Border logging Man loses limbs in UXO explosion

Deep in the Dangrek Mountain range that forms a natural border betweeen Cambodia and Thailand, illegal loggers search for wood. Heng Chivoan

A Cambodian attempting to cross into Thailand to log rosewood lost his right leg and arm after stepping on a landmine on Monday.

Chan Kem Oeun, village chief of Chhoeutal Kong village in Preah Vihear province, said yesterday that the victim, 39-year-old Seth Pheak, was one of six villagers travelling to Thailand illegally.

Another villager, Seth Rom, Pheak’s younger brother, sustained minor injuries from the explosion. According to Rom’s account to Oeun, the incident happened as the group travelled through the forest, with Pheak about 4 metres from his brother when he stepped on the mine.

“Currently, both of them are staying at Preah Vihear Provincial Referral Hospital. Until now, the victim Seth Pheak is unconscious, while his brother is conscious already,” Oeun said.

In a separate case on Saturday, Thai environment rangers arrested two Cambodians for illegal logging in a protected area in Thailand’s Chonburi province.

Ty Sokha, head of a nearby border communication office, said that Korng Min, 31, and Chhay Tuyhieng, 29, were sent to court Monday.

Contact author: Khouth Sophak Chakrya

MOST VIEWED

Joy as Koh Ker Temple registered by UNESCO
Cambodia's Koh Ker Temple archaeological site has been officially added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 17. The ancient temple, also known as Lingapura or Chok Gargyar, is located in
Ream base allegations must end, urges official
A senior government official urges an end to the allegations and suspicions surrounding the development of Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, now that Prime Minister Hun Manet has addressed the issue on the floor of the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78). Jean-Francois Tain, a geopolitical
Cambodia set to celebrate Koh Ker UNESCO listing
To celebrate the inscription of the Koh Ker archaeological site on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the Ministry of Cults and Religion has appealed to pagodas and places of worship to celebrate the achievement by ringing bells, shaking rattles and banging gongs on September 20. Venerable
CP denied registration documents by ministry
The Ministry of Interior will not reissue registration documents to the Candlelight Party (CP). Following a September 21 meeting between ministry secretary of state Bun Honn and CP representatives, the ministry cited the fact that there is no relevant law which would authorise it to do
Cambodian diaspora laud Manet’s UN Assembly visit
Members of the Cambodian diaspora are rallying in support of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s forthcoming visit to the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) in the US’ New York City this week. Their move is an apparent response to a recent call by self-exiled former
After three deferrals, Capital Gains Tax to take effect Jan 1, 2024
The General Department of Taxation (GDT) will implement the Capital Gains Tax starting January 1, 2024 to after being deferred three times as industrial players warn that the implementation might have some negative impact on the property market growth, which is down due to the economic downturn.