Food vendors prevent Apsara from planting new trees at Angkor Wat

via Phnom Penh Post, 15 October 2019: Food vendors in Angkor in conflict with the Apsara Authority over tree-planting near Angkor Wat. The authority has also banned food consumption on the grounds of Angkor Wat.

The Apsara National Authority has delayed planting trees in front of the Angkor Wat temple after nearly 100 food vendors protested.

Tasked with managing the Angkor Archaeological Park, Apsara said in an announcement last week that the tree planting was meant to beautify the temple complex and make its surrounding environment greener.

The body said it would replace the Pithecellobium dulce and some other tree species in the compound’s northwest with luxury trees.

Apsara said before the protest, its officials had posted a notice and informed the vendors that they would close the area for two days to dig pits. But before they could plant the trees, the vendors protested and filled the pits with soil, Apsara spokesman Long Kosal said.

Source: Food vendors prevent Apsara from planting new trees at Angkor Wat | Phnom Penh Post