Cambodia's Kampong Thom Cracks Down on Illegal Fishing Gear, Strengthens Resource Protection

In Kampong Thom Province, Cambodia, a crackdown operation on illegal fishing gear has been carried out to protect fishery resources. On the morning of September 4, 2026, Major General Som Son, Commander of the Military Operations Area and Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial Natural Resources Crime Prevention and Suppression Commission, led a composite force to crack down on illegal fishing gear during the closed fishing season. Supplies of food, essential goods, and fuel were also provided to the light command posts stationed in Peam Bang and Chhonnaorkrom communes, Stoung District. Mr. Kun Chanthysetha, Director of the Stoung District Fishery Administration, and Lieutenant Colonel Luy Sophath, a military officer from the Kampong Thomas Military Operations Area Command and head of the light command post team stationed in Peam Bang commune, Stoung District, reported on the results of preventing, stopping, and cracking down on illegal fishing crimes in the past period, as well as some challenges encountered and resolved by the composite force. They pledged to strictly adhere to the orders of all levels of leadership of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and the orders of the Commander of the Military Operations Area and Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial Natural Resources Crime Prevention and Suppression Commission to achieve further success. Major General Som Son praised all members of the composite force for their sacrifices and perseverance in overcoming all challenges and obstacles in cracking down on illegal fishing, achieving commendable results. Currently, fishing violations in the area bordering Tonle Sap Lake in Kampong Thom Province have decreased by approximately 70% to 80%, as most citizens have a clear understanding and are participating in the implementation of the new Fisheries Law. However, a small number of fishermen continue to illegally engage in fishing by using prohibited gear, despite repeated guidance and warnings from local authorities and specialized officers. On this occasion, Major General Som Son, Commander of the Military Operations Area and Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial Natural Resources Crime Prevention and Suppression Commission, led the composite force to crack down on illegal fishing gear, especially the curtain nets that are strictly prohibited by law. In this operation, 15 curtain nets, spanning over 750 meters, were destroyed, along with more than 350 supporting poles. Approximately 50 kilograms of various mixed fish fry were also released. These activities took place in the communes of Peam Bang and Chhonnaorkrom. Furthermore, 300 liters of fuel, food, and essential goods were provided to the forces of the Kampong Thom Military Operations Area Command stationed in Peam Bang and Chhonnaorkrom communes, along with important tasks assigned to them to ensure effectiveness during this closed fishing season. The goal is to restore our aquatic resources to abundance to serve the needs of the Cambodian people nationwide, with no retreat.