"Aresnal New Images For The New Year 2009!"

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?

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”

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”

“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?”

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”

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

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?”

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”

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!”

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

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

- "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

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.