Villagers ask for Government’s Help in Koh Kong Land Dispute
Koh Kong villagers facing the loss of their land to a Chinese mega-tourism project held a news conference in Phnom Penh yesterday to appeal to the government for the right to remain on their property. Kith Ten, 54, from Kiri Sakor district’s Prek Khsach commune, one of 13 village representatives speaking at the conference at NGO Forum’s headquarters, said that workers from Chinese firm Union Development Group (UDG) had threatened villagers and forced them to accept compensation to move off their land. … Since 2008, a project has been under way to turn part of Koh Kong’s once-pristine coastline into a $3.8 billion tourism zone, complete with hotels, golf courses and an airport. The government has given UDG permission to clear 36,000 hectares, or about a quarter, of Botum Sakor National Park for their extensive plans. …
