Popular Actor Arrested, Imprisoned for Fatal DUI Accident Involving Drugs

A popular Cambodian actor, Thri Sakadda, has been arrested and imprisoned at Phnom Penh's M1 prison after allegedly driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, causing a fatal accident that killed and injured a mother and her child. Major General Heng Rothna, Deputy Commissioner of the Phnom Penh Municipal Police in charge of traffic affairs, stated that the prosecutor and the investigating judge of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court have decided to charge and detain the accused, Thri Sakadda, for illegal drug use, driving under the influence of drugs, and causing traffic accidents resulting in death and injury to others. Judge Thop Chunsong of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court issued an order to detain Thri Sakadda, male, born October 21, 1993, Khmer nationality, with a Bachelor's degree, working as a coffee seller. He was born in Kampong Pranak village, Tbaing Meanchey district, Preah Vihear province. Prior to his arrest, he resided at house number 199, corner of Street 566 and Street 287, Toul Kok 1 neighborhood, Toul Kok district, Phnom Penh. He is accused of illegal drug use, driving under the influence of drugs, and causing traffic accidents resulting in injury and death to others. The incident occurred on August 7, 2026, at the traffic light intersection of Street 598 and Street 1126 in Tumb 1 village, Phnom Penh Thmey commune, Sen Sok district, Phnom Penh. The offenses fall under Articles 45 and 63 of the Law on Drug Control and Articles 83 and 85 of the Law on Road Traffic. The order mandates that law enforcement officials escort the accused, Thri Sakadda, to the Ministry of Interior's First Re-education Center (M1) and that the head of the center receive and detain him until further notice. All public force agencies are instructed to cooperate in the proper implementation of this order when necessary. This incident highlights the severe consequences of drug abuse and drunk driving in Cambodia, a country experiencing rapid economic growth and increasing traffic volume. The involvement of a public figure like an actor amplifies the societal impact, underscoring the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and public awareness campaigns against substance abuse.