Thousands gathered outside Oknha Sok Kong’s house to receive ‘red envelopes’ on January 23. FB
This morning’s tragic deaths which occurred outside the palatial home of Oknha Sok Kong as people trampled each other to get hold of “red envelopes” has sparked criticism regarding the organisation of the charity event and its impact on Cambodia's international reputation.
Four people died in the crowd crush and five people were hospitalised.
Every year, Sok Kong distributes red envelopes ("ang pao") to members of the public during the Chinese New Year.
However, this year’s event on the morning of January 23 turned tragic when hundreds of people crowded into his residence near Sisowath High School in Daun Penh District to receive envelopes containing 40,000 riel ($10) and 2 kilogrammes of rice.
Following the tragedy, Sok Kong and his son, Sok Hong, pledged $6,000 to the families of each victim who died and 4 million riel ($1,000) to each injured person, according to local media outlet Fresh News. It added that Phnom Penh Governor Khuong Sreng also provided 5 million riel ($1,250) to the families of the deceased individual, 2 million riel ($500) for each injured person, and a coffin for each deceased victim.
Public opinion has widely condemned the organisation of the event, while expressing sympathy for the victims who lost their lives over an envelope worth little more than $10.
Kin Phea, president of the Institute of International Relations at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, shared his thoughts on Facebook, calling the incident “shameful” and lamenting that such stampedes happen alarmingly often.
“Even now, people trample each other to death for a few cans of rice during the Chinese or Vietnamese New Year. This is deeply regrettable. How can we boast about economic growth when, in central Phnom Penh, people die in a stampede over a $10 handout and a couple of kilograms of rice?” he wrote.
The aftermath of a crowd crush left four people dead. FN
Phea noted that while giving alms is not wrong, benefactors should coordinate with authorities to find appropriate locations to distribute aid in an orderly and safe manner to avoid such tragic incidents.
“Events like this reflect two realities: first, the poverty of some citizens, which drives them to sacrifice their dignity and scramble for unorganised handouts. Second, a lack of judgment or even greed among the public, rushing to grab whatever is handed out without consideration,” he added.
Phea also emphasised that the event highlights the vast social divide between the rich and poor.
“Economic growth and development must be distributed equitably. Boasting about economic growth while people die over $10 and a couple of kilogrammes of rice in Phnom Penh is a national embarrassment. It’s a disgrace to our country,” he said.
He further stressed the need for authorities to be involved in organising charity events. Under Cambodian law, gatherings involving large crowds require official approval. Phea noted that similar regulations are often enforced on opposition groups, suggesting that this morning’s event highlights a lack of accountability from the authorities.
Pa Chanroeun, president of the Cambodian Institute for Democracy, echoed this sentiment, stating that as the event was held at the benefactor's private residence and involved allowing citizens to enter for handouts, which led to deaths and injuries, the Oknha in question must take responsibility.
“Even though he may have had good intentions to begin with, the event was poorly organised, without proper planning or consideration for the safety of attendees,” Chanroeun said.
