(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet instructed senior officials to study legal measures that would allow delinquent youth who disrupt public order to be assigned to supervised frontline support tasks, such as trench digging.

The premier spoke on Sunday (Apr. 26) during his meeting with informal economy, trade unions and associations at Diamond Island Convention and Exhibition Centre in Phnom Penh.

Samdech Thipadei tasked Justice Minister Koeut Rith, National Police Chief Sar Thet, and Commander-in-chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces Vong Pisen with examining the legal framework.

He noted that imprisonment alone is often ineffective, consuming resources while failing to ensure rehabilitation. Instead, he proposed combining education, supervision, and structured work.

“There is no need to send them into combat,” he said. “They can support engineering units with tasks like digging trenches, work that is practical, disciplined, and meaningful.”

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet underlined that such measures should be applied based on the severity of offenses and implemented under strict management at designated sites. Beyond discipline, the initiative aims to instil responsibility and help youth understand the sacrifices made by soldiers of similar age serving on the frontlines.

At the same time, the prime minister ordered authorities nationwide to intensify crackdowns on delinquent behaviour. He warned that parents, who are officials or civil servants and whose children exploit their positions to cause disorder, could face disciplinary action, including removal from office.

The 7th-mandate Royal Government of Cambodia, led by Prime Minister Hun Manet, has made the suppression of youth gangs a priority, following violent incidents involving weapons that have alarmed communities. Officials say the measures align with the “safe village-commune” policy and reflect a broader effort to restore public order and accountability.
=FRESH NEWS