Cambodian Prisons Brace for Record Overcrowding Amidst Crime Crackdown

Cambodian prisons are grappling with record-high overcrowding, with detainee numbers surging by nearly 5,000 in the first half of 2026. This increase is largely attributed to intensified crackdowns on online scams, youth gangs, drugs, and general crimes. Prison authorities are facing significant management challenges as projections indicate the detainee population could reach 85,000 by the end of 2028, according to Chhorn Sanat, director-general of the General Department of Prisons (GDP). "Notably, due to the Royal Government’s tightening of enforcement measures regarding online scams, drugs, gangs and general offenses, the number of detainees has been rising at a steady and worrying rate. Under these overcrowded conditions, managing detainees in correctional centres and prisons has become a primary challenge," Sanat told Ministry of Interior TV, during a July 3 interview. "In just the past six months, the number of detainees rose by nearly 5,000. According to projections by our department, the population could grow to around 85,000 by the end of 2028," he added. Sanat warned that overcrowding often leads to detainees becoming defiant, potentially resulting in riots, rebellions or escapes. These concerns are compounded by a staff shortage; more than 300 retired prison officers have not yet been replaced, leaving a ratio of one officer for every 20 to 25 detainees. By comparison, he noted that in South Korea, one officer manages only three detainees. According to the director-general, current prison living conditions are severely cramped, with each detainee allotted only one square metre of space, significantly below the UN standard of three square meters. To address these challenges, the Ministry of Interior has requested that the GDP submit formal proposals to the government. These include requests for the recruitment of additional prison staff, budget increases and the provision of additional security equipment. Sanat added that expanding existing detention facilities in both Phnom Penh and the provinces is also being considered. Furthermore, he highlighted that non-custodial measures — such as community service sentencing, pardons, sentence reductions and conditional release (parole) — are vital strategies to alleviate overcrowding. Transferring detainees from high-density facilities to less crowded ones is another method being used. While Sanat did not provide the current total number of prisoners nationwide, recent media reporting suggest that the Cambodian prison population stands at approximately 57,000.