The Siem Reap Provincial Administration on October 5, 2026 issued a clarification regarding reports that a man who makes knife handles for sale had been accused of involvement in the destruction of forest products and by-products and natural resources in Chi Kraeng District. The clarification was issued after the media outlet "សាន្ត ព្រហ្ម" published a report via the Facebook page Kong Kan TV on October 4, 2026. The provincial administration confirmed that from March 2 to 4, 2026, the Unified Command of the Siem Reap Provincial Administration, led a working group, with the participation of a Deputy Prosecutor of the Siem Reap Provincial Court of first instance, went down to investigate and research offenses against natural resources in four districts in order to educate and raise awareness for citizens to stop producing charcoal and establishing illegal craft workshops.
According to the provincial administration's confirmation, on August 14, 2026, the Wildlife Habitat Office of the Siem Reap Provincial Department of Environment conducted a patrol in Boeung Per Wildlife Sanctuary, at Kouk Chres point, Sraong Village, Khvav Commune, Chi Kraeng District, and discovered a site for processing forest products and by-products that was established by a person named Sok Sith, male, age 36 years. At the location, the specialist forces discovered 1 wood-cutting saw machine, brand Xiang Hai, 1 wooden pole (ដងស្នួរ), 205 hoe handles, 98 axe handles, and a number of Kralanh-type wood pieces. The related evidence was collected and stored temporarily at Sraong Station.
The Siem Reap Provincial Administration considered this activity to be a criminal offense as stipulated in the provisions of the Environment and Natural Resources Code, Article 850, a second-degree natural resources offense in a natural resources protection zone, related to the establishment of a kiln or site for processing forest products and by-products, wild plants and all types of natural resources, in the core zone and conservation zone. At the same time, specialists from the Siem Reap Provincial Department of Environment continue to coordinate with the military forces of the provincial military operations sub-region, the Unified Command of cities and districts, and natural resources protection community zones, to suppress natural resources offenses. The provincial administration also called on the public and the media to continue participating by providing relevant information to support the maintenance and conservation of natural resources in a sustainable manner, in line with the policy of the Royal Government.
