Preah Vihear Province: In a tense operation to crack down on natural resource crimes, on May 7, 2026, officers from the Phnom Thnaot-Phnom Pok Wildlife Sanctuary raided a large-scale illegal mining site suspected of being linked to the son of a powerful tycoon.
Suppression activities and evidence at the scene. The task force led by Mr. Nong Wuttha, Deputy Director of the Phnom Thnot-Phnom Pok Wildlife Sanctuary, along with 5 park rangers, patrolled the Phnom Ki point (Registration No. 445653-1501217) in the area of O Chak Sra village, Srayang Tboung commune, Kulen district. As a result, the expert force discovered illegal mining activities.
In this operation, the suspect fled, leaving behind illegal machinery and means, including: 1 XCMG excavator, 1 earthmoving machine, a black VIVA motorcycle, license plate ສ54.15-ສະ 1 01 units
Currently, the park rangers are guarding the scene to protect the evidence and await further legal action.
The crisis of power over the pillars of the law is a sensitive point in this case, which is the mention of environmental experts And local authorities, who asked not to be named, revealed that the mining site is protected by a strong embankment.
According to sources from residents and officials there, the name of a wealthy and powerful tycoon has become a mask for lower-level authorities and law enforcement officials are reluctant to take action.
This situation reflects a culture of fear that makes it impossible to fully implement laws on environmental protection and natural resource management. The use of personal influence to suppress the legal system has led to the destruction of natural resources through anarchy and lack of transparency.
According to a lawyer, who asked not to be named, the law and the response measures to promote the rule of law and protect the nation’s natural resources This offense should be examined in light of the following legal aspects:
1. Law on Protected Areas, 2008. Mining in protected areas without permission from the Ministry of Environment is a first or second-degree natural resource offense, subject to confiscation of evidence and imprisonment.
2. Law on Management and Exploitation of Mineral Resources All mining activities without a license are illegal and should be severely punished.
3. Fighting corruption and abuse of power. If it is found that family power is being used to cover up crimes, it is a violation of the principles of good governance that the Royal Government is tightening.
Likewise, public opinion is closely watching whether these seized evidence will be processed in a transparent manner according to the law or will they be destroyed under the influence of money and power of one person? This is a major test for the justice system and the commitment of the relevant ministries to eradicate natural resource crimes in Cambodia.
By: Suon Pisit|Deum Ampil
