Defense Ministry Denies Thailand’s Unfounded Allegations Over Landmine Incident | Cambodian Government Responds to Thailand’s Diplomatic Actions Amid Border Tensions | PM: Cambodian Armed Forces Courageously Defending Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity | Cambodian Condemns Thailand's Aggressive Military Operations in Border Tension Areas | Cambodia Condemns Thai Military Aggression, Urges Immediate Withdrawal | Cambodian Ministry of National Defense Releases Timeline of Border Clashes on July 24, 2025 | Thailand Launches Airstrikes on Cambodian Military Targets, Prompting Regional Anxiety | Cambodian Army Asserts Right to Self-Defence Following Thai Incursion | Hun Sen Commands Military Operations Alongside Prime Minister Hun Manet, Denies Reports of Fleeing, Says Spokesperson | Cambodian Military Claims Control of Ta Krabey, Ta Moan Thom Temples Amid Border Clashes | PM Hun Manet Urges Calm and Respect Amid Ongoing Border Clashes with Thailand | Government Spokesperson: Thailand Using Landmine Allegations as Pretext for Invasion | Border Conflict Escalates: Cambodian and Thai Forces Continue Clashes as of 6 PM | Cambodia Condemns Thai Military for Violating World Heritage Site, Calls for Immediate Action |
Defense Ministry Denies Thailand’s Unfounded Allegations Over Landmine Incident | Cambodian Government Responds to Thailand’s Diplomatic Actions Amid Border Tensions | PM: Cambodian Armed Forces Courageously Defending Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity | Cambodian Condemns Thailand's Aggressive Military Operations in Border Tension Areas | Cambodia Condemns Thai Military Aggression, Urges Immediate Withdrawal | Cambodian Ministry of National Defense Releases Timeline of Border Clashes on July 24, 2025 | Thailand Launches Airstrikes on Cambodian Military Targets, Prompting Regional Anxiety | Cambodian Army Asserts Right to Self-Defence Following Thai Incursion | Hun Sen Commands Military Operations Alongside Prime Minister Hun Manet, Denies Reports of Fleeing, Says Spokesperson | Cambodian Military Claims Control of Ta Krabey, Ta Moan Thom Temples Amid Border Clashes | PM Hun Manet Urges Calm and Respect Amid Ongoing Border Clashes with Thailand | Government Spokesperson: Thailand Using Landmine Allegations as Pretext for Invasion | Border Conflict Escalates: Cambodian and Thai Forces Continue Clashes as of 6 PM | Cambodia Condemns Thai Military for Violating World Heritage Site, Calls for Immediate Action |

Cruise Ship Saved during Covid to Bring 3,500 Guests to Sihanoukville

SIHANOUKVILLE: The American cruise ship that was granted refuge in Cambodia after the world all but shut down in response to Covid-19 is returning to Sihanoukville on December 28 with 3,500 people and a much lighter purpose.

In February of 2020, the Westerdam cruise ship and its 1,400 passengers were denied entry by five nations. It was originally meant to be a 14 day cruise to Japan, who refused the ship due to Covid concerns. Former Prime Minister Hun Sen took the opportunity to provide humanitarian assistance to the passengers of 14 different nationalities so that they could finally begin making their way home from the ill-fated journey. The World Health Organization lauded Cambodia as a “small country with a big heart” and applauded the efforts made for a smooth emergency response. “One important lesson learned is that leadership and solidarity can be as crucial as the technical elements of public health responses,” said the WHO. “An effectively coordinated response goes well beyond the scope of the health sector and must include a whole-of-government approach, steered by the country’s leaders.

The ship will be returning to the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port at the end of the month with 4,000 aboard. "If there is no change, the Westerdam will bring 4,000 tourists to Cambodia on December 28, 2023,” said Phnom Penh Deputy Governor Keut Chhe. A meeting was held on December 12 between the Sihanouk Department of Tourism, Sihanouk Deputy Governor Long Dimanche, the Port Authority, and other relevant departments and authorities to prepare for the arrival of the ship.



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