'I feel empty': Cambodians on Funan Techo canal route await fate

Dem Mech, who lives next to the proposed Funan Techo canal, speaking during an interview with AFP at his home at Prek Takeo village in Kandal province.- AFP

PREK TAKEO: Food stand owner Dem Mech wells up as he sits in the yard of the home he will lose if Cambodia proceeds with a massive new canal running from the Mekong river to the sea.

"I won't challenge the government, but what I want is decent compensation," the wiry 57-year-old told AFP, seated in the shade of the house he shares with eight relatives.