The inspection took place on the morning of May 10, 2026, with participation from the three armed forces, the Commander of Kampong Thom Military Sub-Region Operations, heads of the Departments of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Department of Environment, local authorities, and relevant technical officials. The delegation also inspected a section of Prey Lang Forest in the O’Kang area that had been illegally cleared during the recent Khmer New Year holiday, covering approximately 5 to 6 hectares.

During the visit, H.E. Noun Pharat expressed deep regret over the destruction of forest land in Prey Lang and instructed the provincial Department of Environment to urgently initiate legal procedures to confiscate the illegally occupied land and return it to state ownership. At the same time, he ordered authorities to prepare legal cases for submission to the court in order to investigate and identify the perpetrators and any individuals involved behind the scenes, so they can be prosecuted in accordance with the law without exception.

The Governor of Kampong Thom further announced that rewards would be offered to citizens or individuals who provide information related to illegal logging activities and the identities of offenders, enabling authorities to take timely legal action and arrests.

In addition, H.E. Noun Pharat instructed the three armed forces, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Department of Environment, local authorities, and relevant institutions to strengthen cooperation and reorganize the joint task force stationed in Sochet Commune, Sandan District. The objective is to intensify patrols, improve forest monitoring, prevent further illegal encroachment, and ensure that offenders are arrested and sent to court without leniency.

Lieutenant General Som Sun, Commander of Kampong Thom Military Sub-Region Operations and Permanent Deputy Chairman of the Provincial Committee for the Prevention and Suppression of Natural Resource Crimes, stated that he is fully committed to implementing the Governor’s orders and will continue cooperating closely with specialized institutions and the armed forces to protect and preserve natural resources for future generations.

Representatives of the Prey Lang community in Kampong Thom Province emphasized that Prey Lang is not merely a green landscape for viewing, but a vital source of livelihood and survival for local communities who directly depend on the forest. Residents earn income through resin tapping, honey collection, and gathering non-timber forest products, which help sustain their livelihoods and support their children’s education.

Beyond its economic value, Prey Lang is also regarded as a sacred cultural heritage and spiritual homeland of the indigenous Kuy people, who have traditionally lived in and protected the forest for generations. Community representatives called on all stakeholders to work together to conserve Prey Lang in order to safeguard water resources, food security, and sustainable livelihoods for future generations.

It should be noted that Prey Lang Forest is one of the largest lowland tropical rainforests in mainland Southeast Asia, spanning across four provinces: Kampong Thom, Preah Vihear, Kratie, and Stung Treng. The forest plays a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, ecological balance, and water resource protection, supporting millions of people living along the Mekong River and Tonle Sap Basin.