National Police chief Neth Savoeun has suspended Kampong Thom provincial traffic police department head Rom Sovichea for drunk driving, damage to public property and insulting Kampong Thom governor Sok Lou.
Savoeun said though suspended from work, Sovichea has to show up during working hours.
National Police deputy chief Him Yan declined to comment on Sunday.
But according to Fresh News, Yan considered the Sovichea case an offence – driving under the influence of alcohol, causing destruction to public property and insulting others – that violated the order of the National Police and set a bad example in terms of respecting road traffic laws.
Yan said the National Police had prepared a letter to Minister of Interior Sar Kheng requesting Sovichea be removed from his position.
Kampong Thom governor Sok Lou said on Sunday he supported Savoeun punishing Sovichea.
“The location that Sovichea crashed had enough light but he was driving under the influence of alcohol and he even insulted me.
“He was warned for shouting in the provincial hospital three months ago. When he acts like that, it affects the values of officials that should be the role models for citizens,” he said.
Sovichea could not be reached for comment on Sunday.
“According to a voice recording posted on Facebook, at 9:12pm on Friday, Sovichea was drunk and he drove and crashed at the roundabout of the Lok Ta Achar Leak statue. He then insulted Lou, saying that “because there was no light installation in that area, it caused him to have an accident”.
Sar Kheng previously warned Sovichea on March 26, saying he was careless in fulfilling his duty and that he would be disciplined if he continued misbehaving.
He also warned Sovichea about his behaviour, which included insulting a woman doctor in Kampong Thom when he went to the provincial hospital to drink with his friend who got in a traffic accident.
