It’s paradise – for some

21 March 2014
The Phnom Penh Post
Civil society / Concessions / Economy and commerce / Foreign investors / Forests and forestry / Government / Human rights / Industries / Investment / Land / Land policy and administration / Land tenure and land titling / Protected areas / Protected forest / Public land lease / Real estate / Social development / Tourism
Adhoc / Chinese aid / Kem Rithy / LICADHO / Peam Kay village / Southeast Asia / Surya Subedi / Union Development Group / United Nation

On the shore of Koh Kong province’s Kiri Sakor district overlooking a cluster of islands, a flourishing new golf course lies vacant but for a handful of workers tending its empty greens. The Romanesque hotel behind it, replete with a bold central dome, luxury VIP suites and an alluring swimming pool, is just a taste of what its owners rather ambitiously claim will become the largest tourist destination in all of Southeast Asia. Long silent amid a barrage of accusations that it has forcibly displaced more than 1,000 families, duped them on compensation and decimated a protected national park, China’s Union Development Group has now adopted a decidedly press-friendly attitude as it attempts to win hearts and minds. The company is eager to show off some of the works under way in its mega-resort and satellite city, which will soon boast a private port capable of berthing ships of up to 12,000 tonnes and an international airport. ...

 May Titthara and David Boyle
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/its-paradise-%E2%80%93-some