Forestry officers clashed with about 40 illegal Cambodian loggers inside Pang Seeda National Park in Sa Kaeo province late Monday, seizing dozens of pieces of Siamese rosewood and a rifle.
Khaosod Online reported Tuesday that the officers from the Huay Kantrong forest-preservation unit on patrol last night spotted the loggers moving processed phayung out of the national park.
Authorities identified themselves and demanded a search, but the loggers opened fire. A brief firefight occurred before the poachers fled, leaving behind 27 processed planks, six push-carts and an SKS rifle with some ammunition.
Park chief Nuwat Leelapata said he was concerned about repeated logging in the preserve, claiming the well-armed poachers received financial backing and information on authorities' movements from influential investors inside and outside Sa Kaeo.
Siamese rosewood, or phayung, has been illegally logged to near extinction due to use in high-end furniture-making. It is said to be one of the most expensive woods in the world.