Battambang, Cambodia — In 1999, a nine-year-old girl from a humble background electrified the nation by claiming to be the reincarnation of Princess Sisanmoni, who disappeared in 1975 under the Khmer Rouge. She went further, asserting, “I know the name of my killer,” igniting a supernatural manhunt that blurs history and myth.

On Thursday afternoon, a vast human tide dressed in the colors of peace swept through the main arteries of Phnom Penh. Tens of thousands of people from all walks of life — students, civil servants, monks, artists, workers and representatives of civil society organizations — took part in the march titled “March for Peace: Together for Peace,” organized by the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC).

As of December 17, 2025, solidarity with Cambodian refugees displaced by the border conflict with Thailand has moved well beyond symbolic gestures. It has taken the form of a full-scale humanitarian offensive. More than 400,000 people have been evacuated as fighting enters its second week, and needs are soaring—shelter, clean water, food supplies, and psychosocial support are all under acute strain.

Somroh Aloe is emerging as a promising family-led business in the organic cultivation and marketing of aloe vera in Cambodia. Founded by French entrepreneur Nicolas Legroux and his Cambodian partner Lyda, the venture is based in Akrey Ksat, Kandal Province, near Phnom Penh, and targets urban consumers seeking fresh, natural products.

Raphaël Seyfried, an Alsatian artist who has lived in Cambodia for a decade, has turned his lifelong passion for drawing into a unique creative journey: the Travel Rolls. Inspired by ancient scrolls, these illustrated rolls vividly capture the spirit of Cambodia, portraying everything from Apsara dancers and Angkor’s temples to the colors and movement of Khmer street food.

Since arriving in Cambodia two years ago, French artist Cécile, also known as Celie’s Blue Garden, has been capturing the energy, culture and spirit of the Kingdom through her vibrant watercolor works. Her art — a blend of traditional watercolor techniques with delicate pointillism in Chinese ink — brings to life the country’s streets, dances and ancient legends with striking emotion and color.

At the heart of Kampot’s bustling creative scene, a new artisanal hub is making waves. Craft Baitang & Friends, founded by Noémie and Catherine, is quickly becoming a focal point for local craftsmanship, transforming natural materials like wood and shells into jewelry, games, and decorative pieces that radiate authentic Cambodian spirit.

Met at the CULT market, discover Alban, a perfumer from Grasse who has been based in Cambodia for 12 years, creating custom fragrances for hotels, casinos, and boutiques. From ambient diffusers to 20% concentrated cosmetics, his unique scents—sweet, fruity—captivate the senses, with a shop and shower gels on the way. Ideal for unforgettable Christmas gifts!

The humanitarian crisis is intensifying in Cambodia as more than 425,000 people have been forced to abandon their homes due to the military offensive launched by Thailand ten days ago. According to the Minister of Information, H.E. Neth Pheaktra, the situation continues to deteriorate in several border provinces, where attacks against civilian populations are increasing.