Phnom Penh: As the Royal Government of Cambodia strengthens governance and cleans its home, the public is focusing heavily on the “single standard” of social justice. The case of senior police officer Khieu Songchansothea smoking a vape and threatening the people has become a hot topic to be measured by the “martial law sword” of the head of the government’s order.
According to Order No. 02 of the DAP. Dated October 21, 2025, issued by His Excellency President Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, in point 9, it is strictly stated:
“All ministries, institutions and sub-national administrations must take administrative disciplinary measures against civil servants, national police and military officers, as well as contract officers under their authority for using electronic cigarette (Vape) and vaping devices or committing violations related to these devices.”
The order emphasizes that violators will be subject to severe disciplinary sanctions, up to and including removal from office or dismissal from the framework, without exception.
The Ministry of Interior’s determination has already been demonstrated through Prakas No. 5340 Prakas dated August 31. 2025, which decided to “dismiss from the National Police” Brigadier General Huot Kong of the Chamkarmon District Police Department for “violating the discipline of the National Police.”
This is evidence that Deputy Prime Minister Aphisant Bandit Sar Sokha does not tolerate officers who discredit the organization. The public question is: Will this strict disciplinary standard be applied to Khieu Songchansothea?
From official documents, it can be seen that the law was implemented quickly:
Case of youth Non Dara (Kampot Province): 15 years old, just filming Reels, holding a sword (not causing injury), the court immediately issued detention order No. 578 dated April 24, 2026.
Case of Officer Tep Sokpheng (Kampot Province): Violence and drug use, the court issued detention order number 202 on the same day.
In contrast to the case, Mr. Khieu Songchansothea came out to clarify “outside of work hours”. But the public raised questions about the reason:
Violating the Prime Minister’s order: Smoking Vape (point 9) in public.
Violating civil rights: Using the power of the 5th degree, threatening to “beat” and “imprison” ordinary citizens.
Violating state property: Taking a National Police license plate car for personal use during recess.
Social justice can only be achieved when the orders of the head of the government are implemented equally. If the four police officers in Chamkar Mon were fired and the youth in Kampot were imprisoned for carrying a sword, then Mr. Khieu Songchansothea, who violated the order to smoke a vape and threaten the people, should not receive only that reprimand.
The public is asking the Ministry of Interior to implement a “surgical” approach to ensure that no one can smoke a vape, threaten the people, and still be free to wear a uniform and tarnish the image of the National Police Force.
