AGP Executive Report

Border Displacement Response: Cambodia’s Interior Ministry has created six “Waiting Villages” (Rong Cham I–VI) in Banteay Meanchey to house families displaced by last year’s Thailand border clashes, citing continued Thai barriers and damage to homes and infrastructure. Royal Health & Continuity: King Norodom Sihamoni returned safely from Beijing after successful prostate surgery, with gradual recovery reported by the Royal Palace. Cambodia–China Party Diplomacy: National Assembly President Khuon Sudary sent CPC’s 105th anniversary congratulations, reaffirming “ironclad” Cambodia–China friendship and a shared-future community. Cambodia–Japan People-to-People: The NA president reiterated “Heart-to-Heart” ties with Japan as a farewell meeting with the outgoing Japanese ambassador highlighted long-term support, including humanitarian help during the border crisis. Regional Geopolitics: Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing began his first visit to an ASEAN member state by arriving in Laos, signing MOUs and drawing analyst attention to ASEAN fault lines. Humanitarian Partnership: PM Hun Manet met the ICRC’s regional head, who pledged continued support after work on displaced people, prison healthcare, and physical rehabilitation. Energy Finance for SMEs: ADB and partners launched an Energy Efficiency Revolving Fund to help Cambodian SMEs scale energy-saving investments. ASEAN–India Women in Science: Cambodia will host the 2nd ASEAN-India Women in Science Conclave in Phnom Penh (July 8–10), aiming to expand women’s roles in STEM. Capital Markets Push: Cambodia’s securities regulator says the CSX could reach about $1B in capital by end-2026 as more firms list, including a new IPO roadshow. Labor Rights Flashpoint: NagaWorld union members protested in Phnom Penh after court summonses, renewing demands for reinstatement and an end to criminal cases tied to the long-running dispute.

Industrial Policy & Competitiveness: Cambodia unveiled four strategies to boost competitiveness at Toyota’s Hilux Travo assembly launch, including cutting trade/investment costs, pushing clean energy to 70% by 2030, strengthening cybersecurity under the Anti-Cyber Scam Law, and speeding investment facilitation via digital public services. Humanitarian & Border Response: The ICRC pledged to deepen cooperation with Cambodia, citing support for displaced people during the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict and work on rehabilitation and prison healthcare. Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Cambodia and the Philippines reaffirmed steady progress ahead of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, with both sides highlighting cooperation on education, security, and anti-scam efforts. Labor & Justice: NagaWorld union members protested in Phnom Penh after court summonses tied to the long-running labor dispute, renewing demands for reinstatement and an end to criminal cases against union figures. U.S.-Cambodia Aviation & Security: Cambodia and the U.S. signed their first Open Skies agreement, and the U.S. marked Independence Day by spotlighting expanding defense, trade, and aviation cooperation. Border Governance: Cambodia’s army chief asked the ASEAN Observer Team to review activities near Khnar Temple after concerns they proceeded without coordination with Cambodia. TVET & Skills: China transferred national occupational standards to Cambodia to modernize vocational training, aligned with labor-market needs including the NEV sector. Digital & Education Partnerships: Japan reiterated support for Cambodia’s education cooperation, including exchanges, language teaching, teacher development, and ICT. Civil Society Debate: PM Hun Manet defended government support for civil society groups that serve the public, pointing to PSE’s 30-year work and rejecting claims of restrictions.

Cambodia–U.S. Reset: At U.S. Independence Day events in Phnom Penh, officials said ties are “stronger than ever,” pointing to new cooperation in trade, aviation, defense and anti–cross-border cyber scams after earlier strains. Civil Society Debate: PM Hun Manet, at PSE’s 30th anniversary, rejected claims of restrictions on NGOs, arguing groups that deliver education and social services get government support. Youth & Development Messaging: The premier pushed a “teach a man to fish” approach, urging young Cambodians to build skills, innovate and persevere. Media Ethics Row: Government officials’ threats to handcuff journalists sparked public backlash and a debate over power abuse and journalistic responsibility. Education Integrity: A forged ITC engineering diploma case revived concerns over credential checks, with the institute urging verification via the government Verify platform. Border Tensions: Cambodia’s army chief lodged a complaint over an ASEAN Observer Team entry near Khnar Temple without coordination, underscoring sovereignty claims. Digital & Skills Push: China transferred national occupational standards to Cambodia’s labour ministry to modernize TVET, including for the EV and construction sectors. Energy & Climate Cooperation: ADB approved $63.44m for a Takeo battery storage system to stabilize the grid and support renewables and cross-border power trade. Water Festival Cancelled: Phnom Penh cancelled Water Festival events again to focus on border response and displaced residents.

Border & national priorities: Phnom Penh has cancelled the 2026 Water Festival for a second straight year, citing the border situation with Thailand and support for displaced communities, while keeping the public holiday for workers and civil servants. Food security & enforcement: PM Hun Manet used National Fish Day to order tougher action against large-scale clam dredging and illegal electric fishing on Tonle Sap, including identifying people who incite others to break the law, and he said fish stocks have risen after two years of crackdowns. Farm incomes & markets: The premier also highlighted government price-stabilisation support for farmers after harvest and renewed push to expand export markets for surplus rice and fishery products. Defense & diplomacy: King Norodom Sihamoni urged implementation of the new conscription law and ratification of UNCLOS as key to strengthening national defense. Cambodia–US ties: Cambodia signed a first-ever Open Skies air transport agreement with the United States and the two sides’ army chiefs backed deeper cooperation, including planning “Angkor Sentinel 2027.” Regional governance & events: Cambodia reaffirmed readiness to host the 20th Francophonie Summit in November, and officials promoted “gastro-diplomacy” to link Khmer cuisine with tourism growth. Legal pushback: Nation Power Party adviser Rong Chhun petitioned the Justice Ministry for a retrial and restoration of political rights after the Supreme Court upheld his incitement conviction.

Border-Driven Culture Shift: Cambodia has canceled Phnom Penh’s Water Festival for the second straight year, citing the Thailand border dispute and support needs for displaced residents, while keeping the Nov. 23–25 public holiday for workers and civil servants. Legal Rights Under Pressure: Nation Power Party adviser Rong Chhun has petitioned the Justice Ministry for a retrial and restoration of political rights after the Supreme Court upheld his incitement conviction, leaving him under judicial supervision and barred from leaving Phnom Penh. Diplomacy & Aviation: Cambodia and the U.S. signed a landmark Open Skies deal to modernize civil aviation and expand direct routes, including all-cargo seventh-freedom rights. Security Cooperation: Cambodia and the U.S. army chiefs pledged deeper military ties and set up the joint exercise “Angkor Sentinel 2027,” while Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam push a trilateral border-security mechanism to tackle online scams and transnational crime. Food Security Focus: PM Hun Manet highlighted agriculture and fisheries as pillars of national food security, ordering enforcement against illegal fishing and releasing 1.5 million fish into the Vai Ko River. Tourism Strategy: Cambodia is rolling out “gastro-diplomacy” to link Khmer cuisine with tourism growth, including hygiene and authenticity standards and use of major events like the Francophonie Summit. Trade Connectivity: Cambodia launched a Laos-to-China overland transit corridor for key farm products, with durian leading an initial shipment, aiming to expand market access beyond maritime routes.

Defense Cooperation: India offered Cambodia advanced military technology, including demining tools and surveillance drones, after talks between India’s defense attaché and RCAF Commander-in-Chief Gen. Vong Pisen. Regional Security: PM Hun Manet urged Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam to intensify trilateral cooperation against online scams and transnational crime, following the second ministerial meeting of interior and public security officials. Border Tensions: Cambodia strongly condemned Thailand’s repeated territorial violations around the disputed O’Smach area, rejecting media access without authorization and calling it a breach of international law. China-Linked Infrastructure Push: Deputy PM Sun Chanthol met China’s CIDCA in Beijing to speed up key infrastructure projects under the “Diamond Hexagon” framework. Diplomacy in Paris: Cambodia’s foreign minister met Quebec’s international relations minister and briefed on the Cambodia–Thailand border situation. Economy & Trade: Unilever plans local manufacturing lines in Cambodia, while an inter-ministerial draft logistics law is under consultation to cut transport costs and modernize supply chains. Energy & Climate Finance: ADB approved $63.44m for a battery storage project in Takeo to stabilize the grid and support renewable growth. Culture & Heritage: The renovated Arthoross Museum opened at Oudong Mountain, highlighting royal-era religious artifacts. Women’s Justice Debate: A new commentary questions Cambodia’s gender-equality promise after a convicted rapist reportedly walked free, spotlighting enforcement gaps.

Royal Health Update: King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk are set to return to Cambodia on July 3 after months of medical treatment in Beijing, with follow-up checkups planned in Phnom Penh. Logistics Reform: Cambodia is drafting a law to manage and develop the logistics sector, aiming to cut transport costs and improve safety and efficiency through national logistics complexes, with World Bank support for logistics performance measurement. Diplomacy & Party Ties: CPP President Samdech Techo Hun Sen exchanged congratulatory messages marking the CPP’s 75th anniversary and sent greetings to China’s Xi Jinping on the CPC’s 105th anniversary, underscoring continued party-to-party engagement. China-Cambodia Security Framing: Xi Jinping told Hun Sen in Beijing that China is willing to deepen peace and development cooperation with Cambodia and advance a shared future community. Digital Payments: India’s UPI went live in Greece, and the report notes UPI is now available in 10 countries including Cambodia, highlighting cross-border payment integration. Climate Tech: An AI smart-grid project in Cambodia was selected for international funding under the Climate Technology Accelerator Fund, aiming to modernize electricity networks and reduce losses. Tourism Demand: Kampong Khleang eco-tourism in Siem Reap welcomed nearly 14,000 visitors in the first five months of 2026, with international tourists making up over 80%.

US-Cambodia Legal Fallout: Cambodian businessman Yim Leak says he’s seeking US court help to obtain documents and sworn testimony that could challenge Thailand-linked scam allegations and his earlier inclusion in a draft US congressional bill. Land & Power: Koh Meas residents in Kandal ask CPP leader Hun Sen to intervene in a long-running land dispute, alleging a 50-year lease without notice, impact assessments, or fair compensation. Humanitarian Returns: Cambodia repatriated the remains of 19 Vietnamese volunteer soldiers from Kampong Thom, citing joint excavation under a Cambodia-Vietnam humanitarian agreement. Culture & Heritage: Cambodia’s First Lady inaugurated the restored Preah Vihear Atthaross Museum at Oudong Mountain, spotlighting heritage recovery and public access. Economic Signals: Labour ministry reports 650 new enterprises registered in early 2026, lifting total registered firms to 47,299 and expanding the workforce to 2.29 million. Infrastructure Push: Cambodia and CCECC are fast-tracking feasibility studies for transport network modernisation, with government ready to evaluate next steps. Energy Upgrade: World Bank approved a $115m package to strengthen Cambodia’s electricity grid and support cleaner energy while improving reliability. Regional Security: US and Cambodian military leaders advanced planning for Exercise Angkor Sentinel 2027, resuming a key defence cooperation track.

Diplomacy & Security: Cambodia’s Senior Minister Ly Thuch urged ASEAN and Asia-Pacific partners to choose cooperation over confrontation at the Dubrovnik Forum, warning smaller states against zero-sum geopolitics. Regional Defence Health: Cambodia hosted the 13th ASEAN Chiefs of Military Medicine Conference in Siem Reap, with chemical weapons response at the top of the agenda. US-Cambodia Military Planning: US and Cambodian military leaders met in Phnom Penh to advance Exercise Angkor Sentinel 2027 concept development, signaling renewed defence cooperation. Online Scams & Reputation: PM Hun Manet told SMEs Cambodia is fighting online scams to restore the country’s international reputation, while also warning global uncertainty and geopolitical tensions are squeezing the economy. SME Push: Hun Manet said reforms aim to help businesses adapt, improve competitiveness, and meet rising standards ahead of LDC graduation. Border Tensions: Cambodia lodged another formal protest against Thailand’s persistent border violations in Oddar Meanchey, citing forest clearing and barbed-wire installation. Urban Planning: Phnom Penh agreed a new road alignment linking Boeung Kak to Preah Monivong Boulevard to ease traffic congestion. Tourism Inclusion: The Ministry of Tourism will host a Muslim-Friendly Tourism Forum and Fair 2026 in Phnom Penh to attract and serve Muslim travellers. Environment & Livelihoods: Cambodia launched a pilot to grow Giant King Grass in Pursat as renewable fuel to reduce pressure on protected forests.

Cambodia–Thailand Border Row: Cambodia lodged another formal protest over Thai forest-clearing and barbed-wire installation near Boundary Pillar No. 26 in Oddar Meanchey, saying the moves breach the 2000 land-boundary MoU and Dec. 27, 2025 de-escalation terms, and reiterating it won’t accept unilateral Thai claims. Border Mapping Dispute: A senior border official said both the Franco-Indochina-Siam boundary map and Thailand’s own L7017 map place Khnar Temple inside Cambodian territory, accusing Thailand of trying to redraw lines around areas it has invaded. Border Fence Update: A Thai parliamentary delegation was told the first 1.3-km phase of a Cambodia border fence in Chanthaburi is 45% complete, with Cambodia invited to observe. Press Freedom & Security: Cambodia’s Supreme Court upheld 14-year sentences for two journalists convicted of allegedly revealing military secrets tied to border clashes. Online Scam Crackdown: The government continues to frame its anti-scam drive as improving Cambodia’s international image, while also banning platforms including Discord and Patreon over alleged illegal gambling links. Economy & Business Policy: PM Hun Manet pushed faster business registration and product inspection reforms, urged stronger food safety standards, and said Cambodia is forgoing about $50m monthly revenue to stabilize fuel and electricity prices. MSMEs & Jobs: Hun Manet highlighted SMEs as key to jobs and growth, stressing quality, trust, and competitiveness as Cambodia prepares for LDC graduation. International Diplomacy: Cambodia will host the Second Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference in Phnom Penh (Aug. 26–28) and Cambodia’s foreign minister will preside over the Francophonie’s 47th extraordinary ministerial session in Paris. Regional Cooperation: ReCAAP ISC and the Philippine Coast Guard met with Cambodia among focal points to strengthen cooperation against piracy and sea robbery.

Supreme Court & Press Freedom: Cambodia’s Supreme Court has upheld 14-year jail terms for two journalists (Phorn Sopheap and Pheap Pheara of TSP 68 TV Online) convicted of allegedly revealing military secrets tied to Cambodia–Thailand border clashes, drawing fresh criticism from media and civil society. Border Tensions (Thailand): Phnom Penh lodged another diplomatic protest over Thai military forest-clearing and barbed-wire work near Boundary Pillar No. 26 in Oddar Meanchey, while a border expert reiterated that Khnar Temple is within Cambodian territory based on official maps. Online Scams Crackdown: The government says international media increasingly recognize Cambodia’s anti-scam efforts, as Prime Minister Hun Manet frames reputation restoration as a “war” alongside security and economic challenges. Digital Controls: Cambodia banned Discord, Patreon and 29 other websites, citing links to illegal gambling and illicit activities, sparking public backlash. CPP 75th Anniversary & Sovereignty: CPP leaders used the party’s 75th founding anniversary to reaffirm firm stances on sovereignty and peaceful dispute resolution with Thailand under international law. Economy & Governance: Hun Manet pushed SME support, simpler business procedures, food safety enforcement, and tax relief measures (including fuel/electricity) to cushion households amid global uncertainty. Cambodia–China: Hun Sen’s China visit and Xi Jinping’s pledge of a security partnership highlight deeper cooperation, including telecom fraud-fighting. CPTPP Accession: CPTPP members advanced preliminary accession talks toward Costa Rica and Uruguay, with preparatory steps also discussed for the Philippines, Indonesia and the UAE. Skills & Green Finance: Cambodia signed an MoU with Zo Motors for EV skills training, while CMA and ARDB partnered to expand green finance and climate-responsive services.

Border Tensions: Cambodia lodged a fresh formal protest against Thailand over alleged incursions near Boundary Pillar No. 26 in Oddar Meanchey, citing forest-clearing and barbed-wire installation that Cambodia says violate the 2000 land boundary MoU and de-escalation commitments. SME Push & Consumer Protection: Prime Minister Hun Manet urged MSMEs to boost quality, food safety, and competitiveness, while directing ministries to streamline business procedures and tighten oversight of misleading or unsafe food products. Online Scam Crackdown & Reputation: Hun Manet said international media are increasingly recognizing Cambodia’s five-month anti-scam crackdown, framing it as a “war to restore reputation” and warning that conflict and scams erode investor confidence. Economy & LDC Transition: Analysts warned that Cambodia’s 2029 LDC graduation will require a shift from aid dependence to stronger domestic resilience as support measures and development financing gradually change. Cambodia–China High-Level Ties: Senate President Hun Sen’s China visit drew attention in the region, while Xi Jinping told Hun Sen that China is willing to establish a security partnership with Cambodia and cooperate against telecom fraud. Investment & Logistics: Hun Manet said Cambodia is seeking a Western company to build a regional logistics hub at Techo International Airport, alongside customs reforms aimed at more transparent, efficient trade. Green Finance: CMA and ARDB signed an MoU to expand green finance and climate-responsive services across banking, agriculture, and MSMEs. Justice & Press Freedom: Cambodia’s Supreme Court upheld 14-year prison terms for two online journalists, a decision criticized by media and civil society groups. Regional Security Planning: U.S. and Cambodian forces met in Phnom Penh to plan the Angkor Sentinel 2027 exercise, signaling renewed military cooperation.

Royal Health Update: Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath will return from Beijing on July 3, with Senate officials saying the King’s health has improved after medical treatment. Food Safety Push: PM Hun Manet ordered stronger food quality inspections and tighter national standards after public concerns over mislabelled products, warning that dishonest sellers can damage consumer trust and urging businesses to take responsibility. SME Digital Drive: On the 3rd National Day of MSMEs, Hun Manet urged small firms to use digital tools to improve product quality, packaging, branding, and management—while also calling for stronger domestic production and competitiveness. Cambodia’s Reputation vs Scams: Hun Manet framed restoring Cambodia’s international reputation as a major challenge, linking it directly to the fight against online scams and the need for a coordinated response. AI in Government: A UN public service forum session discussed balancing AI efficiency with accountability, transparency, inclusion, and meaningful human involvement in decision-making. China Security Partnership: Xi Jinping told CPP and Senate leaders in Beijing that China is willing to establish a security partnership with Cambodia to tackle telecom fraud, with Hun Sen pledging closer law-enforcement cooperation. Scam Hub Human Toll: Despite crackdowns, reports say about 5,300 people remain trapped in Myanmar scam compounds near the Thai border, including at least 18 Filipinos. Regional Border Cooperation: Indonesia and Australia agreed to deepen ASEAN-Australia border security cooperation, including intelligence sharing and cybersecurity, as online scams and trafficking threats grow. Judicial Rights Concern: Cambodia’s Supreme Court upheld treason convictions for two journalists over Facebook posts tied to Thailand border clashes, drawing renewed press-freedom criticism. Water Registration Milestone: Cambodia reported registering 1,659 water reservoirs nationwide, with hundreds moving through surveying and administrative steps toward formal titles. Film & Night Temple Tourism: A new inter-ministerial working group was set up to attract film productions and expand night temple tourism, coordinating procedures and new tourism products.

Online Scam Crackdown: Cambodia’s PM Hun Manet ordered authorities to keep pressing the fight against online fraud, citing 500+ scam locations targeted since early 2025 and 400+ shut down, plus casino licence revocations and hundreds of court cases. Digital Fraud Weak Points: A separate report says the crackdown is exposing gaps in SIM registration and banking checks, including cases where identities were allegedly used to register multiple SIMs. Transnational Scam Human Cost: Despite regional raids, about 5,300 people remain trapped in Myanmar scam compounds near the Thai border, with victims from multiple countries, including at least 18 Filipinos. Cambodia–China Diplomacy: In Beijing, Senate President Hun Sen met Xi Jinping and China pledged deeper cooperation and even a security partnership aimed at rooting out telecom fraud. Regional Security Cooperation: Xi’s proposal follows earlier “2+2” dialogue steps between foreign and defence ministries. Justice & Rights: The Supreme Court heard the final appeal of imprisoned activist Koet Saray, with a verdict set for July 3. Education & Finance: Cambodia and JICA signed about $171.3M for teacher education and irrigation projects, while ARDB and CMA backed green finance for climate resilience. Culture & Tourism: Kampot moved closer to a UNESCO Creative Cities bid for gastronomy.

Cambodia–China Security and Party Ties: In Beijing, Senate President Hun Sen met China’s top legislators and CPC officials, with Xi Jinping pledging to establish a security partnership and both sides stressing deeper legislative and party-to-party cooperation. Anti-Scam Crackdown: Cambodia’s CCOS task force says a sweeping 18-month campaign targets foreign-led telecom and online fraud syndicates, backed by a new “Law on Combating Technology-enabled Scams,” while courts continue to jail low-level participants. Digital Governance Recognition: Cambodia’s verify.gov.kh won the 2026 UN Public Service Award for transparency and accountability, highlighting upgrades for fraud prevention and faster document checks. Regional Diplomacy and Trade: Cambodia’s Senate leadership also pushed closer parliamentary cooperation as Cambodia’s international engagement expands, while separate coverage notes Cambodia’s interest in major trade frameworks. Public Safety and Social Policy: PM Hun Manet marked International Day Against Drug Abuse by calling for innovative, nationwide action against drug problems. Development Projects: Cambodia and Japan signed about $171M for education and irrigation, and CCCC reiterated support for major infrastructure delivery. Local Economy: MAFF held a cashew value-chain forum in Kampong Thom, and a Vietnamese firm plans a construction machinery assembly plant in Kampong Speu.

China-Cambodia Diplomacy: Senate President Hun Sen begins a June 25-27 goodwill visit to Beijing, meeting top Chinese leaders and reaffirming the “ironclad friendship” and deeper strategic coordination. Press Freedom Under Scrutiny: Cambodia’s Supreme Court upholds treason convictions and 14-year prison terms for two journalists over border-related photos, drawing fresh criticism from rights groups and information officials defending national security limits on expression. Border Tensions, ASEAN Monitoring: An ASEAN Observer Team visits the Tamone Sen Chey border area in Oddar Meanchey to assess ceasefire compliance, while Cambodia reiterates commitments tied to the 2025 joint statements. Digital Governance Wins International Nod: Cambodia’s verify.gov.kh is awarded a UN Public Service Award for transparency and accountability, highlighting AI-enabled document verification and fraud reduction. Anti-Drug Push: NACD Deputy PM Neth Savoeun urges provincial governors to act faster on drug reports, citing delays after citizen submissions. Crypto Crackdown Spillover: The US DOJ seizes a Huione Group cloud account linked to large-scale crypto fraud and money laundering, keeping Cambodia’s scam-finance spotlight in focus. Cambodia-Israel Cooperation: Talks expand into digital health, AI, engineering, and safe labour mobility for Cambodian workers. Environment & Tourism Planning: Ministers inspect a proposed “green leisure corridor” in Cardamom Park, aiming to link eco-tourism with conservation and local livelihoods.