A man was arrested in Tbong Khmum’s Memot district yesterday and accused of killing his own son and dumping his body in a well after being asked for money to attend today’s Water Festival in Phnom Penh.

The suspect, Moeun Som, 42, allegedly murdered his son, Moeun Kle, 22, on Monday, according to district police chief Peng Henghak. Henghak said the two men were drinking rice wine together when the fateful request for $25 was made.

After saying no, Som allegedly axed Kle nine times and dragged his body to a well only three metres from the scene.

He returned home as if nothing happened, Henghak said, but neighbours noticed bloodstains on the ground and reported it to local authorities. Henghak did not say if Som had been charged yet.