Popular Cambodian singer Touch Srey Nich, who was shot three times by unidentified assailants on Oct 21, remains in critical condition after more than a month of medical treatment in Bangkok, a government official said Monday.
Minister of Women’s and Veteran’s Affairs Mu Sochua, who visited the singer last week, said Touch Srey Nich, 24, is paralyzed from the neck down and must rely on a respirator to breathe.
“She couldn’t speak and move, but she could recognize me,” said Mu Sochua, who made the trip on behalf of Funcinpec President Prince Norodom Ranariddh.
Mu Sochua said doctors told her that Touch Srey Nich had also developed septicemia, a blood disease caused by toxic products resulting from the bullets that were lodged in her face and neck.
The Thai doctors could not speculate whether the singer would recover from her injuries, Mu Sochua added.
Touch Srey Nich was shot at close range as she left a flower shop on Monireth Boulevard near Mao Tse-tung Boulevard. Her mother, Kim Sinoun, 59, was also shot and died later at Calmette Hospital.
At the time, Municipal Deputy Police Chief Heng Pov said four men on two motorcycles were involved in the shooting. No arrests have been made.
“We are still investigating the case,” Heng Pov said Monday. He would not comment further.
Mu Sochua expressed disappointment with the government for not finding the attackers.
“If the government cannot arrest the perpetrator, the victim’s family will continue to fear for their safety,” she said.
After the attack, Prime Minister Hun Sen said that the government would pay all of Touch Srey Nich’s medical expenses.
CPP officials have maintained that the singer is recovering.
