contents home cover 1. recommendations 2. introduction 3. the case for positive conditionality & international responsibility 4. the forest policy reform project & the steering committee 5. transparency 6. forest yield & revenue potential 7. concession activity and review 8. dfw–enforcement & jurisdiction 9. situation update–general special military region military region 1 military region 2 military region 3 military region 4 military region 5 10. the role of cambodia’s neighbours & other importing countries thailand laos vietnam japan 11. opportunities the forest stewardship council (fsc) protected areas and world heritage status 12. conclusion

Military Region 2 Kratie, Kompong Cham, Prey Veng, Svay Rieng Key Players: Uy Sarin; Lim Sor Heng; Mr Laik (ex-KR); Chin Phaka; Long Rethy; Men Kry; Mr Hian; Mr Kong; Mr Vuth; Mr Touch; Meak Sambo. Uy Sarin, Commander of MR2 has been intimately involved in the facilitation and control of illegal logging activities, especially in Snuol Wildlife Sanctuary. High volume log exports took place across the Valoeu and Memot checkpoints to Vietnam before and during the July 1998 election, but have declined since. From November 1998, MR2 started to clamp down on illegal logging and transportation of logs in the vicinity of the Samling road. In November, 11 trucks transporting illegally felled logs were confiscated and subsequently burnt. The logs were sold to Samling for $50 per m3, with the proceeds going to the military. These logs came from a 20,000m3 stockpile at Valoeu checkpoint and probably originated from Snuol Wildlife sanctuary. In December 1998 MR2 confiscated approximately 2,000m3 of logs on rafts on the Mekong. Some local businessmen subscribe to the idea that the slow down in military activity is due to Hun Sen’s desire to improve his image with the international community, whilst many local people feel that the slow-down is a temporary measure. Whilst it is encouraging that MR2 have reduced the illegal activity in this region, the action they have taken is small scale. In mid September 1998, in excess of 160 log rafts were collecting logs to be moved down the Mekong, possibly to Vietnam. No action was taken to prevent these movements. On a positive note, the notorious Soeurn Pendai (who controlled Mekong log traffic near Kratie) was recently stripped of his privileges, reportedly due to his involvement in illegal logging, although rumours indicate that this may have had more to do with insulting Hun Sen’s family. At any rate, the RGC has set a precedent that it does have the capacity to remove those military officials it wants to. In November 1998 the ex-KR under Mr Laik (see Mondulkiri) established a sawmill at Km 70 on the Samling road. Local officials have taken no action against this mill and processed timber is sold to Phnom Penh based businessmen. Mr Lim Sor Heng, a high-ranking official from MR2 has been involved in illegal logging in Mondulkiri, Kratie and Stung Treng Provinces since 1980. Logs are collected using his own log trucks. The Samling Company has extended its road deep into Mondulkiri Province, with logs stored at Km 188. The company has failed to improve relations with the local population due to its peculiar practice of burying logs, which it began in 1998. Rumours suggest that some of these logs were broken and needed to be discarded, but in mid-September 1998 locals reported that approximately 150 truck loads of logs (approximately 3,000m3) had been buried. A sawmill near to Samling’s Chhlong factory site was constructed in October 1998, and was intended to buy Samling’s broken logs for US$17 per m3, but has since gone bankrupt. Reports continue to indicate that Samling buys illegal logs from local businessmen and MR2. Special Military Region Military Region 1 Military Region 3 Military Region 4 Military Region 5 back top next