Ten representatives of the 193 families from Botum Sakor district involved in a long-lasting land dispute with the Chinese-owned Union Development Group gathered in front of Koh Kong’s provincial hall yesterday to push authorities for proper land titles instead of forcibly evicting them.

Village representatives Merng Ang told the Post yesterday the group hoped for a speedy solution after Premier Hun Sen’s order that the provincial authority immediately end the issue.

“We are still concerned over the eviction because we don’t know what the provincial authority is going to do,” she said.

Bora Tino, Koh Kong co-ordinator for the human-rights group Adhoc, said authorities should conform to the “tiger” formula, which excludes existing residential areas from economic land concessions [ELCs].

“The government recently made a warning to seize ELCs from investors disrespecting its instructions, so we think the government, if not some mid-level authorities, has the goodwill to help the residents,” he said.

Representative Rong Ty said provincial officials had told him to wait until after the king’s birthday for their decision.

To contact the reporter on this story: Khouth Sophak Chakrya at [email protected]