Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Unusual drowning ruled a suicide

Unusual drowning ruled a suicide

Unusual drowning ruled a suicide

A 28-year-old man was found dead in a pond on Monday in Kampong Speu province’s Sruoch district, with police officials ruling it a case of suicide, despite finding the victim with his hands and feet bound.

Chea Phoeun, 28, a resident of Oral district, was found in a pond close to his sister’s home in Sruoch district after he disappeared from her house on Sunday morning, according to Hang Sokha, deputy commune police chief.

“At first, the local authorities regarded the case as murder and dared not to bring the body out of the pond immediately, but waited for examination by experts from the provincial office,” Sokha said.

Phork Sambath, director of the forensics office for the provincial police, said the body was found with no other marks or wounds. Additionally, only Phoeun’s feet were tied tightly together and knotted. His hands were wrapped up in an unknotted rope, leading police to believe that he tied himself up.

“Our experts could not find any marks on the body or head of the victim, so it cannot be proved that it is a murder,” he said.

Sam Samuon, Kampong Speu provincial police chief, said keeping in mind that Phoeun had a history of mental health problems, the police were now treating the case as a suicide.

Chea Kong, the victim’s father, said his son was receiving treatment for his mental health issues at Phnom Penh’s Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital, but that he had never attempted to take his life. Despite the police classifying it a suicide, Kong said he will not ask authorities to continue the investigation into his son’s death.

MOST VIEWED

  • Joy as Koh Ker Temple registered by UNESCO

    Cambodia's Koh Ker Temple archaeological site has been officially added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 17. The ancient temple, also known as Lingapura or Chok Gargyar, is located in

  • Famed US collector family return artefacts to Cambodia

    In the latest repatriation of ancient artefacts from the US, a total of 33 pieces of Khmer cultural heritage will soon return home, according to the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts. In a September 12 press statement, it said the US Attorney’s Office for the

  • Cambodia set to celebrate Koh Ker UNESCO listing

    To celebrate the inscription of the Koh Ker archaeological site on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the Ministry of Cults and Religion has appealed to pagodas and places of worship to celebrate the achievement by ringing bells, shaking rattles and banging gongs on September 20. Venerable

  • Kampot curfew imposed to curb ‘gang’ violence

    Kampot provincial police have announced measures to contain a recent spike in antisocial behaviour by “unruly’ youth. Officials say the province has been plagued by recent violence among so-called “gang members”, who often fight with weapons such as knives and machetes. Several social observers have

  • PM outlines plans to discuss trade, policy during US visit

    Prime Minister Hun Manet is set to meet with senior US officials and business leaders during his upcoming visit to the US for the UN General Assembly (UNGA), scheduled for September 20. While addressing nearly 20,000 workers in Kampong Speu province, Manet said he aims to affirm

  • Manet touches down in Beijing for high-level meetings

    Prime Minister Hun Manet arrived in Beijing on September 14 for his first official visit to China, where he is slated to attend the 20th China-ASEAN Expo and meet other leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping. Upon his arrival, Manet laid a wreath at the Monument