Synopsis: Police detain suspects linked to separate fatal attacks involving personal grudges and drug use.

Police have arrested two construction workers suspected of committing separate premeditated murders in Preah Sihanouk and Kampot provinces, including the killing of a 22-year-old Buddhist monk whose body was burnt after the attack.

The two cases were motivated by personal grudges, with both victims suffering fatal attacks involving sharp weapons, according to police reports.

In the first case, a 26-year-old construction worker was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly beating a Buddhist monk with a wooden stick and stabbing him with a knife and burning his body at a pagoda in Preah Sihanouk province.

The killing occurred at Wat Puth Kiri Thmorda in Prey Nop district. Prey Nop District Police Deputy Chief Major Sim Saroeun identified the suspect as Hoem Sophea and the victim as Soy Samoeun.

After the monk died, the suspect allegedly used a cart to transport the body behind a school before pouring petrol over it to conceal evidence, Maj Saroeun said.

Officers arrested the suspect at the scene. Maj Saroeun said the suspect confessed during questioning to planning the attack because of a personal grudge.

Police tested the suspect’s urine and found evidence of drug use. The suspect has been transferred to Preah Sihanouk Provincial Police Headquarters and faces a premeditated murder charge carrying a possible life sentence.

In a separate case, criminal police arrested a 30-year-old construction worker in Battambang province for the murder of a 32-year-old man in Kampot province.

Police arrested Phal Nim on Tuesday over Monday’s murder of Nop Chanrith in Chhouk district.

The suspect confessed to attacking the victim with a machete over stolen electrical wire.