SIEM REAP – Authorities in Siem Reap are looking for a new location for the planned Techo Peace Park after a surge of public opposition to an initial proposal.

The idea had been to give the name to parkland known unofficially as the Royal Residence Park. This runs from the Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor to the Royal Residence.

The​ Techo Peace Park name was made known on Feb. 6 when the provincial administration announced preparations for the Angkor Sangkran event in April, part of traditional new year celebrations. 

The original plan ran into opposition when Siem Reap administration said the west side of  Royal Residence Park would be redesigned.

After the plan ran into opposition, Siem Reap administration said the west side of  Royal Residence Park, in front of the Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa at one end, would be redesigned. 

Ly Vannak, spokesperson of the provincial administration, said on Feb. 12 that in response to public concerns, former prime minister Hun Sen instructed provincial governor Prak Sophoan to find a bigger location to build Techo Peace Park, as the area in front of Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor is relatively small. 

“The provincial administration is now searching for a new site for Techo Peace Park to ensure it does not impact the three other parks surrounding the Royal Residence Park,” Vannak said. 

Vannak hoped citizens would be open-minded and informed about what is true, particularly the name and location of Royal Residence Park, rather than simply referring to it as they want to. 

The provincial administration had no intention of changing any official place name, Vannak said.  There was no official document confirming the exact size of the Royal Residence Park.

However, following renovations in 2022, the provincial administration registered its ownership and handed it over to the Ministry of the Royal Palace. 

Royal Residence Park is enclosed by a fence with statues of 12 generals, the Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm shrine, and Yeay Tep shrine. 

The provincial administration is considering official names for the parks surrounding Royal Residence Park. 

Originally written in Khmer for ThmeyThmey, this story was translated by Rin Ousa for Cambodianess.