Rumours, speculation and inside tips about a new governor being installed in Siem Reap province have been swirling since July last year.

On November 23 last year Insider’s Man About columnist reported, “Who will be the next governor of Siem Reap? The rumour mill is running rife, and the smart money seems to be on Khim Bun Song, the owner of the five-star hotel, Borei Angkor Resort and Spa.

“Khim Bun Song is one of four deputy governors of Siem Reap, and he is also a Brigadier General in charge of the Siem Reap Military Command.

“But Siem Reap officialdom is remaining tight lipped about who will be Sou Phirin’s successor. Bun Tharith, another Siem Reap deputy governor said, ‘I don’t know about this matter. But if we get some information, we will surely let Siem Reap residents know’.”

On Monday this week Bun Tharith, true to his word, informed Insider that as of April 18, the installment of a new governor for Siem Reap became official.

Bun Tharith told Insider, “Khim Bun Song, Siem Reap Military Commander is going to replace Sou Phirin’s position as governor of Siem Reap province.”

Bun Tharith added that a ceremony to install the new governor will be held soon,  but a firm date has not yet been advised.

On April 18, while speaking during the inauguration of a new administration building of Kampot province, Prime Minister Hun Sen said that ten cities and provinces would get new governors.

He said the governor of Oddar Meanchy would be replaced due to ill health, and the governor of Banteay Meanchey province would stand down because he was running as a political candidate in the July general election.

Eight other governors would retire due to age and the Siem Reap governor was included in this list, along with the governors of Kampong Thom, Kampong Cham, Stung Treng, Kandal, Kampong Speu, Mondolkiri, and Phnom Penh Municipality.

Governor’s terms run for four years and the retirement age is 60.