Govts agree to intensify logging fight

PHNOM PENH: Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to intensify the suppression of the illegal logging of phayung, or Siamese rosewood, along their border areas.

Thai ambassador to Cambodia Touchayoot Pakdi said officials of the two countries have agreed to increase cooperation on the suppression of local gangs in cutting down the precious timber.

However, Mr Touchayoot said the two countries would not be able to conduct joint patrols due to territorial restrictions, so each side will instead increase their own patrols and exchange details.

Thai and Cambodian foreign ministry officials held talks in Cambodia’s Poi Pet to seek solutions to the illegal logging of phayung after it was revealed 45 Cambodian loggers had been killed on Thai soil in recent years, and many more arrested.

Mr Touchayoot said Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hor Namhong wanted both countries to increase cooperation on the suppression of illegal logging.

The Thai ambassador said both countries also agreed to set up their own committees to solve the problem.

Permanent secretary for natural resources and environment Chote Trachoo was appointed chairman of the Thai committee.

Mr Touchayoot said Thailand and Cambodia will meet on June 11-12 to discuss border development and transport between the two countries. The venue of the meeting has yet to be fixed.

Meanwhile, authorities have seized 78 phayung logs found hidden near the Mekong River in Nakhon Phanom province.

Capt Surasak Suwankesa, commander of a naval unit along the river, said the seizure was the result of collaboration between the naval unit and Phulangka National Park staff.

The seized logs measured 30-40cm wide and 2-3m long and were valued at 3 million baht. The logs were found near the banks of the river. No one has claimed ownership.