Cambodia News, (Banteay Meanchey Province): Mr. Ben Sam Ath, Police Inspector of Malai District, said that a suspect has been arrested after he violently beat up a veteran and attempted to set him on fire, in Banteay II Village, O'Sampor Commune, Malai District. The victim was hit in the head and face until he was unconscious, and the suspect dragged the victim onto a pile of wood and set it on fire, but was seen by a passerby.

At 7:30 am on February 1, 2021, the victim was pulled out of the fire and taken to the Cambodia-Pon Friendship Referral Hospital, Mongkul Borei, but unfortunately his injuries were so grave that he died on arrival at the hospital.


According to the inspector, the victim was Rong Roeung, a 59-year-old retired soldier, living in Banteay II Village, O'Sampor Commune, Malai District. The motive is suspected to be robbery. [Edit: Update follows.]

The police conducted a search and arrested the suspect, Wun Lai Hiek, a drug user, on the afternoon of February 1. He is currently being investigated by the criminal police force of the Malai District Police Inspectorate and is being referred to the provincial police commissioner for further legal action.

UPDATE - It has been confirmed that the motive for the attack was the theft of the older man's motorbike, which the killer planned to sell in order to get money to buy drugs.
He confessed that he had dumped the motorcycle in a nearby stream in an attempt to hide it until it could be sold.

Supreme Court upholds 30-year sentence for murder motivated by resentment

Cambodia News, (Phnom Penh): On January 4, 2023, the Phnom Penh Supreme Court confirmed the 30 year prison sentence of a man found guilty of the murder of an elderly retired military man committed at the intersection of Street 502 in Banteay II Village, O'Sampor Commune, Malai District, Banteay Meanchey Province.
Vun Lai Hiek, a 26-year-old male construction worker, was arrested on February 1, 2021 in Banteay II village, O'Sampor commune, Malai district, Banteay Meanchey province. The motive for the killing was a grudge against the victim and the theft of his motorbike. The defendent then unsuccessfully attempted to dispose of the body by burning it.

Yesterday, Ms. Kim Sathavy, Chief Judge of the Supreme Court, upheld the sentence pronounced by the Banteay Meanchey Provincial Court in 2021, to 30 years in prison and 70 million riel to be paid in compensation to the victim's family for murder, in accordance with the provisions of Article 200 of the Penal Code.

In a case like this one, what happens if the perp can't pay the compensation ?
I suppose there's no way he can earn more than 17.000 dollars during his time in jail (I even don't know if prisoners have the opportunity to work).
Thanks !