Migrants still slipping through closed Thai-Cambodian border, despite pandemic fears
In April, 18-year-old Sophoth illegally crossed the Thai-Cambodian border to work at a factory. In July, he was arrested and sent back through a legal border checkpoint. His journey mirrors that of many Cambodian workers who continue to cross into Thailand each month despite the coronavirus-related border closures, in the hopes of earning a living wage.
Private schools shut their doors amid mounting financial problems
Private schools across Cambodia are struggling to stay afloat amid a seemingly endless school closure following the February 20 COVID-19 community outbreak. Many private schools, especially primary schools and provincial schools, have been forced to completely close down operations due to the severe financial crisis caused by the pandemic.
In locked down areas, trials mostly suspended apart from pandemic-related cases
The Phnom Penh Municipal Court and Kandal Provincial Court have temporarily suspended nearly all hearings during the lockdown, except for those related to violations of the lockdown order and the controversial new COVID-19 law. But rights monitors warned that the backlog in cases could lead to excessive pre-trial detention for many defendants.
Government to guarantee loans as economic recovery remains fragile
The Cambodian government had earmarked $200 million to increase ease of access to credit for companies and firms struggling as the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic remain.
Phnom Penh’s internet cafés closed to contain the pandemic
The Phnom Penh municipal authority on Saturday ordered a temporary closure of all internet café businesses in Phnom Penh to contain the spread of Covid-19.
