Land Ministry
Land Minister Chea Sophara and Culture Minister Phoeurng Sackona meet commune residents in Siem Reap. (Hean Rangsey/VOD)

No Relocation Plans for Preah Dak, Land Minister Tells Protesters

A protest drawing several thousand people from across Angkor Archaeological Park took an abrupt turn Friday, when the land management minister said there were no plans for a mass relocation from the park’s Preah Dak commune – days after residents said authorities had told them the opposite.

Land Minister Chea Sophara walks with officials through the Angkor area inspecting homes on Thursday. (Chea Sophara's Facebook)

New Constructions Forbidden Near Angkor: Land Minister

Land Minister Chea Sophara on Wednesday warned people living near Angkor Wat not to protest an ongoing order to demolish what his ministry has deemed illegally built structures that affect the beauty of the temple area.

Orm Nhhorm and Chhun Sothea rally at Phnom Penh’s Boeng Tamok lake for land titles, on January 24, 2021. (Michael Dickison/VOD)

Boeng Tamok Residents Appeal to Hun Sen for Land Titles

About 40 Boeng Tamok residents on Sunday staged an appeal to be granted land titles for their houses on the edge of the Phnom Penh lake, saying they are nervous following evictions nearby and are only asking for 5 hectares for 300 families.

Representatives of indigenous communities, NGOs and the Rural Development Ministry gather for a workshop in Phnom Penh on October 10, 2019. (Khun Vanda)

Indigenous Communal Land Registrations Lagging

The registration of communal land for indigenous people has lagged — with just 24 of an estimated 455 communities receiving titles — due to inadequate funding and other challenges, NGO and government officials said.