Khan Leakhena
Logs of an ‘endangered species’ seized in Hong Kong after arriving in containers from Cambodia. (Hong Kong Customs)

Forestry Crimes Up 15 Percent, Official Insists Large-Scale Logging Eliminated

Authorities have been claiming victory over illegal logging for years, including in 2016 following the establishment of a national anti-logging task force. Taskforce spokesman Eng Hy told the Cambodia Daily at the time that “illegal logging has been completely stopped,” despite the seizure of 5,431 cubic meters of luxury wood in one haul in Kratie province.

Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine (Flickr/CC)

Covid-19 Vaccine Dose Interval Increased to Be Closer to Recommended Span

In an announcement this week, the Health Ministry said the change to a 21-day interval was made based on a report from a Covid-19 commission and approval from Hun Sen. Vaccinations have already been underway for five months, and more than 5 million people have received doses.

Dozens of villagers involved in a land dispute with Chinese company Union Development Group protest outside the Koh Kong provincial hall on February 3, 2020. (Adhoc)

Long-Absent Human Rights NGO Director Resigns

The director of human rights group Adhoc has resigned after five years living abroad following the arrests of his staff members, a decision seen as both an “opportunity” for new leadership in civil society and a new chapter for the NGO.

Mondulkiri mountain land that indigenous Bunong families allege has been sold off. (Supplied)

Phnom Penh Police Chief Named in Complaint Over Sale of Mountain Land

Indigenous Bunong protesters have filed a complaint to the Interior Ministry saying local officials and traders sold off nearly 20 hectares of state mountain land to Phnom Penh police chief Sar Thet and former Ratanakiri military police commander Kim Reaksmey.

Police raid a condominium in Phnom Penh’s Boeng Keng Kang II commune for drugs on May 18, 2021. (National Police)

Police Detain 45 for Drugs in Phnom Penh Condo Raid

After a police raid this week netted about 300 grams of illicit drugs and other chemicals at a Phnom Penh condo, 45 suspects were being held by authorities and tested for drugs on Thursday, a police official said.