LW Americas, a prominent provider of high-performance compressors, has moved its operations from Pompano Beach to a larger facility in Davie, Florida, strategically positioning itself closer to Fort Lauderdale, the 'Boating Capital of the World.' This relocation aims to enhance service delivery to the diving and marine industries, offering greater accessibility and efficiency. The new facility supports LW Americas' commitment to providing durable, energy-efficient compressor systems tailored for both personal and professional marine use, reinforcing its presence in South Florida's boating and diving communities.

Reflecting on his time as managing editor of The Phnom Penh Post from 2001 to 2003, Robert Carmichael recounts the challenges and growth of the newspaper, highlighting its commitment to fearless reporting and the evolution of its staff and technology. He acknowledges the contributions of Cambodian journalists and the paper's founders, Michael Hayes and Kathleen O’Keefe. Carmichael also touches on Cambodia's complex history and political landscape, expressing skepticism about the ruling party's future in the face of a youthful nation.

Cambodia faces a serious public health issue due to a lack of iodized salt, with 90% of coarse salt and 40-50% of fine salt not being iodized despite being labeled as such. This deficiency, which affects brain development and hormonal functions, particularly harms children. The problem arose after iodine prices tripled post-2011 Fukushima disaster, leading to a halt in iodization by producers and a lack of enforcement by authorities. UNICEF is collaborating with the government to establish a certification standard for salt producers, aiming to rectify the situation. However, enforcement remains a challenge, with no prosecutions for non-compliance to date.

The Cambodian government has mandated a cap on interest rates for microfinance loans at 18 percent annually, starting April 1, ahead of local elections. This decision has surprised the microfinance industry, which may struggle to offer small loans due to the cap, potentially leading to a downturn in rural communities. The Cambodia Microfinance Association is considering cost-cutting measures and efficiency improvements, while the central bank may reduce fees for MFIs. The cap aims to prevent rural smallholders from incurring high-interest debt, with the long-term goal of financial system sustainability. The impact on the microfinance industry and rural borrowers' access to credit remains uncertain.

Two South African rowers, Braam Malherbe and Wayne Robertson, embarked on a journey from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro, aiming to be the first to row across the southern Atlantic. Their 6,400-kilometer voyage seeks to raise awareness about climate change, supported by the DOT Challenge app, which encourages environmental actions. The rowers face numerous challenges, including potential collisions with whales and ships. Malherbe, an experienced adventurer, emphasizes mental strength and cautious training. They hope to complete the journey in 60 to 90 days, depending on favorable winds.

Cambodia's mental health services are critically underfunded and overwhelmed, with rural areas particularly lacking in resources. Families often resort to monks, meditation, or unreliable herbal remedies due to the scarcity of professional help. The Khmer-Soviet Hospital in Phnom Penh is one of the few facilities providing psychiatric care, but it is understaffed and sometimes runs out of medicines. The World Health Organization has described the situation as 'critically neglected,' and experts argue that patients need proper assessment and medication, not just meditation. Despite a near doubling of the Health Ministry's budget, mental health services receive less than one percent of it. Initiatives like TPO-Cambodia's training for village health support groups and the Ministry's training for doctors in basic mental health skills are steps forward, but the need far exceeds the available resources. The article also highlights the historical context of Cambodia's mental health crisis, rooted in the traumas of the Khmer Rouge regime.

Cambodia's opposition leader Sam Rainsy accuses the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) of a constitutional coup after a court issued an arrest warrant for him and he was stripped of his parliamentary seat. Rainsy postponed his return to Cambodia from overseas trips due to these developments. Political analyst Ou Virak notes the CPP's return to tactics used before previous elections, involving legal charges to harass the opposition. The opposition CNRP nearly won the 2013 general election, and the CPP's attempts at reform have been difficult, leading to a resort to 'old dirty tactics.' The UN Secretary-General's spokesman expressed concern over the arrest warrant and attacks on opposition MPs, calling for resumed talks. The political climate has been tough for the opposition, with 15 activists jailed and a senator awaiting trial on politically motivated charges. Rainsy's arrest warrant stems from a 2011 defamation conviction related to accusations against Foreign Minister Hor Namhong, which was believed to have been quashed by a royal pardon before the 2013 election.

In Cambodia, tensions between the ruling party and the opposition escalated with two opposition legislators being beaten by a mob suspected of supporting the ruling party. This violence follows Prime Minister Hun Sen's warnings of civil war if his party loses the 2018 election. The attack occurred after a protest demanding the resignation of opposition vice-president Kem Sokha. Hun Sen condemned the attack and denied ruling party involvement, but skepticism remains about the impartiality of the investigation. Political analyst Ou Virak expressed doubt about the investigation's thoroughness and noted a second incident where protesters attacked Kem Sokha's home. The armed forces also demonstrated against Sokha, with government backing. Opposition leader Sam Rainsy criticized the violence as fascist tactics by Hun Sen to maintain power. Analysts are surprised by the early onset of intimidation tactics, anticipating that the ruling party may continue using the courts and physical harassment against the opposition.