Women Charged in Phnom Penh Crash That Left a 11-Year-Old Child Fighting for Life
The Phnom Penh court has charged a 23-year-old woman over a Russey Keo collision, with the passenger – identified as the son of a Kampong Cham district governor – released without charge, as the victim’s elder brother demands the driver be held accountable.
The Phnom Penh First Instance Court has charged 23-year-old Sok Chanbormey with driving causing serious injury after a traffic accident left an 11-year-old boy in critical condition, while the vehicle’s passenger, Samoen Vutharith, 29, has been released without charge.
Under Article 83 of the Road Traffic Law, a driver without care and attention, or who does not comply with the road traffic law and causes injuries, in which the victim is unable to work for eight days from the date of the incident, face one to three years in prison and a fine ranging from four million to 15 million riel.
On March 24, the court released a statement saying that according to a road traffic police report compiled from security camera footage and witness statements, the accident occurred at 8.24pm on March 18, 2026, at an intersection in Kraol Ko village, Sangkat Kilometre 6, Russey Keo district, Phnom Penh.
Authorities said Chanbormey, called “Yan”, who was driving a white Dong Feng ForThing car with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.52 mg/L, collided with a black Honda Today motorcycle driven by Tha Udom, 11, causing severe injuries. The smash caused the motorbike to become lodged under the car and was dragged for approximately 78 metres before the vehicle stopped.
A police investigation identified Chanbormey as the cause of the traffic accident, while male passenger, Vutharith, identified as the son of the Governor of Kang Meas district in Kampong Cham province, was released without charge.
According to local media, in the aftermath of the accident, the governor’s son acted rude and used inappropriate language, reportedly saying, “If you hit him to death, pay him $20,000 to end the matter.”
His language is reported to have provoked anger among bystanders at the scene, leading a woman to strike Vutharith with an iPhone, causing minor head injuries. The case has also drawn public attention debating the transparency of court justice.
Udom’s older brother, Tha Peakdey, 21, told KhmerPostUSA that Udom has spent one week battling for life in the emergency room in a critical condition due to serious injuries to his internal organs.
“Since the accident, he can only open eyes and can’t move,” Peakdey said, adding that Udom has to use oxygen to breathe. “His lungs and bladder may be leaking, and his intestines, stomach and brain are severely affected. Doctors say there is little hope.”
Regarding the court’s decision, Peakdey said he is unaware of the findings, adding that the driver must take responsibility. “Let [authorities] work on it and who the driver was that caused the accident; they have to be responsible for my brother,” he said.
Source: Kiripost
