Koh Kong Authorities Urge Inmates to Reform for Social Reintegration

Authorities in Koh Kong province are strongly urging inmates at the provincial prison to strive for self-reform according to the conditions stipulated by law, which can lead to sentence reductions and early release back into society. This call was made by Koh Kong Deputy Governor Hak Leng, representing the Provincial Police Commissioner and the Deputy Commander of the Gendarmerie, during a visit to inspect the actual situation and open a mailbox for inmate complaints on the afternoon of July 22, 2026. Deputy Governor Hak Leng stated that every year, evaluation meetings are held for the release and sentence reduction of inmates who have met the legal conditions. In addition to serving their sentences, prisons also provide physical and mental training, vocational skills development, and agricultural guidance to help reform inmates, enabling them to contribute positively to society upon their return to their families. According to a report provided by Chief of Koh Kong Provincial Prison, Chan Chanan (Rank: Second Class Senior Officer), there are currently a total of 1,051 inmates in Koh Kong Provincial Prison, including 68 women. These inmates have received vocational training in literacy, English language, construction, crab net making, garment sewing, vegetable cultivation, fish farming, and wood carving. The prison also has a library for inmates to read books. The management of security, order, health, and sanitation is being carried out smoothly and normally. Regarding the issue of illicit drugs, Lieutenant Colonel Men Puth, Chief of the Anti-Drug Office of the Koh Kong Provincial Police, explained that drugs not only pose a threat to social order and security but also cause harm to the users themselves. He further elaborated that drug abuse can lead to mental illness and extreme violence, making individuals lose awareness of right and wrong. Drug users often experience fear due to the effects of the substances and may resort to any means to obtain drugs. Lieutenant Colonel Noun Vuttha, Deputy Commander of the Provincial Gendarmerie, also stated that victims of drugs often lack significant resources compared to the masterminds behind drug production. He added that it is difficult to apprehend these individuals without meticulous surveillance. Therefore, authorities hope that the inmates will gain a deeper understanding of the hardships caused by drugs and will reform themselves to avoid committing acts that society does not value.