AGP Executive Report

Scam Crackdown Under Fire: Amnesty International says Cambodia’s yearlong crackdown on online scam compounds failed to dismantle most trafficking-linked operations, citing 86 compounds operating as of April (up from 53 a year earlier) and only limited state intervention at 24 sites, while survivors interviewed reported abuses including sexual violence and said they were not properly screened or identified as trafficking victims. PM Hun Manet’s Vietnam Pivot: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet departed for Hanoi for an official visit and the 3rd ASEAN Future Forum, holding bilateral talks with Vietnam’s PM Le Minh Hung and delivering a keynote on ASEAN trade, investment and people-centered cooperation. ASEAN-China Media Push: Cambodia joined the ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum in Shenyang, with officials stressing media integration, fact-checking and countering disinformation amid AI-driven information shifts. Border Enforcement in Takeo: Takeo Governor Vei Samnang ordered stricter inspections of imported goods at Cambodia-Vietnam border checkpoints, warning against collusion and illegal smuggling. Regional Diplomacy: Acting Head of State Hun Sen sent Russia Day greetings to Russia’s Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko, pledging to deepen parliamentary cooperation. Climate Civic Drive: The “Clean Cambodia, Khmer Can Do” campaign framed daily cleanliness as climate action, linking waste mismanagement to methane emissions, flooding risk and pollution.

Cybercrime Crackdown: Cambodia’s nationwide raids have detained hundreds of foreign nationals and shut down scam-linked sites, with authorities seizing computers and phones used for online fraud and illegal gambling. Public Security Push: Acting Head of State Hun Sen urged local officials to intensify action against street crime, drugs, and cyber offences under the Safe Village-Commune policy. Drug Corridor Strategy: The Interior Ministry says it is targeting drug trafficking “at the roots” with coordinated operations across provinces to stop Cambodia being used as a transit route. UNCLOS Maritime Fight: Cambodia’s move to compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS faces Thai resistance, with experts warning Bangkok may keep adding procedural hurdles. Khnar Temple Staircase: Cambodia’s Culture Ministry condemned Thai forces for burning a wooden staircase to Khnar Temple, calling it deliberate damage to heritage. Education & Skills: The TVET push is nearing its 1.5 million target, while the CoolThink@JC computational thinking programme rolls out to primary schools. Governance & Diplomacy: Hun Manet heads to Hanoi for the ASEAN Future Forum, with talks aimed at deepening regional economic cooperation. Trade Facilitation: Cambodia and China signed an AEO pact to speed customs clearance for compliant businesses. Environment Agenda: Cambodia marked Zero Waste with millions of pledges to cut plastic use and expanded sorting and monitoring efforts.

Cambodia–Vietnam Diplomacy: PM Hun Manet will visit Viet Nam from 8–10 June for bilateral talks with Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and to attend the 3rd ASEAN Future Forum in Hanoi, with meetings also planned with Vietnam’s party and National Assembly leaders. Digital Education Reform: Education Minister Hang Chuon Naron launched the CoolThink@JC computational thinking programme in Cambodian primary schools, building on a June 2025 MoU with the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and teacher training plans. Media Integrity Push: The Ministry of Information expanded its “Say No to Fake News” campaign, urging youth to verify information and follow laws and digital safety norms. Tourism Tech & Promotion: The Tourism Ministry rolled out a green-season augmented reality app to boost domestic travel and partnerships, alongside expo activities and visa-exemption promotion for Chinese visitors. Public Services in Phnom Penh: CDC officials joined a free medical outreach in Meanchey serving about 1,000 residents across four communes. Environment & Cleanup: In Siem Reap’s Kampong Khleang, authorities and partners collected about 40 tonnes of plastic waste over five months, urging residents and tourists to keep Tonle Sap areas clean. Border Tensions Monitoring: ASEAN Observer Team visits in Pursat (O’Phlouk Damrei and Chey Chumneas) focused on ceasefire compliance, with Cambodia again stressing peaceful resolution and land demarcation. Information Governance Drafting: The Ministry of Information reviewed draft media guidelines to protect women, children, and persons with disabilities ahead of stakeholder consultations.

Border Monitoring & Ceasefire Compliance: Cambodia’s Liaison Group facilitated ASEAN Observer Team field visits in Pursat to check implementation of the Dec. 27, 2025 Joint Statement, with Cambodia again alleging Thai military incursions, barbed wire and shipping containers that block displaced families’ return, and urging renewed land demarcation via the Joint Boundary Commission. Humanitarian Returns: Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior says nearly 620,000 border-displaced people have returned home (about 95% of those who fled), while schools and health facilities remain closed in affected provinces. Public Security Push: Acting Head of State Hun Sen urged civil servants to intensify action against street crime, drugs and cybercrime under the Safe Village-Commune Policy, warning against inactivity and abuse of authority. Governance & Services: Hun Sen also called on commune and sangkat councils to deliver public services promptly and step up tax and customs collection to boost revenue. Media Rights Framework: The Ministry of Information and international partners reviewed draft media guidelines to protect women, children and persons with disabilities ahead of stakeholder consultations. Education & Digital Skills: MoEYS and Japan’s IATSS signed a road-safety education MoU, while Cambodia rolled out the CoolThink@JC computational thinking curriculum in primary schools. Economy & Connectivity: Cambodia and the US concluded a key open skies aviation agreement after 12 years, aiming for direct flights and more investment via Techo International Airport. Debt Watch: Economists say Cambodia’s public debt rose to $13.3 billion in Q1 but remains low risk due to mostly concessional, long-term loans. Environment & Conservation: Cambodia marked Environment Day with a zero-waste push on plastic bags and reported nearly 50 wildlife species recorded in Veun Sai–Siem Pang National Park.

Open Skies Deal: Cambodia and the United States have concluded a long-negotiated Open Skies aviation agreement after 12 years, with Washington signaling investment support for Phnom Penh International Airport to boost direct flights, tourism, and trade. Digital Agriculture: The Ministry of Agriculture launched the Cam Agri Hub website, a one-stop digital gateway for climate-smart rice farming guidance, weather advisories, and market information. Environment & Wildlife: On World Environment Day, Cambodia reported nearly 50 wildlife species detected in Veun Sai–Siem Pang National Park, including seven threatened mammals, based on 2025 camera-trap surveys. Tourism Push: Preah Sihanouk reviewed $39M in Koh Rong projects aimed at creating about 1,000 jobs and upgrading the island’s tourism strategy. Humanitarian Fundraising: A “2,700 Steps” charity walk raised 2.1 billion riel for Cambodia Kantha Bopha hospitals. Land Disputes: In Preah Vihear, residents met authorities over alleged land grabs tied to large concessions granted to China Great Cause and Global Green (Cambodia) Energy Development. Crime & Security: Phnom Penh police arrested four foreign suspects in a kidnapping case, including a Chinese man accused of illegal re-entry after deportation. Maritime Law: Thailand said it will join UN arbitration chosen by Cambodia to resolve the Gulf of Thailand dispute, while pausing other border talks. Trade Pressure: The U.S. proposed forced-labor-related tariffs that include Cambodia, adding new pressure on export compliance.

US Forced-Labour Tariffs: The U.S. Trade Representative has proposed new forced-labour duties affecting 60 countries, naming Cambodia among those accused of failing to effectively ban forced-labour imports—raising fresh pressure on Cambodia’s trade compliance and export competitiveness. Cambodia–Thailand Maritime Clash: Thailand says it will join Cambodia’s UN-backed UNCLOS conciliation, but is holding other bilateral talks and objects to Cambodia’s push to include resource-sharing issues—keeping the Gulf of Thailand dispute in the legal arena. Cultural Heritage Under Fire: Cambodia’s Culture Ministry strongly condemned Thai military destruction of the K’nar Temple wooden staircase and protested Thailand’s planned activities at Ta Krabei, framing it as an attack on heritage and conservation work. Scam Crackdown Cross-Border: Singapore arrested another suspect linked to a Cambodia-based scam ring targeting Singaporeans; authorities say dozens remain at large, with Phnom Penh raids tied to the wider operation. Tourism Headwinds: Cambodia reported 1.3 million foreign arrivals in the first four months of 2026, down nearly 46%, citing regional factors and the Thailand border dispute. China Ties Deepen: Cambodia and China signed an AEO mutual recognition deal to speed customs clearance and cut inspections, alongside seven Mekong-Lancang cooperation projects under the MLC Special Fund. Development Finance: The U.S. DFC approved $100 million financing for Techo International Airport expansion, boosting Cambodia’s aviation infrastructure plans.

UNCLOS Maritime Row: Cambodia has formally invoked the UN compulsory conciliation mechanism to settle the Overlapping Claims Area dispute with Thailand, with officials stressing it’s a lawful, structured process—not a break in ties. Diplomatic Outreach: Deputy PM Vongsey Vissoth met Singapore’s new ambassador to reaffirm cooperation on trade, energy, digital connectivity and public administration reforms. Business Climate: The CDC pledged faster, more transparent internal reforms to improve investment protection and address private-sector hurdles, with AmCham and other chambers in attendance. US Forced-Labour Tariffs: The US proposed Section 301 tariffs of up to 12.5% on 60 countries, including Cambodia, after forced-labour findings—prompting pushback from trading partners. Agriculture Exports: Cambodia earned about $327.4m from milled rice exports in Jan–May 2026 (568,912 tonnes), while Cambodia-China deals also target easier access for dried longans and beef via SPS protocols. Skills & Jobs: National TVET Day (June 15–16) will spotlight the programme training 1.5 million youth from poor and vulnerable families. Environment & Rights: Rights groups renewed calls to free jailed Mother Nature Cambodia activists as their appeals hearing was postponed. Security & Justice: Three suspended Stung Treng prison officials have resumed duties after a bribe-related smartphone case; meanwhile, Thai “fake girlfriend” scam victims were found held in Cambodia by a Chinese group.

UNCLOS Maritime Clash: Cambodia has formally launched compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS to settle its overlapping maritime claims with Thailand, appointing two international legal experts and giving Thailand 21 days to name its representatives; Thailand’s foreign ministry says it is preparing its legal position, while Thai officials argue Cambodia is bypassing bilateral trust-building. Border Tensions on the Ground: Fresh friction has flared in Preah Vihear’s Mom Bei area, with ASEAN observers reportedly monitoring ceasefire compliance as both sides trade accusations. Diplomacy Backing the Legal Route: Germany and Japan publicly support Cambodia’s preference for peaceful, law-based resolution, while Cambodia continues to frame the dispute as a rule-of-law process. Cybercrime Crackdown: Cambodia and South Korea pledged deeper intelligence sharing and joint action against transnational cyber fraud after recent enforcement wins. Child Protection Push: Social Affairs Minister Chea Somethy called for stronger child rights safeguards, including better education access and community-driven violence prevention. Education for Tech Futures: The education ministry says universities will shift toward research and technology centres as Cambodia prepares a higher-skilled workforce. Trade Pressure from the US: Cambodia is among economies flagged in a US forced-labour tariff proposal; Deputy PM Sun Chanthol says it would replace, not add to, the existing 19% rate. Public Finance Watch: Cambodia’s public debt rose to $13.3bn in Q1, with most debt external and concessional loans funding priority investments. Development and Connectivity: China signed agreements for seven LMC Special Fund projects worth about $1.98m, while the US DFC approved $100m for Techo International Airport expansion. Public Safety: A lorry overturn in Svay Rieng injured 27 factory workers, and police arrested two youths after a rooftop “toy gun” incident. Animal Welfare: FOUR PAWS launched an online reporting tool to track the dog and cat meat trade.

Informal Arts Support: Cambodia is urging artists and self-employed cultural workers to register as informal economy workers via MISTI and the Ministry of Culture’s digital onboarding platform, unlocking access to NSSF healthcare, training, and service discounts. Maritime Law Push: Cambodia has formally launched UNCLOS compulsory conciliation against Thailand over the Gulf of Thailand maritime dispute after Bangkok cancelled the 2001 MOU, with Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn briefing diplomats and the government framing the move as a legal, good-faith step. Cybercrime Cooperation: Cambodia and South Korea agreed to deepen joint action against cross-border cyber fraud, including intelligence sharing and capacity-building, after Cambodia’s anti-scam crackdown and anti-cyber fraud law. Digital Payments for Travel: India–Cambodia UPI interoperability is live, letting Indian travellers pay at more than 4.5 million KHQR-enabled merchants in Cambodia, with a second phase planned for Cambodian travellers in India. Border-Dispute Diplomacy: Germany reiterated support for Cambodia’s peaceful, international-law approach to the Thailand border dispute and discussed deeper parliamentary ties. Scam Crackdown: Authorities detained 26 foreign nationals in a Kampong Som raid on an alleged online scam villa, seizing laptops, phones, and vehicles; investigations continue. Sports: Cambodia’s women’s para throwball team advanced straight to the final at the Asian Para Throwball Championship and will face Malaysia for gold. US Forced-Labour Tariffs: The US proposed new Section 301 tariffs up to 12.5% on 60 economies including Cambodia, tied to forced-labour enforcement concerns, with public comments and hearings ahead.

Online Scam Crackdown: Phnom Penh carried out raids across 82 sites, screening 478 foreign nationals; officials said no active scam operations were found, but 10 people without passports were handed to immigration and three sites were fined under a new residential security sub-decree. Acting Head of State: Acting Head of State Hun Sen told provincial councils there will be “no tolerance” for any location used for online scams, warning officials and operators alike will face legal action. Cross-Border Payments: Cambodia and India launched Phase 1 of cross-border QR payments, letting Indian visitors pay at 4.5 million Cambodian merchants via KHQR/UPI-linked systems, with a plan to expand into a fully two-way corridor. Regional Health Cooperation: Cambodia and Laos agreed to draft a new health MoU focused on malaria control, infectious disease prevention, and faster outbreak response at border gates. Cambodia–China Ties: Cambodia and China reaffirmed strategic cooperation in Beijing, including plans for agricultural research, food processing, cultural heritage restoration, and stronger Gansu–Cambodia trade links. Maritime Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn briefed diplomats on Cambodia’s formal UNCLOS compulsory conciliation move after Thailand withdrew from the 2001 maritime framework. Labour & Industry: The labour minister visited a Uniqlo supplier factory, urging workers to avoid illegal strikes while highlighting industrial harmony and vocational training. Tourism & Recognition: Techo International Airport won Skytrax’s World’s Best New Airport Terminal 2026 ranking (5th globally). US Forced-Labour Tariffs: The USTR proposed Section 301 tariffs up to 12.5% on 60 economies, explicitly naming Cambodia among those it says failed to enforce forced-labour import bans.

UNCLOS Maritime Push: Cambodia has appointed two conciliators and moved to start compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS to settle its Gulf of Thailand overlapping claims with Thailand after Bangkok scrapped the 2001 MOU, with the process set to begin once Cambodia notifies Thailand and the UN Secretary-General. Regional Information Integrity: Cambodia launched a “Zero Fake News” initiative with support from the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund, convening about 200 participants to strengthen cross-border media cooperation and digital resilience. US Tariff Threat Over Forced Labour: The Trump administration proposed new Section 301 duties of 10% or 12.5% on imports from 60 economies, including Cambodia, after finding failures to effectively enforce forced-labour import prohibitions. Digital Payments for Tourism: India’s UPI has gone live in Cambodia via KHQR, letting Indian travellers pay at 4.5 million merchant locations through UPI-enabled apps. Border Land Rules: Takeo Governor Pou Sothirak ordered a strict ban on leasing border farmland to foreign nationals, warning of legal accountability for violators. Cambodia–Japan Defence Reassurance: Japan reaffirmed support for peaceful resolution of the Cambodia–Thailand border issue, citing ongoing ceasefire observation efforts.

Maritime Dispute Escalates via UNCLOS: Prime Minister Hun Manet announced Cambodia has formally notified Thailand and the UN to start compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS after Bangkok withdrew from the 2001 MOU, framing it as a peaceful, legally supervised process to protect sovereignty and unlock Gulf of Thailand energy opportunities. Parliament Backs the Move: The Senate and National Assembly both endorsed the UNCLOS action, calling it a lawful, good-faith step after bilateral talks were exhausted. Border Monitoring Intensifies: An ASEAN Observer Team visited the An Ses Border Checkpoint in Preah Vihear, with Cambodia citing Thai incursions, barbed wire, and shipping containers that block families’ return, and urging faster land demarcation through the Joint Boundary Commission. Information Integrity Push: Information Minister Neth Pheaktra urged regional cooperation against fake news, proposing a Mekong-Lancang fact-checking and rapid-response network, while the Ministry also received support for its anti-fake news campaign. Digital Payments for Tourism: NPCI International and ACLEDA Bank launched UPI acceptance in Cambodia via KHQR, enabling Indian travellers to pay at millions of merchant outlets, with a two-way corridor planned. Health & Social Support: The Ministry of Information donated 106 million riel to Kantha Bopha for free child care, and CHAI renewed support for primary healthcare and Universal Health Coverage. Local Governance Milestone: Kampong Cham became the first province to complete commune administrative boundary demarcation, aiming to improve planning and reduce territorial uncertainty. Animal Welfare Tool: Four Paws launched an online reporting system to track dog and cat meat trade and pet theft.

UNCLOS Maritime Escalation: Cambodia has formally notified Thailand and the UN Secretary-General to start compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS over overlapping maritime claims in the Gulf of Thailand, after Bangkok terminated the 2001 MoU framework—an escalation that both the National Assembly and Senate say is needed to protect Cambodia’s sovereignty and rights. Political Leadership Warning: Acting Head of State Hun Sen used the inauguration of Cambodia’s new General Department of Taxation (GDT) headquarters to warn that any attempt to remove the Hun family from leadership would amount to an effort to overthrow the government. Tax Administration Push: Hun Sen highlighted the GDT complex as Cambodia’s largest government building and said tax revenue has already surpassed 53% of the 2026 target in the first five months, dismissing claims of financial strain. Anti-Drug Results: The Anti-Drug Department reported a 32% drop in drug-related arrests and lower narcotics seizures in the first five months of 2026, while enforcement continues. Tourism Revenue Snapshot: Angkor Enterprise said Angkor ticket sales topped $17.2 million in the first five months of 2026, despite a sharp year-on-year decline in arrivals. Digital Diplomacy: Timor-Leste launched verify.gov.tl, a document verification platform built with Cambodian technical support, aimed at cutting transport document fraud. Cybercrime Crackdown: Phnom Penh authorities continued raids on suspected scam centres, inspecting hundreds of locations and questioning thousands of foreigners. Disaster Relief for Displaced Families: A temporary market is being built in Banteay Meanchey for over 2,800 displaced families to help restore livelihoods near the Thailand border.

Border & Diplomacy: Thailand’s government denied claims that the Aranyaprathet checkpoint has reopened for Cambodian students, saying no policy change has been authorized. Cambodia also renewed calls for border-agreement compliance, protesting Thai construction of Buddha statues and flagpoles plus other works in disputed areas of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey. Security & Regional Posture: The Shangri-La Dialogue wrapped in Singapore amid rising mistrust, with renewed attention on China’s Global Security Initiative and Japan’s continued defense and arms-export shift. Foreign Service Reform: Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation held a second merit-based recruitment exam for diplomats, aiming for more transparent, ethics-focused, multilingual staffing. Cybercrime Crackdown: Authorities launched nationwide enforcement against online scam networks, while Phnom Penh courts charged 54 police and military police over alleged theft and destruction of scam raid evidence in Kampot. Digital Cooperation: Timor-Leste launched verify.gov.tl, a document verification portal built with Cambodian technical support. Human Rights & Civic Space: Appeals for five Mother Nature Cambodia environmental defenders were postponed indefinitely, drawing a fresh NGO and rights-group push for their release. Environment & Governance: The Environment Ministry said it blocked tens of millions of cubic metres of polluted industrial effluent from entering ecosystems through expanded monitoring and enforcement. Disaster & Livelihoods: A temporary market opened in Banteay Meanchey for 2,800 displaced families to restart income, and Svay Rieng relief efforts continued after a gale damaged 242 homes. Public Services & Society: Cambodia marked International Children’s Day with child-rights and child-labour messaging, while UNICEF Cambodia named a national ambassador.

Anti-Scam Crackdown: Phnom Penh wrapped up a May 28–30 operation targeting suspected online scam centres, inspecting 81 locations and checking 705 foreign residents; 24 lacked valid documents and were handed to municipal police, while fines collected 76 million riel for rule violations. Public Safety & Justice: Police investigated the suspected premeditated murder of a 53-year-old Chinese man found in a car near a Phnom Penh garbage dump, with injuries and signs of binding and asphyxiation reported. Tourism & Heritage: Angkor Archaeological Park welcomed 359,471 international visitors in Jan–May 2026 (down 31.8% y/y), with ticket revenue at $17.2m (down 30%), amid global slowdown, scam concerns, and Thailand border tensions. Digital Government Cooperation: Timor-Leste launched verify.gov.tl, built on Cambodia’s verify.gov model using QR-code document verification, marking a new milestone in Cambodia’s regional digital partnership. Diplomacy: Cambodia and Kazakhstan signed a visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic and official/service passports. Regional Economic Pressure: Coverage highlighted how Iran-war-driven fuel and price shocks are straining tourism-dependent Southeast Asian economies, including Cambodia’s Angkor-linked livelihoods. Education & Skills: Cambodia–China TVET cooperation was formalized to train new-energy vehicle skills, aligning curricula and standards across partner institutions.

Cambodia–Thailand Border Tensions: Cambodia lodged a formal protest with Thailand over alleged sovereignty violations, citing 36 new Buddhist statues and two flagpoles built in disputed border areas in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey, after a Dec. 27, 2025 ceasefire. Diplomacy & Mobility: Cambodia and Kazakhstan signed a visa-exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic and official/service passports, aiming to ease official travel and deepen ties. Energy Policy: Cambodia is accelerating renewable energy to cut reliance on imported fossil fuels as West Asia conflict drives up fuel costs; officials link the shift to protecting electricity price stability and economic growth. Sustainable Finance: SERC and UNDP launched detailed guidance for issuing Green, Social and Sustainability (GSS) bonds to attract private capital for climate and social priorities. Capital Markets Literacy: SERC held a securities investment seminar with ACLEDA Securities to boost public understanding of stocks, bonds and collective investment schemes. Public Health Fundraising: First Lady Lok Chumteav Dr. Pich Chanmony Hun Manet urged support for Kantha Bopha’s “10,000 Riel, 10,000 People” campaign, targeting about US$45 million annually for children’s hospitals. Regional Security Debate: At the Shangri-La Dialogue, Cambodia-linked officials warned Japan’s expanded defense cooperation could fuel arms races, amid broader concerns about Asia-Pacific rearmament.