Ministry bans song from radio, TV for ‘insulting’ teachers

Rinith Taing and Alessandro Marazzi Sassoon | Publication date 20 December 2017 | 15:42 ICT

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Chen Sai Chai, whose song has been banned by the Ministry of Information for “insulting” teachers. Sou Vuthy

The Ministry of Information yesterday announced a ban on television and radio broadcast of a popular song by singer Chen Sai Chai for supposedly “insulting” and “humiliating” teachers, though the musicians have said their lighthearted tune is aimed at bettering society.

Produced by Town Production and written and composed by Yem Tasrong and Tho Meet, "Kru bong rien srovoeung sra", or “Drunk Teacher”, was criticised for portraying educators in a way that is “opposite to the behaviour and morals of teachers in general which severely affects the reputation and dignity of the teachers”, according to a ministry statement.

“The meaning of the song insults and humiliates teachers by saying they drink almost every day, drink during the day, smell of alcohol when they speak, display aggressive behaviour and beat the students when they are drunk,” it continues.

Signed by Information Minister Khieu Kanharith, a former teacher himself, the statement announces a ban on television and radio broadcasts of the song effective immediately, though online dissemination is not mentioned.

“The meaning of the song could be implanted on the minds and feelings of the young children who do not have the [mental] foundation for clear consideration,” it states.

In an interview from earlier this year on Town TV, the artists behind the song explain the reasoning behind their social critique.

Tasrong, the writer, said the song is inspired from his own experiences as a schoolboy, but isn’t meant to condemn every single teacher in the Kingdom.

“I don’t mean all teachers are like this. I write this song just about a small number of teachers like this,” he said.

Singer Sai Chai, meanwhile, praised the song for its socially conscious message.

“I want to have a lot of songs I can contribute to society … Songs should not focus only on romantic relationships,” she said.

The ballad, which features humorous lyrics sung with gravity, has received over 40,000 views on Town Production’s official YouTube channel.

“When you are drunk you are unusually mean, you use strange teaching techniques, you shout and you beat [us],” Sai Chai croons. “Teachers are supposed to be second parents.

"Some teachers work so hard and follow the rules, why is my teacher so strange? What happened to you? You drink every day which violates the principles of the teacher,” the lyrics read.

Town Production has had run-ins with the Ministry in the past, with one of its songs banned last year for allegedly insulting boxers, as well as several songs from a 2014 Khmer New Year album also censored.

Updates to follow.