land dispute
A woman clears land in Siem Reap's Run Ta Ek commune, a designated resettlement site for Angkor evictees, on October 8, 2022. (Hean Rangsey/VOD)

Run Ta Ek Residents Say Village Abandoned, Plagued by Joblessness

Villagers who settled two years ago in Run Ta Ek eco-village — where thousands of new Angkor Archaeological Park evictees have been promised plots of land — say that poor living conditions and lack of job prospects have caused many to abandon their homes.

Land Minister Chea Sophara and Culture Minister Phoeurng Sackona meet commune residents in Siem Reap. (Hean Rangsey/VOD)

No Relocation Plans for Preah Dak, Land Minister Tells Protesters

A protest drawing several thousand people from across Angkor Archaeological Park took an abrupt turn Friday, when the land management minister said there were no plans for a mass relocation from the park’s Preah Dak commune – days after residents said authorities had told them the opposite.

Screenshots of a video posted by residents of a clash in Oddar Meanchey’s Trapaing Prasat commune.

Seven Arrested After Violent Clash in Oddar Meanchey

Oddar Meanchey police have arrested at least seven residents after a violent brawl that involved the brandishing of sticks and knives between villagers and authorities over disputed land on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Hun Sen in Siem Reap on September 13, 2022. (Hun Sen’s Facebook page)

Hun Sen Promises Modern Satellite City at Angkor Evictions Relocation Site

Prime Minister Hun Sen handed out gifts and promised metal sheeting as building materials to families who have agreed to vacate their homes that fall within Siem Reap’s Angkor park, saying the relocation site in Run Ta Ek commune will be turned into a modern satellite city.

Ratanakiri provincial hall in July 2017. (Chorn Chanren/VOD)

Ratanakiri Community Says Revoked Concession Still Operates

Indigenous Jarai and Tampoun communities in Ratanakiri are urging authorities to return nearly 1,000 hectares of land from a rubber plantation that they say continues to operate on a revoked part of a concession.

Land Minister Chea Sophara walks with officials through the Angkor area inspecting homes on Thursday. (Chea Sophara's Facebook)

New Constructions Forbidden Near Angkor: Land Minister

Land Minister Chea Sophara on Wednesday warned people living near Angkor Wat not to protest an ongoing order to demolish what his ministry has deemed illegally built structures that affect the beauty of the temple area.