A 20-year-old Chinese-language translator fell from a 20-story building in Boeung Trabek commune on May 16. CNC
A series of deaths resulting from falls from high-rise buildings have raised public concerns, with some observers questioning the haste with which authorities appear to have ruled the cases suicides.
These cases should be investigated more thoroughly, and “cannot simply conclude with cremating the body,” they suggest.
Similar incidents occur regularly, with cases reported in almost every month of the year so far. The two most recent cases occurred just two days apart, on May 16 and May 18, in the capital’s Chamkarmon district.
The first case involved a woman identified as Siev Tey, 20, a Chinese-language translator, who fell from a 20-story building in Boeung Trabek commune. According to the media outlet CNC, the victim fell from the 20th floor onto a vehicle. Witnesses at the scene said they heard sounds of an argument before the incident. The body was returned to her family by authorities for funeral rites.
The second case involved a Cambodian woman named Sat Socheat, 22, from Takeo province, who fell from a building in Tonle Bassac commune on May 18. The case was ruled a suicide, as the victim had reportedly spoken about her situation, having lost significant amounts of money online gambling and being in debt. Nevertheless, it happened when her partner’s wife, a Chinese national, was reportedly visiting Cambodia.
Chamkarmon district police confirmed with The Post that both cases were suicides, implying that no further investigation would likely take place.
Similar cases have also occurred in Sihanoukville or Poipet town, in Banteay Meanchey province. While most of the cases involved Chinese nationals, the majority of the women who died were Cambodian.
A 22-year old woman from Takeo province died after falling from a building in Tonle Bassac commune on May 18. Nokor Wat
Are all these cases truly suicides, and how do they impact Cambodia?
Analysts and social observers note that Cambodian society and the Kingdom’s reputation are damaged by these incidents. Therefore, they suggested that the authorities should conduct thorough investigations beyond simply cremating the victims’ bodies.
Kin Phea, director of the Institute of International Relations at the Royal Academy of Cambodia and a social observer, noted that these cases seem to occur frequently. As these cases often involve foreigners, he urged the authorities to monitor guests to the Kingdom more closely, whether investors or tourists.
“Whether it’s murder or suicide, there must be a clear investigation, examining the causes and facts. Those involved must be arrested and prosecuted, without exception. Even in suicide cases, the matter cannot be closed by simply cremating the body. Authorities must investigate those involved and the reasons that led to the suicide,” Phea said.
He added that some cases appear to be linked to online gambling or other forms of betting, so authorities must strictly enforce the laws regulating gambling.
“We cannot allow our country to become a hub or location for illegal activities, gambling or a location for money laundering. If this continues, Cambodia’s reputation will be ruined, and no one will dare to do business in our country if such situations persist,” he warned.
Similarly, Yong Kim Eng, director of the People Center for Development and Peace (PDP-Center), believes that when suicide cases occur, authorities should investigate the victims’ backgrounds to determine if they had previously attempted suicide or whether there is reason to suspect they were pushed from the building.
He said authorities must go beyond relying on hearsay.
He added that since some cases involve individuals working for foreigners, such as for Chinese nationals, in roles like translators, authorities must take measures to protect them and prevent foreigners from acting arbitrarily.
“People don’t easily take their own lives. Therefore, these cases require an investigation which provides clarity, and those who commit wrongs must not escape the law,” he continued.
As of May 19, The Post was unable to obtain comment from Touch Sokhak, spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior.
