Cambodia's Tonle Sap Lake Border Demarcation Enters Phase 2 in Pursat

The second phase of border demarcation around Tonle Sap Lake has commenced in Pursat Province, Cambodia. On July 31, 2026, SR Kimsan, Secretary-General of the Tonle Sap Authority, led a working group comprising technical officials, local authorities, community representatives, relevant ministries, and security forces to a meeting disseminating information on the demarcation process. This phase involves the installation of 650 boundary posts in the Barkan and parts of Kandieng districts within Pursat Province. This follows the completion of 650 posts in the first phase, contributing to the total planned 1,300 posts for Pursat Province in 2026. Concurrently, the working group continued its mission, inspecting the conditions of flooded forests in "Zone 3" and the boundary lines therein. They also observed sites where residents had excavated and restored canals between boundary posts, specifically between posts numbered 439-440. These canals are intended to retain water for irrigating rice fields in "Zone 2," areas previously allocated by the government. Overall, despite some instances of residents' rice fields extending beyond the demarcated boundaries, relevant authorities and security forces are actively preventing further encroachment on the flooded forests. The residents reportedly understand the situation and have pledged their cooperation in protecting, preserving, and sustainably managing the natural resources of Tonle Sap Lake for future generations. Source: AKP Khmer