Logging swoop nets 2 Cambodians

NAKHON RATCHASIMA: Two Cambodian men were detained during a crackdown on illegal logging in Khon Buri district, where a group of more than 30 people were found camping during a raid yesterday in Thap Lan National Park.

Haat Samnang Soeng, 30, and Hong Heon, 48, were detained by forest protection officers and soldiers with logging equipment, while the rest managed to escape, said a source close to the matter.

The pair admitted being hired by a Cambodian financier who colluded with local residents to assist them and other suspects to sneak into Thailand in Sa Kaeo province. According to the same source, both suspects said the group was looking for Siamese rosewood, but claimed they hadn’t cut down a tree.

The suspects have been handed over to Khon Buri district police for further questioning.