New city plan exposes Ban Nong Chan land grab at Thai-Cambodian border
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 authorised 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 kilometres 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.
While stressing that the projects are backed by private capital rather than governments, Dao claimed that the governor of Banteay Meanchey has played a key role in facilitating land seizures.
She said residents were paid to dismantle barbed-wire fencing along disputed areas, reinforcing Cambodia’s claim to contested plots.
Dao noted that if Kamnan Lee wished to take full possession, he could have the governor of Banteay Meanchey certify ownership and evict the 200 households on the Thai side. She added that the villagers were only permitted to stay temporarily, working as sugarcane cutters or transporting contraband goods.
She emphasised that Kamnan Lee’s operations were not linked to Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, but added that once the project is completed, offerings of 30–50 million baht would likely be made.
If the investors are Chinese, they could also be rewarded with the honorary title of oknha or even Cambodian citizenship, she said.
Ban Nong Chan has long been a sensitive border area. Dao recalled its past as a refugee camp and later a hub for smuggling and call-centre operations allegedly run by Kamnan Lee.
She confirmed that officials had always been aware of such activities, but with military and police units rotating frequently, illegal operations were widespread.
When asked whether Thailand could reclaim the land, Dao expressed confidence, arguing that most structures in the disputed zone were flimsy shacks without legal deeds, and that Cambodian settlers themselves knew the status was insecure.
Despite facing a defamation suit from Je Rat and fearing retaliation, Dao insisted she was unafraid. “This is Thailand, not Cambodia. I believe in Thai authorities’ protection,” she said.
Dao added that she never intended to return to Cambodia. “We love the Thai people, and the Khmer love them too – though only some,” she said.
She stressed that she spoke out only to help ordinary villagers. “I am not worried. Even if I go to prison for defamation, I will accept it. We must fight this through the law. Everything I have said is the truth.”
