The skeletal remains of a man were found in a forest in Mondulkiri province’s Keo Seima district on Monday. Police have ruled out foul play.

Keo Seima district police chief Van Danin told The Post on Wednesday that human bones, a skull and remnants of clothing were found in a forest near Pou Tong village in the district’s Chung Phlas commune.

Police identified the remains as belonging to 43-year-old Leang Sok Leng, who was a resident of Pou Tong village.

“We don’t know the exact cause of death. The deceased’s family had informed the police that he was missing,” Danin said.

Village resident Yul Noeun came across the remains on Monday while in the forest looking for mushrooms, he said.

Noeun informed Chung Phlas commune police who requested a special team to inspect the site.

Sok Leng had been missing since January 28, with his family searching for him without success. His remains were found only around 1,500m from the village.

Hou Dara, the head of the Mondulkiri provincial police serious crime bureau, told The Post on Wednesday that authorities would not be investigating further.

Sok Leng’s family said he had been suffering from an illness and was afraid of being around people, preferring to be left alone, he said.

“A witness met the deceased before his disappearance and testified as to what he was wearing. Based on this, we have identified the deceased.

“Police have concluded that he went into the forest to be away from people and died from a lack of food. They did not suspect murder so have decided to close the investigation,” Dara said.