A plot of 50 hectares — or possibly 80 — within state land that was allocated to a major airport development is instead being transferred from a controversial tycoon to the prime minister’s sister, according to murky details emerging from a public spat among elites.
Disputes over the development of Phnom Penh’s new airport, which has seen violent clashes and dozens of arrests, have risen to a conflict between the prime minister’s family and a controversial tycoon.
Kandal residents affected by the new airport development said they were told by company workers to dismantle small sheds they use to house animals, causing anxiety among people that their land could be cleared soon.
Four commune administrations in Takeo province — including two containing controversial developments in Phnom Tamao forest — gathered Wednesday morning over local residents living on state land, an official said.
Two-thirds of Tonle Bati lake — a popular weekend getaway — will be filled in by a developer, official documents show, as three other lakes in Kandal and a further area on Phnom Penh’s Boeng Tamok have been privatized by Hun Sen’s decree.
Deputy Prime Minister Men Sam An has issued a letter to the Kandal governor telling him to look into the situations of 121 families contesting the development of Phnom Penh’s new airport, settle their dispute, and report back.
Kandal’s new airport development has raised tensions in Kandal Stung’s communes — residents have spoken about officers firing warning shots and loss of land. With the commune election a month away, Candlelight candidates are taking up the issue looking to capitalize on the growing discontent in the district.
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