NationThailand-Sept 1
A new special economic zone model has exposed alleged attempts by a former Cambodian soldier and his allies to seize land in Ban Nong Chan, Sa Kaeo, for sale to Chinese investors.
Yingluck, also known as Dao or Dara, a Cambodian woman who has lived in Thailand for more than 20 years, claimed that figures identified as “Kamnan Lee” and “Je Rat” had been consolidating land near boundary markers 46–47 to establish a new city. Dao presented documents and models to Nation TV reporters, showing plans already authorized in Cambodia’s O’Beichoan commune in O’Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province, at border marker 43. She argued that Ban Nong Chan had been included in the city expansion plan towards border marker 46, given its location just 10 kilometers from Poipet, where rapid urban growth has led to overcrowding. If the development goes ahead, the income generated from land in this area would be of immense value. Dao alleged that Kamnan Lee has amassed hundreds of rai of land in both Cambodia and Thailand, while Je Rat reportedly controls 400–500 rai. Much of this land, she said, is earmarked for casinos, markets, and other developments targeting Chinese, Korean, and Japanese buyers. “The land can genuinely be developed into a casino because Poipet is already overcrowded and there is no space left to accommodate investors. Kamnan Lee plans to turn it into a project, and both he and Je Rat have schemes to push forward,” she said. “This is typical business for Cambodians – not only in Koh Kong or Sihanoukville – where land is sold to foreigners. The project includes housing estates and an access road to link the area.” She added that if Thailand grants approval, everything is ready to proceed immediately. Read more at:
