Hun Manet Advocates for Both Angkor and its People Amid Relocations

via various sources, 08 December 2023: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has addressed the relocation of nearly 10,000 families from the Angkor Archeological Park, emphasizing a commitment to both preserving the World Heritage site and caring for the local community. The families, previously residing in illegal structures within the park, are voluntarily moving to newly designated locations. The government’s action, prompted by UNESCO’s warning that the park’s World Heritage status was at risk due to illegal constructions, aims to protect the ancient temples while providing resettled families with land, financial assistance, and healthcare.

Prime Minister Hun Manet responded to international groups and opposition groups that attacked the Royal Government over the people in the area of the Run Taek and Peak Sneng development areas, saying that between the temple of Angkor and the people near the temple of Angkor, we choose both because the legacy of the ancestors and the people are a big priority for the Royal Government.

On the occasion of presiding over a meeting with residents of the Run Ta Ek area on the morning of December 8, the premier recalled that in the past, a group of investors have expressed regret that the price of land in the Angkor resort area had risen after wanting to build high-rise buildings, but tall buildings are not possible. The premier also stated that there are numerous other areas for development that are not prohibited.

Source: PM: “We choose both Angkor and people” – Khmer Times