Mob burns wildlife sanctuary office in Ratanakiri

A mob of villagers has torched the Sre Chrey sub‑district headquarters of Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary in Cambodia’s Ratanakiri province, in retaliation for the death of a man they claim was chased by park rangers.

The incident unfolded on Sunday afternoon when dozens of residents gathered outside the building before setting it ablaze. Footage shared by local media showed flames engulfing the office as the crowd looked on.

Earlier that day, three sanctuary rangers and a volunteer had confronted around 80 people digging for gold in Prey Meas, Thmey village. The patrol reportedly ordered them to leave.

Later, a man from Roy village in neighbouring Mondulkiri province died after falling from his motorbike. Villagers alleged he was being pursued and shot at by rangers, causing the crash.

Park officials strongly denied the accusation, insisting they neither chased nor fired at anyone, and had only instructed the group to return home.

By late afternoon, anger had boiled over. At around 4pm, villagers stormed the sanctuary’s local headquarters and set fire to the building, leaving it badly damaged.

Police have launched an investigation into the arson attack and the circumstances surrounding the man’s death. Authorities have yet to confirm whether charges will be brought against those involved.

The Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Cambodia’s northeast, is a protected area often subject to disputes between conservation patrols and local residents engaged in logging or gold digging. The latest confrontation highlights the fragile relationship between enforcement teams and communities living near protected forests.

Officials say the case underscores the challenges of balancing conservation efforts with local livelihoods, particularly in provinces where economic hardship drives residents to exploit natural resources.

-2026-09-07