That students are affected by their peers is normal, but Bun Narith who used to be a student in Phnom Penh says: “I learned to gamble in primary school, then began to truant and bet on them in high school. No one pushed me to do so.”

This action did not stop his study.

He continued his bachelor degree in 2007, majoring in English Language and Medical Science. But he could only just keep his head above water with his study, and he often failed. He began to bet again, as he did in high school.  

It was even worse than before, and he also betted by using his motorbike and school fees. The total cost he wasted in gambling was more than $2000.

“At first, I would just bet small, but I started to lose, lose and lose, and I bet big in order to get the lost money back,” taking a deep breath, he adds, “It was just the past, and I don’t want to talk about it.”

Bun Narith now sells material for construction in Phnom Penh, and his profits are used to support his family. “I feel very regretful about what I have done to my parents, who work so hard to support us,” he says.

Last but not least, he has some advice for young people: “If you have never experienced gambling, please don’t try. If you are addicted, stop it today because you still have a chance to make yourself better.”