AGP Executive Report

Prison and Opposition Crackdown: Youth activist Thy Thorn’s father urged authorities to release him after the Phnom Penh Municipal Court convicted Thorn and two others to 7 years over alleged 2024 protests tied to the CLV-DTA. Online Scams and Security: Prime Minister Hun Manet inspected former scam sites in Koh Kong after a July 2025 crackdown, saying 86 major compounds were cleared and 663 locations dismantled, with a vow to “sever networks” completely. Border Diplomacy: Cambodia’s Senate commission rejected Thai claims over border issues, arguing Thailand’s deployments and alleged incursions violate international law and that ceasefire frameworks can’t create new territorial rights. Economic Stabilization: The government launched a “Comprehensive Intervention Program” to tackle multi-crises, budgeting over $1.2 billion to protect livelihoods and businesses amid inflation, border frictions, and the online-scam crackdown. Tourism Pressure: Cambodia’s international arrivals fell 46% year-on-year to 1.99 million in the first seven months of 2026, with officials citing scam-related negative publicity and Cambodia–Thailand border friction. Connectivity with the World Bank: MPWT and the World Bank reviewed progress on the Cambodia Regional Connectivity Improvement Project, focusing on procurement, financial management, and safeguards. Cambodia–Japan Cooperation: Cambodia and Japan agreed to deepen cooperation against online scams under their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Military Planning: Cambodia and the U.S. set February 2027 for Angkor Sentinel Exercise 2027, emphasizing interoperability and emergency relief.

Cambodia–Myanmar Diplomacy: Cambodia is set to host Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing on Sept. 11–12, with the Senate announcing the visit via Facebook and later editing references—raising concerns about normalizing the regime and the foreign-policy cost to Cambodia’s ASEAN stance. U.S.–Cambodia Military Planning: Phnom Penh and Washington have begun detailed planning for Angkor Sentinel 2027, with the Royal Cambodian Army saying joint exercises will resume in February 2027 after a decade-long pause, focusing on interoperability and disaster-response. Online Scam Cooperation: Cambodia and Japan agreed to deepen anti-scam work under their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership after a meeting involving CCOS leadership in Japan. Tourism Pressure: Cambodia’s international arrivals fell 46% year-on-year to 1.99 million in the first seven months of 2026, with officials citing online scam publicity and Thailand border friction. Education Policy: MoEYS will strengthen French-language training for primary and secondary teachers through the APPRENDRE program, including new teaching resources and digital tools. Trade & Business: Cambodia and the French business community signed an MoU to co-organize the Cambodia-France Business Forum in mid-November in Phnom Penh. Regional Security: China and Singapore launched a joint maritime exercise in Guangdong with live-fire drills and search-and-rescue components.

Online Scam Diplomacy: Cambodia and Japan agreed to deepen cooperation against online scams after a Sept. 3 meeting between Japan’s state foreign affairs minister Kunimitsu Ayano and Cambodia’s CCOS deputy chief An Sokkhoeurn. Education Policy: MoEYS will strengthen French-language training for primary and secondary teachers through the APPRENDRE program, including new teaching resources and digital tools. Tourism & Security Fallout: Cambodia’s international visitor numbers fell 46% year-on-year to 1.99 million in Jan–July 2026, with officials citing online scam publicity and friction on the Cambodia–Thailand border. Cambodia–U.S. Military Planning: Cambodia and the U.S. set February 2027 for Angkor Sentinel, focusing on interoperability and disaster-response after a decade-long pause. Regional Defense Drills: Cambodia’s participation sits alongside wider Indo-Pacific activity, including Super Garuda Shield airborne training with multiple countries. Local Governance & Opposition: Human Rights Watch urged Cambodia to withdraw commune-law amendments that it says reduce opposition influence ahead of June 2027 elections. Border Sovereignty: Cambodia protested a Thai Air Force helicopter intrusion into Cambodian airspace near Battambang on Sept. 3, demanding immediate cessation. Business & Investment: Cambodia and France will co-organize a Cambodia-France Business Forum in mid-November to connect firms and investors.

Human Rights & Justice: Cambodia has submitted its follow-up to a UN CEDAW ruling over a 2010 child rape case, with authorities saying the priority is to locate and arrest the officer who has evaded an active warrant for more than a decade. Local Governance & Opposition Space: Human Rights Watch urged Cambodia to withdraw commune-law amendments that would reshape leadership posts and reduce opposition influence ahead of the June 2027 commune elections. Cambodia–U.S. Military Ties: Phnom Penh says it will resume joint exercises with the United States in February 2027 under “Angkor Sentinel 2027,” after an initial planning conference and renewed defense engagement. Cambodia–Australia Defense Links: Defence Minister Tea Seiha is set for a first official visit to Australia (Sept. 6–10) to expand cooperation on maritime security, cybersecurity, and training. Border Tensions (Thailand): Cambodia protested a Thai RCAF helicopter intrusion into Cambodian airspace and highlighted ongoing displacement hardships reported by AFP. Mine Action: Cambodia launched a National Mine Action Policy 2026–2035, targeting elimination of landmine and explosive remnants threats by 2035. Economy & Investment: China-Cambodia business dialogue and a China-ASEAN entrepreneurs summit in Phnom Penh focused on investment, digital economy, and cracking down on telecom and online scams. Agriculture & Climate: El Niño risks are pressuring Cambodia’s coffee and rice sectors, with calls for irrigation and water management as drought and heat stress persist.

Cambodia-Thailand Border Tensions: Phnom Penh lodged a formal protest after a Royal Thai Air Force helicopter intruded about 400 metres into Cambodian airspace near the Daung International Border Gate, citing breaches of the Chicago aviation convention and the Dec. 27 de-escalation commitments, while the government also highlighted ongoing displacement hardships for civilians who still cannot return home. Defence Diplomacy: Cambodia’s Defence Minister Tea Seiha will make a first official visit to Australia (Sept. 6–10) to meet Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles and discuss military cooperation, maritime security, cybersecurity, and professional military education; meanwhile, Cambodia and the U.S. began detailed planning for Exercise Angkor Sentinel 2027, including command-post drills and medical/EOD/UXO exchanges. Local Governance: The Senate recognised a new member for Constituency 6 and approved amendments to the Commune-Sangkat administration law to better match leadership posts with local realities and election results. Public Safety & Discipline: The Interior Ministry dismissed a border-gate deputy police chief after an intoxicated driving crash, signaling stricter enforcement of DUI-related penalties. Mine Action Policy: Cambodia launched its National Mine Action Policy 2026–2035, aiming to eliminate mine and explosive remnants threats by 2035. Economy & Food Security: Cambodia reported strong rice export figures (792,212 tonnes worth $464.17m in eight months) and warned drought relief came too late for some farmers, leaving debts and replanting costs. Digital Skills & Education: The EU, France and Cambodia launched a regional VR student contest focused on climate solutions and green innovation. Scam Crackdown Context: Cambodia’s broader push against online scams continues to feature in regional and domestic reporting, including new tools to help the public report fraud.

Opposition Crackdown Ahead of 2027 Commune Polls: Activist Ouk Pich Samang was arrested in Phnom Penh after helping submit a petition to the royal palace, while two newly appointed local-level opposition figures were jailed over alleged forgery tied to 2027 candidate lists—sparking concerns of political persecution as campaigning nears. Anti-Scam Push and Public Reporting Tools: Cambodia says it has dismantled online scam compounds worth over $300 million and is shifting to smaller rings; the government also promotes the Kapea Scams app to help people report scams, even as experts remain skeptical about whether all hubs are gone. Digital Government and Services: The Public Works and Transport Ministry launched three new digital systems for vehicle inspection certificate renewals, digital invoice requests, and automated road licence applications, continuing Cambodia’s push to modernise public services. Cambodia-Korea Economic Ties: Bilateral trade hit nearly $600 million in the first half of 2026 (+36.8%), with Cambodia urging deeper Korean investment and technology transfer ahead of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Environment and Climate Finance: The Environment Ministry and UNDP are advancing about $47 million for climate and environmental projects, while Cambodia also moves to curb wildlife trade online. Regional Security and Diplomacy: Cambodia was endorsed as vice-chair of the UN Least Developed Countries Group (to 2029), and Cambodia-France economic cooperation advanced with plans for a third business forum in November.

Scam Crackdown Update: Cambodia says it froze more than $300M linked to online scam networks and sent 446 cases (3,927 accused across 29 nationalities) to court, while warning that operations have shifted to smaller, hidden locations. Digital Governance: The Public Works and Transport Ministry rolled out three new digital services, including online vehicle inspection certificate renewal via banks, digital invoice requests, and automated road licence applications. Child Protection Online: UNICEF reports about 1 in 5 internet-using children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse, with nearly 60% occurring on mainstream social media. Cambodia–Korea Economic Ties: Bilateral trade with Korea hit nearly $600M in the first six months of 2026 (+36.8%); leaders pushed for deeper Korean investment and a stronger strategic partnership ahead of the 30th anniversary. Mine Action Policy: Cambodia launched its National Mine Action Policy 2026–2035, shifting success measures toward what cleared land enables for people and development. Environment & Climate Finance: MoE and UNDP discussed about $47M for climate and environmental projects, including ecosystem restoration, resilience, and carbon credit implementation. Tourism Safety: Tourism authorities reminded visitors of 24/7 emergency contact numbers for immigration, police, tourism police, rapid response, and ambulances. Road Safety: Officials reported speeding drove 42% of August crashes, prompting renewed enforcement in high-risk provinces.

Judicial Crackdown: Phnom Penh Municipal Court sentenced three activists—Thy Thorn, Soeung Kunthea, and Mean Chanthon—to seven years in prison for alleged plotting against the government, with Kunthea and Chanthon previously deported from Thailand despite UN refugee recognition, renewing criticism that courts are being used to silence dissent. Online Scam Enforcement: Cambodia says it has frozen over US$300 million tied to cyber-fraud, sent 446 cases (3,927 suspects) to court, and dismantled large-scale scam compounds—while authorities acknowledge fraud is shifting to smaller, covert rings in homes and rental rooms. Cambodia-Thailand Border Tensions: Cambodian and Thai senate leaders traded accusations at the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference, with Cambodia warning Thailand’s “salami-slicing” tactics and Thailand rejecting Cambodia’s claims and urging de-escalation. Mine Action Roadmap: Cambodia launched a 10-year National Mine Action Policy (2026-2035), aiming to clear identified landmines by 2030 and cluster munitions/ERWs by 2035. Labour Market Snapshot: Cambodia’s labour force participation rose to 71.6% in 2025, unemployment held at 3.6%, and most employment remains informal (75.1%). Diplomacy & Labour Mobility: Cambodia and Vietnam marked Vietnam’s 81st Independence Day with renewed ties, while Israel praised Cambodia’s agricultural worker selection process as transparent and professional.

Online Scams Crackdown: Cambodia says it has frozen over US$300 million tied to online scam networks, sent 446 cases involving 3,927 suspects to court, and claims no large-scale scam sites remain—while warning fraud has shifted to smaller, covert setups. Border Tensions (Cambodia–Thailand): At ISC-2, Cambodia and Thailand traded fresh accusations over the 2025 border clash; Cambodia’s defence ministry rejects claims it fired first, while CMAC condemns Thailand’s alleged use of cluster munitions and highlights lingering contamination risks. Mine Action Policy: Cambodia launched a 10-year National Mine Action Policy (2026–2035) aiming to clear identified landmines by 2030 and cluster munitions/ERWs by 2035. Diplomacy (Vietnam): Cambodia’s PM and FM sent congratulations to Vietnam on its 81st Independence Day, underscoring expanding bilateral cooperation. Trade & Digitalization: The commerce ministry introduced electronic Certificates of Origin to curb origin fraud and modernize trade procedures. Infrastructure & Investment: Cambodia broke ground on the Phnom Penh Logistics Complex as ASEAN’s second SuperPort project, with regional connectivity and logistics digitization central to delivery. Public Administration/Environment: Cambodia and UNDP agreed on stronger long-term climate resilience cooperation, including $40m finalized over the past year.

Border Security & Sovereignty: Cambodia’s Deputy PM Sok Chenda Sophea told a NAM 65th anniversary meeting in Belgrade that Thailand’s post-ceasefire actions—barbed wire, permanent infrastructure, and civilian displacement—pose a “grave challenge” to territorial integrity, calling them faits accomplis that violate international law. Ceasefire Monitoring: ASEAN Observer Team missions in Koh Kong inspected Cham Yeam border checkpoint and Agreed Boundary Pillar No.72, with Cambodia reiterating that border issues must be handled peacefully through dialogue and the Joint Boundary Commission. War Remnants & Civilian Impact: CMAC reported 3,868 sq km of contaminated land from the 2025 conflict, including cluster munitions and drone-dropped ordnance; observers and attachés said they were shocked by the weaponry used. Media Freedom: CamboJA documented 12 journalist violations in Q2 2026, citing legal intimidation and restrictions on expression as the most common problems. Labour & Economy: Cambodia kicked off 2027 minimum wage talks as garment workers seek higher pay amid rising living costs. Tourism Watch: Angkor saw a 29% drop in foreign visitors in Jan–Aug 2026, with officials pointing to scam networks, Thailand border friction, and geopolitical pressures. Social Protection: Coverage rose to 8.49 million people by end-June 2026, expanding access to healthcare and livelihood support.

Cambodia-Thailand Border Tensions: Deputy PM Sok Chenda Sophea warned that Thailand’s actions along the border remain “fragile” and aimed at altering the boundary by force, despite the Dec. 27 ceasefire. ASEAN Ceasefire Monitoring: ASEAN Observer Team visits Cham Yeam checkpoint and Boundary Pillar No. 72 in Koh Kong to verify ceasefire implementation and push transparency. Landmine and Cluster Bomb Fallout: CMAC says it has surveyed 335 of 349 villages affected by the 2025 conflict, flagging over 3,868 sq km of contaminated land, while also reporting Thai use of cluster munitions and heavy ordnance in civilian areas. Mine Action Policy: Cambodia adopted a 2026-2035 National Mine Action Policy, with Singapore backing the initiative. Press Freedom Under Pressure: CamboJA documented 12 journalist violations in Q2 2026, citing legal intimidation and restrictions as the most common, with online journalists targeted and some convicted on treason-related charges. Social Policy: Social protection coverage reached 8.49 million people by end-June 2026. Tourism Watch: Angkor saw a 29% year-on-year drop in foreign visitors in Jan-Aug 2026, with officials pointing to scams, border friction, and wider geopolitical pressures. Regional Diplomacy: Cambodia renewed ASEAN’s call for a nuclear-free world and urged CTBT ratification.

Online Scams Crackdown: Cambodia’s authorities say they arrested 34 suspects in Koh Kong and seized hundreds of phones and computers, as scam activity shifts from big compounds to smaller, dispersed sites. Border Tensions: The Cambodian Senate rejected Thailand’s “victim” narrative, warning against “salami-slicing” tactics that gradually change facts on the ground. Digital Governance Win: Cambodia’s verify.gov.kh document verification platform won the UN Public Service Award 2026 for transparency and accountability, and is being shared regionally. Regional Digital Trade: Cambodia’s verify.gov model is now live in Timor-Leste, while Cambodia also exports digital verification know-how. Public Administration & Youth: GDT director general Kong Vibol met a Cambodian youth delegation ahead of an international festival, highlighting tax modernization and digital reform. Regional Payments Deal: India’s UPI is set to work in Uzbekistan via UZQR, expanding cross-border merchant payments for Indian travelers. Maritime Cooperation: UK warship HMS Tamar made its first visit to Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base for joint training. Mine Risk Briefing: CMAC briefed ASEAN observers on remaining explosive remnants of war affecting hundreds of villages and land areas after Thailand-related clashes.

Cambodia–Thailand Border Dispute: Cambodia’s Senate rejected Thai Senate claims and warned against “salami-slicing” tactics that incrementally change facts on the ground, with Hun Sen’s remarks defended as reflecting the real situation and calls for disputes to be settled under international law. Border Safety & Legal Process: Cambodia’s Information Minister reiterated “Maps Do Not Move With Troops,” arguing military presence and trenches can’t redraw legal borders, while Thailand said it will engage in UNCLOS conciliation in good faith. War Remnants Briefing: CMAC briefed ASEAN observers and military attachés on explosive remnants of war allegedly left by Thai forces after 2025 clashes, citing impacts across hundreds of villages and ongoing clearance priorities for safer returns. Online Scams Crackdown: Authorities arrested 34 suspects in Koh Kong and seized hundreds of devices in a two-day operation, as Cambodia continues shifting from large compounds to smaller scam sites. Environment Partnership: Cambodia’s Environment Ministry and UNDP pledged stronger long-term cooperation to move from policy to concrete action on natural resources and climate response. Investment & Logistics: Cambodia launched construction of the US$300m Cambodia SuperPort in Kampong Speu, aiming to boost logistics, supply chains, and industrial connectivity. Regional Diplomacy: Cambodia and Azerbaijan discussed strengthening parliamentary cooperation, including via international platforms.

Online Scams Crackdown: Cambodia says it dismantled 700+ large-scale online scam compounds in a year-long drive, inspecting 793 sites, raiding 624, revoking 18 casino licences, and referring 408 cases to court—while admitting criminals have shifted to smaller, dispersed operations in guesthouses, apartments, vehicles and cafes. Cybercrime Reporting: Police launched the “Kapea Scams” app, offering scam alerts, automatic call blocking, and a way for the public to report suspected fraud during a three-month trial. Border Politics & Diplomacy: At the Second Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC-2) in Phnom Penh, Cambodian leaders pushed stronger parliamentary diplomacy and peace grounded in international law, while Cambodia’s Information Minister highlighted a French Le Figaro report portraying Thailand as an “aggressor” over the border dispute. Parliamentary Links: Senate President Hun Sen held talks with Azerbaijan’s parliament speaker, with her seeking Cambodia’s support for her IPU presidency bid. Education Under Pressure: In Oddar Meanchey, some students returned to class after border fighting displaced families, but schools remain closed and unexploded ordnance still threatens reopening.

U.S.-Cambodia Cultural Diplomacy: U.S. Assistant Secretary Cate Dillon said Washington will deepen ties with Cambodia via education and cultural-property cooperation, including a $132,000 grant to build a unified digital database to protect movable Khmer artifacts from trafficking. Parliamentary Diplomacy & Global Peace: Cambodia’s Senate and National Assembly leaders wrapped up the 2nd Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC-2), with the Phnom Penh Declaration urging disputes to be settled through dialogue, stronger parliamentary diplomacy, and strict respect for international law. Azerbaijan IPU Bid: Azerbaijan’s parliament speaker Sahiba Gafarova asked Senate President Hun Sen to support her Inter-Parliamentary Union presidency run; Hun Sen said Cambodia will carefully consider. Cambodia-Thailand Border Row: Cambodia’s Information Minister cited a French Le Figaro report describing Thailand as an “aggressor,” while Thailand’s military rejected Hun Sen’s “discredit warfare” claims and urged “verifiable facts.” Online Scams Crackdown: Cambodia reiterated it has eradicated large-scale scam compounds, launching the “Kapea Scams” app for reporting and blocking scam calls, but rights groups and analysts said the claims need independent verification as criminals shift to smaller sites. Education Amid Border Conflict: In Oddar Meanchey, some displaced students returned to class, but schools remain closed and unexploded ordnance continues to disrupt learning. Environment & Governance Tech: Kampong Thom planted 40,000 trees under a restoration project, and officials highlighted how verify.gov.kh helps authenticate documents via QR codes.

Online Scams Crackdown: Cambodia’s anti-scam commission says it has eradicated large-scale scam compounds and that “no online scam compounds remain,” while acknowledging criminals have shifted to smaller, hidden operations in guesthouses, condominiums, rentals, vehicles and coffee shops; Amnesty and independent analysts urge independent verification and focus on prosecutions and prevention. New Reporting Tool: Police launched the “Kapea Scams” mobile app, offering scam alerts, automatic call blocking, and public reporting, with a three-month trial before full rollout. Parliamentary Diplomacy: The Second Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC-2) in Phnom Penh adopted the Phnom Penh Declaration calling for stronger parliamentary diplomacy, dialogue over aggression, and respect for international law amid global conflicts and cyber threats. Cambodia–Thailand Border Row: Thailand’s armed forces rejected Hun Sen’s “discredit warfare” claims, saying the issue should rest on verifiable facts; Cambodia reiterated sovereignty arguments around the An Seh area. Digital Governance: The verify.gov.kh platform highlights QR-based document verification for diplomas, health licenses, business records and land titles. Forest Restoration: Kampong Thom’s Ou Damdek protected area restored 54 hectares with 40,000 tree seedlings under the PEARL project. Regional/Global Links: Cambodia and Azerbaijan strengthened parliamentary ties via a Senate-to-Speaker video call ahead of IPU leadership moves.