KANDAL: Thy Sovantha was appointed the Deputy Governor of Arey Ksat Municipality in Kandal Province. Minister of Interior, Samdech Krala Hom Sar Kheng, signed a declaration on 7 April 2023 designating Thy Sovantha and four other civil servants as Deputy Governors.

In addition to Thy Sovantha’s appointment, the Ministry of Interior also promoted Phon Kimlong, Son Sophanna, Chea Hor, and Chan Koeuy as Deputy Governors of Arey Ksat. Additionally, At the Phay Chansophy was transferred from Deputy Governor of Lvea Em District to Deputy Governor of Arey Ksat City. Chan Dara was promoted from Deputy Governor of Khsach Kandal District to Governor of Arey Ksat City.

 The new appoinments come after the Royal Government issued a sub-decree on 23 December 2022 to establish the new city, "Krong Arey Ksat.” It removed six communes from Khsach Kandal district and five communes from Lvea Em district in Kandal province, creating the need for restructured administrative roles.

The six communes of Khsach Kandal district that were conglomerated into Arey Ksat city are: Bak Dao, Koh Oknha Tey, Prek Ampil, Prek Luong, Prek Takov and Svay Chrum commune. The five communes of Lvea Em district that were dissolved to create Arey Ksat city are: Arey Ksat commune, Sarika Keo, Peam Oknha Ong, Prek Kmeng and Barong commune.

According to the sub-decree, Arey Ksat will be the second city established in Kandal province after Takhmao. The administrative seat of Arey Ksat city will be located in the Arey Ksat Sangkat.