Som Monyka, a secretary of state at the Ministry of Tourism, resigned from her position last week amid a wave of criticism over her claiming $4,000 in compensation from a taxi driver following a high-speed crash.

Her resignation was signed off on in a Royal Decree dated November 16.

Monyka came under fire on social media after she was involved in a car crash on the way to Ratanakkiri province from Phnom Penh on October 19 and demanded compensation from the taxi driver.

Weeks later, the Cambodian Red Cross refused Monyka’s attempt to donate the cash, saying that it was tainted.

Monyka told the Post yesterday that she had “resigned with no pressure from anyone”, but admitted that the backlash had put a strain on her daily life.

“I have tried to work very hard for more than 35 years ... I was just trying to ask for justice but some people keep on cursing me,” she said. “I need time to relax. I want to stay quiet to cure my injuries and illness.”