KOH KONG, 100 residents from four land communities in Sre Ambel and Botum Sakor districts gathered outside the Koh Kong Provincial Hall on Friday to submit a petition urging authorities to accelerate the resolution of long-running land disputes and improve road infrastructure, which they said has severely affected their livelihoods and the transportation of agricultural products.

The demonstration brought together representatives from the 197-Family Land Community (including a group of 16 families), the 955-Family Land Community, the 175-Family Chik Krom Community, and the Thmor Sor Samaki Community. Carrying banners and umbrellas in the rain, the protesters called on provincial authorities to address their concerns before a delegation of 15 community representatives was invited to meet with the provincial governor.

The petition requested the provincial administration to expedite the allocation of social land concessions for 856 low-income families living in six communes across Sre Ambel and Botum Sakor districts.

Pov Nheung, a representative of the Koh Kong land communities, said the gathering was intended to press authorities to address unresolved land disputes and deteriorating road conditions that continue to undermine local livelihoods.

"Residents hope the authorities will accelerate their investigation and provide clear solutions to protect our land rights and livelihoods. The poor condition of local roads also requires urgent attention because it affects both daily travel and the transportation of agricultural products," she said.

 

She added that land ownership disputes and requests for land titles have persisted for years in Koh Kong province, with many communities still waiting for authorities to provide legal certainty over the land they occupy.

Responding to the petition, Koh Kong Governor Chhi Va received the 15 community representatives and accepted their requests, outlining the provincial administration's position on the issues raised.

Regarding a request from the 175-family Chik Krom Community to improve local roads, the governor said the Ministry of Rural Development had already completed project studies and designs, and that road construction had been incorporated into the government's implementation plan for 2026–2027.

On the land dispute involving the 197-family community and businessman Heng Huy, Chhoeu Va said the provincial administration does not have the authority to make a final decision on behalf of the national government.

"The provincial administration will reopen the case for review, request additional supporting evidence from residents, and organize meetings between the concerned parties to seek a mutually acceptable solution," she said.

 

Regarding the request for social land concessions submitted by the 955-family community, provincial authorities said they would conduct a new field assessment and verify community data before preparing a report for submission to the national government to determine whether land concessions could be granted.

For the land dispute in Thmor Sor Commune involving Royal Group, the governor said the exact boundaries and land information remain unclear. She said the provincial administration would convene a special meeting with community representatives and relevant technical officials to verify maps and land boundaries in order to determine whether the disputed land falls within the company's concession area.

Concerning the request from 15 families seeking land ownership titles, Chhoeu Va said the provincial administration could not immediately issue land certificates because the geographic location of the properties remains disputed, with inconsistencies between Chhuk Village and Prey Ching Village. Authorities will continue field verification before making any legal determination.

Land disputes have remained a long-standing issue in Koh Kong province, where numerous communities continue to seek formal recognition of land rights and legal ownership. Provincial authorities say many cases require further verification, technical assessment, and decisions by the national government before final legal action can be taken.