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By Surya NarayanSpecial Editorial | July 26, 2025 As the sun rose over Cambodia on July 24, 2025, it brought with it the thunder of artillery, the screech of fighter jets, and the smoke of destruction. Thailand—Cambodia’s neighbor, ASEAN partner, and co-signatory to multiple peace and cultural treaties—had crossed a line. Not only had it…
A Nation Provoked, A Heritage Endangered, A People United By Surya Narayan, Founder, The Better Cambodia In the predawn hours of July 24, 2025, the stillness of Cambodia’s northern border was shattered by artillery fire and aerial bombardment. The target? Not a military installation. Not a forward operating base. But Preah Vihear Temple — a…
Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital, is more than just a city—it is a living chronicle of resilience, culture, and transformation. Once known as the “Pearl of Asia,” Phnom Penh’s story is one of reemergence—a city that has rebuilt itself from centuries of change and adversity to become a modern capital with global aspirations. From Sacred…
Cambodia’s garment sector is a remarkable story of resilience, reform, and results. It lifted more than a million Cambodians into formal employment, generated billions in export earnings, and put the Kingdom firmly on the map of global trade. This transformation didn’t happen by chance—it was a product of visionary leadership, smart policies, international partnerships, and…
When I first arrived in Cambodia six years ago, I was filled with curiosity and a fair share of questions — many of which revolved around one thing: transportation. “Are the roads any good?” “Is it easy to get around?” “How do people travel between provinces?” Today, when friends or visitors ask me the same,…
For centuries, the spiritual heart of Indian pilgrimages has revolved around the concept of the Char Dham—the “four abodes” of sacred Hindu sites nestled in the Himalayas and across India: Badrinath in the north, Dwarka in the west, Puri in the east, and Rameswaram in the south. These four pilgrimage centers are considered essential for…
Jayavarman II (c. 770–850 CE) is revered as the founder of the Khmer Empire, a dominant force in Southeast Asia from the 9th to the 15th century. His reign marked the political unification of Cambodia and the ideological foundation of what would become one of the world’s greatest civilizations, centered around Angkor. Through military conquest,…
Cambodia’s national ju-jitsu team, known as Team Komodo, has once again demonstrated its rising dominance in the sport, returning home with an impressive haul of 29 medals from the 2025 Southeast Asia Regional Ju-Jitsu Championship held in Manila, Philippines, on July 12–13. With nine golds, eight silvers, and twelve bronze medals, this marks the team’s…
There are voices that fade with time, and then there are voices that defy it. One such unforgettable voice is that of Pen Ran—Cambodia’s daring, dazzling songstress whose music still pulses with energy decades after her tragic disappearance. Born around 1944 in Battambang, Pen Ran (often spelled Pan Ron) came of age during a vibrant…
As global trade enters a new era shaped by shifting alliances and assertive economic strategies, Cambodia stands confidently at the forefront—well-positioned to harness change and chart its own path toward sustainable prosperity. On July 7, 2025, the United States announced a 36% blanket tariff on all Cambodian-made exports to the U.S., effective August 1. The…
Queen Jayarajadevi, the first consort of the great Khmer ruler Jayavarman VII, holds a deeply respected place in Cambodian history. Flourishing in the late 12th century, her life, though brief, was marked by extraordinary compassion, spiritual dedication, and pioneering efforts in education and social welfare. Her contributions, alongside those of her sister and successor Queen…
Situated near present-day Siem Reap in Cambodia’s Roluos region, the ancient city of Hariharalaya (Khmer: ហរិហរាល័យ) stands as a cornerstone in the early development of the Khmer Empire. Recognized as one of its earliest capitals, Hariharalaya played a pivotal role in shaping the empire’s religious traditions, architectural innovations, and political structures—serving as the birthplace of…
In an increasingly unpredictable global landscape, Cambodia’s path to progress must be paved with resilience, self-reliance, and strategic independence. The concept of “self-sustainability” is no longer a development ideal—it is a national necessity. Whether in agriculture, energy, industry, or technology, building a self-sustaining economic and social foundation ensures long-term security, dignity, and prosperity for the…
