The Siem Pang PATROL Unit (SPPU) is dedicated to combatting transfrontier crime, specifically the illegal trade of wildlife and timber, and land encroachment. Prosecuting offenders to guarantee the integrity of Siem Pang Wildlife Sanctuary is key to success.

The SPPU is managed by 3 experienced team members: Mark Bowman the Director of Law Enforcement, Say Ratanak, our Law Enforcement Advisor, and Soeurng Laeuth, our Chief of Security Administration. The SPPU is in charge of coordinating with law enforcement in Siem Pang Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is divided into 4 main zones:

• The Core Zone where no entry or activity is permitted except for scientific research.

• The Conservation Zone where limited and approved access and activity are allowed.

• The Community Zone where established to accommodate existing villages in the protected area.

• The Sustainable Use Zone allows villagers to harvest non-timber forest products and serves as a buffer between the conservation zone and the villages.

These zones dictate the level of access for people coming into the sanctuary, as some areas are more vulnerable than others.

SPPU Leadership and Sanctuary Zones

Illegal Activities

Land encroachment is a serious issue along the Sekong River, destroying the riverine forest and often replacing it with tree crops. The illegal gill net fishing, large traps, and particularly electric fishing are incredibly damaging to aquatic life. Snares are particularly prevalent in the dry season around water holes, causing deaths of endangered species such as gaur and sun bears. Armed poaching gangs are also known to kill wildlife and fire on law enforcement and the military. Cross-border smuggling includes wildlife and timber, human trafficking, and drugs.

Siem Pang PATROL Agreement

Who is involved?

The agreement facilitates collaboration with government counter-parts in Laos to combat trans-national crime. It is implemented through a provincial level committee for policy issues and coordination overseen by the provincial governor who controls all law enforcement and military within the province. At the district operational level, the agreement is implemented through the Siem Pang PATROL operational working group, chaired by the district governor with the deputy chair from Rising Phoenix and members from all civilian government authorities, law enforcement, and military.

What is the Role of the Rising Phoenix?

Rising Phoenix’s Siem Pang PATROL units provide mentoring, guidance, training, and support to law enforcement to achieve the objectives of this agreement. The structure of the Siem Pang PATROL unit is adapted to the threats, manpower, and resources available. Currently, the Siem Pang PATROL includes headquarters based at the Siem Pang PATROL coordination centre and Rising Phoenix’s office. This includes the protected area director and deputy area director, responsible for authorizing law enforcement activities in Siem Pang Sanctuary.

What are the aims of the agreement?

The Siem Pang PATROL agreement aims to reduce crime in Siem Pang district with a primary focus on natural resource poaching, trafficking and degradation, and a secondary focus on smuggling of drugs, weapons, and uncontrolled movement of people across the border.

Watch how our SPPU is trained in our video ‘Law Enforcement: Safeguarding the Unique Wildlife Sanctuary of Siem Pang’