AGP Executive Report

Border Diplomacy: The Francophone Parliamentary Assembly (APF) urged Cambodia and Thailand to de-escalate immediately, respect Cambodia’s sovereignty, and withdraw armed forces from disputed areas, citing ceasefire commitments and concerns over civilian harm and damage to cultural heritage. Youth & Demographics: PM Hun Manet marked World Population Day, saying Cambodia’s population is projected to reach about 24 million by 2050 and stressing that the “demographic dividend” only pays off if the state invests now in education, skills, healthcare, jobs, and youth support. Cambodia–China Ties: Hun Manet will lead a working visit to China from 15–17 July, including meetings with Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang and a speech at the 2026 World AI Conference in Shanghai. UNESCO Peace Legacy: Hun Manet hailed the first anniversary of UNESCO’s inscription of Cambodia’s memorial sites, framing it as a lasting shift “from centres of repression to places of peace and reflection.” Education on the Border: A Phnom Penh charity run drew 2,500 participants to fund disrupted border children’s education, with the education ministry set to receive proceeds. Regional Politics: ASEAN reaffirmed its Five-Point Consensus as the core framework for Myanmar, with renewed emphasis on humanitarian help, reduced violence, and inclusive dialogue.

ASEAN-Myanmar Diplomacy: ASEAN foreign ministers reaffirmed the Five-Point Consensus as the core framework for Myanmar, urging “demonstrable progress” on violence reduction, humanitarian access, and inclusive political dialogue. Border Solidarity: Cambodia’s Senate President reiterated the country’s commitment to resolving Thailand border issues peacefully under international law, while the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie adopted a resolution backing Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Human Rights Scrutiny: Amnesty International condemned the latest US deportation batch to Eswatini as unlawful, adding Cambodia-linked repatriations to the wider debate over third-country deals. Domestic Resilience Under Climate Stress: Cambodia braces for El Niño impacts as rainfall drops sharply and drought risk threatens rice fields and water supply, with government calls for conservation. Infrastructure & Industry Push: PM Hun Manet inaugurated an upgraded National Road 7 segment to speed trade and cut travel times, while Toyota Tsusho expanded production with the Hilux Travo line and Cambodia-Japan SEZ planning advanced via CDC talks. Public Services & Rural Support: Cambodia and India signed Mekong-Ganga Quick Impact Projects for climate-smart apiculture training and schooling support in Kratie. Crime & Security: Separate reports highlighted major drug interdictions abroad involving routes linked to Cambodia, underscoring ongoing transnational trafficking risks. Tech & Connectivity: A connectivity ranking put Cambodia ahead of Britain on mobile download speeds, spotlighting the political importance of communications performance.

Border Tensions: Cambodia lodged another formal protest against Thailand over alleged barbed-wire works and encroachment near Boundary Pillars 14 and 22 in Oddar Meanchey and Banteay Meanchey, citing violations of the 2000 MoU and earlier de-escalation steps. Diplomatic Push: The Senate President reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to resolve the Cambodia–Thailand border issue peacefully and under international law, during a courtesy call by Malaysia’s top defence chief. Francophonie Support: The Francophone Parliamentary Assembly in Yaoundé considered a draft resolution urging respect for Cambodia’s sovereignty and a peaceful settlement of the Cambodia–Thailand border dispute, amid reports of displacement and damage to cultural sites. Humanitarian/Remains: Vietnam repatriated 62 sets of remains recovered from Cambodia, with ceremonies marking War Invalids and Martyrs’ Day. Development Cooperation: Cambodia and India signed Mekong–Ganga Quick Impact Projects in Kratie for climate-smart apiculture training and schooling support for disadvantaged students. Economy/Industry: CDC and Japan Development Institute discussed an international-standard master plan for the Cambodia–Japan SEZ to plug into Japanese supply chains. Security/Environment: Japan and Cambodia expanded demining know-how sharing, including training for Ukrainian officials.

Border Tensions: Cambodia lodged fresh protests against Thailand’s continued barbed-wire works near Boundary Pillars 14 and 22 in Oddar Meanchey and Banteay Ampil, citing treaty and map violations and urging peaceful, law-based resolution. Diplomacy & Defence: Senate President Hun Sen reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to settle the Cambodia–Thailand border dispute peacefully and in line with international law during a courtesy call from Malaysia’s Chief of Defence Forces, underscoring ASEAN Observer Team support. Human Rights & Migration: A new report highlights “scam trafficking” as double criminality—workers lured into forced online fraud—while separate coverage says 17 US deportees in Eswatini are in good health, drawing Amnesty criticism over legality. Economic Diplomacy: France pledged stronger trade and investment ties with Cambodia, with French firms and SMEs flagged ahead of Macron’s November Francophonie summit visit. Development Projects: India and Cambodia signed two Mekong-Ganga Quick Impact Projects for rural communities in Kratie—climate-smart apiculture and school support for disadvantaged students. Security & Environment: The Royal Cambodian Army said it reclaimed 4,300 hectares of encroached forest in Kampong Thom and reported major drops in fishery crimes around Tonle Sap. Tourism & Industry: Cambodia moved to attract the Muslim tourism market with new Muslim-friendly standards, while Calypso Motors launched its Cambodia-made flagship motorcycle, signaling push beyond assembly into higher-value manufacturing.

France-Cambodia Economic Push: French Minister Delegate Nicolas Forissier pledged to deepen economic ties and bring more SMEs into the Cambodian and French markets during talks in Phnom Penh, ahead of Macron’s planned attendance at Cambodia’s November 2026 Francophonie Summit. Border Tensions with Thailand: Cambodia lodged another formal protest over Thai barbed-wire installation near border pillars in Oddar Meanchey, citing treaty and demarcation violations and warning of continued sovereignty breaches. ASEAN-India Women in Science: Cambodia hosted the ASEAN-India Women Scientists Conclave, spotlighting women’s leadership in STEM and practical research solutions through roundtables and pitching sessions. Japan’s Demining Knowledge Sharing: Japan and Cambodia highlighted expanded demining cooperation, including training for Ukrainian officials under the Japan-Cambodia Landmine Initiative. Security Incident at the Border: Thailand’s Second Army Area investigated a blast-like sound reported 10–15 km inside Cambodia, with no damage or casualties reported on the Thai side. Tourism and Human Rights Moves: Cambodia launched Muslim-friendly tourism standards and promoted halal tourism products, while senior officials reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to human rights protection with OHCHR leadership. Economy and Skills: Cambodia and the World Bank assessed Tonle Sap water security and biodiversity, and the Skills Development Fund signed partnerships to build industry-aligned workforce training.

Economy Watch: Cambodia expects 4.2% growth in 2026, but the IMF cut its forecast to 3%, citing risks from the Middle East, the Cambodia–Thailand border dispute, and the crackdown on online scams, while urging reforms to improve the investment climate and export diversification. Border Tensions: Residents in Thmar Da and Thma Da say Thai forces have continued encroachment after the ceasefire, including barbed wire and other installations, leaving schools and hospitals closed and thousands displaced. Human Rights & Diplomacy: DPM/Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn reaffirmed Cambodia’s human-rights commitments in talks with a newly appointed OHCHR representative, as Cambodia also continues diplomatic engagement with the UN system. Digital Governance: Cambodia’s Post and Telecommunications minister highlighted AI governance work in Geneva, including verify.gov.kh and digital talent programs, seeking wider international cooperation. Human Capital & Aid: Cambodia’s Ministry of Information and India signed MoUs for two Quick Impact Projects—bicycles for disadvantaged students and beekeeping support for rural households—while Japan-backed plans advance a Cambodia–Japan SEZ master plan and workforce skills partnerships. Tourism Signals: South Korea lifted travel bans for parts of Cambodia after improved security, and Japan’s outgoing ambassador urged visa-exemption talks to boost Japanese arrivals.

Border Tensions, Human Impact: Cambodia says Thai forces’ post-ceasefire encroachment has left 20,840 people still displaced, with schools and hospitals shut in affected areas, as displaced residents in Pursat’s Thmar Da commune condemn sovereignty violations and demand return home. Diplomacy & Rights: DPM/Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn met OHCHR’s new Cambodia representative, underscoring continued engagement on human-rights issues. Regional Security: Cambodia and Malaysia’s defence chiefs pledged deeper military cooperation and peace-focused dispute resolution, while Cambodia welcomed two Vietnamese officers to the ASEAN Observer Team to monitor the Cambodia–Thailand border. Legal/ICJ Framing: Senate President Hun Sen shared an unofficial Khmer translation stressing ICJ rulings as the “only sustainable path” for the border dispute. Digital Governance: In Geneva, Minister Chea Vandeth pushed Cambodia’s AI/digital cooperation agenda, highlighting verify.gov.kh and digital talent and community programmes. Global Partnerships: Cambodia–U.S. ties got a boost in a courtesy call with the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, with both sides citing defence, anti-crime, trade and heritage cooperation. Culture & Soft Power: Cambodia was named guest of honour at France’s 19th Angoulême Francophone Film Festival ahead of the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh. Economy Watch: ADB cut Cambodia’s growth outlook amid energy shocks and border disruption, with inflation forecast rising. Travel Advisory: South Korea downgraded travel alerts for parts of Cambodia (Bokor, Bavet, Poipet) from Level 4 to Level 3, citing improved security.

Economy Outlook: The Asian Development Bank cut Cambodia’s growth forecast to 4.1% for 2026 and warned inflation could rise to 4.5%, citing the global energy crisis and the prolonged border closure with Thailand; the ADB’s move follows an IMF projection that growth will slow to 3% in 2026 before rebounding in 2027. Border & Sovereignty: Senate President Hun Sen reiterated that the Cambodia–Thailand border dispute can only be settled sustainably through international law, treaties and the ICJ, while a senior Cambodian official said Thailand is using UNCLOS procedures to stall Joint Boundary Commission work. Regional Security: Cambodia and Malaysia’s armed forces chiefs pledged deeper defence cooperation and peace-first dispute resolution, with Cambodia also welcoming two Vietnamese officers to join the ASEAN Observer Team monitoring the Cambodia–Thailand ceasefire. Human Capital & Diplomacy: Japan approved a $2.8m Human Resource Development Scholarship Project to fund graduate study for Cambodian government officials, extending cooperation launched in 2000. Labour & AI Readiness: An ILO report says Cambodia is among the least AI-ready ASEAN states, pointing to gaps in digital infrastructure and institutional capacity. Public Health & Work Safety: A new study flags rising heat stress in Phnom Penh’s garment and related sectors, urging stronger protections for workers.

Cambodia–Malaysia Defence: RCAF Commander-in-Chief Gen. Vong Pisen met Malaysia’s Defence Chief Gen. Malek Razak Sulaiman, agreeing to deepen military cooperation and reaffirm peaceful border dispute resolution, with Malaysia cited for past UNTAC support and 2025 border dialogue facilitation. ASEAN Border Monitoring: Cambodia welcomed two Vietnamese officers to join the ASEAN Observer Team to observe the Cambodia–Thailand ceasefire and report on border conditions, stressing transparency and full implementation of 2025 agreements. Border Dispute at Francophonie: Senate First Vice President Ouch Borith told APF meetings in Yaoundé that Thailand is using UNCLOS procedures as a pretext to suspend the Joint Boundary Commission, warning this risks a “fait accompli” and undermines international law. Human Rights Diplomacy: Cambodia backed a UN Human Rights Council push to decriminalize homosexuality and said it plans to ratify the UN treaty abolishing the death penalty, while also raising border-related rights concerns with OHCHR. Economy & Trade: The IMF projected Cambodia’s growth slowing to 3.0% in 2026, citing higher energy prices, weak tourism, scam reputational damage, and subdued demand, urging structural reforms. Logistics Modernisation: Deputy PM Sun Chanthol chaired the 11th National Logistics Council meeting to modernise logistics and improve supply-chain efficiency to boost trade competitiveness. Water Reform: Industry Minister HEM Vanndy met World Bank officials to advance Cambodia’s water sector reform, including an independent regulator and progress toward universal clean water access. Digital Governance: Cambodia highlighted AI governance and digital infrastructure efforts, including verify.gov.kh, during UN-led AI governance dialogue. Tourism Pressure: A report linked tourism declines to border tensions and the “scam hub” reputation, noting government crackdown steps but warning the border issue remains a major constraint. Heat Stress on Garments: A new study warns rising extreme heat in Phnom Penh is worsening factory working conditions, with major shares of factories exceeding indoor heat thresholds, raising health and safety stakes for garment output. Regional Infrastructure with China: Cambodia and China agreed to fast-track key strategic projects, including the Funan Techo Canal and priority highways, aiming to cut bottlenecks and lift long-term growth.

Border Security Diplomacy: Malaysia’s Defence Chief Gen. Malek Razak Sulaiman visited the Cambodia–Thailand border in Banteay Meanchey after briefing by ASEAN observers, underscoring Malaysia’s focus on regional stability tied to the 2025 border ceasefire monitoring. IMF Economic Outlook: The IMF says Cambodia’s growth will slow to about 3% in 2026 (from 5.3% in 2025) before rebounding in 2027, citing higher energy prices, weaker external demand, and reputational damage from scam activity that could hit tourism and financial stability. Human Rights Pressure Ahead of Francophonie: International NGOs urged the OIF and France to press Cambodia to release the “Mother Nature Cambodia 5” environmental activists ahead of the 2026 Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh. Local Governance & Accountability: Senate President Hun Sen met local council members in Rattanakiri, calling for faster, more responsive public services and stronger tax/customs enforcement. Trade & Investment Signals: Cambodia and WIPO signed an MoU to set up an Intellectual Property Business Centre to support private-sector awareness and innovation, while Japan’s grant extension will fund human resource development scholarships. Infrastructure Planning: PM Hun Manet floated turning the former Phnom Penh airport into a regional logistics hub (feasibility pending) and reiterated plans to develop Sihanoukville port logistics capacity. Cybercrime Crackdown Context: Cambodia continues intensifying action against online scams, including arrests of thousands in May, amid circulating claims about visa changes that the government says were fake.

IMF Outlook: The IMF says Cambodia’s economy is still resilient, but growth is set to slow to about 3% in 2026 (from 5.3% in 2025) as higher energy prices, weaker tourism, trade-policy uncertainty, and reputational damage from online scams weigh on activity. Local Governance: Senate President Hun Sen continued a nationwide outreach in Rattanakiri, urging commune and sangkat officials to deliver faster, more responsive public services while strengthening tax and customs enforcement. Economic Policy: Cambodia’s Ministry of Economy and Finance says it will keep flexible, proactive fiscal steps to support activity, protect macro stability, and sustain a pro-poor budget focused on livelihoods and social protection. Green Industry: Cambodia and Germany signed FABRIC Cambodia II to push garment and textile firms toward greener, standards-compliant production for global buyers. Public Infrastructure: PM Hun Manet backed the expanded China-funded National Road 7, saying better roads cut travel time and logistics costs and can attract more investment. Tourism Strategy: Cambodia and the UAE reviewed tourism cooperation, including air connectivity and a proposal for mutual tourist visa exemptions; the tourism ministry also stressed public-private-community partnerships for community-based tourism and ecotourism. Cybercrime & Immigration Rumors: Cambodia denied a viral claim that African nationals face a May 31, 2026 exit deadline, calling the document fake amid ongoing scam crackdown. Health & Crime: Japan arrested three suspects tied to alleged paid organ transplant brokering involving Cambodia, highlighting continued cross-border enforcement. Regional Diplomacy: Cambodia joined the UN-led Global Dialogue on AI Governance, outlining a five-point approach to trust, risk mitigation, and inclusive policy-making.

Border & Security: Cambodia’s Acting FM Eat Sophea briefed diplomats on the Cambodia–Thailand border situation, stressing the internationally recognized 1904/1907 line and calling for early resumption of Joint Boundary Commission work to let displaced families return. Military Diplomacy: Malaysia’s Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Tan Sri Malek Razak will visit Phnom Penh (8–11 July) for talks with Cambodian defence leaders and to inspect border areas under the ASEAN Observer Team. Infrastructure & Economy: PM Hun Manet inaugurated an upgraded National Road No. 7 section in Kampong Cham, linking better roads to lower travel costs and investment growth, while also reiterating plans for 11 logistics hubs nationwide. Youth & Media: DPM Hun Many officially recognized new UYFC working-group members in the media sector, pledging strict professional and ethical standards. Climate & Agriculture: Cambodia is preparing for a potentially prolonged El Niño, with ministries ordered to coordinate monitoring, drought response, and food support. Justice & Human Rights: Cambodia’s prison population has reached 67,677, raising alarms over overcrowding and suicide risks. International Cooperation on AI: Cambodia joined a UN-led Global Dialogue on AI Governance, proposing a five-point framework focused on trust, proactive risk mitigation, and inclusive policy-making. Environment & Development: Cambodia and the UAE pledged stronger climate action, including plastic reduction and reforestation targets. Trade & Industry: A feasibility review backs agro-industrial parks to attract private investment into processing and strengthen agriculture.

Transport & Logistics Push: PM Hun Manet inaugurated the upgraded National Road No. 7 in Kampong Cham and reiterated a wider transport plan: 11 national logistics hubs, rail and port upgrades, and continued progress on the Funan Techo Canal to shift more freight to waterways. Infrastructure, China Ties: In the same event, he framed the road as part of sustained Cambodia–China partnership, with further projects planned for 2026–27. Road Safety Enforcement: Hun Manet urged tougher, consistent action against overloaded vehicles, pointing to amended penalties and calling for better weight-inspection accountability. Heritage Restoration: On Preah Vihear’s 18th UNESCO anniversary, Hun Manet reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restore and preserve the temple after 2025 border clashes, citing ongoing work with UNESCO and experts. Border Tensions: Senate President Hun Sen urged Mondulkiri to strengthen cross-border cooperation with Vietnam while boosting tax collection, security, and land-dispute resolution. ASEAN Border Monitoring: ASEAN observers inspected Cambodia–Thailand border areas in Battambang, including a fence site and alleged agricultural encroachment, with Cambodia calling for the Joint Boundary Commission to meet. Public Health: Cambodia reported a dengue outbreak in Kandal’s Kaoh Thum district with nearly 600 cases in three weeks, prompting intensified mosquito-control and community warnings. Climate Preparedness: Cambodia is preparing for a potentially prolonged El Niño through early 2027, with ministries ordered to coordinate monitoring, emergency response, and support for drought-hit farmers.

Transport & Trade Facilitation: Deputy PM Sun Chanthol chaired talks with EuroCham on boosting Cambodia’s transport and logistics efficiency, with stakeholders discussing infrastructure and customs facilitation, including PASNet’s digital port services linked to ASYCUDA Hub. Parliamentary Diplomacy: Cambodia’s ambassador to Japan invited Japan’s House of Councillors president to ISC-2 in Phnom Penh, while also stressing Cambodia’s zero-tolerance stance on online scams and cybercrime. Digital Economy & Cybercrime: DPM Hang Chuon Naron urged Japanese investors to back Cambodia’s tech shift, pairing growth messaging with a crackdown on online scams. Border Security: Cambodia reported four soldiers injured by an explosion during patrol near the Cambodia–Thailand border in Oddar Meanchey, with investigations underway and commitments to existing peace agreements. ASEAN Border Monitoring: ASEAN observers inspected a Battambang border stretch, including areas where Cambodia says Thai forces built fences and damaged markers, as Cambodia calls for de-escalation and respect for demarcation processes. Science, Tech & MSMEs: Cambodia and Laos reaffirmed cooperation on STI and MSME development, highlighting connectivity plans and cross-border links. Preah Vihear Restoration: Ahead of the 18th anniversary, Cambodia pledged renewed restoration and safeguarding of Preah Vihear after 2025 damage, citing UXO contamination and setbacks to conservation work. Environment & Public Safety: Health authorities reported nearly 600 dengue cases in Kandal’s Kaoh Thum over three weeks, stepping up mosquito control and community warnings. Natural Resources Protection: Senate President Hun Sen urged stronger enforcement against natural resource offences, including in Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary, alongside attention to families of deployed soldiers and war veterans. Regional Economic Signals: Cambodia–Germany launched FABRIC Cambodia II to tighten supply-chain transparency and compliance in garments/footwear/travel goods as Western ESG and labour due-diligence pressure rises. IP Cooperation: Cambodia and South Korea reaffirmed IP cooperation, while Cambodia and WIPO signed an MoU for an IP Business Centre to support private-sector awareness and use of IP. International Legal Dispute: Thailand froze over $600 million in assets linked to Cambodian businessman Yim Leak under civil forfeiture, as he seeks U.S. discovery in the case.

Online Scam Crackdown: Cambodia’s push against technology-enabled fraud is moving from ad hoc raids to a more coordinated national response, after the Law on Combating Online Scams took effect in April and the Commission for Combating Online Scams (CCOS) was set up in late 2025, with reported raids on 400+ locations, 25 casino license revocations, and about 20,000 deportations linked to scam networks. Natural Resources & Wildlife Protection: Senate President Hun Sen urged stronger enforcement against natural resource offences, spotlighting Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary and calling on local councils to deliver faster public services while also caring for soldiers’ families and war veterans. Preah Vihear Anniversary & Heritage Security: Cambodia marked the 18th anniversary of Preah Vihear’s UNESCO listing, with royal remarks praising conservation and sovereignty, while the Preah Vihear National Authority also recalled the 2025 destruction and displacement and outlined emergency actions for affected communities. Angkor Conservation & Culture: APSARA highlighted new archaeological finds at Ta Prohm, with restored Avalokiteśvara-related artifacts displayed in Siem Reap, and tourism stakeholders weighed a proposal for nighttime Angkor temple tours against monument preservation risks. Industrial Growth & Investment Push: Cambodia reported large-scale factories rising to 3,284 by end-May 2026, employing 1.33 million workers and drawing $27.6 billion in cumulative investment, alongside efforts to expand investment corridors in Kratie. Regional Border Tensions: Thailand rejected Cambodian claims of a grenade strike during a border incident in Surin, saying an investigation found no assault by Thai forces. Diplomatic/Development Ties: Japan signed a $171.3 million mixed financing package to upgrade teacher training and strengthen water management, reinforcing Phnom Penh’s education and climate resilience agenda.

Cambodia–Thailand Border Tensions: Cambodia has lodged another formal protest after Thai forces installed new barbed wire in Preah Vihear’s Mom Bei area and Oddar Meanchey’s Chob Ruan area, saying the moves violate the 2025 de-escalation steps and the 2000 border MOU and urging Thailand to stop across all unlawfully occupied areas. Angkor Heritage & Tourism Policy: The government’s plan to study nighttime Angkor temple tours is gaining cautious support from tourism stakeholders, but guides and experts warn it must protect monument preservation and visitor safety. Preah Vihear UNESCO Anniversary: Preah Vihear marked its 18th year as a UNESCO World Heritage site with a ceremony focused on conservation, destruction, and restoration, while officials reported emergency shelter and services for displaced families after major damage in 2025. Journalism & National Security: A Supreme Court decision upholding treason sentences for two journalists signals a hard line on reporting tied to sensitive military zones, even as Cambodia prepares for the Francophonie summit and the spotlight on how it treats media. Agriculture & Climate Risk: Battambang’s rainy-season rice faces drought and insufficient irrigation, with nearly 18,362 hectares reported severely affected, prompting monitoring and mitigation orders. Digital & Economic Development: Cambodia continues pushing industrial and SME growth themes, while policy attention also turns to EV-related incentives and energy efficiency financing.