Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Woman grilled on ‘Sokha tapes’

Woman grilled on ‘Sokha tapes’

Khom Chandaraty was questioned for four hours at the Ministry of Interior.
Khom Chandaraty was questioned for four hours at the Ministry of Interior. Heng Chivoan

Woman grilled on ‘Sokha tapes’

The woman at the centre of an alleged love affair scandal involving CNRP leader Kem Sokha was yesterday grilled by anti-terror police, who maintained their investigation – triggered by a defamation complaint – was routine.

Hairdressing salon worker Khom Chandaraty spent four hours at the Interior Ministry answering questions over the alleged affair, brought to light by a series of flirtatious phone conversations leaked on social media, purportedly featuring her talking with Sokha.

Speaking to reporters after the interview, Chandaraty said she rejected assertions by the officers it was her voice on the tapes, some of which were posted on her Facebook account named “Mon Srey”, which she said was hacked.

She said she told police she knew Sokha through her work at the Khmer Angkor Barber, where he had been “three or four times”, and was not romantically involved with the Cambodia National Rescue Party president, who has not responded directly to the infidelity accusations.

“He phoned to me only to ask whether the barber was free for his haircut … for the first time, he asked his bodyguard to call me whether the barber is free … when the barber cut his hair, I cut his nails at the same time,” she said, adding that her boss had given Sokha her number to call when he wanted a haircut.

Police summonsed Chandaraty after prominent anti-government activist Thy Sovantha lodged a defamation complaint in response to disparaging comments about her made by the man on the tape.

Asked by police if she’d defamed Sovantha, Chandaraty said she responded with a question. “Why I should defame her … I have never met her.”

The case, which the CNRP labelled a “dirty tricks” ploy by the ruling Cambodian People’s Party, has raised questions, including about whether Sokha’s phone was tapped.

The CPP have denied involvement, though the assigning of anti-terror police to the case has raised eyebrows.

Yesterday, director of the department Y Sok Khy addressed his department’s role. “We are judicial officers and have received an order from the municipal court,” Sok Khy said.

Sok Khy said Chandaraty, who is being assisted by rights group Adhoc, had cooperated.

He would not say whether Sokha would be summonsed next. “It depends on the investigation,” he said.

Meanwhile, a group of students, who have organised protests against Sokha since the scandal emerged, yesterday claimed they would file a lawsuit against Chandaraty for adultery.

However, legal expert Sok Samoeun said that under Cambodia’s monogamy law – which may have been invalidated by the new penal code – only a spouse could bring such a complaint against a partner in a registered marriage.

MOST VIEWED

  • Wing Bank opens new branch in front of Orkide The Royal along Street 2004

    Wing Bank celebrates first anniversary as commercial bank with launch of brand-new branch. One year since officially launching with a commercial banking licence, Wing Bank on March 14 launched a new branch in front of Orkide The Royal along Street 2004. The launch was presided over by

  • Girl from Stung Meanchey dump now college grad living in Australia

    After finishing her foundational studies at Trinity College and earning a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Melbourne in 2022, Ron Sophy, a girl who once lived at the Stung Meanchey garbage dump and scavenged for things to sell, is now working at a private

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Wat Phnom hornbills attract tourists, locals

    Thanks to the arrival of a friendly flock of great hornbills, Hour Rithy, a former aviculturist – or raiser of birds – in Kratie province turned Phnom Penh tuk tuk driver, has seen a partial return to his former profession. He has become something of a guide

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one