Cambodia: Man Drugged, Robbed, and Abandoned on Roadside

A puzzling incident has left residents of Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh, in shock after an unidentified man was found abandoned on the roadside, reportedly drugged and robbed of his valuables. The incident occurred around 5:40 PM on August 7, 2026, along National Road 3 in Tang Roneam village, Prathes Lang commune, Kumpol district, Phnom Penh. The victim, estimated to be in his 40s, claims he was taken by unknown assailants from the vicinity of the former Phnom Penh International Airport (Old Airport) and later dropped off at this location. Upon discovery, the man appeared disoriented and unable to clearly state his name or origin. However, his attire and belongings suggest he might have been a traveler. Local police from the Prathes Lang Police Post took the man into their custody for questioning. A motorist who claims to have witnessed the event stated that he saw an auto-rickshaw carrying the victim traveling south on National Road 3. At the scene, the auto-rickshaw driver allegedly unloaded the victim's bag and then pushed the man off the vehicle. The witness intervened, shouting at the driver, who then sped away. The witness could not recall the auto-rickshaw's license plate due to the hasty escape. The victim recounted that a group of suspects drugged him at the former Phnom Penh International Airport, stole $500 in cash along with jewelry including a necklace and bracelet, and then transported him via auto-rickshaw to be abandoned on National Road 3 before fleeing. Authorities are currently investigating the claims, which are somewhat fragmented due to the victim's disoriented state. The Prathes Lang Police Post of the Kumpol District Police Inspectorate is diligently working to uncover the truth behind this incident, hoping for a swift resolution. Source: Koh Santep Khmer