By:
• Meng Seavmey

• 3, September 2024 , 7:30 PM

PHNOM PENH – The Ministry of National Defense has warned that only military staff are allowed to use vehicles bearing Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) plates, after incidents attracted public criticism.

Civilians and foreigners are not allowed to drive RCAF-plated vehicles.

The ministry issued the warning​ on Aug. 30 after some vehicles with RCAF plates caused accidents and public disorder.

“Some vehicle users were arrogant and were not suitable for being military officers, which downgraded their value and triggered criticism among the public,” the ministry said.   The issue brought the RCAF into disrepute.

San Chey, executive director of the Affiliated Network for Social Accountability, said the public had criticized not only RCAF-plated vehicles but also other vehicles with police plates because the drivers broke traffic laws.

“There are some other officers who are still using normal plates regardless of their status, and that is respectful,” he said.

“However, there were some drivers who were not even military officers. Months ago, a Vietnamese — who doesn’t speak Khmer — was driving a car bearing RCAF plates and caused a traffic accident.

“It’s such a pity that had happened,” he added.

Yong Kim Eng, president of the People Center for Development and Peace, said the warning was an important message but the practice is even more necessary.

“It's reasonable to have only military officers to drive the RCAF-plated vehicles because they need it for work. However, implementation is needed to follow up and to take action against those who have done the opposite thing,” he said.

San Chey suggested that vehicles bearing RCAF plates should have a color in common and be a type identifying them as belonging to the military.

He said, “The features should include the same oxide bronze (similar to dark green) and should not be used on family vehicles like Toyota Prius, Camry, or Lexus.”

“It's essential to be used on vehicles like ammunition trucks, force or soldier trucks, and the trucks for parades,” he added.

Chey said a warning alone is not an effective way to respond to the issue unless there is a clear division of eligibility for driving such vehicles.

The ministry said the rule must also be implemented for investment companies in the field of national defense, and ordered all institutions and units under the ministry, general commands, and specialized forces to strictly follow the rule.

The ministry would take legal action against offenders.