Cambodia’s 67,677 inmates spark overcrowding alarm

Cambodia’s prison system is buckling under the weight of more than 67,000 detainees, with officials warning of rising suicide risks and mounting pressure on staff. The latest figures, released by Chhorn Sanath, Director‑General of the General Department of Prisons, show 67,677 inmates nationwide, including over 3,000 minors.

Drug offences dominate the caseload, accounting for more than half of all convictions. Authorities say 34,510 prisoners are behind bars for narcotics crimes, alongside thousands linked to online scams and gang violence. The surge has left Cambodia’s 147 prison buildings dangerously overcrowded, offering barely one square metre of space per inmate.

Sanath admitted conditions fall far short of international standards, with cells too cramped to separate prisoners by offence or health risk. “At this point, detainees sometimes have thoughts of committing suicide, thoughts of escaping, and feelings of wanting to riot,” he said. The strain is also hitting staff, who must supervise far more inmates than recommended under ASEAN and UN guidelines.

Rights groups argue that simply building more prisons will not solve the crisis. Am Sam Ath of LICADHO said overcrowding reflects deeper flaws in Cambodia’s justice system, particularly its heavy reliance on imprisonment for drug offences. He urged courts to use alternatives such as bail, community service and early release, stressing that pre‑trial detention should be a last resort.

The numbers are climbing fast. Nearly 5,000 people were detained in the first half of 2026, and officials warn the prison population could reach 85,000 by 2028 if current trends continue. The Ministry of Justice is considering converting former scam compounds into correctional centres, but campaigners say broader reforms are essential.

Cambodia’s struggle mirrors a global problem. Penal Reform International reports that more than 120 jurisdictions worldwide are operating beyond capacity, with overcrowding linked to poor healthcare, violence and self‑harm. For Phnom Penh, the choice is stark: expand facilities or rethink sentencing and detention policies.

Without change, critics warn, Cambodia’s prisons risk becoming flashpoints for unrest, with overcrowding pushing inmates and staff alike to breaking point.

-2026-08-19