New era looms for Kantha Bopha children hospital

The infant's treatment is being provided free of cost, in part, thanks to numerous donations from people in Switzerland, which help run the Kantha Bopha Children's Hospitals in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. 

Kantha Bopha children hospital recorded $7.7 million in private donations from Switzerland during the first six months of this year compared to $7.4 million during the first six months in 2016, according to Laurent.

Since prominent Swiss-born Doctor Beat Richner founded the hospitals 25 years ago, the facilities have provided treatment to nearly 18 million sick children, according to the hospitals' statistics.

However, Richner stepped down in March after more than two decades of managing the hospitals due to a serious illness and while donation haven't dipped yet, there are concerns that without his presence, they could. Richner now is receiving treatment at his home in Switzerland, but his condition remain serious, added by Laurent.

Recent comments from Prime Minister Hun Sen calling on government to ensure Kantha Bopha's continued operation came as some relief, but with the hospital now coming under the control of a government long criticised for its substandard health care system. Some including some mothers with children being treated at the hospitals-remained sceptical that Kantha Bopha can continue to operate at the same level.

Friday, 28 July 2017

CAMBODIA CLOSES 2016 WITH RECORD VISITS

Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Released by the Ministry of Tourism, the data showed the country welcomed 5,011,712 international travelers compered to 4,775,231 visit in 2015.

The data showed 54% (2,704,367) of all international visitors arrived by airlines. Siem Reap airport received the major market share, 30,1% (1,507,039), while Phnom Penh airport secured a market share of 23.2% (1,164,240) and Sihanoukville airport just 0.7% (33,088).

Overland travel accounted for 43.0% (2,153,932) through checkpoint with Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, while sea travel was a small 3.1% (153,413).

By the end of 2016, there were 647 hotels, 1,996 guesthouses, 1,844 restaurants, 588 tourist agencies and 5088 guides registered nationwide. Cambodia expect to attract around 7 million foreign tourists in 2020.

6 Better Ways to Protect Children During Your travels

During your travels, you will probably meet children at risk-perhaps begging at crossroads, selling postcards or fruit at tourist sites, or shining shoes in train stations. You want to help them, but you don't know how. You can really help and protect these children if you take the right actions. Follow these 6 Tips and travel Child safe!




1. THINK! Children are not tourist attractions. Let's not treat them like they are.

Children living or studying in schools, orphanages or slum shouldn't be exposed to tourist visits. These places are not zoos. Imagine a bus full of foreigners visiting schools in your home country. Would you find this acceptable? 

2. Think! Volunteering with children feels good but could be harmful. Look for better ways to help them.

Working with children in institutions such as orphanages is a job for local experts not for travelers who are just passing through. Children deserve more than good intentions, they need experienced and skilled caretakers and teachers who know the local culture and language.

➦ Make sure your volunteering is a great experience and has the best impact possible. Do not work directly with children, instead, share your professional skills with local staff. You can also explore other ways to put your talents to use and find alternatives at www.thinkchildsafe.org

3. Think! Children pay a price for your generosity. Don't give to begging children.

When you give money, food or gifts to begging children or buy anything from them, you encourage them to continue begging. This prevents them from going to school and locks them into a cycle of poverty.

➥ There are better ways to support children and youth: use businesses with a social impact, such as training restaurants, and shops, or donate to organizations supporting children and their families.

4. Think! Professionals know best. Call them if a child needs help.

Helping children directly can cause problems because you don't know the local culture and laws. For instance, never take a child back to your hotel room. It's dangerous for both you and the child. When you see a child in need, the best thing to do is to contact local professionals or local authorities. 

5. Think! Sex with children is a crime. Report child sex tourism.

Sex tourism involving children is a devastating reality It happens in hotels, in bars, etc. You may even be approached and offered sex with children. When you see such a situation, don't put yourself at risk. Call a local organization or the police, so immediate action can be taken to protect the child and investigate the situation.

Children should be at school

6. Think! Children should not be at work instead of school. Report child labor.

Some children sell goods at tourist sites or offer their services as guides. Others are hired in tourism businesses like hotels or restaurants, and this is a problem when it hurts their education.

➥ Do not buy goods from children or use services offered by them. If you think that a business employs underage children, contact a local organization or the police. They will check the child's situation as many children are just helping out their parents after school, but some may be exploited.

Temple passes price will be increase from February 1, 2017

The Angkor institution, the AD HOC agency that manages ticketing for Angkor Wat archaeological park, announced that it would be nearly double the entrance fee that foreigners have to pay for one day visit to ancient temple complex in Siem Reap province. Starting February 1, 2017 the cost of the one day pass will increase to $37 per person, from the current $20, it said.

Ticket price will also rise for a three day pass to $62 per person, from the current $40, while a week- long visit pass valid over a one month period will cost $72, from the current $60.

Angkor ticket office

Luu Meng, co-chair of the government-private sector Working Group on Tourism, said if the government plans to increase the ticket price of Angkor Wat and other temples in Angkor Archaeological park, it should provide a solid justification for doing so, as well as an action plan on how it will improve the site and its tourism services. '' When price goes up like this it affect visitors' feeling, so we need to show the quality products and services which they will receive from the increased price, he said.  ''For instance, we should give them a reason, like we will guarantee to provide better hygiene at the site and remove all the rubbish along the entrance roads''.

The government took over control of ticket sales to Angkor-era site from private contractor Sokimex last November and established the Angkor Institution to manage ticket sale.

A statement issued by the Angkor Institution gave no explanation for the sharp increase in ticket prices or the expected impact on tourism. However it said, $2 from each ticket sold would be donated to Kutha Bopha, a Swiss-owned children's hospital that provide free treatment for children and pregnant women.

Note: The price above for all temples in Angkor complex, except a few temples which outside of this site such as Beng Melea temple $5 per person extra.

More information will update later.