The Cambodian Ministry of Interior has dismissed Sin Rayu, the deputy police chief of the Phnom Den International Border Gate, marking the first time an official has been removed under a newly enacted policy targeting personnel who cause traffic accidents while under the influence of alcohol. The decision, formalized in an August 28 letter from Interior Minister Sar Sokha, also mandates the termination of Rayu’s salary and benefits starting in November 2026.

The dismissal follows an August 25 incident in Phnom Penh’s Sen Sok district, where Rayu crashed a Range Rover into another vehicle while intoxicated. Although the collision resulted in no injuries, it triggered the ministry's strict new disciplinary framework, which took effect on August 26. This policy mandates immediate termination for police and prison officers involved in traffic accidents, violence, or immoral conduct while intoxicated.

Ministry spokesperson Touch Sokhak described the move as part of a broader effort to enforce professional standards without exception. Beyond the dismissal of Rayu, the ministry also issued temporary suspensions to two officers in Svay Rieng province, Chhun Chhang and Yorn Bonavi, for policy violations. Sokhak emphasized that while many officers perform their duties effectively, the ministry remains committed to addressing negligence and misconduct.

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The crackdown arrives amid rising concerns over road safety. Minister Sar Sokha has characterized traffic accidents as a "severe social disease," noting that the first half of 2026 saw over 1,300 accidents, resulting in nearly 800 fatalities—an increase of 80 deaths compared to the same period in 2025. In response, the ministry plans to intensify traffic law enforcement across high-risk areas, including Phnom Penh, Kandal, and Preah Sihanouk, starting September 1, 2026.

Public policy experts and advocates have responded to the measures with cautious optimism. Sek Socheat, a research consultant, urged the ministry to ensure these disciplinary actions remain transparent and consistent, rather than only targeting cases that gain traction on social media. Similarly, Kim Pagna of the Asia Injury Prevention Foundation noted that while dismissal serves as a necessary deterrent, the government should also prioritize internal preventive policies to reduce accidents before they occur.

Source: CamboJA News