Addressing youth disorder on the morning of April 26, 2026, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet asked Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Koeut Rith, National Police Commissioner-General Sar Thet and Royal Cambodian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Vong Pisen to jointly study a legal and management framework for educational and disciplinary measures.
At a gathering marking the forthcoming 140th anniversary of International Labour Day on May 1, he suggested examining arrangements for the youths to undertake engineering work supporting the front line under special supervision. He explicitly said they need not be sent to the front line or carry firearms; possible work included precasting concrete and making trench components to support engineering units. He also spoke of pouring and carrying concrete, aiming to help them understand the difficult tasks borne by soldiers of their generation and direct their efforts towards contributing to the country rather than causing disturbances.
Hun Manet suggested studying periods of three to six months depending on the seriousness of the offence, with the authorities first examining the scope, management locations and legal basis. He also called for compliance with the law and consideration of human-rights concerns. The remarks set out a direction for studying how to link education with engineering support; they did not establish that the arrangements had been implemented or that a new statutory penalty was in force.
File image of a speaking engagement.
