Teng Boonma, chairman of Thai Boon Roong Co Ltd and once described as the richest man in Cambodia, died on Friday at the age of 75 after a lengthy struggle with diabetes and high blood pressure, local media reported.

The politically connected tycoon made headlines in February when his company announced plans to build a colossal 133-storey mixed-use twin tower on the former site of Dreamland theme park in Phnom Penh.

Linda Luk, senior corporate communications manager for Hsin Chong Construction Group Ltd, the Hong Kong-based company appointed to manage the development’s construction, said yesterday that her company was saddened by the news of Boonma’s passing but “will continue to work closely with the developer and contractor to see through successful delivery of the project.”