Twelve Preah Vihear villagers were called to court this week regarding an ongoing land dispute they claim has resulted in the bulldozing of their family land and livelihood.

The villagers are among some 67 families in Kulen district’s Srayong Cheung village who say the government sold the area they live in to a Malaysian agriculture business as an economic land concession.

According to villager Yiv Thavan, 44, FP Co Ltd launched a lawsuit after a wooden fence erected by the company – which prevented villagers from accessing their farm land – was burned down in October.

Lor Chann, Preah Vihear provincial coordinator for rights group Adhoc, said two of the defendants were questioned in court yesterday, and the other 10 will be summoned today and tomorrow.

“According to my investigation, the 12 villagers did not burn the fence down,” he said.

The Post was unable to reach FP for comment yesterday.