Pailin
From dKosopedia
Pailin is a town and province in the west of Cambodia on the border with Thailand. The town is only 30 kilometers from Thailand. Noted as an important center for semi-precious gem mining, timber, and cross-border smuggling, the town of Pailin is the home of many former Khmer Rouge senior leaders who negotiated a sanctuary there free from control of the government in Phnom Penh in return for neutrality in the struggle between the ruling Cambodian People’s Party of Hun Sen and the royalist Funcinpec of Prince Ranariddh. Among the infamous war criminals living freely in the town are Nuon Chea, a.k.a. “Brother No. 2,” Ieng Sary, a.k.a. “Brother No. 3,” and Khieu Samphan. The city has a population of roughly 40,000. In addition to taking the economic rents from gems, timber and smuggling, the town fathers of Pailin also control gambling and prostitution.
Sources
- Harish C. Mehta and Julie B. Mehta. 1999. Hun Sen: Strongman of Cambodia. Graham Brash. ISBN 9812180745.
- Seth Mydans. “Khmer Rouge Haven: Past or Future?” The New York Times. January 8, 1999, Vol. 148 Issue 51396, page A9.
- Chris Seper. “In the Zone.” Christian Science Monitor. 08827729. May 6, 1999, Vol. 91, Issue 112.
Links
- Y Chhean (Provincial Governor)