Cambodia Intensifies Crackdown on Forest Encroachment and Illegal Land Grabs

In Kampong Thom province, located in northeastern Cambodia, Governor Nuon Pharath has instructed an intensified crackdown on forest encroachment and illegal land occupation activities, aiming to protect natural resources and state land. During a monthly meeting held on September 14 at the provincial hall, the governor urged administrative unit commanders of cities and districts under his jurisdiction, along with relevant authorities, to further strengthen their efforts in monitoring, preventing, and eradicating such illegal activities. The meeting was attended by deputy governors, military officials, representatives from various ministries, city and district administrative unit commanders, and specialists. Governor Pharath noted that previous crackdowns by the provincial administrative forces on natural resource-related offenses have shown a successive decrease, attributing this to the effective measures implemented by the authorities and the cooperation of local residents. He also mentioned that in recent years, boundary demarcation work between state land and private land has been carried out in the province, clarifying land positions and boundaries, which contributes to strengthening the management and protection of state land, preventing illegal occupation, and reducing land disputes. Meanwhile, Major General Som Son, Commander of the Kampong Thom Provincial Military Operations Area and permanent vice-chairman of the Committee for Protection, Prevention, and Suppression of Natural Resource Offenses, reported on the key achievements of past efforts. According to Major General Som Son, new instances of forest clearing to seize state land for private ownership have not occurred, and the trench excavation work to demarcate state land boundaries in Santuk district has been completed in cooperation with relevant agencies under the governor's leadership. Furthermore, regarding the crackdown on illegal fishing, the Kampong Thom Provincial Military Operations Area forces have actively fulfilled their responsibilities, leading to a significant reduction in illegal fishing activities. However, recent heavy rainfall and flooding from Tonle Sap Lake have caused renewed illegal fishing in some areas, and the forces are currently continuing their operations to suppress illegal fishing gear. Major General Som Son raised several challenges that need to be addressed and pledged to continue fulfilling the mission of protecting natural resources in cooperation with the provincial administration and the three armed forces within the province, in accordance with the directives of the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and all levels of leadership, for the benefit of the nation and future generations. Source: AKP Khmer