Phsar Krom market to be rebuilt … only because it is an order from Hun Sen

257 Cambodian homes and market stalls were burnt down to the ground from indiscriminate Thai rocket shelling (Photo: Samnang, Koh Santepheap)

Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Heng Soy

A report indicates that Prime minister Hun Sen has ordered the reconstruction of the market stalls located near the staircase leading to Preah Vihear temple that were destroyed by fire during the 03 April clash between Cambodian and Siam soldiers. According toTuesday’s edition of The Cambodia Daily, Suos Yara, the under-secretary of state of the Council of Ministers, led a government delegation to visit the stalls and the villagers’ homes that were burnt down, and also to evaluate the damage resulting from the fight. Suos Yara said: “The order from Samdach prime minister Hun Sen is that it is necessary that this market be rebuilt.” He added: “Samdach’s goal is that, between the heritage and life, he would choose life before the heritage. Therefore, protecting the interest of the people is a sure necessity.”

Hang Soth, the secretary of the Preah Vihear National Authority, indicated that the fire destroyed about 257 stalls in the market. The market was developed at the foothill of Preah Vihear temple during the past 10 years. Preab Tan, the Preah Vihear provincial governor, said that the new market will be rebuilt with wood, and the stalls will be styled according to traditional Cambodian architecture with tile roof. Keo Neang, one of the market stall owners whose stall was destroyed by fire, said that she now has some hope left after hearing this announcement.