Jump to content

Protesters win back tuk-tuk


geovalin

Recommended Posts

A tuk-tuk driver who damaged a car while driving drunk got off by apologising yesterday, after nearly 200 of his comrades held a loud demonstration in front of Phnom Penh’s traffic police department.

Police returned a tuk-tuk to Phuon Noeurn, 20, whose vehicle and means of supporting his family had been held by police since he crashed it into a Toyota Prius on March 8, after the car’s owner agreed to forgo the $700 in damages he had demanded for an official apology.

“What is unacceptable is police allowed the car owner to take his car back before the case was resolved, but they did not allow the same for [Noeurn], who needs his tuk-tuk to earn a living,” said Heang Vithya, deputy director of Cambodia Confederation Development Association (CCDA), which organised yesterday’s protest.

CCDA members gathered in front of the office, just off Sihanouk Boulevard, at about 8am, with a microphone and loudspeaker, demanding police return the tuk-tuk.

Police’s seizure of Noeurn’s tuk-tuk occurred about a week ago, when he crashed into the Prius, parked on Street 63, near Central Market. He admitted to driving drunk and damaging the car – owned by the sister of a man who identified himself to the Post as Pov, a civil servant.

As the raucous demonstration unfolded yesterday, Noeurn bemoaned the fact that his tuk-tuk is his livelihood and that the crash was unintentional.

“How can I afford [to pay damages], since my family is very poor?” Noeurn complained. “My family depends solely on my income.”

Amid the protest, traffic police deputy director Sem Sokunthear called in Pov, the car owner, Noeurn and a CCDA representative to negotiate at the station.

After Noeurn said he could only afford to pay $50, Pov’s sister agreed to accept an apology rather than any monetary compensation at about noon.

“I want to say that settling this matter by holding a demonstration affected the dignity and reputation of police officials,” Pov said after accepting a written apology. “Do not drive drunk.”

Many CCDA members were active protesters during the imprisonment of land-activist Yorm Bopha, whom they claim had two of their members beaten. Bopha denied the charges but spent more than a year in prison during 2012 and last year.

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/protesters-win-back-tuk-tuk

phnom_penh_post.png

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.








  • Topics

  • Latest posts...

    1. 92

      Pattaya Cracks Down on Illegal Immigrants to Protect World-Class Tourist Image

    2. 19

      Three more prominent Republicans ‘put country over party’ and endorse Harris

    3. 1

      Practicing Dharma in an environment awash with Cannabis?

    4. 46

      Why Men Are Rejecting Marriage

    5. 46

      Why Men Are Rejecting Marriage

    6. 1

      Man in Pattaya Holds Police at Bay for 4 Hours Before Taking Own Life

    7. 0

      Elderly Woman Abducted from Hospital: Sister Appeals for Help

    8. 11

      Thailand Live Sunday 29 September 2024

    9. 46

      Why Men Are Rejecting Marriage

    10. 25

      Guys, do you cheat on your Thai wife/girlfriend?

    11. 0

      Senior Police Official Praises Two Officers for Saving Woman in Suicide Attempt

    12. 11

      Thailand Live Sunday 29 September 2024

    13. 46

      Why Men Are Rejecting Marriage

    14. 11

      Thailand Live Sunday 29 September 2024

    15. 0

      Death of Woman After Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Vehicle: Chachoengsao

×
×
  • Create New...
""