Ratanakiri Environment Department: Death During Illegal Mining Due to Motorcycle Fall

On September 7, 2026, the Ratanakiri Provincial Department of Environment issued a clarification regarding the death of a citizen during illegal gold mining activities within the Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary and accusations of involvement by park rangers. According to the department's statement, on September 6, 2026, park rangers on patrol encountered approximately 80 individuals engaged in illegal gold mining in the Phum Thmei (Srei Choy) area, Chom Utom Commune, Lumphat District. The department stated that the rangers instructed those involved to cease their activities peacefully and leave the site, asserting that no violence or weapons were used. Subsequently, one individual died due to a traffic accident, which was described as a motorcycle fall. Following this incident, accusations arose implicating authorities and park rangers in the death. The Ratanakiri Provincial Department of Environment has denied these accusations, confirming that the park rangers were not involved in the man's death. The department also claimed that the incident was deliberately misrepresented and incited, leading to the destruction and burning of a ranger sub-station. The department condemned the dissemination of information it deems as distorting the truth, inciting violence, and destroying public property. It reiterated that gold mining in protected natural areas is an activity that must be stopped and handled according to the law to protect natural resources and public safety. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local