Cambodia: Official Dismissed for Illegally Charging Public Service Fees

An official in the Preytung commune administration, located in Sen Sok district, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, has been disciplined for illegally charging residents fees exceeding the regulated amounts for public services. The incident came to light in a statement released by the Preytung commune administration on July 31. According to the statement, the official, Touch Narin, charged 10,000 Riel (approximately $2.50 USD) for administrative registration, a fee that deviated from the official inter-ministerial price list. Furthermore, he is suspected of providing incorrect information regarding services, specifically concerning land registration, when collecting this fee. The Preytung commune administration's statement detailed that the incident occurred on the morning of July 28. At the time, the reception officer was on leave for a medical check-up, and another contract officer was attending a training session. Consequently, Touch Narin, an administrative assistant, was assigned to temporarily cover the reception desk to facilitate and provide information to citizens. During this period, a resident named Kim Sovannavathana applied for a residency certificate. Touch Narin processed the documents and presented them for the commune chief's signature. Upon returning the documents, he informed Kim Sovannavathana to pay 10,000 Riel for administrative registration. However, as Touch Narin was not the designated officer for this task, a misunderstanding arose, leading him to mistakenly provide information about land registration service fees instead of the residency certificate fee. Upon receiving this information, the commune administration contacted Kim Sovannavathana directly to inquire further about the incident. It was discovered that Kim Sovannavathana's father was upset because he had paid 100,000 Riel in 2023 for land registration processing, which had not been completed. This past grievance appears to have contributed to the current situation. After the clarification, the commune administration assisted in completing the residency certificate documents and handed them over to Kim Sovannavathana, resolving any anger or dissatisfaction. The commune administration reiterated that the commune chief consistently advises all officials to uphold integrity and strictly adhere to the inter-ministerial fee schedule, prohibiting any charges exceeding the set rates. Regarding the case of Touch Narin, who committed errors and misconduct in providing public services by charging 10,000 Riel for administrative registration that deviated from the inter-ministerial price list, the commune administration has decided to dismiss him from his position as an administrative assistant at the Preytung commune, effective July 30, 2026. This disciplinary action underscores the importance of maintaining discipline in public service and preserving citizen trust, especially as the Cambodian government strives to enhance the efficiency and transparency of administrative services. Such incidents at local administrative offices can lead to public distrust. The authorities plan to strengthen staff training and improve oversight mechanisms to prevent recurrence.