Cambodian Police Officer Dismissed for Drunk Driving Under New Strict Measures

The Ministry of Interior has dismissed Sin Rayu, deputy police chief of the Phnom Den International Border Gate, as the first official removed under its new strict measures targeting officers involved in traffic accidents while under the influence of alcohol. The decision was communicated in a letter dated August 28 from Interior Minister Sar Sokha. Rayu's dismissal followed an incident on August 25 where he drove a Range Rover while intoxicated and crashed into another vehicle in Sen Sok district, Phnom Penh. Although no injuries were reported, the act violated the ministry's new orders, which came into effect on August 26. The new framework mandates immediate dismissal for all ministry personnel, including national police and prison officers, if they cause traffic accidents, provoke disputes or violence, or engage in immoral acts while under the influence of alcohol. Ministry spokesperson Touch Sokhak stated that Rayu's case was the first under the new policy, though disciplinary actions have been taken in the past. He also noted that drug use, online fraud, and unauthorized actions outside of duty can also lead to dismissal, but did not provide specific numbers. "This is the implementation of firm reforms and a strict disciplinary policy without exception by the Interior Ministry," said Sokhak. He added that while many officers perform their duties well, a "few still act contrary to orders" and are "negligent, failing to fulfill their duties properly, violate regulations, code of ethics or the law, for immediate personal gains." He reiterated that those who "completely violate the rules, strict disciplinary action will be taken without any exceptions." In addition to Rayu's dismissal, the ministry also temporarily suspended two Svay Rieng provincial police officers for violating National Police policy. The August 28 letter named Chhun Chhang, chief of the Provincial Economic Crime Police Bureau, and Yorn Bonavi, a deputy chief of the unit, as facing punishment. Sek Socheat, an independent development and mindset research consultant, viewed the ministry's disciplinary order as a positive sign of effective law enforcement. However, he urged for fair and transparent disciplinary actions, not limited to cases that go viral on social media. "I hope these actions will be carried out with no leniency [accorded to the wrongdoer], and please do not take disciplinary action only on cases that have gone viral," he said. To ensure long-term effectiveness, Socheat urged the ministry to avoid "downplaying" official reports when a "powerful" official causes an accident while under the influence. He suggested the ministry should establish a discreet internal investigation mechanism and eradicate corruption, nepotism, and the "culture of witness intimidation." "Ministry of Interior leaders must be discreet and establish an additional confidential internal investigation mechanism to gather evidence, and determine whether reports have been falsified or if key details were omitted to evade full legal action," Socheat said. Meanwhile, Kim Pagna, Country Director of the Asia Injury Prevention (AIP) Foundation in Cambodia, believes that firing an officer serves as a warning to other officials to be prudent and to respect traffic laws. He also called for severe penalties for officers who cause accidents while intoxicated. "Besides dismissing officers [...] if an accident involves severe injury or loss of life of other road users, please take strict and severe measures to provide justice for the victims and their families." Pagna hopes that ministries and institutions will establish internal traffic safety policies to ensure that their staff respect the law and help reduce traffic accidents. "Promoting preventive measures by protecting our officials from getting involved in such cases is a good thing so that we all win, while preventing accidents without having our officials face dismissal," Pagna said. Separately, Meas Nee, a political analyst who also researches social development, said the ministry’s order highlights the application of its own established principles. He felt that action against driving under the influence should not be limited to Interior Ministry officials but should be applied to all ministries, institutions, leaders, and lower-level staff. "Regardless of which ministry they are from and whether they are high-ranking or low-ranking, they must face equal punishment," Nee said. Nee hopes that the order serves as an "encouragement" to other state institutions to ensure their high and low ranking officials across the country obey the law and set a good example for citizens. Meanwhile, Minister Sokha viewed traffic accidents as a "severe social disease" compared to other societal issues. In the first six months of 2026, Cambodia experienced over 1,300 traffic accidents, an increase of more than 200 cases which killed nearly 800 people. The number was up by almost 80 deaths compared to the same period in 2025. Sokha also ordered the re-enforcement of strict traffic law enforcement starting September 1, 2026, in the capital and provinces that have recorded high traffic accidents, such as Phnom Penh, Preah Sihanouk, Kandal, Kampong Speu, and Svay Rieng. Source: CamboJA News