Custom of the Wealthy Giving New Year's Money in Cambodia
Four Dead and Five Injured in Crowd Rush
In Cambodia, there is a traditional custom where wealthy people distribute New Year's money to the poor during the Lunar New Year. This year, ahead of the holiday, a crowd gathered to receive red envelopes handed out by a tycoon, resulting in a stampede that caused the deaths of four people. On the 23rd, Yonhap News reported on the stampede incident in Cambodia, citing AP, AFP, and local media Khmer Times.
The accident occurred that morning when Sok Kong (78), a Cambodian tycoon, held an event at his mansion in downtown Phnom Penh to distribute New Year's money of 40,000 riel (about 14,000 won) per person and 2 kg of rice. At this event, at least hundreds of people rushed wildly to the mansion's front gate to receive the New Year's money in red envelopes. Due to the disorderly and reckless intrusion, an unfortunate incident occurred where two men and two women collapsed and were trampled. AFP·Yonhap News
The accident occurred that morning in the capital city, Phnom Penh. Sok Kong (78), a Cambodian tycoon, held an event at his mansion in the city center to distribute 40,000 riel (approximately 14,000 KRW) in New Year's money and 2 kg of rice per person to citizens in celebration of the Lunar New Year. At this event, hundreds of people rushed uncontrollably toward the mansion's main gate to receive the red envelopes containing the money. Due to the disorderly and reckless crowd surge, two men and two women collapsed and were trampled.
After the accident, the victims were taken to a nearby hospital but ultimately died. Local media reported that five others were injured. A Phnom Penh police official explained, "Several elderly people with health issues fell while pushing to receive gifts, and so far, four people have died." Upon the occurrence of the accident, police who arrived on the scene quickly halted the event and dispersed the crowd.
After the accident, they were moved to a nearby hospital but eventually passed away. Local media reported that five others were injured. A Phnom Penh police official explained, "Several elderly people with health issues fell while pushing to receive gifts, and so far, four have died." AFP·Yonhap News
Local media reported that Sok Kong, together with Kuong Sreng, the governor of Phnom Penh, paid consolation money of 15 million riel (approximately 5.33 million KRW) per deceased person and 4 million riel (approximately 1.42 million KRW) per injured person. Sok Kong is a tycoon operating various businesses including oil, hotels, and casinos, and is the founder of the local conglomerate Sokimex. Alongside Kith Meng, he is considered one of the most successful businessmen in Cambodia. He is also known as a close aide to former Prime Minister Hun Sen, who ruled for 38 years.
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