Land expropriation slows down launch of Cambodia Thailand rail link
A spokesperson for Cambodia’s Transport Ministry says land expropriation issues are slowing down the launch of a rail link to Thailand. Va Simsorya told media sources in Phnom Penh that the government had not yet agreed compensation packages with people living near the line in Poipet.
He explained that about one kilometre of track in the border town is still unfinished and work cannot start until the residents living near it have relocated. The section of tracks linking Cambodia to Aranyaprathet in Thailand have already been hooked up.
The inauguration ceremonies for a rail link last used just after WWII were supposed to be staged early this year. Va Simsorya says the Transport Ministry cannot set the date until the resettlement issue is resolved and the tracks are completely laid.
Once the line is up and running, it will provide convenience for tourists travelling between Phnom Penh and Bangkok. Current transport options are bus or flight. The 12GO ASIA team notes that while bus tickets for travel between the two capitals are a little cheaper than those for flights, the latter take less than an hour to get there.
Municipal authorities in Cambodia’s Kompong Thom Province say the recent UNESCO designation of a temple complex has led to a surge in visitor numbers. UNESCO added the province’s temples of Sambor Prei Kuk to the World Heritage Site list on 8 July.
Thailand’s one and only drum making village is preparing to stage an annual festival dedicated to showcasing the percussion instrument. The Ang Thong International Drum Festival will take place between the 26 and 30 July at locations in the province’s Ekkarat Sub-district.
Transport authorities in Hanoi say numerous tourists have taken advantage of the city’s new transportation option for sightseeing. The bright red double-decker bus looks as though it could have been plucked from the streets of London and even has the same open upper deck as the sightseeing buses there.
