Khouth Sophak Chakrya

People living in Banteay Meanchey’s provincial capital of Sisophon are now banned from burying their relatives in the five mountains surrounding the town due to a plan to develop the area as an eco-tourist attraction, authorities said.

The ban, announced yesterday, is aimed at helping make the impoverished province more attractive to tourists, said Om Reatrey, Banteay Meanchey Provincial Hall spokesman.

“To improve the beauty of the environment and surrounding mountains, provincial authorities are cooperating with the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Ministry of Environment, and the Ministry of Tourism to ban all digging in the mountains near Sisophon town, which will prohibit people from burying their dead and building stupas for their relatives, because the town needs to conserve and develop those mountains into an eco-tourism spot,” he said.

read more: http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/banteay-meanchey-town-bans-mountain-burials

Down from the mountains comes word that they plan on banning shitting in the forest as well. Can't have our eco-tourist stumbling over stupas or stool. Now, can we?