Battambang Provincial Prosecutor Charges School Director with Child Prostitution and Sexual Abuse

In Battambang Province, western Cambodia, a primary school principal has been charged with child prostitution and sexual abuse of a minor. The Battambang Provincial Prosecutor's Office officially charged Mr. Chhuk Hong, born in 1968 (57 years old) and the principal of Wat Keo Primary School, located in Ek Phnom District, Battambang Province, on September 11. According to a press release from the Provincial Prosecutor's Office, the accused allegedly lured a 12-year-old girl to his living quarters and repeatedly engaged in sexual acts with her from around August 2025 to July 2026. According to the charges, the accused provided money to the girl on each occasion after engaging in sexual relations with her. The case was reported to the authorities on August 13, 2026, after the girl's mother discovered the incident. Following legal procedures, the authorities arrested the suspect. After reviewing the testimonies and evidence in the case file, the prosecutor decided to charge the suspect with "child prostitution (under 15 years old)" and "sexual relations with a minor under 15 years old." The case file has been sent to an investigating judge at the Battambang Provincial Court for further legal proceedings. Currently, the accused has been sent to temporary detention in prison by the investigating judge to await legal resolution. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges related to child protection in Cambodia, particularly within communities and educational institutions. The alleged actions of a school principal, a figure entrusted with the safety of children, are a grave concern and necessitate a thorough legal process.