Casino investor Naga Corp Ltd's chairman told GGRAsia that given the new plans, the company is "always mindful of respecting host countries and the environment" it operates in.

In response to our questions about the proposed non-gaming approach near Angkor Wat, Cambodia, Tim McNally (file photo) added in an email: "Our efforts to promote Cambodia's culture as well as its culture as a tourist destination will always involve respect and consideration for Cambodia's overall development."

The Hong Kong-registered organization, best known for developing and operating the Nagaworld casino resort in Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh, has proposed developing a $350 million non-gaming resort about half a kilometer (about a third mile) away from Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

"We are closely following plans for 75 hectares [187.5 acres] of amusement parks under discussion near Cambodia's World Heritage encore," UNESCO said in a statement on Wednesday.

"Technical opinions of experts in conservation and sustainable development have clearly been at a disadvantage," the U.N. agency said of the project near Nagakov's heritage site.

Nagakov did not directly comment on UNESCO's statement, but told GGRAsia: "We listen carefully to the responsible opinions expressed and consider the different views expressed."

The casino company said construction of the new resort, temporarily called Ankor Lake of Wonder, will be phased in, with the first expected to open in 2025. The plan includes spaces, cultural attractions, and food streets for hotels, water theme parks, indoor high-tech theme parks, water cruise attractions, conferences, and exhibitions.

In his response, Mr. McNally said, "We will continue to evaluate all relevant information received as part of the overall process in developing any property. You can be sure that any project developed by Naga in Cambodia will involve discussions and frequent input, as well as cooperation with the Cambodian government."

BY: 파친코