Archaeologists from the APSARA National Authority have discovered significant ancient drainage systems and moat structures outside the Royal Palace of Angkor Thom in Cambodia. These findings provide new insights into the sophisticated water management and urban planning techniques employed by the Khmer Empire to maintain the royal precinct.
Cambodian conservationists have successfully restored a 1,000-year-old dancing Shiva statue discovered at the Koh Ker archaeological site. The monumental task involved reassembling over 10,000 fragments of the sandstone sculpture, marking a significant achievement in the preservation of Cambodia's cultural heritage.
Cambodia has issued a new directive, spearheaded by Prime Minister Hun Manet, to strictly enforce its existing ban on e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and shisha. The comprehensive prohibition covers import, sale, advertising, and use, aiming to protect public health, particularly among youth, and prevent addiction. The move reinforces measures first introduced in 2014.
Cambodian youth are actively participating in the Peace Education, Archives Preservation and Digitization, and Site Conservation for Youth Empowerment (PEACE) Project at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. This initiative, supported by UNESCO, KOICA, and the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, aims to connect young people with their nation's history, promote peace education, and empower them as custodians of memory.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has revised Cambodia's 2025 economic growth forecast down to 4.9% from an earlier 6.1%. The adjustment, announced on September 30, 2025, is primarily due to ongoing border tensions with Thailand and the implementation of new U.S. tariffs on Cambodian exports.
Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen stated on September 23, 2025, that Cambodia will not 'beg' Thailand to reopen its unilaterally closed border, which has been shut for over three months. He emphasized Cambodia's unchanged position, asserting that the closure has unexpectedly boosted domestic product growth and market stability.
Thai military commanders have voted to indefinitely shut the 817-kilometer border with Cambodia and impose Thai domestic laws on Cambodian citizens in disputed villages. This decision, following recent clashes and citing national security, has drawn a strong protest from Phnom Penh, with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen asserting the nation's resilience.
