Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Tycoon compensates 135 families at SEZ

Tycoon compensates 135 families at SEZ

Tycoon compensates 135 families at SEZ

A long-running land dispute between more than 130 families and the company managing the Koh Kong Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is nearing its end, with only seven families left to sign the compensation agreement, officials confirmed yesterday.

The dispute over the SEZ – which is located in Kiri Sakor district and is overseen by a company owned by ruling party senator and tycoon Ly Yong Phat – has dragged on since 2007, and has been marked with numerous clashes and the imprisonment of some community representatives.

Koh Kong Governor Bun Leut and Yong Phat inked an agreement yesterday with 135 families in the district.

“Most of us have accepted the compensation as the company needs to develop here,” said community leader Ream Rom.

The deal comes ahead of the launch later this month of the tycoon’s new TV station PNN.

Residents, Rom added, were awarded up to $20,000 in monetary compensation based on the size of their land.

Only seven of the 135 families rejected the offer, and are demanding compensation of more than $150,000 each,” said Koh Kong SEZ land coordinator chief Sin Sathya.

“It’s too high, but we are still in negotiations,” Sathya said.

According to In Kong Chet, representative of local rights group Licadho, the company also said that it plans to attract investors to the area and offered residents jobs.

“The company changed its behaviour to compromise with the families starting in February,” Kong Chet said.

MOST VIEWED

  • Bareknuckle champion wants Kun Khmer fighter

    Dave Leduc, who is the current openweight Lethwei boxing champion in Myanmar, has announced that he will travel to Cambodia this year to challenge SEA Games gold medallist Prum Samnang any time that is convenient, after their planned match later this month in Slovakia was

  • Five-year-old Hanuman dances his way into hearts of Cambodia

    A young talent from a new-established settlement has emerged, captivating the online world with his mesmerising performances of the traditional Cambodian monkey dance. Roeun Kakada is a five-year-old prodigy who has taken the social media sphere by storm with his exceptional dance skills and dedication

  • Fresh Covid warnings as Thai hospital fills

    A senior health official reminds the public to remain vigilant, as neighbouring countries experience an increase in Covid-19 cases, with the latest surge appearing to be a result of the Omicron XBB.1.5 sub-variant. Or Vandine, secretary of state and spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health,

  • PM declares ASEAN Para Games open

    The 12th ASEAN Para Games officially kicked off on the evening of June 3 at Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, with a spectacular opening ceremony featuring fireworks and performances by some of the Kingdom’s most accomplished talents. Tens of thousands of sports fans

  • Honda shutters Siem Reap football club

    Japanese football legend Keisuke Honda, the owner of Siem Reap football club Soltilo Angkor FC, has been forced to shut the club down, after it failed to attract sponsorship for the upcoming season. Honda, the former manager of the Cambodia men's national football team, said

  • Waterway job still pending for Kampot tourism port’s opening

    The search is still on for a contractor to expand and deepen the Kampot International Tourism Port’s waterway and deliver additional enhancements allowing safe access for larger vessels, nearly a year after the main construction work on the 4.25ha site was completed on June 30, 2022.