The Ministry of Justice has determined that a woman who claimed to hold title to land in Pursat province’s Phnom 1500 tourism area has no legal claim.

The land is located within a community area of a protected natural zone (Antung Ang, in Dey Krahom village of Veal Veng district’s Anlong Reap commune), where no private landholdings have been legally recognised with titles.

Sem Sokkea petitioned the ministry to intervene in the case on March 14, alleging on social media that she held the correct title for the land.

A working group was assigned to respond to the claims, but determined that she has no legal title.

On Sunday, March 30, the ministry shared how, as part of the investigation, Sokkea was invited to provide additional details on three separate occasions.

In addition, the ministry sent official letters to the president of the Pursat Provincial Court and the provincial prosecutor, requesting a delay in legal proceedings to ensure that Sokkea had a fair opportunity to clarify her claims regarding her petition.

However, she has yet to respond to the ministry’s invitations.

The ministry explained that after conducting a direct site inspection and gathering statements from local authorities and relevant parties, investigators determined that the land Sokkea currently occupies – and claims to hold a title for – is not hers.

The title she shared on social media – issued on December 14, 2012, by the Pursat Department of Land Management, Urban Planning, Construction and Cadastral Affairs – pertains to a different plot of land, located 2,769 metres away from the land she currently occupies within the protected zone. According to the ministry, Sokkea has been aware of this since 2017, but continued to misrepresent the fact on social media.

Furthermore, the ministry noted that Sokkea owns at least six other plots of land outside of the Antung Ang area.

“This is not the only land Sokkea owns. She possesses at least six other plots of land outside of the Antung Ang area, and those land titles have been used as collateral for loans exceeding $100,000. Additionally, her current residence is not located within Antung Ang,” said a ministry statement.

Approximately 98 families were illegally living in the Antung Ang area. Following official warnings, the majority of them agreed to relocate to a designated resettlement area prepared by the authorities.

This new site, covering over 150 hectares, is approximately 6 kilometres from the Elephant Roundabout in Veal Veng district, close to the town centre.

On March 18, authorities began dismantling the homes of the 19 remaining families who refused to leave, as part of efforts to restore the area to its original natural state.

The ministry reaffirmed that all land within the Antung Ang protected zone is state property. The government has announced that it is reclaiming the illegally occupied land in the conservation area for the collective benefit of the nation, not for “the benefit of any individual”.

It stated that in accordance with the law, occupying state land does not grant ownership rights. Such actions are illegal and subject to penalties. Those unlawfully occupying state land not only face eviction without compensation, but also potential criminal prosecution.

In consideration of the affected residents, the authorities have made efforts to facilitate voluntary relocation.

Those who continue to resist and unlawfully occupy the state land will face legal action, it warned, however.

To ensure a fair resolution of Sokkea’s case, the ministry will request the Pursat Provincial Court to continue delaying legal proceedings or provide conditions that allow her to present her case in court without detention.

The ministry has encouraged Ms. Sokkea to engage with the authorities to seek a political resolution, similar to those offered to other residents who were unlawfully settled in Antung Ang but have voluntarily relocated.

Neither provincial governor Khoy Rida or Sokkea could be reached for comment on March 31.