A 19-year-old political activist who amassed hundreds of thousands of followers on social media has been at the centre of controversy this week. Bennett Murray heard her side of the story.
Controversy surrounding Thy Sovantha, a high school student and political activist who rose to fame on social media last year for her anti-government rhetoric, has generated an online firestorm that has spilled into the real world.
With more than 200,000 Facebook followers, the 19-year-old’s posts are so widely read that she even provoked an official response from the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party last Saturday after she incorrectly posted on Facebook that Sam Rainsy had filed charges against Hun Sen in the International Criminal Court (Rainsy had actually announced that a nonaffiliated US-based activist was planning to file charges). A party statement emphasised that she is not associated with the CNRP.
Sovantha’s life has also been physically threatened. The week before, a leaked copy of her passport application appeared on Facebook.
Opposition supporters march in the capital before a recent ban on assembly was implemented. Charlotte Pert
It was accompanied with threats to scald Sovantha to death with acid for her pro-CNRP views.
While opposition party representatives declined to comment on Sovantha’s case on Wednesday, only stressing that she is not affiliated with the party, Kem Monovithya, CNRP deputy head of public affairs, referred questions to Eng Ponlork, co-founder of the Facebook page I Love Cambodia Hot News, where Sovantha had been a frequent poster before starting her own page titled Thy Sovantha. Although he only offered hearsay as evidence, Ponlork told 7Days that he is positive that Sovantha is a government spy.
“No one can hide the truth forever,” he said in a telephone interview from the US, where he is currently based. “Her dignity will fall day to day when that information breaks to the public.”
But Kim Sovannarith, another co-founder of I Love Cambodia Hot News, said that Sovantha meant well but is being manipulated by a pro-government friend, Phe Sovannarith, who ostensibly renounced the ruling party.
Sovannarith was out of the country and could not be reached for comment.
Sovantha spoke to 7Days about her family’s rise from poverty, her social media career and the maturation of her politics.
Tell us about your upbringing?
I moved to Phnom Penh around 2002. When I was in Kampong Cham, my parents were gold sellers. When I was a kid, they always communicated with each other, like my grandparents, and they talked about politics, but they could not show their knowledge to everyone, because they were afraid. My parents are now traders. We just order from China and sell to the factories.
Why do you support the opposition?
When I turned 18 years old I had to choose one party that has a good leader in that party, to lead us for development. I support the CNRP, because they can develop our country. For our students, our farmers, our police, our workers, I can agree with [CNRP]. Especially in Cambodia, the farmers grow rice, so they want rice expensive because they really work hard. And right now, rice is cheap, so it is not cool.
What can you accomplish by supporting the opposition?
Some people call me a little girl, so I want to show them that I am young, I am a woman but I can show my braveness. So you are men, you are older than me, so you have to be brave and join altogether for our country.
Why do people accuse you of being a spy?
I don’t know, but for me I still respect [them]. I will continue my actions and continue to follow my mind and follow my country. I think one day they will understand. I don’t have to judge other people back.
No matter how they are confused, I know what I am doing I am doing for our country, so no matter. Everything I do [is] not for the power of CNRP. I do not want any power from CNRP, but I want to show my braveness and support to CNRP.
They say that one of your friends and fellow activists, Phe Sovannarith, supports the CPP. Is that true?
I’m not working with him. CNRP people hate him because before he worked for CPP. I told him “last time you are wrong, you are bad. Before you supported CPP. But now you have changed. I support you to continue your good action. It is good for our country.” I want to tell all CPP supporters to wake up. He stopped supporting Mr Hun Sen, so for me, if you’re wrong, you can change your mind to be a good person.
What do you say to those who call you a spy?
If you judge other people without evidence, how do you feel when everyone judges you? They say I have a modern car, modern technology to use, and I am too young. I say I reject Hun Sen, they don’t believe my actions. They say maybe I am a spy. But are [accusations] good for CNRP or good for CPP? That is my question only.
Last week, someone posted your leaked passport application on Facebook and threatened your life. Are you scared?
No. I chose that I wanted to become a politician, and I know already it is dangerous, but I think it is the only choice. It is better to die for your country than to live a selfish life.
28 comments:
Thy Sovantha is very smart in answering the questions. She is very diplomatic and never express any anger at her accusers. Very young but very experienced in dealing with the media. The CNRP needs to make her a spokesperson.
That's my girl. She is brave and born a leader. Keep up your good work. This is a nature of most Khmer, when you rise, they push you down. painting from white to black.
Like you said, follow your heart do what's right for your country; don't give a damn what other people said.
We love you.
Less than 7 months, Ms Thy Sovantha received donated fund US$ 50 000 and plus another that we known US$ 10 000 that she gave to the victims. Base on that data and other sauces data, We could estimate that Both "I LOVE CAMBODIA HOT NEWS 1 and 2" have received at least US$ 300 000 from people around the world and the donation inside Cambodia with cash in hand.
Why do "I LOVE CAMBODIA HOT NEWS 1 and 2" still keep complaining that they don't have enough money to buy more equipment to bring the news to show the Khmer communities around the world. They are keep asking for more by using poor people pictures for more donating money from all sources.
These two organization "I LOVE CAMBODIA HOT NEWS 1 and 2" are fraud that is a international crime that using the name charity as their personal business gain and liar to the donators around the world.
Fraud! Fraud! Fraud! that is become an international crime.
PS
Until now Miss. Kem Monovithya and "I love Cambodia hot news1 and 2" don't even dare to display all bank transactions that related to donation fund but created more drama and excuses.
Less than 7 months, Ms Thy Sovantha received donated fund US$ 50 000 and plus another that we known US$ 10 000 that she gave to the victims. Base on that data and other sauces data, We could estimate that Both "I LOVE CAMBODIA HOT NEWS 1 and 2" have received at least US$ 300 000 from people around the world and the donation inside Cambodia with cash in hand.
Why do "I LOVE CAMBODIA HOT NEWS 1 and 2" still keep complaining that they don't have enough money to buy more equipment to bring the news to show the Khmer communities around the world. They are keep asking for more by using poor people pictures for more donating money from all sources.
These two organization "I LOVE CAMBODIA HOT NEWS 1 and 2" are fraud that is a international crime that using the name charity as their personal business gain and liar to the donators around the world.
Fraud! Fraud! Fraud! that is become an international crime.
PS
Until now Miss. Kem Monovithya and "I love Cambodia hot news1 and 2" don't even dare to display all bank transactions that related to donation fund but created more drama and excuses.
The culture of impunity is still practice inside CNRP. The Elite group is always the winner no matter what!
We are all innocent Cambodian people just their political tool that they send us to die at frontline in every battle fields but all the spotlight and credits are go to Mr. Kem Soka's daughters like Miss Kem Monovitya.
CNRP such as Mr. Kem Soka is only promote his family.
What is the difference between Hun Sen and Kim Soka?
Please Khmer overseas stop donate money to Thy Sovantha and Kem Monothya and other like " I love Cambodia hot news" for good, the more they have our money the more they crazy, we need transparency before we start send money again.
They fought each other because of the unequally share the fund that they received from us. I sent almost $1400 and I heard nothing from them and I realise that it was scams.
Now this people can not be trusted they have separated accounts what organisation is this? I doubt it. They attract the money by showing destitute people in their facebook and their facebook copy each other nothing difference.
They use our money for their private use such buy luxury goods, car and apartment.
no more sending my money
Miss. Kem Monivithya cant not be a CNRP role model because she is sneaky, jealousy, not transparency, like to create conspiracy and excuses other, promote impunity and clan, post dictatorship behaviors, scare to die for the country but love to get credits and spotlight, delete real hero in CNRP, promote corruption, promote ass kisser inside CNRP as well as society.
People are not trusted Miss. Kem Monovithya.
Cambodia need a real change that what we are fighting for and not another Kem Sokha's dynasty after Hun Sen dynasty.
Miss. Thy Sovantha is a New Cambodia President "Abraham Lincoln" unlike Miss. Kem Monovithya is another version of Samdach Decho Hun Sen.
Miss Kem Monvithya Your Political Career Is Over.
And any other CNRP leaders try to attack Miss Sovantha like Miss Kem Monovithya their political career will be over tooo.
CNRP leaders pratice what you preaching. no curruption, no favoritism, no clan members in high position.
she needs to face justice, she was creating problems,to Khmer society, impolite to Khmer authority, incited, inflamed, spoke impolite words
--
authority, has enough evidents to prosecutes her to put in trial..
plz do without fail
Most khmer autorities need to face justice, not a common people like her.
Bad people don't like to hear the truth, they always try to silence the people that rock the boat. She a heroine and the government is the one that need to answer to its people.
8 February 2014 4:40 am
Ah Mice, shut up!
Ov ah Mice
Hey Miss kim monovithya and sir Kem Soka,
Are we average Cambodians just your political tool when you guys need us to fight and die for your cause like Prince Norodom Ranaridth?
we ask because we see Ms Thy Sovantha have done great thing but your daughters and her clan abused her, create conspiracy and excuse her and put her life in jeopardize. You sir Kem Soka acts like nothing happen. What is happen to Ms Thy Sovantha, it can happen to all of us as CNRP supporters too. Are we have no value as your daughters?
Next time when you call for mass demonstration, we have to think twice and we keep inform our friends inside CNRP about this.
How come you only like to promote your owns daughters and turn your back to the real hard working heroes in CNRP and supporters? Even worse you support your daughters to frame other heroes if they become more popular than your daughters.
All Cambodians must think twice when you call for help such mass demonstration. You and your daughters destroy the movement of CNRP. We are all so very disappointed in you and your daughters.
Just wondering, how much money that Miss. Kem Monovithya give to KI media to delete common that talking truth about what just happen inside CNRP between Miss Kim Monovithya and poor hard working girl ms Thy Sovantha.
We all know that Hun Sen CPP suppress freedom of expression but now CNRP and her Media ki media practice similarly to CPP.
So SAD, SO SAD.
Stop send money to Thy Sovantha, Monothya, I love Cambodia Hot news I and II and other unknown organisation.
The problem will be solved. This is scams.
Wow! You've earned my respected!...Your answer was politically correct and morality correct, I was speechless! I agree with the above comment 100 percent young lady.
You're fair and just young lady I 've never came across in this generation,I hope you'll keep your commitment to your country causes and don't be a sold out like many old folks before you.i am very proud of you and your patriotism is regconize as one of the best in Srok Khmer today.Please don't let money, fame, fortune and popularity to destroy your patriotism,please prove those whose doubted you as a Cpp spy's wrong!
By reading your answer the question I knew that you're answering sincerely from your heart.Thank you.
That is so truth about Mr. Chhun Chanboth said but we shouldn't get any exemption to Miss. Kem Monovithya and her "I love Cambodia Hot News 1 and 2" that create conspiracy theory culture to excuse other. They still practice corruption about donation fund and liar to all donators around the world.
The culture of Impunity shift blame, create conspiracy, irresponsibility must be stop before we could save our nation and make people start to believe in what we are really fighting for to make a real change.
Miss. Kem Monovithya must resign and face court about her crimes that related to Ms Thy Sovantha and donation fund before we all could move on to the next level of real change in Cambodia.
We hope that is not much to ask in a real new democracy world that in the 7 Principles of CNRP.
Stop the culture shift blame to other for the crimes that you have committed against Miss. Thy Sovantha.
There is NO CPP, There is NO Phe Sovannarith. It is purely the I LOVE CAMBODIA HOT NEWS 1 & 2 and Miss. Kem Monovithya committed Fraud behind close door.
The question is simple "Why do Miss. Kem Monovithya and her I LOVE CAMBODIA HOT NEWS 1 and 2 still hiding all the financial transactions that related to all donation fund?" Is it clear now? or You still not clear.
You are all damaged CNRP and committed crimes that must be punished by law, CNRP regulation and the 7 principles of CNRP.
Miss. Kem Monovithya must resign immediately and face court law and order for her crimes to save CNRP. If only you still care about CNRP and the 7 principles of CNRP. Mr. Eng Pon Lork is just a tip of an iceberg that they shift all blames to.
Let Hun Sen and His top officers show how and where they get their money from. Why all of these top leaders are having many mansions and became millionaire over night. They are the people that needed to face court(ICC) for corruption and killing.
Dear compatriots in WA State,
Please do not give the money to Kem Monovithya anymore. We had the bad experiences with her since she came out to campaign for her Dad Kem Sokha when he was in Jail.
We are khmer in D.C has help her on everything at that time. Then after the release of his dad, this girl never say thanks you to all
khmer that were helping her at that time.
This time, she came out again to get the monies for her dad again. The ICC that she informed khmer in Washington State was mislead. We did contac Mr Morton last week and he said it has very slim chance to be admissible by the ICC (Per Roman Status). The ICC is the International Court. It is not at the NY Court at all. The lawyer can get all the documents but the Hun Sen is not stupid. He has Youn behind him. And Youn also has the very good lawyer for hun Sen also.
This case is not like Mubarak or other cases (w/o master behind).
PLEASE do not fall in trap of Kem Sokha trick. remember, during the protest after the election, it has around $700,000 (seven hundred thousand dollars) pored in to CNRP account. But the protesters DID not get any one piece of foods. Some from the khmer inside restaurants.
WHERE ALL THE MONIES went to Kem Sokha ???
This message is focusing to khmer CNRP in Washington State of not be foolish to fall into the trap again.
Thanks
Kaun khmer in D.C.
Dear khmer in the U.S,
This girls Ken Monovithya is the tool for his father to use when Kem Sokha needs monies from khmer abroad.
This is the new strategy of Kem Sokha on his last resor to get the monies. We have proof that Kem sokha has a new VILLA in PPenh (possible from the protesting funds).
Watch out this devil girl to go out to hunt khmer for monies.
Every transaction from donors must be declared. The money that they spend must be declared too. The money that we are contributing to them is our hard blood working. We help our country to get a real democracy, people to get a better life, save our country from Vietnam colonial.
We don’t give our money to them to spend free without declaring every transaction that they spend. Before I like Cambodian Hot New I & II, but when I know their tricks that destroy CNRP, I hate them so much. The more money that we give the more problems will be happen.
We must stop the culture of corruption, the culture using CNRP for personal donation gain before we could go forward to save Cambodia from Vietnam colonial. These all scams, fraud are created by Miss. Kem Monovithya the master mind behind :I love Cambodia hot news 1 n 2".
They received a lot of donation fund without declaration of all financial transactions that related to the donation money. All the donation money are the money from hard working khmers oversea that want to free Cambodia from Vietnam colonial.
Stop sending your money to “I Love Cambodia Hot New I & II”, they copy news from each other and they always fight each other too, not honest, spending money free no declare every transactions that they receive from donors or the transactions that they spend. The more money you donate to them the more problems and the more fighting each other in the team, acute each other, not trust each other. Members in the team that less power must be kiss ass them, the system of corruption will continue in this team, kiss ass Ms Mono and destroy who dare to criticise her. We give our money to CNRP to rescue our country from evils; do not give your money to I Love Cambodia Hot New I & II or to Ms Mono. Stop
Real Khmer Patriots are keep dying and real Khmer opportunists using CNRP and poor people pictures for more donation fund become arise.
Stop send money to any groups that their bank transactions not transparency to public.
Layer or barrister can’t issue any latters to request other party to answer anything for 14 days. Only Court can issue latters or call other party to defense themselves or show evidences in certain of period.
Therefore, Miss. Kem Monovithya talks about ICC and her lawyer or barrister is scam and fraud to gain donation fund that only benefit her and her clan again. The people that live at USA must file a complaint to their local authority about this scam, fraud because this scams fraud happens at America soil.
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