Soprach information

Phatry Derek Pan (PDP) is a cheater his friends

2011-04-14T22:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Khmer New Year!

Dear Friends,

Before I decided to denounce Phatry Derek Pan (PDP), Khmer American who is a friend cheating, due to I had a bad experience with this guy.

Phatry and I were friend since he was in Cambodia a few years ago. He worked as a broker.

Last year in March, I went to US and I met Phatry in China town of New York, and then he prompted me to sell iPhone, but at that I did buy. He also announced to sell iPhone or other electronics cheaper on his facebook and he delivers those on one or two week(s).

Last July, I wanted to buy to 2 iPhones (3GS & 4G) through him, because I trusted him as my friend. But when him through Western Union (see below) amount $1,150 and WU charged me $66. Upto now I don’t send any iPhone or my money back, but he always lied me by email and I did not receive my phone call and he changed his number.

Even a few of my friends Romdoul, Tharum and Nila tried to help to me on this issue, but Phatry ignored. While, not all my Cambodian Americans are bad as Phatry who is street person and rubbish. However, sometime we don’t know who is good or bad friend if we don’t know the background of this person.

As an example: my good friend Cambodian American Romdoul Kim who is not only find job for me, but also found my wife for me.

I suffered from blaming from my family; especially, my wife who works hardly for 6 months to get $1,200. Even though I am prod of my consultancy I just work for a week for this amount. But I felt ashamed that my friend Phatry cheated me.

While, I felt disappointed when I just heard from his ex-girlfriend Sreynim who was cheated $1,500 when Phatry no money to fly back to US, until now he don’t return any money to back to her. I also heard that Phatry cheated a friend of Geoffrey who helped him to live in New York but Phatry didn’t pay to his friend.

Therefore, I would like to inform to all friends, please do not buy any stuff from Phatry or help him any circumstances or recommend to work. He has bad reputation, I think today I lost by friend cheating, but not always… I’m sure I try to attack him any work in Cambodia through my network here.

I can remove this message if Mr PDP returned my money back.

Cheers,
Soprach

សូមទេវតាឆ្នំាថ្មី បរាមុខអាចោរ ផាន ផាត់ទ្រី ខ្មែរអាមេរិកកាំងតាមចិញ្ចឹមថ្នល់!

Phatry & Soprach in NY in March 2010

The receipt of Western Union I sent $1,150 to Phatry in July 2010

My Other Two Vespas For Rent In Phnom Penh

2010-10-03T01:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

As my consultancy business, one day heavy rain, but one day drought, and due to high costs of living standard in the town, I cannot lay down on my variant consultancy therefore I need to run other businesses to reach the standard of quality of life.

I have 2 Vespas for rent:

1. Vespa supper: White & Year 1967: US$ 150 per month;
2. Vespa PX: Red & Year 1982: US$ 120 per month;
• Both Vespas were registered and paid for road tax;
• Both Vespas were paid for the third party of INFINITY Insurance with beneficiary upto US$50,000 annually;
• To ensure that both Vespa scooters are solid, comfortable & cool;
• Please find the picture of both horses attached;
• Contact: 012 779 082 & soprach76@gmail.com;

I think that these prices are a bit expansive, that’s why I need to weigh whether which prices would be acceptable for my clients. Due to their high prices for maintenance, their raw materials and other relevant expenditures after renting; so, I decided to raise upto these tariffs to be fair.

If your friends or colleagues need the classic scooter, please forward this advertisement to them. Thank for your kindness.

Sincerely yours,
Tong Soprach
Phnom Penh

Our Wedding Announcement, Save the Date! on Friday, 23rd April 2010 at Koh Pich"

2010-04-18T05:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Families, Professors, Colleagues and Friends,

I am writing to you to share the most wonderful news. I have found a beautiful lady that has agreed to share my life. My fiancée Chanthy and I would like to announce our engagement, and pre-invite you to our wedding celebration. We will marry on Friday the 23rd, April 2010 (a week after Khmer New Year eves on 14-16 April 2010). The traditional ceremony will be held at the bride’s parent’s house starting on the afternoon of Thursday the 22nd, April 2010 and ending on the morning of Friday the 23rd, April 2010. The reception will be on the evening of Friday the 23rd at Koh Pich Island along Tonlebassac bank at “G” marquee (Please find its map attached) nearby Pontoon bar. The SAMBATH band will play at the wedding party.

Many of you at one point or another have asked me, who is your girlfriend and when you get married? Now, I have answered you. Below is I share with you the story of courtship.

Our love story is funny, it took only 3 weeks for the two families to decide we were a good match. When it was agreed upon, my mum followed the century old tradition of consulting a fortune teller for the auspicious date to ensure that my bride-to-be and I will have a good future together. I talked to a Khmer-Chinese fortuneteller, who proposed the best time according to Chanthy and my birth signs was to be in January 2010. Our courtship was quick, but not that fast. I proposed an alternative date like a week after the Khmer New Year on Saturday the 24th, April 2010 for an opportunity for our oversea guests to visit Cambodia during Khmer New Year and then join in our wedding as well. But the fortuneteller said that Saturday is not good day. Then I suggested Friday the 23rd, April. She searched her documents and recalculated, and then agreed as long as I let an old monk perform a water blessing at a pagoda a week before the wedding day. I said that it’s ok I can do it. Whereas my fiancée father checked his calendar with his Khmer fortune teller and agreed to that date.

The history of our love in brief:

Our love is very short story. Chanthy and I met for the first time at my Cambodian-American friend, Romdoul’s birthday party on 25 October 2009. At that time we just talked as normal new friends. A week later during the Water Festivals in 2009, my friend Romdoul played a role as match maker. She informed me her girlfriends were interested in meeting men who could be potential husbands. She invited me to join them for a dinner and all of us hung out together. That was the first time I felt interested in Chanthy. Afterward, Romdoul asked me, “Soprach of the group who do you like the most?” I told Romdoul, ‘YES I found one,’ and then she guessed that it was Chanthy. ‘Yes, it’s true.’ While, Chanthy seemed not to appear in love with me, I saw it as a culture of a Khmer girl being a bit shy to talk to man she feels love. During the dinner, Romdoul, Chanthy’s sister and her friends asked me many questions related to love and some future plans and at the time, and I answered all their questions. When I came back home I told my mom and showed her Chanthy photos. My mum had not yet said anything, but just kept smiling.

One week later, Romdoul invited me and a few friends to have lunch at Chanthy’s house and that was a chance for Chanthy’s family to ask me any question related to education, job, love, future plans...etc and I was happy to answer their questions.

Second week later more, Romdoul took brought Chanthy to visit my mum. While, my mum also asked Chanthy the same type of questions she asked me, she did not go into details because I had informed her ahead of time.

On the third week, I brought my mum to visit Chanthy’s family at her house and finally we received a consensus to wed.

At the moment, Soprach became 34 years old early this year and Chanthy is 28 years old.

Since then, Chanthy and I have spent some times learning about each other’s hearts. At the moment, we opened a small hairdresser shop for Chanthy, and her sister, Vy who has experience running a shop for several years help us.

Please (RSVP) response me back if you have time to join the celebration, I will hand you the formal printing invitation as soon as possible.

Please ask me any question and please find our photos attached.

Hope you have a chance to join and enjoy our wedding ceremony and party.

Best wishes,

Soprach & Chanthy

Final quantitative and qualitative reports on Youth Love and Sexual Relastionships on Valentine's Day 2009 and 2010

2010-02-17T23:44:00.000-08:00

Two Final quantitative and qualitative reports on Youth Love and Sexual Relastionships on Valentine's Day 2009 and 2010.

However, website: www.women.open.org.kh is also play a role important published the abstract and the reports posted on its website:
http://www.women.open.org.kh/km/research-love-sex-relationships-valentine-day

Phnom Penh Vespa Club T.shirts Selling at Rubies bar

2009-05-09T20:39:00.000-07:00

Phnom Penh Vespa Club T.shirts start Selling now at Rubies bar on the street 240 behind the Royal Palace.

The Phnom Penh Vespa club logo

Adult white T.shirt with the club logo in the front.

Adult white T.shirt with the club name on the back.

Child white T.shirt with the club logo in the front.

Child white T.shirt with the club name on the back.

Adult black T.shirt with the club logo in the front.

Adult black T.shirt with the club name on the back.

Phnom Penh Vespa Club Monthly Meeting on Sunday afternoon, April 26, 2009 at Rubies

2009-05-09T20:20:00.000-07:00

Phnom Penh Vespa Club Monthly Meeting on Sunday afternoon, April 26, 20090 organized by Simon. And also we added club mumbers. Find The article of LIFESTYLE of the Post today:"Phnom Penh Vespa Club attracts new members"

Teuk Khmean Charon or STILL WATER Art Exhibition at Bophanna Center, Phnom Penh, April 3-30, 2009

2009-04-08T03:51:00.000-07:00

All artists and organizers participated in the opening day on Friday, April 3, 2009 at Bophanna center.

Memories of Boeung Kak Lake

I. Photos of the East part of Boeung Kak lake

(A) East shore of Boeung Kak lake. April 14, 1990. (1) Sambath Thida Naly (left) and Tong Soprach (right), were Grade 10 classmates at Bak Touk High School in Phnom Penh, and are standing south of the Mosque next to the lake. Soprach was 14 years old; it was Khmer New Year. (2) The two French Tamarind trees were in a small zoo. (3) Boeung Kak lake villagers’ houses behind the Ministry of Information. The photo was taken from the north looking to the south-east.
(B) From the Mosque (C) From the lake. (B) & (C) The photos are of the same part of Boeung Kak Lake area (A) taken on March 23, 2009. (1) Where Naly and Soprach stood. (2) The two French Tamarind trees are now within the Mosque grounds; behind the Phnom Penh hotel. (3) Beung Kak villagers’ houses and guest houses popular with backpackers; located behind the Ministry of Information.

II. My Impression Of Boeung Kak Lake

Tong Soprach was born in 1976. After 20 years spent going to Boeung Kak lake, I’m taking time to remember what I have seen and done there. The Boeung Kak lake tourist resort was very popular for Phnom Penhiens in late 1980s and early 1990s. The site included a big space for concerts to the North, a few big parks for relaxing, places for children to play, two roped bamboo bridges over streams for ease of walking. On the site where the mosque is now, there was a big restaurant and night club; also nearby was a small zoo, which was located directly behind the Phnom Penh hotel, has disappeared. There were many benches along the lakeshore and in the parks, and small pedal boats in the lake were available for rent. Many of the kids at my high school often went there on our bicycles when we had no classes and at weekends. We liked to drive the pedal boats around the lake, going out to a small island in the middle of the lake where we spent time swimming and relaxing.

After watching many public spaces and parks being sold in Phnom Penh, we hope that Boeung Kak lake will still be a great place to relax and have fun for the general population. Although the lake has already been sold and filling is well underway, I still would love to see Boeung Kak lake kept as a natural resort. It also prevents the city flooding.

Tong Soprach, MPH
Public Health Freelance Consultant
Phnom Penh, April 3, 2009
soprach76@gmail.com

Social artist Soprach and his friends at the opening day and my photographs at Beoung Kak lack in 1990 and in 2009 is behind.

A man was reading my memories of BKK lake text at the opening day.

The man lives at BKK lake nearly 20 years. He explained me the history of the lake.

Social artist Soprach and BKK lake villagers at the opening day.

The BKK lake villagers were looking my photos to remember their houses where located under the two French Tamarind trees. They told me that their tears would fall down after reading my last paragraph of my memories of Boeung Kak lake (in Khmer version) at the opening day.

This BKK lake villager shown in my photographs where she lives. Now she worried about her house which will be removed soon, with small compensation.

Audiences ware interested in my photographs and my memories of BKK lake at the opening day.

Naly and Social Artist Soprach missing 15 years ago. We tried to do the same postion of standing when we were at Boeung Kak Lake photo in April 1990, we were at Bak Touk High School.

Naly and Social Artist Soprach

Social Artist Soprach with missing 15-years friend Naly and his family

Artist Seckon explained his audiences

Artist Seckon's painting picures

Artist Vichet's sculpture

Artist Sothy's painting picture

Artist Veasna with her disign

Artist Kanitha explaine her audience at opening day, Friday, April 3, 2009

The Vigina Monologue performed in Cambodia on April 3-5, 2009 at Khmer Surin Restaurant

2009-04-08T02:34:00.000-07:00

The Vigina Monologue performed, posted in The Camobodia Daily, April 4-5, 2009

The Vigina Monologues scene. The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler. The V-Day is a global movement to end violence against women and girls that raises funds and awareness through benefit production of Playwright/Founder Eve Ensler's award winning play The Vagina Monologues and other artistic works. (V-Day handbook)

I think that it is interesting to learn from different culture and society about this awareness. And Thanks to all casts and organizers for their great performances.

My sister Fleur and Soprach were audiences before V-Day performance

My friend Betsy (cast) and Soprach after V-Day performance

My former boss at CARE Sharon (cast) and Soprach after V-Day performance

Soprach and my former colleage at CARE Kanchan (cast) after performance

Monologues at Fly Lounge

Vday posters

Nora (cast) prepared the small cakes for the Vday party at Fly Lounge on Sunday April 5, 2009 at 7pm.

Nora (cast) introduced the awards for the casts and organizers of Vday at Fly Lounge

Nora (cast) offered an award to Martha (cast) at the Vday party at Fly Lounge

Nora (cast) offered an award to Kanchan (cast) at the Vday party at Fly Lounge

Nora (cast) offered an award to Lou (cast) at the Vday party at Fly Lounge

Nora (cast) offered an award to Betsy (cast) at the Vday party at Fly Lounge

Nora (cast) offered an award to Laine (organizer of documentations ) at the Vday party at Fly Lounge

Nora (cast) offered an award to Noel (photographer)at the Vday party at Fly Lounge

Nora (cast) offered an award to Isabelle (cast) at the Vday party at Fly Lounge

Vespa Rally To Celebrate International Women's Day on March 8, 2009 by Phnom Penh Vespa Club

2009-04-08T02:14:00.000-07:00

Vespa rally meeting in the front of the Post office: Mel, Soprach and Eve

This photo (the Post) was posted in the front page of the Phnom Penh Post on March 9, 2009

Everyone get ready before starting

Everyone prepared before starting

Final point of the rally at Independence Monument

After the rally, we had lunch together at Nature and Sea restaurant

Let's see the video of the vespa rally by Bev;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qydqFlaEknQ

The University of Cambodia Almni Meeting on March 7, 2009

2009-04-08T01:44:00.000-07:00

My MPH family Savy and Kimtheng

My MPH family, ..., Kheng, Savy and Kimtheng

Friends from Chemistry background, Nimol and Soprach

Legal Consultant Vicheaka and Public Health Consultant Soprach

My friend Rachael UC Bulletin writer and Soprach

UC Association committee ellected

UC Alumnus with president

VESPA RALLY: Tour De Phnom Penh to Celebrate International Women's Day, Sunday March 8, 2009

2009-02-28T03:13:00.000-08:00

VESPA RALLY

SUNDAY 8^th March 2009

Tour De Phnom Penh

To celebrate

International Women’s Day

Please bring your countries flag!!!

Le Grand Tour De Phnom Penh: we will pass Sisowath quay, Norodom Blvd, St. 271, St. 598, St. 273, Monivong Blvd and Finish at Independence Monument.

Meet outside the Post Office: St. 13 near Wat Phnom at 10:00AM for a 10:15AM departure!!!

Don’t forget your helmet!

For more information:

Soprach	012 779 082	Soprach76@gmail.com
Ben	012 208 346	bd_heath@yahoo.com.au

Valentine's Day Study in Phnom Penh in 2008 and 2009

2009-02-11T03:43:00.000-08:00

- Young People Talking About Valentine's Day in Phnom Penh in 2008 (A Qualitative Study) in English

- Young People Talking About Valentine's Day in Phnom Penh in 2008 (A Qualitative Study) in Khmer

- PRRELIMINARY: Love and Sexual Relationships: Experiences and Plans of Middle Class Young People Regarding the Upcoming Valentine's Day in Phnom Penh in 2009 (A Quantitative Study)

"Aresnal New Images For The New Year 2009!"

2008-12-28T18:14:00.000-08:00

After my Arsenal defeted Portsmouth 1-0 lastnight, I still believe and hope the Gunners will make me satisfied and at least bring a champion in 2009. I would give some comments to Asène Wenger, Arsenal Manager, to buy the strong defeders and no need to buy midfieders or strickers more. That's why, A Cambodian Arsnal fan is running up to update his Arsenal stuff including helmat, labtop and Vespa to celebrate the New Year 2009.

Meanwhile, The Cambodian Aresnal fan supports strongly the govement's policy to take measure on drivers who will not use helmet or belt for 2009.

Is it real cold or just look cool?

2008-12-15T23:11:00.000-08:00

Soprach and his friend Soriya at FCC Phnom Penh Photos Opening

His friend Chariya and Soprach at FCC Phnom Penh Photos Opening

“Cambodia Still Walks Behind Asean Nations”

2008-11-19T23:59:00.000-08:00

Regarding the article on the Cambodia Daily on “2009 Budget Stresses Security And Education” on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008, page 1. I really concern on the 2009 national budget draft will spend so high on Defense Ministry and reservation for national defense and internal security, whereas other several development ministries will receive very small grants.

I think that we could not increase great mount for defense and internal security due to the border dispute near Preah Vihear temple since 15 July which spend a lots of budget on that conflict. It is look like a chronic disease if the government still keeps negotiate again and again by bipartisan, and pay a lots of money on each meeting. By the ways, government should decide to complain to the international court to finalize it rather than useless spending on this field. I feel disappointed to see very small grants spending on development fields that the nation is going on well to fight on poverty and to improve the democracy.

On the other hand, I do agree with CPP lawmaker Cheam Yeap’s speech in the same article that we have more senior military officers than solders. As we can see the RCAF plate cars and motorbikes with powerful in the street and parking everywhere in the town such as ceremony, party, supermarket, restaurant, coffee shop, make-up shop and so on. However, I opposite his opinion that they want young soldiers with appropriate weapons to protect territory by implement conscription law. As the government has enough soldiers to confront the war, why do the politicians still keep in their minds to use young soldiers? And then useless them? We are youths should not involve in army, based on very bad experience in the past wars in the Republic Kampuchea (Lon Nol Regime) and Democratic Kampuchea (Pol Pot regime) that a lots of children and young men were mobilized and forced to be solders, and the current government is promoting its policy of education for all to develop the country. Obviously, our parents spend huge money and years to support us go to school for our better life, why do we need to be a soldier?

At the moment, we should not be cheated by politicians any more. So, conscription law must not be implemented without revising not all young men to serve, just volunteer. If the government follows these issues, our country is still walking behind the Asean nations.

“Football Referees Have To Judge Fairly On Pitch”

2008-11-17T23:25:00.000-08:00

“When weekend comes!” I wish and I always go to the Olympic stadium to watch Cambodian premier league. Last Sunday I was an eyes witness again seeing a second match between Preah Khan Reach (National Military Police) team versus Khemara team. As a result PKR defeated Khemara 1 against 0 while the match seemed a bit brutal and the referee of the match seemed more likely to incline toward PKR; meanwhile, many of spectators shouted out: “It is not fair! Crazy referee!”. That is why at the end of the game after sunset, a Khemara goal keeper attempted to fight the field referee who was running away in the pitch, but his teammates and coaches were able to intervene and control the dispute. However spectators did not want to see any violence on the football pitch and I think that it is good an example for teammates and coaches to show their wills to stop violence for their audiences. While, I can compared to last year the same Sunday of second week and the month (November), there was a big fighting scandal on the pitch that BBU (Build Bright University) players were beaten by RCAF players who caused and by their coaches’ urging as well.

On the other hand, I find that the two main problems for some football referees, political trend and technical weakness.

1) Political trend: In recently years, some referees were more likely to lean to Khemara team who has been sponsored by the Prince Norodom Ranariddh who was an ex-NA president and an ex-president of National Olympic Committee. At the moment, some referees’ trend seems to turn to PKR team who is under supervision of HE Sao Sokha, National Military Police Commander and Cambodian Football Federation president, even though this is not under pressure from them.

2) Technical weakness: some referees are limitation of their capacity to judge in the pitch, as an experience last Sunday this match, after an each small infringement in the match, the referee did not tell the player’s mistake and with his gesture to let them recognize their fault for not doing like that again.

I know that it is very hard for you (referees) to judge fairly, but you should have feel confident yourself on pitch to be professional as judge in the court that it is time to use your power in the game to keep your reputation. I think these two points play a role essential support your ideas to reduce the brutal activities and battle in the pitch. Hence, Cambodian Football Federation strengthens its body by give these feedbacks to referees to be fair, its security and CFF also punishes seriously to anyone who uses violence on the pitch.

NOTE: This opinion was summaried and posted in the Letter to Editor of the Phnom Penh Post, page 6, Nov. 18, 2008. It is the same title: Football Referees Have To Judge Fairly On the Pitch.

“What’s the difference of the slogan: ‘CHANGE WE NEED!’ in US & ‘IT’S TIME FOR CHANGE!’ in Cambodia?”

2008-11-12T23:55:00.000-08:00

Regarding to the article of The Phnom Penh Post on “Time For Change” on Thursday 6 November 2008; page 1 that Democrats in Cambodia hail Barack Obama’s historic triumph in the US presidential election as the dawn of a new era.

I think that it was a great shout for Obama and his Democrats supporters to said a slogan: “Time For Change!” during the presidential campaign and the result made the crowd supporters very satisfied with crying and tearful that they can express their rights as fully democracy for Obama’s wining. Well, it is a real example to alert to the supporters who dream to change their administration by free and fair election and the Republicans also accepted the result with McCain’s speech.

However, the Democrats success with an excellent slogan: “Change We Need!” is very different to the election result in Cambodia where the SRP opposition party leader and his supporters also shouted: “It’s Time For Change!” during the July national election campaign. Unfortunately, the result made the SRP supporters disappointed and complained due to thousands of their name were not appeared in the election list in the polls station, some of them were cheated by the 1018 forms, some were threatened by swearing, giving money and so on. Those people and other SRP opposition supporters decried and upset the result by saying that it was not transparent, free and fair election that they could not express their rights to choose the party that they are strongly support. And SRP leader used to say that it was unacceptable for the result.

In my opinion, the two slogans were used during the election campaign in the two countries at the same time; they [slogans] seem the same meaning, excellent and polite words to use for election campaign. Meanwhile, the two slogans are good lesson learnt for both countries to improve democracy in the world even though it is a different result at this time. That’s why, I wish you [SRP supporters] to keep going your slogan: “It’s Time For Change!” for next elections and may your dream become true very soon like US experience, and hopefully NEC will improve its organization.

NOTE: This opinion was summarized and posted in Letter to the Editor of the Phnom Penh Post, page 6, Nov.11, 2008 with the title: Cambodian Elections Unlike The United States's.

“AIDS-Patient Perpetrator Must Be More Punished By Raping Minor”

2008-11-12T23:41:00.000-08:00

I am regarding to the article on the Cambodia Daily: “AIDS Patient Accused of Paying Minor for Sex” on Monday, Nov. 10, 2008, p. 31. A 37-years-old man suffering from AIDS was arrested in Takeo province Thursday for allegedly having sex multiple times with a 14-year-old girl, has been charged with rape and violating the NAA law and he could receive between 10 to 15 years in prison if convicted.

I feel aggressive and sad to hear this news that perpetrator is AIDS patient and the young girl victim is juvenile. I think the minor victim layer has to clarify whether her age is under 14 or 14 years old. According to Article 5, Rape Law on the Aggravating Circumstances for Felonies says that “for under-aged 14 juveniles whether sex is consensual or non-consensual, to have sex, that is rape and the rapist is sentenced from 15 to 20 years old.” In addition, the AIDS patient perpetrator must be charge 10 to 15 years more by article 18 and 50 of the AIDS prevention law which say: “Prohibit someone who knows that he/herself carried HIV/AIDS and transmitted to someone by willing. This person is charged in jail from 10 to 15 years”

In my point of view, the punishing increase is also to warn the rumor of AIDS rich-patients who pay for several virgin young girls for sex without using condoms due to they believe that they might be recovered from AIDS disease if he can release his HIV and AIDS to several virgin girls by have sex.

According to the information from the court, why rape-victims always aged 14 but not under 14? Why don’t the court trial 2 times or charge and add the 2 laws at the same time? This is to show an example for AIDS patients or public awareness. Of course, we compared to punish to Heng Pov, ex-municipal police chief, 6 sentence times until upto 58 years in prison for convictions including intentional killing, illegal detention and possession of counterfeit currency [The Cambodia Daily article: “The Court Sets Date for Heng Pov’s Trial Over Alleged Conspiracy, Nov. 12, 2008] and why don’t the court charge AIDS-patient perpetrator with increasing punishment like Heng Pov? The court must be transparent to all victims, and not just political pressure.

While, I can share you an experience when I was in London in 2006 Summer time that BBC news broadcasted an AIDS-patient woman was sentenced into jail in UK due to transmit HIV virus to 2 men by sexual intercourse. How about the AIDS prevention law enforcement in Cambodia?

So, the AIDS-Patient perpetrator must be more punished by raping minor and compensated by 2 cases of rape and AIDS laws. It is not to late for the court to strengthen its body and I would also like to call for HIV/AIDS programmers and counselors to pay more attention into this issue by raising awareness of sexual violence, rape and AIDS prevention law among AIDS patients due to it is a serious tragedy in society, not only make the victim painful, loose face and future, but also kill anyone if she/he is infected by HIV.

Ads: Vespa Rally To Tonle Bati Lake and Ta Prohm Temple on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008

2008-10-30T22:18:00.000-07:00

Vespa Rally ads in the calenda of the Cambodia Daily, Friday, Oct. 31, 2008

VESPA RALLY

SUNDAY 2^ND NOVEMBER 2008

TONLE BATI LAKE & TA PROHM TEMPLE

To celebrate upcoming

Independence Day and Water Festival

Meet outside the Post Office: St. 13 near Wat Phnom at 9:30AM for a 10:00AM departure!!!

Don’t forget your helmet!

For more information:

Soprach	012 779 082	Soprach76@gmail.com
Ben	012 208 346	bd_heath@yahoo.com.au

The Previous Vespa Rally article of The Advisor Magazine.

Vespa Rally in the town

We drove 3 rounds around the Wat Phnom.

Gathering out side of the Post Office. Organized by my friend Jake.

“From A Big Head And Small Body To Skinny, Will It Get Disease Soon?”

2008-10-30T22:08:00.000-07:00

Referring to the article on the Cambodia Daily on “Gov’t Seeks Big Increase in Defense Spending” on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008, p. 25. The government is seeking to increase in 2009 more then two third lager than last years’s budget $300 millions for Defense Ministry.

I am so concerned for social-welfare which will get worse soon. As early this month government approved the increase in a large number of government cabinet that spends a lots of national budget for them. At the moment, government has proposed to the national assembly to approve the budget increment for Ministry of Defense. On the other hand, how much the government would pay more for a dozen of government’s advisors including new appointed advisors? As well as the NA’s and the Senate’s advisors? Whereas Social Affairs, Education and Health Ministries always expended lower then the national budget projection and civil servants' salary is still very low, how will the government achieve its Cambodian Millennium Development Goals in 2015? Will the government increase the amount of budget proposal to submit to the donors for more budgets too to address these issues?

“The Finding’s ACC Universities Accredited Is Questionable”

2008-10-30T22:01:00.000-07:00

I am so surprise to see an article of the Cambodia Daily on the result of the Accreditation Committee of Cambodia:“40 more Cambodian universities accredited” on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008, p. 27.

I think that is good start to evaluate the quality of local education by internal evaluation of a government institution. The finding showed that 40 more were accredited in 2007-08 to add more 33 universities in 2006-07. The total amount of universities is so high and unbelievable if compared to the 2005 MoEYS which estimated that only one in nine university graduates find employment (Mysliwiec: 2005, p.19). The question is which indicators to measure the impact of this evaluation?

I would recommend to the Education Ministry to find an external independent evaluation institution to make sure the information is accurate and reliable.

“Taking A Sword To Cut Water, But The Water Is Still Flowing!”

2008-10-30T21:53:00.000-07:00

A dispute between two young sons of late CPP senator over 10 hectares of family land erupts in gunfire in Sihanouk Ville with the rest of two wounded men and a shot-up Toyota Land Cruiser was being kept, but one party has returned freely to Phnom Penh. Regarding the article on the Cambodia Daily on “Dispute Over Family Land Erupts Into Gunfight” on Monday, Oct. 27, 2008, p. 29.

This conflict has been happened during the world have been warring about global food crisis and the increasing of goods price. This sibling conflict has not occurred at first time, but there are many cases of wealth heritage disputes after growing of materialism of such as land, house, car…etc. At the same time, whereas solders standing off in confrontation with Thai border are lacking of foods to eat and living with difficult situation under the sun and the rain.

Even though, this conflict was happened in the family and one party left freely, but this scene showed the weakness of social structure and of law enforcement and security instability in society by anarchic gun users. As the government has always warned if any territory governor can not address young gang sons of the rich and high ranking, the government will removed out their positions or the position of those gangster parents. Obviously, we have not yet seen any seriously actions against them. On the other hand, almost of government warnings has been believed that its effectiveness is just a few months only.

However, we still have an optimist that the government will reconsider and control well on any anarchic gun user.

Congratulation to Cambodian National Football Team qualifies for AFF Suzuki Cup in Dec 2008

2008-10-27T01:14:00.003-07:00

First day, Oct. 17, 2008, Cambodia Vs Laos

Everyone respects both national anthems before playing

Cambodian national football team "Come on Red Lion!"

Laos national team

Red Lion had a small meeting before kicking off

Freekick for Cambodian team

My friend kiwi Todd is very strong support Cambodian Team with Cambodian flag.

Todd ( Liverpool fan) and Soprach (Arsenal fan) were very happy after Cambodia defeated Laos aganst 3-2. The two fans (Liverpool and Arsenal) always tease each other about our team supports.

10 mn before finishing the game was still 3-2.

Second day, Oct. 19, Timor Leste Vs Cambodia

Everyone respects both national anthems before kicking off

Taking the photos of the two teams. Timor Leste 2-2 Cambodia

Timor Leste Team

Third day, Oct. 23, Cambodia Vs Philippines

Respecting the two national anthems.

Phippines team

Cambodian team respected our national anthem.

Red Lion team show their confidences.

Cambodia missed this match by 2-3 score aganst Philippines.

Four Day, Oct. 25, Brunei Vs Cambodia (second uniform is blue)

Respecting Brunei national anthem

Brunei Team. After the match Cambodia defeated Brunei 2-1.

Congratulation to Cambodian National Team qualified for AFF Suzuki Cup 2008 by defeating Brunei 2 - 1

Scoreboard:

1) Laos 9pts
2) Cambodia 7pts, goal balance + 1, with 9 goals for
3) Philippines 7pts, goal balance +1, with 6 goals for
4) Brunei 4pts
5) Timor Leste 1pt.

AFF Suzuki Cup 2008 will be held in Thailand and Indonesia in December.

Group A (Thailand)

- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Vietnam
- Laos

Group B (Indonesia)

- Indonesia
- Singapore
- Burma
- Cambodia

Hopefully, Cambodian National Team "Come on Red Lion!" will go to Semi-final.

My Opinions Posted in The Cambodia Daily & The Phnom Penh Post

2008-10-24T20:43:00.000-07:00

- "Conscription Agenda Must Be Transparent" posted in the Cambodia Daily, Oct 24, 2008

- "Robbing the Crash Victims" posted in The Phnom Penh Post, Dec. 28, 2007

- "Violence Has No Place In Cambodian Football" posted in The Cambodia Daily, Nov. 21, 2007

- "Thomico's Call is Questionable" posted in The Cambodia Daily, Sep 25, 2007

- "Educators Should Stop Making Excuses" posted in The Cambodia Daily, Sep 13, 2007

- "Ranariddh Case Is Politically Motivated" posted in The Cambodia Daily, March, 26, 2007

The Cool Photos of my MPH Graduation Day on October 16, 2008

2008-10-22T02:53:00.000-07:00

MY BACKGROUND IN BRIEF

PERSONAL DATA:

Name : TONG Soprach

Date of Birth : 6 January 1976

Place of Birth: Kampong Thom

Sex : Male

Nationality : Cambodian

Marital Status : Single “Precious Kid”

Present Residence : Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Father : Chou Tong, ex-military administrator,

Passed away in 1977 by Khmer Rouge regime

Mother : Siv Khim, widow and retied in August 2008 (before Democratic

Kampuchea regime, ex-rural development official in Kg Cham and after DK regime, ex-primary school teacher in Phnom Penh). Khim told me: “I decided to move to live in Phnom Penh because of you, I wanted you to study high degree, I didn’t trust anyone who takes care of you well, I didn’t know where live in the town and I had bad experience when I came to Phnom Penh for my passing of final BAC. II exam at Sann Thor Mok high school, I always got lost and came late.” However, she never told me directly an invisible important point: “I did not marry because of you!” Soprach said to her: “did not worry mom!” At the moment, Khim needs a grand-kid to play with her. Soprach told her that it is a very hard job, but I don’t argue her: “I have not yet married because of you!” I would say: “I’m sorry mom I can try my best for you and hopefully you would be satisfied; after raining the sky will open very soon.”

WORKING EXPERIENCE WITH: (1998-2008)

The United Cambodian Charity, Center for Population Study/UNFPA (Volunteer), The Population Research Center of University of Chicago, Prorcheasas Research Team, GAD/C, CARE. Consultancy for SHARE, UNICEF (2), FHI, ADB, NGO Forum, CRS, GFATM (Contracted for mid-Nov. 2008- Jan. 2009).

MAIN EDUCATION:

July 1992: Bac. II, Bak Touk High School, Phnom Penh

Sep. 1992 – Sep. 93: Pre-university at Royal University of Phnom Penh

Sep. 1993 – Aug. 97: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, RUPP

Nov. 1997 – Mar. 98: Diploma in Demography, RUPP/UNFPA

Feb. – Sep. 1998: Diploma of Being a Teacher of Upper Secondary School,

Faculty of Pedagogy, Phnom Penh.

Feb. 2005- Feb. 08: Master Degree in Public Health, University of Cambodia, Phnom Penh.

Researach Paper: Impact of Premarital Sex in Cambodia

Aug. 2007-Oct. 08: Interested in MPH program courses: Bio-statistics, Applied Epidemiology & Bio-statistic, Epi DATA, Epi Info, SPSS and M&E. International University, Phnom Penh

INTERESTS: Travel, mountain, forest, art gallery, football, music, dance and party.

HOBBY: Vespa Rally

FOOTBALL FAN:

National: Cambodian National Team and Phnom Penh Empire Club

“Come on Red Lion!”

International: French National Team “Allez les Bleu!”

Arsenal FC “Everything For Arsenal!”, London Club

TRAVEL EXPERIENCE:

National: All 24 provinces and cities included tracking in complex

temple sites and forests.

Asia: Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore & India.

Europe: France (2), Spain, Italy, England, Scotland, Germany (to see world cup 2006 atmosphere in 3^rd place in Stuttgart and final in Berlin), Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland (Aland Island)

America: Mexico

(My photo was in studio of a photo shop)

The Cool Photos of my MPH Graduation Day on October 16, 2008

This was my second time wearing the official graduation uniform in the Graduation Ceremony on October 16, 2008 at 2:00pm at the University of Cambodia under the presidency of HE Im Sethy, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports. In fact, I did graduate my Master Degree in Public Health since February 2008 where I had to wait for official graduation until that day. For this degree, I spent three years every weekend to be successful including my failure and dropping.

Before registration in Feb. 2005, I wanted to study Social Work subject which fitted to my work at CARE; unfortunately, the UC did not offer this program. However, I was received good recommendations from my friends Dr Karen Heckert and Ms Michelle Sussan with the reasons: “Of course that was good Social Work program, if the school did not offer this course, you should choose Public Health program, even though your background Bachelor of Science in Chemistry was a bit far from this course; But you learned Demography and research, and work experience in program and research including gender, sexual and reproductive health…I think you can try it.”

During the education, I always talked friendly to my referees Ms Heng Neang, Ms Fleur Smith, Mr Luke Bearup, Mr David Wilkinson, and my friends for some excellent concepts to support my study. Beside of teachers, my classmates also contributed great ideas to my study including assignment presentation and group working. We generally shared documents what we had different jobs. I think it is very important to talk to people to share experience. These led me accomplishment my master degree. On the other hand, studying this school was not enough for me; meanwhile, I also built my capacity more through buying some interesting courses of MPH program at International University.

Unfortunately, next generations of non-medical background students can not study MPH program due to The Sub-degree on Education in Health Field, passed on 13 March 2007, in Chapter 4, Article 10, and Part 2: Master’s Program on Public Health and Research says: “2.1 Master’s Program on Public Health and Research must study after bachelor in Science of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, And also in Nurse, in Midwife and other medical fields at least 2 years with 54 credits.”

After missing to study bachelor for a year in France in 1997 to continue my bachelor from here. Even though my final score exam and oral was high, it could not compete to South-east Asia students, I was disappointed. Therefore I didn’t have any will to study abroad and I never test TOEFL and ELTS as well although my friends encouraged me to study abroad. Hence, I have decided not to go study outside of Phnom Penh, as no one takes care of my mom.

My Funny Story of Imagination to Study Abroad

However I have my real funny story in the past about imagination to study abroad which did not really like to my situation now. When I was a small boy, I started going to school with communist pupils’ uniform (Russian & Vietnam influences) including red scarf and dark blue cap in early 1980s during The People’s Republic of Kampuchea. I always imagined to study abroad; especially, in Europe and I also hoped that one day I would study there. At that time, my school had a children and youth camp quarterly and all students were invited to watch Russian documentaries and movies at Russian Cultural Center on Norodom Blvd.

(This photo of my generation at Wat Preah Put primary school in Phnom Penh. We defiled in the front of my school where locates near National Olympic Stadium during the Children's Day on June 1st, 1985.)

One day of Children’s Day, my schoolmates and I were allowed to watch a movie of The World War II between Russia and Germany at the center. The movie showed the violence against humanity including children during snow falling down and it was very cold, and people walked very hard; simultaneously, I felt frozen and I didn’t tell any friends who seated closely to me. When the movie finished, I went back home and told my mom quickly: “Mom! Mom! Mom! I didn’t want to go to study abroad any more because people walked deeply on "TEUK KORK CHHOOSE" small pieces of ices, I felt very cold and I could not afford that weather.” Mom laughed me and teased me with her colleagues.

In recently years, instead of missing of my imagination to study abroad, I have had opportunities to participate in intentional conferences or personal travel and I have extended several days to visit interesting places, relatives and friends there.

Before the Graduation Ceremony...

After registration I took a photo with my classmate Mr Kim Heang in the front of my scchool where locates next to Independence Monument in Phnom Penh.

My friend French Ms Brigitte was invited to participate in my graduation day.

Seating closely to my classmates.

We were in the range to receive our graduates.

Ha, Ha, it was my turn to get it.

Yes! Congradulation!!! that was my great photo that I received my degree from Dr Haruhisa Handa, Chancellor, The University of Cambodia. He is Japanese man who sponsors the university.

I took a photo as a souvernir with Dr Dr Haruhisa Handa and HE. Im Sethy, Education Minister.

My photo with the background of the ceremony day

This was my classmate graduates with the background

It was nice photo of Mr Sophal and Soprach

Ms Brigitte and Ms Mischelle offered an honor to Ms Sedtha and Soprach

My photo was outside of the school.

We can see the Independence Monument where is very nearby

Soprach and Miss Phirun who is my schoolmates at primary school. She also graduated her BA in English language.

6 stars: Soprach, Mr Montha, Ms Sedtha, Miss Savy, Mr Sophal and Mr Kim Heang

Cool of the Cool

MPH graduates was interviewed by Dr Handa TV in Japan

A crazy photo Mr Sopheara and Soprach

Mr Luke Kangaroo friend and Soprach at the dinner party of my graduation day

Miss Siti Cambodian American friend and Soprach

Miss Betsy American friend and Soprach

A couple of Mr Toddy & Ms Fleur Kiwi friends and Soprach

Bong Sekhorn Artist friend and Soprach

Ms Mischelle Le coq friend and Soprach

Bong Sekhorn singed a few Khmer songs for me at the dinner party for my graduation day.

At the end, I would like to say thank you all of my classmetes and friends who join my graduation day and thank you all photographers who attemted to take all beautiful photos. I also thank to all my classmates who attended the dinner party on Sunday, where I forgot my camera to take photos all of you.

“Is Caesarean Section Operated As Professional Obstetrician or For Business Clinics Competition?”

2008-10-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

After visiting some of my woman friends and my relatives who were delivered at hospitals and clinics, I feel worried that most of my woman friends as well as other women who have got caesarean sections with their first child at private clinics in Phnom Penh.

I always ask myself why there have been increasing in caesarean sections during childbearing recent years and its popularity is in Phnom Penh. As we know that in order to achieve the CMDGs (Cambodian Millennium Development Goals), government set up the C-section goal by 2015 which will be increased up to 4 percent nationwide. While, C-sections were most likely to occur in Phnom Penh with 4.6 percent (2000 CDHS) compared to the 2005 CDHS C-sections in Phnom Penh were increased significantly by 7.2 percent and C-sections are generally performed because the mother has medical problems or experiences complications at the time of delivery and desire as well. However, a few of my friends were suffered from private obstetricians who made fear to deliver by C-sections with inappropriate reasons, although my friends thought that it was a chance for them to find much more income for their business; especially mothers who delivered first child. As an example: when a woman delivers a normal obstetric costing around USD 200.00 for 5 days of her accommodation compared to USD 600.00 for a C-section.

Technically, a woman is allowed to deliver by C-section maximum two times to take care her health. Hence, this cheating by private obstetricians boosts their business rather then their professionals. Unfortunately, it is hard for the women who are not aware of it nor the C-section term and neither how to complaint by law if obstetricians make fear of. I think that it is unfair for the women and we should not be satisfied with CMDGs accomplishment by cheating people due to unwanted to deliver by C-section.

So, Ministry of Health should strengthen and improve private delivery services by spot-check the private clinics to ensure their performance professional.

“Master’s Programme on Public Health and Research Must Not Require For Only Medical Background Students”

2008-10-08T07:13:00.000-07:00

Reading the article on the Cambodia Daily on “Unsafe Abortion Key Factor in Maternal Deaths” on Thursday, Sep. 25, 2008, page 1, which mentioned that unsafe abortions might account for up to a quarter of all maternal deaths in Cambodia (472 deaths per 100,000 live births, 2005 CDHS). Meanwhile, some reasons of this problems include women still go to outside the legal abortion institutions, some midwives have taken the wrong methods in performing abortion, women will often try running long distances and jumping up and down in an effort to shake the fetus loose, and turning to shake remedies when that doesn’t work. However, 101 medical doctors and midwives from all over the country were trained on safe abortion procedures since January.

I think that this secondary care effort of the Reduction in Maternal Mortality Program have not yet succeed enough to survive the women, but we also need more public health workers to involve in providing primary care to intervene before they have got pregnant including family planning, premarital sex among young people through providing health education and promotion in communities and in schools as well as social support and mass medias.

Unfortunately, The Sub-degree on Education in Health Field, passed on 13 March 2007, in Chapter 4, Article 10, and Part 2: Master’s Program on Public Health and Research says: “2.1 Master’s Program on Public Health and Research must study after bachelor in Science of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, And also in Nurse, in Midwife and other medical fields at least 2 years with 54 credits.” This sub-degree is really discriminated against non-medical background students who want to continue studying Master’s Progamme of Public Health and Research that at the moment the nation needs quality of public health workers to intervene and to research on health issues. On the other hand, this law seems a business completion between universities rather then saving people life or maybe the sub-degree makers thought this program is only for medical background study and either probably the producers missed this point unwilled.

Therefore, the government should reconsider to amend the Article 10, Part 2.1 of the sub-degree to allow non-medical background students to study this field to take part in developing the country which remains poor health.

“Cambodian Women in NA Are Increased Significantly Since First Election in 1993”

2008-10-08T06:58:00.000-07:00

I am very surprise that and congratulated to provisional election results in Rwanda, suffered genocide in 1994, will became world record in which women hold a majority. Even though the seats for women were proposed 30 percent of total seats by minimum quota, the results are increased higher then expected. This is regarding to the international article of the Cambodia Daily on “UN Study Finds Number of Women in Politics Increasing.” on Monday, Sep. 23, 2008, page 24.

Whereas our Cambodian parliament, percentage of women are also increased significantly since first election in 1993 which was 4 percent of 120 seats to 16.3 percent of 123 seats in 2008. This progress caused by a few of parties which made efforts to set up a quota, but not clear, before the national election. However, the increasing has not yet responded to world developments such as the Fourth International Conference on Women, held in Beijing, China, in 1995, which called for at least 30 percent representation by women in politics and Million Development Goals in 2000 in New York to empower women to promote gender equity and to fight poverty, gender based violence and diseases.

Based on lesson learned from Rwanda and other women quota nations, NEC (National Election Committee) should also commit to do so for next commune and national elections in Cambodia. On the other hand, national assembly also should start setting up a quota for women to create new government with men and women as partners to develop our country.

Soprach's Arsenal Stuff in His Show Room

2008-10-08T03:08:00.000-07:00

Wow, he is really Arsenal crazy fan. Everything for Arsenal! including Arsenal stuff: fag, mouse pad, cap, scarfs, T-shirts and bath towel.

Special Aresenal Flag: "THE HOME OF FOOTBALL!"

Aresnal captain band

Hey, Arsenal captain.

Cool Aresenal logo in cell phone.

A few style of Aresenal valuable pins.

Wow, WE ARE ARSENAL.

Actractive Arsenal logo on a coffee cup.

The English Premier League logo

Good Arsenal logo on a coffee cup.

A nice Arsenal key ring

That's a beutiful mouse pad with Arsenal logo.

Arsenal plastic bags when someone buys any Arsenal stuff from Aresenal shop.

I was at FCC where I always go to have a drink during happy hours, to meet friends and to watch football.

Cambodian Arsenal fan in his showing room

TV Comedians have to be trained on HR

2008-04-17T07:57:00.000-07:00

“Government Should Gather TV Comedians to Provide Training on Human Rights and Sexual Harassments”

Every weekend, local TV channel programs are showing and competing their entertainments on live such as concert, comedy, classic and modern musics, movie, football, kick boxing, tour-site guide…etc.

In those scenes, there are some offending points in the aspect against Khmer culture as well as morality that most of the acts committed by many comedians. Almost their performances are related to both verbal and physical violences and sexual harassments sometimes in order to make a joke they spoke and touched very rude and referred to both male and female sexes. When I watched their performances once I felt afraid and a shame as human-being and I think that it is not good attitude and educate nothing to young children and young people, on the other hand, it has been happened long times ago due to majority of audiences recognized that their performs are common for comedians to do so. In my observation, they have only narrow concepts about these performances and the main problem is because of these comedians don’t understand human rights and sexual harassments.

In my opinion, if government ignores their performances, young generations and some of the olds as well would learn more and may increase quickly and widespread the bad acts to practice in society such as gang fighting, domestic violence, sexual harassment in working places – karaoke club, beer garden and any bar. I think it is not too late to address this issue that the government; especially, Ministry of Information and Ministry of Culture should gather comedians to provide training on Human Rights and Sexual Harassments.

Honorary Doctorate as Academic Doctorate?

2008-04-17T07:52:00.000-07:00

“Do Honorary Doctorate Call as Academic Doctorate Officially?”

Recently, there have been honorary doctorates were provided to high ranking and dignitary though the universities which were held during the ceremony of student graduation. These officials who received the honorary doctorates are called formally as academic doctorate during any ceremonies or on banners. The calling makes many people misunderstanding the graduated academic doctorates and the speakers fraud people.

For my understanding, the two doctorates are completely different. The academic doctorate candidates study very hard to exploratory with new hypothesis to complete their thesis at least 3-5 years after master degree; on the contrast, honorary doctorate person does nothing, they just received honorary from the university. So, government should not value and call the honorary doctorate as academic doctorate officially.

My concern on Conscription law

2008-04-17T07:48:00.000-07:00

“Conscription Subdegree Draft Has to Be Released Publicly”

The Ministry of National Defense publicly has to released the military conscription subdegree draft before finalization in order to hear suggestions and some comments. I feel concerning on the law draft:

1) I strongly argue that the law must be volunteer because some of young people are getting involved in development of their study and working to find income to support their family.

2) I think it might be unfair between the high ranking and the rich children, and the poor children:
- Corruption might happen that the high ranking and the rich families will increase the age of their children over the age of the law such as birth certificate, family book, ID card, diploma, education documents, passport and so on to be proved. According to recently Transparency International survey said that Cambodia most corrupt Asian nation; so, these families can do easily.
- Looking back in 1980s, almost the peasant and the poor kids involved in army, A3 combating police and K5 (Kor Pram) in the battlefield. Whereas the most of the high ranking and the rich kids studied abroad or local high education, and running a good business with their parents. Based on this experience, the high ranking and the rich families might send their children to study abroad at least Vietnam or Laos to escape the obligation and when their children will age over the duty they will take them back home. Or they will be able to do fake marry to abroad and will come back when those children will get over age of the law.

3) Another worry is that the government might mainstream ideology to be pro-CPP (Cambodian's People Party) or use those military trainees to crack down democracy youths when they protest or demonstrate against the government.

Adultery Law is not urgent bill

2008-04-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

I think it is clear that this case serves as the political motivation which the court charges the prince Ranarith early 2007. That is a berried of opposition parties that the government always makes busy and prevents them from politics by using media, court and threatening. That why the law was passed so quick by National Assembly and the government enforces as well at the moment, why it is too slow to approve the Anti-corruption law and Immigration law that Cambodian people waiting to fights poverty? Is it too difficult to discuss and pass the two laws?

Experience of China, one of overpopulated countries, was fiercely debated on selected or unselected sex children in the International Population Conference in France 2005 where they took it into account on sex ratio of Chinese population that numbers of males are very higher then females by traditional belief that men are received a heritage and men are valued. Hence, the sexuality problem have happened today between young men and old men who have not yet married that they feel aggressive each others due to big gap of sex proportion between males and females; So that, they advocate Chinese policy makers to reform that issue.

Whereas Cambodia, there is not too different from Chinese problem - the difference is just males to females - that adultery law was passed due to political motivation and jealousy. According to the Cambodia Inter-censal Population Survey 2004, sex ratio is estimated the overall sex ratio of 93.5 numbers of males per 100 females and this is based on the total number of population of 12.824 million, 6.197 million are males and 6.627 million are females. A large number of approximately half million of women would become single because of the pressure from the Khmer socio-culture about sex, limiting women's rights to sexual expression and further more the adultery law. Consequently, they would definitely miss an opportunity to get involved in sexuality a whole their life and they would upset and loose their natural sexuality rights as human being, how do they feel? Who help them? It’s so pitied to them due to the adultery law enforcement. So, in order to address this issue the national assembly and government should turn to pass the two laws and to reform her demography better then the enforcement of this unnecessary law.

Khmer New Year days in Phnom Penh

2008-04-15T02:08:00.000-07:00

In the morning of 3rd day on April 15, 2008 of the Khmer New Year in Wat Preah Puth pagoda, there are not many people go to pagoda, but the first and second there were a lot of people. Phnom Penh looks calmly during the day time and most of Cambodian people always go to their home town in the countryside.

There are crowd people at Wat Phnom where accompanied by traditional games and music. No water pouring and neither powder painting in the town and it is a good thing that government is able to control these acts, but they can not crack down gambling and street bag snatching.

The beautiful Independent Monument at night time.

Soprach hang out with young generation Miss Rany, Rottanak, Pisseth and Kimsros who were ex-peer educators of Playing Safe Project (2003-06) where I used to work for CARE. They are young brilliant and initiative to create a new local NGO namely Population and Health for Development to provide a service of sexual and reproductive health promotion among adolescence in Phnom Penh. We still keep in touch and always fun when we meet.

We are cheering for our New Year day at Wat Bottum park in Phnom Penh.

Abstract: Impact of Premarital Sex

2008-04-15T01:50:00.000-07:00

The Impact of Premarital Sex Amongst Young People in Cambodia

By Tong Soprach, Public Health College, University of Cambodia, Academic Year 2007-08

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine the gender disparity premarital sex drive in Cambodia in relation to the Khmer culture context of sexual behavior among young people, sexual relationships, gang rape and sexual violence amongst young people, as well as social stress amongst students at university, and interviewing expatriates for information on Western cultures. This study focuses on young people who are involved in sex before marriage, but not commercial sex workers.

This paper asks whether it is Cambodian or western cultural impacts, perceptions of masculinity, peer pressure, drug and alcohol use; in addition, gender stratification, economic pressures, or opportunity that accounts for men’s passion for sex before marriage.

The paper focuses on the premarital sexual practices and the impacts of these practices in relation to the sexual and reproductive health of youth; including STIs and HIV/AIDS, the social consequences of unwanted pregnancy, incidence of gender based violence including the previously documented phenomenon of bauk (gang rape) and the trafficking of girlfriends to brothels.

In addition, this paper presents some recommendations for the design of education and advocacy interventions for youth sexual and reproductive health including the introduction of gender and human rights issues into STIs/HIV/AIDS and other sexual reproductive health initiatives, thereby encouraging safe and responsible sex among young men, and promoting the empowerment of youth.

Remarks: This Comprehensive Research Paper was summarized to a semi-research paper with 20 pages to summit to the University of Cambodia and Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports in partial fulfillment of the requirements for my master degree in Public Health, February 2008, Phnom Penh.

Note: Please click on its title to find the full research papar with PDF file.

Soprach graduated MPH at UC on Feb 2008

2008-04-13T01:22:00.000-07:00

After leaved a photocopy shop to school I met my friend Phally and he took me a few photos as a souvenier in the front of my school: University of Cambodia where located near Independent monument. Soprach gratuated a master degree in Public Health at University of Cambodia on February 2008. And I will hold the diploma officially on October 2008.

New bridge SEKONG in Steung Traing

2008-04-13T00:35:00.000-07:00

This new bridge SEKONG was finished building and officially opening at the end of April 2008. It was supported by China with non-refund. It crosses the Sesan river to Laos border and it also very good view from Steung Traing town.

I took a photo on the Sekong bridge at sunset time in Steung Traing town. It is very easy to see the landscape and the two rivers: Mekong and Sesan.

A 70s ton US-unexploded bomb was found in O Chrolang arround 20 km from Steung Traing town to Phnom Penh.

History: Impact of the war in Vietnam, Cambodia deeply involved in Vietnam war by provided Cambodia territory and others needed for the North Vietnam to use for Viet Cong troop in order to fight the South Vietnam that was supported by US and led to US bombs in the communist base that kill many Cambodia lives. (Kimhorn, 2002: 25)

It is so sad for my country which suffers from the war many years because of foreign political involvement and all leaders have not only recognized their weakness, but also are arrogant during they take power and they accuse each other. As the result, million Cambodian people died and many survivors get handicap, traumatic and emotional, and large gap between the rich and the poor.

Bi-monthly Vespa rally schedule in 2008

2008-04-12T21:12:00.000-07:00

Vespa Rally Schedule first Sunday of every 2 months in 2008
Excluding annual event

Venue: In front of the post office
Time: Meeting at 9 am and travel until evening
Target Location: Outside of Phnom Penh
Accompanied by: a Vespa mechanic

Objective: To travel countryside and to make friends

Sunday, 4 May 2008: Phnom Baset and toward Oudon, Kampong Speu, National Road No. 5

Sunday, 6 July 2008: Ampae Phnom, Kampong Speu, National Road No. 4

Sunday, 7 September 2008: Tonle Baty and toward Phnom Tamoa, National Road No. 3

Sunday, 2 November 2008: Kean Svay and toward KaKi, National Road No. 1

Further information:

Email: soprach76@gmail.com
Web.blog: http://www.soprach76.blogspot.com/

3rd Round Vespa Rally to Koh Dach on Saturday, March 8, 2008

2008-04-12T19:43:00.000-07:00

Ingrid's Vespa was leaked gasoline container before the rally depature. The mecanic Sambath fixed it on time.

Peter sit behind Ingrid and took photos of the rally.

We were on Sothearos blvd. A young man, Sambath, in the midle is a mecanic and Vespa shop-owner near Lyhuor exchange and a old man on the left hand is a mecanic and Vespa shop-owner on Monivong blvd. Note: There are only two Vespa shops in Cambodia.

We were on Soramarith blvd.

We were on Norodom blvd.

We were on Monivong blvd.

We took a 1st ferry at Preak Leap.

1st stop in Wat Kropompich. Vespa mecanic checked Luc scooter.

We visisted at Silk production in the village.

1st stop in Wat Kropompich.

We arrived the 3rd stop at the sand of Mekong river.

We had lunch togather on the sand of the beach of Koh Dach.

We archieved our goal to Koh Dach.

Briefing 3rd Round Vespa Rally: to celebrate the International Women’s Day, Saturday March 8, 2008.

1) 10:00 am: Gathering in the front of the Post office as the previous. (7 Vespas in the town)
2) 10:30 am: Departure around the town of Phnom Penh by getting along Sisovath quay, Sihanouk Blvd, 3 rounds of Monument Independent, Norodom Blvd toward round-about Kbal Thnol, Monivong Blvd, crossing Japanese bridge, National Road No 6A, crossing 1st one of four ferries at Preak Leap to Koh Dach (Silk Island), take one round of the island, relaxed and had lunch there.
3) 2:00 pm: Return back the town though 2nd one (Ktor) of four ferries crossing from Koh Dach to Phnom Penh. (4 Vespas to Koh Dach)

Feedback:

- The Vespa rally should be on Sunday because there are many parties on Friday night; so that it affects the really on Saturday.
- Beside annual Vespa rally, Bi-monthly the rally should be organized to travel outside the town and to meet friends first Sunday of every 2 months.

2nd Round Vespa Rally on April 1, 2007

2008-04-12T19:21:00.000-07:00

We passed the Royal Palace.

We were on the Soramarith street on the front of Prime Minister's House near Independent Monument.

She was confident of her driving on the Soramarith street in near Independent Monument.

We had fun with 3 rounds of Wat Phnom.

We drove 3 rounds of Wat Phnom.

This is a couple who won the 2nd round Vespa rally champion on Sunday April 1, 2007, Commune Election’s Day, in Phnom Penh.

1st Round Vespa Rally on October 29, 2006

2008-04-12T19:00:00.000-07:00

The two Vespas showed here are very old and expansive.

We relaxed in the front of the royal palace.

We were ready starting the rally.

We always tested before departure.

1st Round Vespa Rally on Halloween’s Day, Sunday October 29, 2006 in Phnom Penh. Meeting in the front of post office.

Very interested in Phnom Penh Empire FC

2008-04-12T18:45:00.000-07:00

My local team is Phnom Penh Empire FC, weared red uniform, who played against BBU in March 2008 at the Olympic stadium.

Everything for ARSENAL

2008-04-12T02:26:00.000-07:00

Soprach shows his crazy support Arsenal FC with designing his scooter Vespa: "EVERYTHING FOR ARSENAL".

Soprach shows some stuff of Arsenal FC such as T.shirt, scarf, cap...etc in his room.

Soprach took a photo with a Cyprurian boy who got along with his mother in the front of arena of Emirates stadium in London on June 2006. We are Arsenal fans.

Soprach took a photo outside Emirates stadium in London in June 2006. I cann't get inside the stadium because of moving from High Bury to Emirates.

My favorate player in Arsenal FC is young brilliant Spanish man FABREGAS, mid-field player and number 4.

The Gunners team inside Emirates stadium of London for the season 2007/8.

Funny photos

2008-04-11T20:47:00.000-07:00

Soprach and his ex-girl friend met in Koh Kong on October 2003.

A 70s party photo at my friend's house on May 2005.

A photo of Soprach and Romdoul who is my friend Cambodian-american at Gasolina at the first Friday of the month was posted in scrapbook of Asia LIFE magazine on November 2007.