All articles tagged with #cambodia
In a multi-year exploration of more than 60 limestone caves in Battambang, Cambodia, researchers uncovered rare and new species including a flying snake and a vivid, heat-sensing pit viper, along with camouflaged leaf-toed geckos and bright millipedes, highlighting how isolated karst ecosystems foster unique life and underscoring the need to protect these habitats, of which only about 1% is legally safeguarded.
Scientists surveying Cambodia’s limestone karst revealed 11 species new to science across 64 caves, including a turquoise pit viper, an ornate flying snake, several geckos, micro-snails and millipedes. The discovery shows how isolated cave systems fuel rapid evolution, but warns that quarrying, tourism and habitat destruction threaten these species and underscores the need for protection.
A survey of Cambodia’s karst limestone caves uncovered 11 species new to science, including a turquoise pit viper with a heat-detecting head organ, the ornate flying snake, several geckos (one named Gekko shiva), and other invertebrates, found across 64 caves on 10 karst hills between 2023 and 2025. Researchers warn that these isolated cave ecosystems are under threat from limestone quarrying, habitat loss, and overtourism, and call for protective status and continued conservation work.
A Fauna & Flora-led survey across more than 60 caves in Battambang Province's karst landscape uncovered multiple previously unknown species, including several geckos (Gehyra, Dixonius noctivagus and Cyrtodactylus kampingpoiensis), a new pit viper, and other cave-dwelling creatures such as millipedes, a reticulated python, a brown tree frog and an ornate flying snake, underscoring Cambodia's karst ecosystems as a hotspot for biodiversity and undiscovered life.
CNN’s investigation shows hundreds of South Koreans coerced into Cambodia-based scam compounds run by Chinese networks, where workers execute romance- and stock‑investment schemes. Dex, who escaped, joined fellow victims in pressuring authorities to prosecute ringleaders, aiding a broader probe that led to multiple arrests and the repatriation of two ringleaders; more than 860 Koreans were defrauded for about $33 million. The case highlights a global fraud network with ongoing efforts to trace funds and extradite remaining leaders.
Cambodia says it will reduce its reliance on China, its largest donor and trading partner, as it shields its economy from US–China tensions by courting new investment from the US, Europe and others and seeking export markets beyond the US, while preparing for tougher US-origin rules on inputs.
The United States will provide $45 million in aid to Thailand and Cambodia to support regional stability and the peace process at their border, including $15 million for border stabilization, $10 million for demining and unexploded ordnance clearance, and $20 million for anti-scam and drug-trafficking initiatives, tied to the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord and ongoing discussions with Bangkok and Phnom Penh.
China announced it will release more details about the extradition of Chen Zhi from Cambodia, amid ongoing investigations into online scam centers, but has not confirmed his identity or whereabouts. China aims to enhance law enforcement cooperation with neighboring countries like Cambodia to ensure regional security.
Chen Zhi, a Chinese-Cambodian tycoon linked to a large transnational criminal network involved in cryptocurrency scams and forced labor, was arrested in Cambodia and extradited to China, where he faces ongoing investigations. His operations, linked to Prince Group, have been sanctioned by the US and UK, with assets seized globally, highlighting the scale of Southeast Asia's scam industry and international cooperation efforts.
Chen Zhi, a Chinese-Cambodian tycoon linked to a large transnational criminal network involved in cryptocurrency scams and forced labor, was arrested in Cambodia and extradited to China, highlighting ongoing international efforts to combat cybercrime and transnational scams, with implications for global law enforcement and geopolitical relations.
Thailand released 18 Cambodian soldiers after 155 days in captivity as a ceasefire between the two countries holds, following weeks of border clashes and renewed diplomatic efforts, including cooperation on demining and troop movement freezes, amidst a longstanding border dispute.
Thailand released 18 Cambodian soldiers captured during July border clashes as part of a ceasefire agreement, which was delayed due to alleged violations but ultimately held with diplomatic support, aiming to reduce tensions and build mutual trust.
Thailand released 18 Cambodian soldiers after a renewed ceasefire agreement, easing tensions following weeks of deadly border clashes that resulted in over 100 deaths and displacements. The soldiers had been in Thai custody for 155 days, and their release marks a significant step towards peace and reconciliation between the two nations.
Thailand has accused Cambodia of violating a recently signed ceasefire by deploying over 250 UAVs, amid ongoing border tensions and clashes that have displaced nearly a million people. The ceasefire, brokered with international support, remains fragile as both nations accuse each other of provocations, with recent incidents threatening to undermine the peace efforts.
Cambodia and Thailand's foreign ministers met in China to discuss easing their border conflict, following recent ceasefire agreements and ongoing efforts to restore peace, with China playing a mediating role in regional stability.