At least seven provincial police commissioners were promoted this weekend from the rank of brigadier general to major general, according to a royal decree.

The decree, signed by King Norodom Sihamoni on Saturday, promotes police chiefs in Banteay Meanchey, Kampong Speu, Pursat, Kampong Cham, Kandal, Takeo and Battambang provinces.

Kandal police chief Eav Chamroeun said yesterday that he was not surprised by the spate of promotions, which had given him an incentive to work harder.

“We will be in danger if we stay happy with this promotion and forget the work,” he said.

Preah Sihanouk police chief Chuon Narin was also promoted recently.

Interior Ministry spokesman Khieu Sopheak and National Police spokesman Kirt Chantharith could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Cambodia National Rescue Party spokesman Yim Sovann said the country should focus on “increasing the effectiveness of combating robberies and drug crimes, which people are most concerned about, rather than promoting partisans”.