Mass evictions at Angkor Wat leave 10,000 families facing uncertain future
Cambodian government claims ‘voluntary relocations’ needed for Unesco status, but stallholders say they are being forced out of the site
Last modified on Tue 29 Nov 2022 06.01 GMT
After years of farming rice, Houn Chenda finally fulfilled her ambition of opening a shop at Angkor Wat last year, renting wedding outfits and costumes to tourists who pose for photos at the ancient temple complex.

“I love it,” says Chenda, 33. “I’m keeping cultural traditions alive.”

She pawned the family jewellery and pooled her savings – about £3,300 – in the hope the business would provide a better income than rice. But by the end of the year, the shop will be knocked down.

Chenda’s family is one of nearly 10,000 across Angkor archaeological park being evicted by the Cambodian government which says it is necessary to preserve the famous park. Residents describe it as losing their homes and livelihoods.

“I sold all my possessions to start this business, but now it’s going to be gone,” says Chenda.

Some residents have been promised small plots of land at a relocation site about 12 miles (7km) away, but the area is largely undeveloped and has few job prospects.

Angkor archaeological park was designated a Unesco world heritage site in 1992. With its array of Khmer empire temples dating back to the ninth century, it is Cambodia’s most popular attraction, powering the local economy with more than 2 million visitors every year.
Full article: https://www.theguardian.com/global-deve ... itage-site

Complete lack of nuance as usual from the Grauniad

How long before we see new shops being built like the restaurants we see on the beach in shitsville