Preah Vihear Province: On July 22, 2026, a team of experts led by Mr. Nong Wuttha, Deputy Director of the Phnom Thnaot-Phnom Pok Wildlife Sanctuary, along with 04 officials, conducted an operation to crack down on an illegal mining site in a nature protection area.
The operation was carried out at the General Field (coordinates/security number: 442505-1505955) in Arachak Sra village, Srayang commune, Kulen district, Preah Vihear province.
Evidence seized in the above crackdown The officers seized and confiscated some evidence, including:
- Water pumps: 02 units
- Generators: 01 unit
- Motor: 01 unit
- Water pump motor: 01 unit
- Motor: 01 unit
- Mineral samples: approximately 50 kilograms
In addition, some other mining drilling machines have not yet been transported from the site due to difficulties in transportation. Currently, the collected evidence has been temporarily stored at the Phnom Thnaot-Phnom Pok Wildlife Sanctuary’s stone quarry.
During the operation, the suspect fled the scene. Currently, the authorities are continuing their investigation to identify the perpetrators, bring them to justice in accordance with the law, and prepare a plan to transport the remaining evidence for safekeeping.
According to the Law on Management and Exploitation of Minerals and the Law on Protected Areas of the Kingdom of Cambodia: Unlicensed mining or destruction of natural resources in protected areas is a criminal offense.
Offenders can face imprisonment (from 1 year to 5 years or more, depending on the extent of the damage) as well as heavy fines and are required to pay compensation for environmental damage. All evidence and tools will be confiscated as state property.
On that occasion, Mr. Nong Wuttha made a strong appeal to all citizens:
“Please join in lovingly and protecting the environment, forests, and biodiversity in our natural forests.”
Citizen participation is an important driving force in preventing natural resource crimes and ensuring environmental sustainability for future generations.
By Suon Pisit: Ampel Tree
This site is translated by Google Translate™
