Battambang’s current governor, Prach Chan, has been appointed to become the first governor of newly formed Tbong Khmum province, according to a statement released Friday by the Council of Ministers.
“The government of Cambodia asks the King to appoint his excellency Prach Chan, the current Battambang provincial governor, to be the governor of Tbong Khmum province,” the statement says.
Chan Sophal, currently president of the Siem Reap provincial council, will take Mr. Chan’s place as Battambang governor, the statement adds.
The creation of Tbong Khmum province was approved by King Norodom Sihamoni in December. The new province will be made up of six districts and a city that all lie east of the Mekong River in Kompong Cham province.
Mr. Chan, who belongs to the ruling CPP, said he could not comment on his plans for the province until after he takes up his post later this year.
“I will take up my position after the district and commune elections that are due to take place in May and June,” he said.
