English 
ភាសាខ្មែរ 
Key Takeaways:
- Two potential areas in Veal Veng, which currently identified by the provincial administration, are set to become urban development
- The announcement comes as the Cambodian and Thai governments prepare to open the Thmar Da-Banthan Sen international border gate, which is expected to boost trade, investment, and tourism flows.
- Veal Veng district has potential for real estate investment due to its location on a ring road connecting Pursat to Trat, Thailand, and is an attractive natural tourist area in Pursat province.
“The establishment of this new city is currently just an idea, but it is a vision and direction that we are preparing to push for in the future.”
Roundabout in Bramoy Commune, a future site of new urban development. Photo: Z1News
Cambodia’s Pursat province is planning to develop a new town in Veal Veng district, sharing a border with Thailand. The provincial administration has identified two potential areas – Bramoy and Thmor Da communes – for the development of the new city. Pursat Governor, H.E Khoy Rida, announced during a press conference on 7 March 2023.
He said, “This new town in Veal Veng district is more than just an idea. It is a vision, a direction that we are committed to pursuing. It may not yet have a national principle, but it has the potential to become an urban development.”
The Veal Veng district has 5 communes and is an attractive natural tourist area in Pursat province, especially the area of National Road 55. The announcement of the new urban development plan comes as the Cambodian and Thai governments are preparing to open the Thmar Da-Banthan Sen international border crossing soon.
The opening of the border crossing is expected to boost trade, investment, and tourism flows, with both governments aiming to increase bilateral trade to $15 billion by 2025.
The potential for real estate investment in Veal Veng district is also high, with a ring road connecting Pursat to Trat, Thailand. This is expected to make important trade flows between the two countries in the future. Century 21 Mekong CEO, Mr. Chrek Soknim, has noted that Veal Veng district is a potential starting point, and near the border region, there will be casinos or other development projects.
“Veal Veng district is the gateway to a new era of cross-border trade and investment between Thailand and Cambodia, and presents exciting opportunities for real estate and development projects in the near future,” Soknim said.
The Cambodian government inaugurated the 182-kilometer National Road 55, also known as Bopha Laklon Road, in March 2020. The road connects Pursat town to Veal Veng district to the Cambodian border crossing with Thailand. The development of the new city in Veal Veng district is expected to bring more opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and increased connectivity in the region.
