors. <br /><br />The French having left, Bokor then became a week-end holiday resort for Cambodian civil servants from Phnom Penh.<br /><br />Cambodia enjoyed a certain prosperity then, on a par with other Southeast Asian countries. But the civil war of the following two decades almost destroyed ‘Borei Bokor’ and its beauty was forgotten. But slowly, it is emerging from the rubble. The Cambodian government has honored the settlement, and the mountain’s, history. It is now a protected national park.<br /><br />Director of Bokor National Park Chey Yuthearith says about 10,000 people lived in ‘Borei Bokor’ during the Sangkum Reastr Nyum era. They were civil servants, businessmen and farmers, who grew vegetables, fruit trees and tea. “But now only a group of 50 park rangers live atop Bokor,” Chey says. <br /><br />“This area is colder than any other place in the whole kingdom. At certain times of the year, in the evenings, the temperature drops to as low as 10-16°C and rises to a mere 22°C during the day.”<br /><br />“The Bokor summit is 1,079m above sea level. The national park is 42km from Kampot and it is 32km from the junction of National Road 3, at the foot of the mountain, to the peak.” According to a 1993 Royal Decree, Bokor National Park covered an area of 140,000ha including the former City, but Chea says the entire area of the park covers 150,000ha.<br /><br />The director complains that as there are too few rangers for such a vast area it is difficult to patrol illegal loggers and poachers.Ronaldohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652875195682467374noreply@blogger.com0