A Kampong Cham woman was awarded $23,000 by a provincial court May 17 after authorities

damaged her boat because they believed it was loaded with illegal logs.

Authorities attempted to stop Khim Sokna's boat January 18, but accidentally sank

the vessel after jumping onboard and trying to steer it themselves.

The boat was loaded with rubber tree logs legally owned by Sokna.

Authorities from the forestry administration, the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and

the Ministry of Interior were ordered to pay Sokna $18,000 for damages to the boat,

and $5,000 for mental distress. She had requested $10,000 to $30,000.

Authorities said they would continue to appeal.