Introduction 

📌 Concerns and Issues of Four Communities: Chhamreach Indigenous, Chhdoa Indigenous, Kraya Indigenous, and Kanseng Veal Forest
🗓️ June 24, 2025 | Prasat Balang District Hall, Kampong Thom

The Advocacy and Policy Institute (API) organized a community dialogue to address citizens’ concerns and issues, and to promote civic engagement through the “Smart Villager Board” (PIDOR Neak Phum Chhlat Vey). The meeting brought together local authorities and representatives from four communities to discuss​ their key challenges.

Key Issues Raised by the Communities and Responses from Local Authorities

🛖Indigenous Community of Chomreah:

• •  Issue: Requested protection for the remaining community land from encroachment and land rotation. The indigenous land has been taken by private companies. The community asked relevant authorities and the Ministry of Environment to pay attention.
  • Response: The Deputy District Governor suggested the community prepare a request letter to demarcate boundaries and another letter to intervene in the land rotation issue. The district will assign experts to demarcate the remaining land and help push for a resolution to the land rotation problem affecting the people.

🛖 Indigenous Community of Sala Chhdoa:

• • Issue: Raised the issue of the destruction of the community’s traditional weaving house.
  • Response: The Deputy District Governor advised the community committee to draft internal regulations and submit another intervention letter to the district for assistance in resolving the issue.

🛖 Indigenous Community of Kraya:

• • Issue: Requested a community kindergarten.
  • Response: A district council representative will discuss it further with the commune chief. Additionally, the Deputy District Governor requested further study. He asked the Kraya community to collect precise data on children and submit a formal request for a community kindergarten to the district administration.

🌲 Kanseng Veal Forest Community:

• • Issue: Reported illegal nighttime logging and requested more public awareness among citizens.
  • Response: The Deputy District Governor advised the community to report to the Forest Administration. If the Forest Administration does not take action, report to the district. He added that although there has been extensive awareness-raising by the Forest Administration and commune authorities, if problems persist, report to the relevant officials.

Citizen Feedback via “Smart Villager Board” (PIDOR Neak Phum Chhlat Vey)