AKP Phnom Penh, April 26, 2026 --

Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has directed relevant state institutions to explore legal frameworks for dispatching delinquent youth to the nation's borders for community service.

Speaking Sunday at the Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Centre in Phnom Penh, the Prime Minister addressed representatives from trade unions, informal economy workers, and education associations. The gathering marked the 140th anniversary of International Labour Day under the theme, “Together Building Resilience for Decent Work.”

During the event, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet clarified that these youths would not be sent to engage in combat, but rather to perform social work in frontline areas.

“I have instructed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice H.E. Koeut Rith, National Police Commissioner-General H.E. Gen. Sar Thet, and RCAF Commander-in-Chief Gen. Vong Pisen to study the legal procedures for assigning socially disruptive youth to frontline social activities,” the Prime Minister said.

He noted that while many youths are currently imprisoned, incarceration alone has not rehabilitated everyone.

“We must consider how to make them more helpful to society," he underlined. "There is no need for them to fight; they can contribute through social activities, including working with the engineering corps.”

The Prime Minister contrasted the behaviour of gangs with that of young soldiers who bravely protect the nation. He argued that if these individuals are causing social disorder and insecurity in their free time, they should instead be redirected toward national service.

“When they are free, they misbehave and create problems for our society. Therefore, they should contribute to the nation just as others do,” he added.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet also ordered local authorities across the country to intensify their efforts to strictly suppress gang activity.

By Heng Panha