AGP Executive Report

Scam Crackdown Under Fire: Amnesty International says Cambodia’s crackdown on online scam compounds failed to dismantle trafficking-linked operations, alleging survivors were not screened or formally identified as victims and describing abuses including sexual violence, while authorities dispute the claims. PM Hun Manet in Vietnam: Cambodia’s Prime Minister departed for Hanoi for an official visit and the 3rd ASEAN Future Forum, with bilateral talks expected to deepen Vietnam-Cambodia ties and focus on trade and investment. ASEAN-China Media Forum: Cambodia joined the ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum in Shenyang, pledging to strengthen regional communication and fight fake news amid AI-driven information shifts. Border Checks Tightened: Takeo Governor ordered stricter inspections of imported goods at the Cambodia-Vietnam border to protect consumers and warned against collusion and smuggling. Regional Crime Link: Thai police detained a Cambodia-based Japanese fraud leader allegedly coordinating with Chinese operators, highlighting cross-border scam networks. Education Push: Education officials urged Grade 12 students to stay focused and use ministry revision materials ahead of national exams. Climate Action Campaign: “Clean Cambodia, Khmer Can Do” continues to frame litter control as climate resilience by cutting methane and pollution from waste.

Cybercrime Crackdown: Cambodia’s nationwide anti-scam push has raided dozens of sites in Phnom Penh, identifying 632 foreign suspects at 79 locations and seizing phones and computers, while authorities also detained people in Sen Sok and Meanchey as part of wider action against online gambling and fraud. Street Crime & Drugs: Acting Head of State Hun Sen urged local officials to intensify crackdowns on snatch theft, robberies, narcotics trafficking and cyber offences under the Safe Village-Commune policy. Border Security: The Interior Ministry says it is targeting drug corridors with coordinated operations across provinces. Cambodia–Thailand Heritage Row: Cambodia’s Culture Ministry condemned Thai forces for burning the wooden staircase to Khnar Temple, calling it deliberate damage to sovereign heritage and conservation work. UNCLOS Maritime Fight: Analysts say Thailand is trying to block Cambodia’s UN-backed compulsory conciliation process, while Thailand insists it’s about delimitation, not joint development. TVET Skills Drive: Over 270,000 people have enrolled in the TVET scheme ahead of National Skills Day, with preparations for June 15–16. ASEAN Diplomacy: PM Hun Manet heads to Hanoi for the ASEAN Future Forum, aiming to boost trade and investment cooperation. Environment & Zero Waste: Cambodia marked Environment Day with pledges to cut plastic use and expanded waste-separation bins nationwide. Education Tech: The CoolThink@JC computational thinking programme launched for primary schools, training teachers and setting up after-school coding clubs.

ASEAN & Diplomacy: PM Hun Manet will travel to Viet Nam for an official visit and to attend the 3rd ASEAN Future Forum in Hanoi from 8–10 June, holding talks with Vietnamese PM Le Minh Hung and meeting senior party and National Assembly leaders. Education & Digital Skills: Education Minister Hang Chuon Naron launched the CoolThink@JC computational thinking programme in Cambodian primary schools, with support from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and partners. Media Literacy: The Information Ministry expanded its “Say No to Fake News” campaign, urging youth to “Think Before You Share” and verify sources to avoid harm and legal risks. Cybercrime Crackdowns: Police dismantled a Koh Kong cyber-scam hub, arresting 51 foreign suspects, while Bavet City raids netted 78 arrests; more foreign nationals were detained in Tbong Khmum scam raids. Public Safety & Environment: Authorities collected about 40 tonnes of plastic waste during a Kampong Khleang cleanup campaign and urged residents to stop dumping into Tonle Sap; weather warnings cover rain and thunderstorms in many provinces. Tourism Tech: The Tourism Ministry launched a green-season AR app to promote domestic travel destinations. Border Displacement: Cambodia reported nearly 620,000 border refugees have returned home, about 95% of those displaced. Regional Security: ASEAN observers monitored border situations at O’Phlouk Damrei and Chey Chumneas checkpoints in Pursat.

Cambodia–Thailand Border Monitoring: ASEAN Observer Team missions, facilitated by the Cambodian Liaison Group, visited the O’Phlouk Damrei and Chey Chumneas areas in Pursat to check ceasefire measures, with Cambodia again saying Thai forces remain in illegal occupation and that demarcation work should resume for safe civilian returns. Humanitarian Aid: The Cambodian Red Cross delivered food and cash support to 753 displaced families in Oddar Meanchey, pairing relief with health education for malaria and dengue prevention. Public Security Push: Acting Head of State Hun Sen urged commune and sangkat officials to intensify action against street crime, drugs and cyber offences under the Safe Village-Commune policy. Tourism Promotion: Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism promoted the country at Beijing’s cultural and tourism expo, highlighting a temporary visa exemption for Chinese visitors from June 15 to Oct. 15. Digital Agriculture: MAFF launched the Cam Agri Hub website to give farmers one-stop climate, farming and market guidance. Environment & Wildlife: Cambodia marked Environment Day with progress on cutting plastic bag use and a study finding nearly 50 wildlife species in Veun Sai–Siem Pang National Park. Debt Update: Economists said Cambodia’s public debt rose to $13.3 billion in Q1 but remains low risk, largely due to concessional terms.

US-Cambodia Aviation Deal: A senior U.S. delegation led by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Hunt VanderToll wrapped up a breakthrough Open Skies Agreement after 12 years, setting up direct flights and signaling U.S. investment plans for Phnom Penh International Airport. Digital Agriculture Access: Cambodia launched the Cam Agri Hub, a one-stop online gateway for climate-smart farming guidance and market information for rice communities in the Tonle Sap region. Environment & Wildlife: On World Environment Day, Cambodia reported nearly 50 wildlife species recorded in Veun Sai–Siem Pang National Park, including seven threatened mammals, based on 2025 camera-trap surveys. Tourism Push in Sihanoukville: Preah Sihanouk reviewed 15 investment proposals worth about $39M to develop Koh Rong into a major global tourism destination, aiming to create around 1,000 jobs. Rice Exports: Cambodia earned over $327M from milled rice exports in the first five months of 2026, shipping nearly 569,000 tonnes to 63 destinations. Education-Industry Links: DPM Hang Chuon Naron urged stronger academia-industry-government collaboration to drive research and innovation, including policy dialogue on plastic waste and a circular economy. 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 Tensions Watch: Thailand said it will join Cambodia’s UN maritime arbitration but paused other border talks, as the dispute over the Gulf of Thailand continues.

US Forced-Labor Tariffs: The U.S. Trade Representative has proposed higher duties on 60 countries, naming Cambodia among those accused of failing to effectively ban forced-labor imports—raising fresh pressure on Cambodia’s exporters. Cambodia–Thailand Heritage Row: Cambodia’s Culture Ministry strongly condemned Thai military personnel for burning the wooden staircase to K’nar Temple in Preah Vihear, calling it an attack on cultural heritage and rejecting Thailand’s planned activities at Ta Krabei. Maritime Legal Battle: Thailand says it will join Cambodia’s UN-backed UNCLOS arbitration, but is holding other bilateral talks and objects to Cambodia’s push to include resource-sharing issues. Tourism Slump: Cambodia welcomed 1.3 million foreign tourists in the first four months of 2026, down nearly 46%, with analysts citing regional slowdown, scam concerns, and the Thailand border dispute. Trade & Growth: Cambodia exported about 568,912 tonnes of rice in the first five months for roughly $327 million, while Cambodia–China signed an AEO deal to speed customs and cut inspections. Aviation Investment: The U.S. DFC approved $100 million financing for Techo International Airport expansion. Scam Crackdown: Singapore police reported another arrest tied to a Cambodia-based scam ring, with 30 suspects still at large. Education Expansion: AUPP Liger Leadership Academy launched a new primary school pathway using the Victorian Curriculum 2.0 framework.

US Forced-Labour Tariffs: The U.S. proposes up to 12.5% duties on imports from 60 countries, including Cambodia, after a forced-labour probe—while trading partners push back on the fairness and impact. Phnom Penh Scam Crackdown: Phnom Penh authorities raided 104 locations, arresting 1,021 foreign suspects (including 480 women) tied to online scams. Cambodia–China Agri Deals: Cambodia and China signed SPS and quarantine cooperation protocols to expand exports, including dried longans and beef products. Rice Export Boost: Cambodia earned about $327.4m from milled rice exports in the first five months of 2026, shipping 568,912 tonnes. Tech & Skills: NPIC unveiled an autonomous delivery robot for indoor use, to be showcased at National TVET Day; the TVET programme for 1.5m youth is set to take centre stage. Environment & Community: Germany reaffirmed support for Cambodia’s waste management and green economy projects, including plastic reduction and Koh Sralao conservation. Crime & Justice: Three senior prison officials in Stung Treng resumed duty after suspension over alleged bribe-linked phone access; five youths were arrested after attacking police with an axe outside a Phnom Penh nightclub. Regional Security: Cambodia hosted an ASEAN military history workshop in Siem Reap to promote peace and stability.

Cambodia–Thailand Maritime Row: Thailand hit back after Cambodia triggered UNCLOS compulsory conciliation, saying it bypasses bilateral talks and could harm mutual trust, while Phnom Penh insists the move is lawful and peaceful. Border Tensions on the Ground: Fresh land-border friction flared in Preah Vihear as ASEAN observers monitored a reported troop standoff, with both sides trading accusations over contested areas. International Backing: Germany and Japan publicly backed Cambodia’s preference for resolving the dispute through international legal mechanisms and dialogue. Cybercrime Crackdown: Cambodia and South Korea pledged deeper cooperation against cross-border cyber fraud, building on recent enforcement actions. Public Safety: A lorry overturn in Svay Rieng injured 27 factory workers, with preliminary findings pointing to brake failure. US Forced-Labour Tariffs: Cambodia’s deputy PM Sun Chanthol tried to calm exporters, saying the proposed forced-labour tariff would replace—not add to—the existing 19% rate. Development & Finance: China signed an LMC Special Fund deal worth about $2m for seven projects, while the US DFC approved $100m for Techo International Airport expansion. Child Rights: The social affairs minister called for stronger protection of children, urging wider education access and community action to curb violence and child labour. Economy Watch: Cambodia’s public debt rose to $13.3bn in Q1, with most debt external and concessional loans continuing to fund priority investments.

Maritime Law Showdown: Cambodia has formally launched UNCLOS compulsory conciliation against Thailand over the Gulf of Thailand maritime dispute after Bangkok cancelled the 2001 MOU, with Phnom Penh saying it’s a peaceful, legal step and briefing diplomats ahead of the process. Cybercrime Crackdown: Cambodia and South Korea pledged deeper cooperation against cross-border cyber fraud, including more intelligence sharing and joint operations, as Cambodia pushes enforcement under its anti-cyber fraud law. Digital Payments: India’s UPI is now live in Cambodia via KHQR, letting Indian travellers pay at 4.5 million KHQR-enabled merchants, with interoperability led by NPCI International and Acleda. Road Safety: Twenty-seven garment workers were injured when a transport vehicle overturned in Svay Rieng, prompting calls for stricter maintenance and traffic enforcement. Arts & Social Protection: Informal arts workers are being urged to register on a digital onboarding platform to access benefits like NSSF healthcare, training, and service discounts. Climate Preparedness: Cambodia launched a five-year early warning project for storms, floods, droughts and lightning in four high-risk provinces. Sports: Cambodia’s women’s para throwball team advanced straight to the final at the Asian Para Throwball Championship, aiming to defend its gold.

Cybercrime Crackdown: Phnom Penh authorities screened 478 foreign nationals across 82 sites in a citywide sweep, saying no active scam operations were found but passport checks led to 10 transfers to immigration, while three residential sites were fined for security-rule violations. Zero-Tolerance Message: Acting Head of State Hun Sen warned there will be no leniency for any location used for online scams, as he toured 12 provinces to push accountability and public service delivery. Scam Raid in Sihanoukville: Kampong Som police arrested 26 foreign suspects after a villa raid tied to online fraud, seizing laptops, phones and vehicles; none had valid passports. Digital Payments for Tourism: Cambodia and India launched cross-border QR connectivity, letting Indian visitors pay at 4.5 million Cambodian merchants via KHQR/UPI. Health Cooperation: Cambodia and Laos moved to expand border public health cooperation, while Cambodia’s embassy in South Korea signed an MoU with Soonchunhyang Hospital for subsidised care for Cambodians. Regional Diplomacy & Trade: Cambodia and China pledged deeper strategic ties in Beijing; Cambodia also briefed diplomats on starting UNCLOS compulsory conciliation with Thailand. Infrastructure & Economy: Techo International Airport won Skytrax’s “best new terminal” global recognition; the private sector is reviewing support measures for Cambodia’s cement industry.

US Tariff Pressure: The Trump administration has proposed new 10%–12.5% duties on imports from 60 economies, including Cambodia, after finding they failed to effectively curb forced-labour goods—setting up another round of trade uncertainty. Maritime Diplomacy: Cambodia has launched UNCLOS compulsory conciliation over its Gulf of Thailand dispute with Thailand, appointing two conciliators and saying the process starts after formal notification. Border & Security: Thailand’s defence side warned Cambodia’s UNCLOS move could complicate wider talks, while Cambodia’s border officials keep pushing for calm and compliance. Digital Payments: India’s UPI is now linked to Cambodia’s KHQR, letting Indian travellers pay at millions of merchant locations across the country. Anti-Scam Push: Cambodia continues crackdown efforts, including Poipet raids that detained 113 foreigners, as authorities target scam networks. Fake News & Media: A regional forum in Phnom Penh backed by the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation fund focused on cross-border action against fake news. Animal Welfare: FOUR PAWS launched a Khmer reporting platform to help track Cambodia’s dog and cat meat trade. Local Culture: Siem Reap artisans keep sbaek thom shadow puppetry alive with traditional chisels and craft.

Maritime Showdown: Cambodia has formally triggered UNCLOS compulsory conciliation over overlapping Gulf of Thailand claims after Thailand withdrew from the 2001 MOU, with Hun Manet saying it’s a peaceful, legally guided process to protect sovereignty and unlock energy resources. Parliament Backs It: The Senate and National Assembly both endorsed the move, urging good-faith participation. Border Monitoring: ASEAN Observer Team inspections at An Ses in Preah Vihear highlighted alleged Thai barbed-wire and container deployments that block families’ return, with Cambodia calling for faster land demarcation via the Joint Boundary Commission. Anti-Fake News Push: Information Minister Neth Pheaktra backed a Mekong-Lancang fact-checking and rapid-response network, while Cambodia’s Information Ministry also received support for its “Say NO to Fake News” campaign. Health & Aid: CHAI renewed support for Cambodia’s primary healthcare and Universal Health Coverage goals, and the Information Ministry donated 106 million riel to Kantha Bopha for free child care. Digital Payments: India’s UPI payments are now accepted in Cambodia via KHQR at 4.5 million merchant outlets, with a two-way corridor planned next. Crime & Safety: Police arrested four suspects over the murders of a transgender woman and a taxi driver in Phnom Penh, and Cambodia continued multi-province anti-scam raids. Environment: Extreme heat and low water killed about 2,000 kg of fish in Siem Reap’s Tamouk Lake sanctuary. Culture: Phnom Penh hosts the first GOLDEN (r)AGE contemporary performing arts festival, running June 4–14.

Maritime Showdown: Cambodia has formally notified Thailand and the UN to start compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS to resolve their long-running overlapping maritime claims, after Bangkok withdrew from the 2001 MoU—while Cambodia’s Senate and National Assembly backed the move. Tax Powerhouse: Hun Sen highlighted Cambodia’s new General Department of Taxation headquarters as the country’s largest government building and said tax revenue has already surpassed 53% of the 2026 target in the first five months. Tourism Numbers: Angkor ticket sales brought in over $17.2M from January to May, even as international arrivals fell sharply year-on-year. Drugs Crackdown: Cambodia reported big drops in drug arrests and narcotics seizures in the first five months of 2026, though enforcement continues. Scam Pressure in Phnom Penh: Authorities carried out raids tied to online scams, including arrests at a villa linked to a senior officer, as Phnom Penh continues crackdown operations. Culture Rules: Culture and religion ministries urged couples to avoid using the Sampeas Ptem knot-tying ritual at engagement parties and warned against grooms wearing civil servant uniforms at weddings. Regional Tech Link: Timor-Leste launched verify.gov.tl with Cambodian support to help verify driver’s licenses and transport documents online.

Cybercrime Crackdown: Cambodia charged 54 police and military police over alleged theft and destruction of scam raid evidence in Kampot, as authorities push wider enforcement against online fraud networks. Border Tensions: Phnom Penh renewed calls for Cambodia-Thailand border discipline, protesting Thai construction of Buddha statues and flagpoles in disputed areas while urging adherence to agreements. Diplomatic Reform: The Foreign Ministry expanded merit-based recruitment for the diplomatic corps, testing 1,248 candidates with ethics and multilingual skills. Digital Cooperation: Timor-Leste launched verify.gov.tl, a blockchain document verification system built with Cambodian technical support. Public Safety & Environment: The Environment Ministry said it blocked tens of millions of cubic metres of industrial wastewater from polluting ecosystems, while cyber-scam inspections continued across multiple provinces. Humanitarian & Community Support: A temporary market opened in Banteay Meanchey for 2,800 displaced families, and charity runs raised funds for Kantha Bopha hospitals. Rights Under Pressure: Mother Nature Cambodia activists’ appeal hearing was postponed indefinitely, drawing calls from 70 NGOs to free them.

Tourism Under Pressure: Angkor welcomed 359,471 international visitors in the first five months of 2026, down 31.8% year-on-year, with officials pointing to global slowdown, online scams, and Thailand border tensions, plus higher fuel costs from the Middle East conflict. Anti-Scam Crackdown in Phnom Penh: Authorities inspected 81 locations and checked 700+ foreigners in a three-day operation, transferring 24 people without valid documents and fining landlords 76 million riel for harbouring cybercriminals. Jobs for Returning Migrants: Cambodia says 8,357 vacancies are open across Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang and Kampong Thom, with a hotline (1297) for placement support. Drug Enforcement Update: During Jan–May 2026, drug arrests fell 32% to 7,127 suspects and seizures totaled about 1.01 tons of illicit drugs, with no death penalty for traffickers under Cambodian law. Regional Links: Vietnam’s navy training ship LE QUY DON visited Sihanoukville for four days to strengthen ties, while Cambodia and Kazakhstan signed a visa exemption deal for diplomatic and official/service passport holders. Education & Skills: Cambodia and China expanded TVET cooperation for new energy vehicle training, and Paragon International University launched an SQA-aligned business programme.

Renewable Energy Push: Cambodia is accelerating renewables to cut costly fossil-fuel imports as West Asia conflict drives up fuel prices and slows growth, with officials citing losses of about US$80 million to keep electricity stable. Energy & Economy: The same pressure is feeding higher inflation and raising the stakes for household purchasing power. Border Tensions: Cambodia has protested Thailand’s continued construction of Buddhist statues and flagpoles in disputed border areas, saying Thai forces have consolidated control after a Dec. 27 ceasefire. Diplomacy: Kazakhstan and Cambodia signed a visa-free deal for diplomatic and official/service passport holders, aiming to boost government-to-government travel and cooperation. Capital Markets: SERC and UNDP launched detailed guidance for issuing green, social and sustainability (GSS) bonds to attract private climate and social investment. 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 Talk: At Shangri-La Dialogue, Cambodia-linked commentary warned Japan’s expanding defense equipment cooperation could stoke arms-race risks.