A company linked to tycoon Khun Sear, TP Moral Group, received 1,247 hectares of coastal waters in Kep province to develop a new satellite city and “special tourism zone” according to a March 6 sub-decree signed by former Prime Minister HE and publicized in the Royal Gazette on Monday.

The land concession is spread out across Kep, Angkol and Pong Tek communes in Damnak Chang’eur district. In the same sub-decree, HE granted the Kep Provincial Administration 220 hectares for public infrastructure and the construction of a stadium in the same areas.

Kep City Governor Kheng Yorn, Deputy Provincial Governors Ol Pirun, Land Department Director Vao Sokha and Provincial Environment Department Director Im Panharith did not respond to requests for comment about TP Moral Group’s satellite city project.

Much of Kep’s coastline has already been granted to well-connected private individuals and companies.