A young woman rides a bicycle along Mekong River Street on the capital’s Chroy Changvar peninsula as two ferries head east to the port in Svay Chrum village of Kandal province’s Khsach Kandal district. Hong Menea
The government has established three new towns – Sampov Poun and Arey Ksat in Kandal province and Oudong Me Chey in Kampong Speu – following requests from the Ministry of Interior, according to sub-decree issued by Prime Minister Hun Sen on December 23.
On the Vietnamese border, Sampov Poun town comprises five communes – all split from Koh Thom district. These are: Chhoeu Khmao, Prek Chrey, Prek Speu, Chroy Takeo and the administrative capital of Sampov Poun.
Arey Ksat town encompasses 11 communes: Bak Dav, Oknha Tei, Prek Ampil, Prek Luong Prek Takov and Svay Chrum taken from Khsach Kandal district; and Arey Ksat, Sarikakeo, Peam Oknha Ong, Prek Kmeng and Barong separated from Lvea Em district. The administrative capital will be in the eponymous commune.
Kampong Speu province’s former Oudong district was partitioned into Oudong Me Chey town and Samaki Monichey district.
Oudong Me Chey town will have five communes: Vaing Chas, Trach Tong, Preah Sre, Ksem Ksan and Veal Pong, the last of which will house the town hall.
Samaki Monichey district will take the remaining 10 communes Chan Sen, Champou Proek, Kraing Chek, Meanchey, Prey Krasaing, Yuth Samaki, Damnak Raing, Paing Lvea, Phnom Touch and Choeung Ras, the last of which will contain the district hall.
