Cambodia Intercepts 18 Tonnes of Pangasius Smuggled from Thailand

Cambodia Intercepts 18 Tonnes of Pangasius Smuggled from Thailand

PHNOM PENH, 28 July 2026 — Cambodian authorities have seized 18 tonnes of illegally imported pangasius in Preah Vihear province after tracing the shipment to Thailand, officials said.

The fish originated in Thailand and were transported through Laos before entering Cambodia via the Kampong Sralao border crossing, according to Phuong Tina, director of the Fisheries Inspection Department under the General Department of Fisheries.

Responding to questions from local media on Facebook, Tina confirmed the origin and route of the shipment, saying the fish had been smuggled across multiple borders before being intercepted.

The seizure took place on Monday during a joint enforcement operation led by the Fisheries Inspection Department and the prosecutor of the Preah Vihear Provincial Court in Romchek village, Romony commune, Rovieng district.

Authorities stopped a Hyundai truck carrying approximately 18 tonnes of pangasius. During the operation, two suspects fled into a nearby forest and remain at large.

The provincial prosecutor instructed fisheries officials to prepare a legal case and continue investigating to identify and arrest the suspects for prosecution.

The operation was welcomed by many social media users, who praised authorities for stepping up efforts to combat illegal fish imports and protect Cambodia’s fisheries sector.

The seizure has also renewed public discussion over the illegal importation of foreign fish products, with some commentators questioning why traders continue to smuggle fish into Cambodia in violation of the law, particularly amid heightened public sensitivity over imports from Thailand.