Banteay Meanchey’s provincial administration said on March 23 that land and housing provided in Svay Chek to residents affected by what it described as Thai encirclement are temporary accommodation. They do not replace, or constitute an exchange for, residents’ original homes and land.
The administration said residents would return to their original communities once the government had resolved the issues with Thailand, and described the current arrangement as temporary.
The residents come from six villages: Chok Chey and Prey Chan in Ou Bei Choan commune, Ou Chrov district; and Samaki, Trapeang Samraong, Phlov Bambaek and Banteay Mean Rith in Kouk Romiet commune, Thma Puok district. The province said Thai barbed-wire and container barriers were preventing residents from returning.
The government is developing a Veterans Association settlement project on 400 hectares in Sla Kram village and commune, Svay Chek district, with supporting infrastructure. Some houses remain under construction, while accommodation has already been allocated for temporary use.
Initial occupancy is being allocated by lottery. The provincial administration emphasised that temporary relocation does not mean residents give up their original homes or land. Written by Nget Pisant.
