Kampong Thom Military Commander Warns of Firm Action Against Officials Involved in Natural Resource Crimes

Major General Som Son, Commander of the Kampong Thom Provincial Operations Zone, has reiterated a stern warning against any military personnel colluding with offenders and allowing forest destruction. He stated that such individuals will face legal action. The commander advised all joint forces not to collude with perpetrators in exchange for benefits. He emphasized that any joint force member or individual found committing illegal acts or colluding with offenders will face disciplinary action from the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and will be punished according to state law without exception. This warning was issued during his inspection of the joint forces tasked with protecting, preventing, and suppressing natural resource crimes in Region 44, Santeuk district, Kampong Thom province, on the afternoon of August 5, 2026. Major General Som Son, who also serves as the permanent vice-chairman of the Kampong Provincial Commission for Protection, Prevention, and Suppression of Natural Resource Crimes, conveyed the order from the Kampong Thom Provincial Governor to prevent, obstruct, and suppress natural resource crimes within the province, specifically in Region 44 of Santeuk district. He stressed that any further encroachment on forests or illegal occupation of state land for private ownership would not be tolerated. He also called for the suppression of illegal transportation of forest products. The commander instructed the forces to arrest suspects actively committing offenses and to hand them over with evidence to the relevant authorities to build cases for prosecution and legal sentencing. Furthermore, Major General Som Son urged all joint forces to cooperate effectively with relevant institutions to fulfill their duties in protecting, preventing, and suppressing natural resource crimes for the benefit of the nation.