Protestors from Preah Vihear province whose houses were dismantled and moved last month agreed to stop demonstrating and return to the province yesterday after a meeting with officials in which they presented their requests.

Sao Yat, a representative of more than 100 protesters from Svay Chrum village in Choam Ksan district, said the group wanted to stay at their old village or be relocated along National Road 62.

Villagers protested in front of the National Assembly yesterday before meeting with cabinet and provincial officials, where they agreed to return to Preah Vihear province at the request of Lim Leangse, deputy chief of Prime Minister Hun Sen’s Cabinet.

“We do not have homes to live in anymore, but we agreed to go back and will stay with our relatives,” Sao Yat said.

Residents requested compensation and the release of Soeun Pheap, a layman at Svay Chrum pagoda, who was detained last year after being accused of spying.

Lim Leangse said that he would submit six requests to the premier, but that villagers must relocate.