Members of the armed forces dismantle an illegal fishing operation on the Tonle Sap Lake in Kampong Thom province last month. Royal Cambodia Army
Prime Minister Hun Manet has issued a stern warning to natural resource criminals, urging them not to use violence or firearms against law enforcement officers. He also reiterated his support for any officers who exercise their legal right to self-defence.
The prime minister shared the warning as he addressed the April 22 inauguration ceremony of a new production line and Ford vehicle assembly plant by RMA (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. in Pursat province — one of six provinces surrounding the Tonle Sap Lake.
He noted that in the course of their duties while cracking down on illegal fishing crimes, armed forces — including the military, military police and police — have in some cases faced violent attacks from offenders, such as gunfire or deliberate ramming with boats aimed at capsizing and even killing officers.
“Some have gone so far as to try and shoot at law enforcement officers. Some have tried to ram and sink them. The armed forces have the right to defend themselves. I say this clearly: we do not use violence against civilians, but if there is gunfire aimed at soldiers or the intention to cause them harm, the military or armed forces have the right to defend themselves,” he said.
“Ordinary citizens don’t have guns. So those who commit crimes — hear me loud and clear: do not try to shoot at soldiers, police or military police. Don’t even think about it. Don’t try to ram law enforcement boats in the middle of the river. There have been past incidents, but we never used violence unless it is for self-defence,” he added.
Manet emphasised that he personally supports any law enforcement officers who defend themselves, provided it is in accordance with the law.
“The law enforcement community has asked for my opinion. I say — if offenders break the law and the officers use their right to self-defense, I will take responsibility because I ordered them to enforce the law. I must protect our officers. If not, where will they get the courage to do their job when they're being shot at and no one protects them? I also ask that they apply the law properly and to the letter. And those breaking the law — don’t take this lightly,” he added.
To improve the effectiveness of law enforcement, the prime minister also instructed authorities to clearly distinguish illegal fisheries activities and precisely target them, while giving space and livelihood opportunities to legal, small-scale fishermen.
“We’re cracking down on lawbreakers, but we must still allow our citizens to make a living so we can all live together. We all share the fish along the riverbanks. If people upstream take everything, those downstream get nothing. If even the fish fry are taken, there’ll be nothing left. So we must all live together sustainably by ensuring responsible, legal fishing,” he continued.
On the same occasion, Manet also issued warnings to the wildlife poachers who shot at environmental rangers in Mondulkiri province earlier this month.
The Command Committee for Combating Illegal Fishing on the Tonle Sap, under the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), has arrested 478 suspects in the first quarter of 2025 — including 47 Vietnamese nationals.
The authorities seized 7,225 fishing boats, over 2 million metres of illegal nets and more than half a million bamboo poles used in fish traps.
Authorities also released 27,365 kilogrammes of fish and over 720 tonnes of shellfish.
An additional 11,087 people received educational outreach on the dangers of using illegal fishing gear, and 441 fishermen — with 98 boats — signed formal pledges to cease their use of such equipment.
