The design proposed by the environment ministry (left), vs the version that some social media posts hve suggested will be built. Supplied
The Ministry of Environment has denied widespread reporting about a proposed mobile phone antenna site on Phnom Khnang Phsar, an ecotourism site in Kampong Speu province’s Oral district.
The reports, which have been widely shared on social media, include an image of a phone tower, which does not reflect the reality of the project, said the ministry.
“The images circulating on some news accounts are not true — they were digitally altered, and the situation depicted in the photo has not occurred at the site,” said ministry spokesperson Khvay Atitya.
The ministry is working with the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications to design and build a new mobile antenna which will be appropriate for the site. It claimed that the antenna will be built with aesthetic considerations, shaped like a tree, and will not negatively impact the landscape, natural resources or biodiversity in this pristine green area.
The ministry explained that the antenna will help to boost tourism services and attract more visitors, significant improving the livelihoods of local communities. This, in turn, will encourage community participation in conserving and protecting natural resources for future generations.
Phnom Khnang Phsar, an ecotourism site in Kampong Speu province’s Oral district, is famous for its unspoilt natural beauty. Environment ministry
Environment minister Eang Sophalleth also confirmed that the antenna will be installed far away from camping sites and will be camouflaged with a tree-like design.
“The antenna will be installed so that visitors to Phnom Khnang Phsar can stay in touch with family or work during emergencies. In addition, tourists will be able to share photos of the scenery more easily,” he said.
He noted that visitors who wish to disconnect from their phones, electronics or social media while on the mountain can simply switch their devices to flight mode or keep them out of reach in their bags.
The environment ministry has urged media outlets and social media platforms to not spread false information, as it can lead to public misunderstandings about the infrastructure development plans aligned with eco-tourism goals in the area.
It also released a video clip showing the actual mobile antenna construction project in the area.
The popular Khmer language Facebook group “Cambodia Motor Adventure” posted a photo showing a red-outlined antenna illustration with a caption reading “Location planned for antenna installation” on Phnom Khnang Phsar.
The page’s administrators suggested that there is no need to install a mobile phone antenna on Phnom Khnang Phsar or nearby Khnang Sampov.
The group believed that people making the long journey to Khnang Phsar — riding and hiking in difficult terrain — are not going there to use the internet. Instead, they seek to immerse themselves in nature, view unspoiled natural landscapes and mentally disconnect from social media to relieve stress.
On May 16, the environment ministry inaugurated a tourism infrastructure construction project to support eco-tourism goals at Phnom Khnang Phsar. It will include roads, parking areas, restrooms and bathing facilities, an information center, a first aid station, dining areas and campsite development. The project incorporates Khmer architectural elements and will utilise renewable energy sources such as solar power instead of conventional electricity.
Phnom Khnang Phsar is rich in biodiversity, and is home to 221 plant species and 369 wildlife species, including Asian elephants, sun bears, clouded leopards, gaurs and other globally rare species — some listed on the IUCN Red List. Additionally, the forests, grasslands, lakes, waterfalls and natural valleys of the area form a scenic landscape throughout all seasons, attracting both domestic and international tourists, and offering strong potential for sustainable green development.
