A Phnom Penh Municipal Court judge yesterday reinstated the president of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents after the association’s board attempted to oust him in late December.

According to an injunction issued by Judge Seng Neang, a petition stamped with the thumbprints of 11 of the CATA board’s 15 members was illegal.

Ang Kim Eang, president of CATA until the majority of the board accused him of misuse of funds on December 21, would regain control of the group, as well as use of its funds, the injunction stated.

Kouy Thunna, Ang Kim Eang’s lawyer, said the decision was in compliance with laws recognised by the Ministry of Interior, namely that associations such as CATA are not permitted to have disciplinary councils.

“The court’s decision is justice,” he said, adding that Ang Kim Eang’s term as president was based on an election by all 199 members of CATA and not limited to the vote of the 15-member board.

“I would dare to call this an association coup at this time.”

Other accusations against the president included disregard for CATA regulations, as well as leading the association without transparency or structure, according to a copy of the petition obtained by the Post last month.

Chhoun Sambath, a board member who had petitioned against Ang Kim Eang, said he had not yet seen the injunction and therefore could not comment on it.

He did, however, say that he believed the issue was not yet resolved.

Ho Vandy and Om Pharin – board members who thumbprinted the petition – could not be reached for comment when contacted by phone yesterday.

Some members of CATA who were not on the board told the Post last month that the petition was an attempt to stop Ang Kim Eang from running for president again.