The first of 10 provincial governors slated to step down in the lead-up to National Election in July made his move yesterday, ceding the Siem Reap office to Major General Khim Bun Song.

Ministry of Interior spokesman Khieu Sopheak told the Post yesterday that Bun Song took over Siem Reap provincial governor Sou Phirin’s office in a ceremony presided over by Minister of Defence Tea Banh.

On Friday, said Sopheak, Phnom Penh municipal governor Kep Chuktema will retire from office and be replaced by his deputy, Pa Socheatvong. Ten governors will be retiring over the course of the next months, with at least five expected to stand as CPP lawmakers in the July national elections.

“Not past the second week of May, all incoming governors of municipalities and provinces will be appointed to hold offices,” Sopheak said.

Bun Song, who is in charge of the Siem Reap military command and owns the five-star Borei Angkor Resort and Spa, declined to comment.