Officials from the Ministry of Interior have instructed the Siem Reap provincial authorities to discuss the reclassification of the Run Ta Ek area as a new town. Senior officials believe the area has the potential to become a tourist attraction, and urged that an application for the reclassification be submitted to the government for formal approval.

A meeting to review and discuss the establishment of Run Ta Ek town was chaired by Prak Sam Oeun, interior ministry secretary of state, and Prak Sophorn, Siem Reap provincial governor. The December 21 meeting was attended by the leaders of all relevant institutions, district authorities and communes.

Via provincial information department’s social media, Sophorn explained that the formation of the town followed recommendations by former Prime Minister Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet, who suggested that the area could become a beautiful town which would provide convenience to its residents, as well as encouraging the remaining residents of the Angkor Archaeological Park to move in.

He added that at present, the Run Ta Ek area has a population of more than 6,000 families. The area has well organised infrastructure, roads, sewage and clean water systems, an electricity network, district halls, schools, hospitals, pagodas, markets and administrative police stations.

The Run Ta Ek Development Area is located in Tani village, Run Ta Ek commune, Banteay Srei district. It was developed by the APSARA National Authority (ANA) for people living in the Angkor Archaeological Park to voluntarily move there. They were provided with houses and land for farming.

During the meeting, Sam Oeun explained that based on his inspections, two communes could form the proposed town: Run Ta Ek commune in Banteay Srei district and Balaing commune in Prasat Bakong district. Both of the communes have the appropriate infrastructure in place to meet the statutes needed to establish a town.

“The provincial authorities are advised to hold specific discussions with the provincial council in naming the new town. They should then expedite the preparation of an urgent proposal and submit it to the government. It will be submitted to the National Assembly for formal approval,” he said.

“The Run Ta Ek area has the potential to become an attraction which could draw domestic and international visitors,” he added.

Cambodia Association of Travel Agents adviser Ho Vandy said on December 24 that no matter where a town is located, as long as it is organised as a tourist destination, it has economic potential.

He explained that this will only succeed if the local population are aware of the potential attractions of their area. If Run Ta Ek is to become attractive, the relevant institutions need to think about what kind of attractions are available in the area.

“To put it simply, it is already an attractive area, but if we do not determine exactly what we are going to do to attract tourists in the future – whether through cultural, natural or manufactured attractions – we will not achieve good results,” he said.

He added that in addition, the residents of the communes which have been used to form towns need to have a clear understanding of government policies.

Mam Rithy, president of the Cambodian Tourism and Service Workers Federation (CTSWF), said he supports all expansion and development in Siem Reap province, as he understands that the government’s strategy is to promote tourism in the province.

“I encourage the authorities to review previous attractions and ensure they are well-developed before thinking about new ones. The Angkor Archaeological Park is still the biggest draw for visitors to Siem Reap province,” he added.