General Chuon Narin, Phnom Penh Police Chief, has released a phone number that will allow police officers to take immediate action when citizens encounter inappropriate or antisocial behaviour like that of two men who acted as motorcycle outrider bodyguards to a wealthy businessman. The pair went viral in a recent video that showed them using rude language and disrespecting fellow drivers.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, November 26, shortly after the two men appeared at the Phnom Penh Municipal Police Headquarters to explain their actions involving road rage and the use of inappropriate language toward another driver on November 21.
Narin, who also serves as deputy national police chief said: “I respectfully inform the public travelling on public roads that if you see behaviour like theirs, please call 012 999 999. I will take immediate action.”
“Those who consider it acceptable to behave this way must stop. Public roads require respect for the law, moral conduct and respect for the rights of others,” he added.
He also thanked the public for their continued support of law enforcement officials.
After viewing footage which captured the behaviour of the two men — which he described as completely unacceptable — Narin on Tuesday ordered police officers to summon them for questioning regarding their actions, which reportedly frightened and intimidated other road users.
During questioning, the two men admitted their wrongdoing and issued a public apology via video. The men — Yoeung Vichet, 29, and Lot Santhon, 32 — were educated by police and made to sign a contract promising to stop such behaviour.
Santhon apologised, saying: “I caused a problem and got into a dispute on the road, which affected public order. Please forgive me. I promise this will not happen again.”
General Narin reiterated his stern warning.
“If this continues, you must stop it immediately. I will not allow this kind of behaviour in our society, which our people strongly dislike,” he said.
