Razing of Phnom Tamao Forest Begins

Excavators have begun tearing strips through the protected Phnom Tamao forest — recently privatized for development by select tycoons — raising fears among locals and a wildlife sanctuary that shares the land. The beloved forest, about an hour’s drive from Phnom Penh, is nearby popular weekend destination Tonle Bati lake, which is also slated to be filled up and developed, and not far from the capital’s new international airport under construction.

Conservationists say the Phnom Tamao forest is home to endangered sambar deer as well as wild pigs, monkeys and rare birds, but various plans for development have emerged in recent months. One official document showed that 500 hectares controlled by the Forestry Administration would be transferred to private ownership, without detailing the exact site or new owner. Another document mapped around 700 hectares as being requested by tycoon Khun Sea’s TP Moral Group.

The Agriculture Minister told VOD on Saturday that tracts had been sold to developer and music-video producer Leng Navatra. On Monday, drone footage captured at least five excavators felling strips through the forest’s northeast corner. The European Space Agency’s Sentinel satellite showed no clearing as of Friday, indicating the work likely began or ramped up over the weekend.

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