"Kulen Residents Out On Bail, But Have Nothing To Return To After Losing Their Land, Livelihood and Hope", 20 April 2024

Twenty eight Srayong Tboung villagers in Preah Vihear province were released on bail … after investigations found that they were cheated by brokers, said Preah Vihear court deputy prosecutor Sreng Vuthea…

Villager Heng Mouy, 53, said she has lost her house, land and livelihood after she and her son came out of detention. As a result, she had no choice but to put up with one of the residents in another village which is far away from her old place.

“I have nothing to do now and have lost hope after they released us from prison. I only have two pieces of clothing on me, having lost all my stuff. Some were damaged by the authorities who claimed that we [the residents] are living on state land. I have lived there for almost 12 years.”…

Meanwhile, Mouy said she is experiencing some health issues since her release. “I can’t sleep well. I’ve lost interest in food, I cannot focus and think a lot. I keep having nightmares every night about what happened to my family and to other residents. I used to be strong and healthy but not anymore.”…

… According to previous reports …, the land conflict dates back to 2011 when rubber plantation company Seladamex was granted a 9,000-hectare economic land concession in Srayong and Phnom Tbeng II communes.

… Am Sam Ath, operations director at rights group Licadho, said the authorities should provide a solution to the residents as soon as possible to reduce the impact on their livelihood…