AGP Executive Report

Cambodia–Thailand Border Tensions: Cambodia has lodged another formal protest after Thai forces installed new barbed wire in Mom Bei (Preah Vihear) and Chob Ruan (Oddar Meanchey) on July 2, saying the moves breach the 2025 de-escalation plan and the 2000 border MOU, and urging Thailand to stop across all unlawfully occupied areas. Cybercrime Crackdown Links to Cambodia: India opened an investigation into reports that Indians were trafficked into Myanmar scam compounds near the Thailand border and forced into crypto fraud, while separate reporting says some suspects are linked to voice-phishing operations involving Cambodia. Drought Hits Battambang Rice: El Niño is worsening water shortages, with 18,362 hectares of rainy-season rice in Battambang reported severely affected as of July 1; authorities say monitoring and mitigation are underway. Diplomacy on Thai Border Observers: Cambodia’s complaint over an ASEAN Observer visit at Khnar Temple prompted the Philippines’ outgoing ambassador to assure Prime Minister Hun Manet that the observer mission will remain transparent and impartial. Local Culture & Community Events: The First Lady opened the TYDA Dental Conference; Culture officials and partners planted 10,000 saplings at Angkor’s AEON Natural Park; and Men Sam An held pagoda candle offerings and visits to veterans’ families in Svay Rieng.

Royal Health Update: King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk returned to Cambodia after months of medical treatment in Beijing, with palace statements saying the King’s prostate condition is improving and follow-up care will continue in Phnom Penh. Humanitarian Relief: The Cambodian Red Cross delivered aid to 800 vulnerable families in Thbong Khmum amid El Niño heat, including rice, cooking supplies, hygiene items, and cash, plus outreach on maternal and infant health and climate adaptation. Energy & Industry: Cambodia launched a $20 million Energy Efficiency Revolving Fund to help SMEs finance efficient technologies, backed by the ADB and key local institutions. Tourism Connectivity: Direct charter flights from Prague to Sihanoukville will run from Dec. 19, 2026 to Apr. 3, 2027, aiming to bring Czech visitors to Cambodia’s coast. Landmine/ERW Toll: CMAA reported 28 landmine and ERW casualties in the first half of 2026, with 7 killed, 15 injured, and 6 amputations. Border Displacement: Six new “Waiting Villages” were created in Banteay Meanchey for families displaced by last year’s Thailand border clashes, as some still cannot return.

Clean Energy Skills Gap: Cambodia’s first National Clean Energy Youth Forum says the green transition will need thousands of new workers by 2040, but training and certification pathways are still lagging. Mine Risk Update: CMAA reports 28 landmine/ERW casualties in H1 2026 (7 killed, 15 injured, 6 amputations), underscoring the push to clear hazards by 2030. Royal Health Return: King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk returned from Beijing after successful prostate cancer treatment; follow-ups will continue in Phnom Penh. Trade & Industry: Cambodia exported over 7,300 tonnes of rice to the US in H1 2026, while Toyota officially launched assembly of the new Hilux Travo in Cambodia. Border Displacement Response: Six new “Waiting Villages” were created in Banteay Meanchey for families displaced by last year’s Thailand border clashes. Humanitarian Support: ICRC helped secure the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers detained by Thai forces. Public Safety & Weather: Health authorities warn of rising dengue/chikungunya risks as mosquito breeding improves; meteorology forecasts rain and thunderstorms nationwide as Tropical Storm Maysak strengthens the monsoon. Culture & Regional Links: Cambodia and Japan expand sports cooperation ahead of major games, and Cambodia marks UNESCO’s 75th anniversary with new heritage listings.

Court & Justice: Cambodia’s Criminal Court in Thailand jailed eight people tied to an illegal cross-border commercial surrogacy network, with prosecutors saying brokers and obstetricians helped circumvent Thailand’s ban by moving embryos and surrogates through Laos and Cambodia. Heritage & Crime: A New York gallery surrendered 20 ancient artifacts linked to alleged looting from Cambodia after U.S. Homeland Security approached it over false provenance claims. Labor Rights: NagaWorld union members protested in Phnom Penh after fresh court summonses, renewing demands to reinstate dismissed workers and drop criminal cases tied to the long-running labor dispute. Diplomacy & Aviation: Cambodia and the U.S. signed their first Open Skies agreement, aiming to expand passenger and cargo air services; the U.S. Embassy also marked Independence Day by highlighting stronger ties. Humanitarian: The ICRC pledged to deepen cooperation with Cambodia, citing support for displaced people during the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict. Economy & Energy: ADB launched a $20m energy-efficiency loan facility for Cambodian SMEs, while Toyota inaugurated a Hilux Travo assembly line and Cambodia outlined competitiveness strategies including clean energy, cybersecurity, and digital investment facilitation. Scams & Tech: Reporting says Myanmar-border scam compounds are using AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to speed up pig-butchering frauds in days.

U.S.-Cambodia Ties: The U.S. said its relationship with Cambodia is “stronger than ever” during Independence Day events in Phnom Penh, pointing to new cooperation in defense, trade, aviation and health after earlier strains. Banking Jitters: Asia-Pacific Development Bank customers say withdrawal limits are still biting months after account restrictions, with the bank repeatedly updating limits but not giving a clear end date. Tourism Policy: South Korea extended visa fee waivers for group tourists from Cambodia and five other countries through end-2026, aiming to boost arrivals. Trade & Industry: Toyota launched a new Hilux Travo assembly line in Cambodia, while the Cambodia Securities Exchange reported mobilising over US$703m in total capital. Education & Civil Society: PM Hun Manet marked PSE’s 30th anniversary, stressing perseverance and backing civil society groups that deliver public services. Humanitarian & Border: Cambodia established six new villages in a displacement camp in Banteay Meanchey, and also lodged a complaint over an ASEAN observer activity near Khnar Temple. Tourism Numbers: Angkor welcomed 33,991 Chinese visitors in H1 2026, and Angkor ticket sales topped US$18.4m.

Water Festival Cancelled Again: Phnom Penh will not hold its Water Festival for the second straight year, with the government citing border tensions with Thailand and support needs for displaced people; provincial events may still go ahead. Illegal Fishing Crackdown: Prime Minister Hun Manet ordered authorities to identify and arrest the “masterminds” behind illegal electrofishing and other natural-resource crimes, saying villagers get punished while organizers evade responsibility. Food Security Push: Hun Manet reiterated agriculture as the “stomach of the nation” and fisheries as the “protein engine,” linking enforcement gains to rising fish stocks and warning that export markets are key for farmers’ incomes. Cambodia-U.S. Ties: The National Assembly president sent a congratulatory letter to U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, while Cambodia and the U.S. also moved forward on an Open Skies aviation deal. Francophonie Summit Prep: Cambodia reaffirmed it is ready to host the 20th Francophonie Summit in November after a Paris ministerial conference. Tourism via Food: Cambodia is promoting “gastro-diplomacy,” aiming to turn Khmer cuisine into a tourism growth strategy. Sports Development: Cambodia launched a national Sambo federation, appointing Thong Khon as president, to expand training and international cooperation. King’s Message on Defense: King Norodom Sihamoni urged support for conscription and UNCLOS ratification to strengthen national defense and maritime management. Rong Chhun Legal Bid: 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. Aviation Carbon Scheme: A report says Asean could gain billions from aviation carbon offsetting under CORSIA, with Cambodia already issuing credits from clean cookstoves projects.

Border & Public Life: Cambodia has cancelled Phnom Penh’s Water Festival for the second straight year, with the government citing the need to focus on the Thailand border situation and support displaced families; provincial events may still go ahead, while the public holiday for workers remains. Fisheries Crackdown: PM Hun Manet ordered authorities to intensify action against large-scale clam dredging and illegal electric fishing on Tonle Sap, including identifying people who incite others to break the law, as fish stocks are said to have risen after two years of enforcement. Food Security Push: Speaking at National Fish Day, Hun Manet framed agriculture and fisheries as the “stomach” and “protein engine” of the nation, linking price-stabilisation and irrigation support to farmers’ incomes and food security. Aviation & Trade Links: Cambodia and the U.S. signed a first-ever Open Skies air transport agreement to modernise aviation ties and expand routes, including all-cargo seventh-freedom rights. Tourism & Culture: Angkor ticket revenue fell to about $18.4M in H1 2026, while Cambodia is also moving ahead with plans for the 20th Francophonie Summit in November and a “gastro-diplomacy” push to boost tourism through Khmer cuisine. Sports & Philanthropy: Cambodia launched a Sambo federation with Russian ties, and Kantha Bopha’s 2026 campaign raised over $6.38M to keep children’s hospitals free.

Cambodia–China Security and Infrastructure: PM Hun Manet pushed Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam to intensify trilateral cooperation against online scams and transnational crime, while Deputy PM Sun Chanthol met China’s CIDCA in Beijing to speed up priority infrastructure projects under the “Diamond Hexagon” framework. Diplomacy and Border Tensions: Cambodia condemned Thailand’s alleged unauthorized military and media activities in the disputed O’Smach area, rejecting reports as politically motivated. Culture and Heritage: Arthoross Museum reopened on Oudong Mountain, turning a historic temple into a public exhibition space for Oudong-era religious and archaeological artifacts. Tourism and Business Growth: Siem Reap’s smart city push aims to attract investment and improve services; Unilever plans local manufacturing lines; Dubai-based HADID is exploring expanded aviation links and Muslim-friendly tourism promotion. Environment and Conservation: ACCB fitted GPS trackers to four captive-bred white-shouldered ibises ahead of a landmark wild release; officials confirmed a rare lesser frigatebird sighting off Cambodia’s coast; Cambodia topped a global land-and-resource sustainability ranking. Public Safety: Hun Sen urged drowsy drivers to stay off the roads during late-night World Cup viewing. Human Rights: A Phnom Penh court sentenced an American teacher to 10 years for sexually exploiting more than 20 boys, with a Cambodian broker getting 12 years.

Cambodia–Laos–Vietnam Security: PM Hun Manet urged Cambodia, Laos, and Viet Nam to keep deepening public security cooperation after receiving the Laos and Viet Nam public security ministers in Phnom Penh. Cambodia–Quebec Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn met Quebec’s International Relations and Francophonie minister in Paris, briefing on the Cambodia–Thailand border situation. China Ties at Party Level: Xi Jinping told CPP President Hun Sen in Beijing that China is ready to advance a “community with a shared future,” while Hun Sen marked the CPP’s 75th anniversary with party-to-party messages. King’s Health Update: King Norodom Sihamoni is recovering in China and is set to return to Cambodia on July 3, with follow-up care planned in Phnom Penh. Child Exploitation Case: An American teacher and a Cambodian broker were sentenced in Phnom Penh for sexually exploiting more than 20 boys, with the foreigner to be deported after prison. Digital Payments Expansion: India’s UPI launched in Greece and is now active in 10 countries including Cambodia, boosting cross-border payments for travelers. Logistics Law Draft: Cambodia is consulting a draft logistics-sector law aimed at cutting transport costs and improving supply chain efficiency. Electric Mobility: Cellcard partnered with ZDG to bring Lynk & Co Z20 connected EV services to Cambodia using its 5G/4G network. Tourism Numbers: Kampong Khleang eco-tourism in Siem Reap drew nearly 14,000 visitors in the first five months of 2026, with international arrivals making up over 80%. Trade Push: Cambodia’s premium rice federation showcased rice at the US Summer Fancy Food Show to target North America buyers. Climate Tech Funding: An AI smart-grid project in Cambodia was selected for international support under the Climate Technology Accelerator Fund.

Healthcare & Tourism: Malaysia Healthcare launched the first Malaysia Healthcare Expo in Phnom Penh (26–28 June) at Aeon Mall Sen Sok City, citing 12,000+ Cambodian healthcare travellers in 2025 and rising revenue as Malaysia pushes deeper into the Cambodian market. Sustainable Tourism Training: Agoda and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council marked the Sustainable Tourism Academy’s 1-year milestone, topping 3,000 registered users and 3,500+ hospitality professionals trained across Asia, including Cambodia. Luxury Hospitality Awards: Raffles Hotel Le Royal was named Cambodia’s top city hotel in Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia-Pacific 2026, with Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor also winning for pools and spas. Legal Pushback: Cambodian businessman Yim Leak asked a US federal court for help to obtain evidence for his legal fight over scam-centre allegations tied to Thailand. Land Dispute: About 168 families from Koh Meas petitioned Hun Sen over a 50-year land lease they say was done without notice, impact assessments, or fair compensation. Royal Update: Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni’s health is reported to be gradually improving after treatment and surgery in Beijing, with a return expected soon. Economy & Jobs: Cambodia registered 650 new enterprises in the first five months of 2026, lifting total registered firms to 47,299 and expanding the workforce to 2.296 million. Infrastructure Talks: Sun Chanthol met CCECC in Beijing to speed up feasibility studies for transport modernisation. Culture: First Lady Pich Chanmony inaugurated the restored Preah Vihear Atthaross Museum on Oudong Mountain. Agriculture Branding: “Bek Anloung Durian” was registered as a collective mark to protect and boost the community brand. Energy: World Bank approved a $115m package to strengthen Cambodia’s electricity grid and efficiency.

El Niño & Haze Preparedness: Cambodia and the wider Mekong region are stepping up cross-border fire and air-pollution prevention as hotter weather and El Niño raise the risk of transboundary haze. Military Cooperation: Senior US and Cambodian leaders met in Phnom Penh to plan Exercise Angkor Sentinel 2027, signaling renewed defence engagement after years of pause. Regional Health Security: Cambodia is hosting the 13th ASEAN Chiefs of Military Medicine Conference in Siem Reap, with chemical weapons response on the agenda. Tourism Inclusivity: The Ministry of Tourism will hold a Muslim-Friendly Tourism Forum and Fair 2026 in Phnom Penh from July 10–12 to attract and better serve Muslim travellers. Human Capital & Skills: First Lady Dr. Pich Chanmony opened a Study Skills and Careers Expo 2026, pushing youth to match training with real labour-market needs. Scam Crackdown Fallout: New data shows kidnapping and detention cases involving Koreans abroad surged over the past four years, linked to transnational online scam operations that include Cambodia. Agriculture & IP: “Bek Anlong Durian” was registered as a collective mark to protect branding and boost market value for growers in Kampong Cham. Environment & Livelihoods: Cambodia launched a pilot to grow Giant King Grass in Pursat as a renewable fuel source to ease pressure on protected forests.

Cambodia–China Trade Boost: Direct longan exports to China are stabilizing prices for Pailin farmers, with growers securing buyers before harvest and expecting steadier profits. Prime Minister Hun Manet on Scams: Hun Manet called restoring Cambodia’s international reputation a “war,” saying online scams are transnational but Cambodia will keep dismantling networks that damage trust. Border Tensions: Cambodia lodged another protest against Thailand’s forest-clearing and barbed-wire work near Boundary Pillar 26 in Oddar Meanchey, saying it violates the 2000 boundary MoU and de-escalation steps. Thailand Fence Progress: Thailand’s first Cambodia border-fence phase is reported 45% complete, with a 1.3-kilometre stretch and barbed wire planned. Food Safety Push: A reported death after street food has reignited calls for stronger food safety standards and better consumer protection. MSMEs and Jobs: Hun Manet urged building public trust and quality for Cambodian-made products as MSMEs remain central to jobs and growth. Electricity for Industry: EDC deployed seven mobile substations in four provinces to keep power stable for fast-growing factories while permanent infrastructure is built. Regional Anti-Scam Security: ReCAAP ISC and the Philippine Coast Guard met senior officers to improve port security and coordination against piracy and sea robbery. Media and Justice: Cambodia’s Supreme Court confirmed 14-year jail terms for two journalists accused of revealing military secrets. Culture and Film: Chaktomuk Short Film Festival extended submissions to July 31, backing young Cambodian filmmakers.

Electricity & Industry: EDC has deployed seven mobile substations (115/35kV, 30MVA) in four provinces to keep power stable for fast-growing factories, with units installed in about two weeks while permanent substations are built through end-2026. Press Freedom: Cambodia’s Supreme Court has upheld 14-year jail terms for two journalists (TSP 68 TV Online) convicted of allegedly revealing military secrets tied to clashes with Thailand. Border Tensions: Cambodia lodged fresh protests against Thai military forest-clearing and barbed-wire work near Boundary Pillar No. 26 in Oddar Meanchey, saying it violates the 2000 boundary MoU and a 2025 de-escalation deal. Online Crackdown: Cambodia banned Discord and Patreon along with 29 other sites, citing links to illegal gambling and illicit activity—sparking user backlash. Energy Finance: The World Bank approved $115m to expand electricity access and improve grid reliability and efficiency, supporting a cleaner, more resilient power system. Workforce for EVs: Cambodia and Japan’s Zo Motors signed an MoU to train local workers in electric vehicle technology and green transport standards. Business Climate: PM Hun Manet urged faster business registration, licensing and product inspections, plus stronger oversight of cosmetic products.

Cambodia–Thailand Border: Cambodia lodged a formal protest against Thailand’s continued border violations in Ampil commune, Oddar Meanchey, alleging forest-clearing and barbed-wire work near Boundary Pillar No. 26. Online Scams & Reputation: PM Hun Manet said international media increasingly recognize Cambodia’s five-month crackdown, while warning global uncertainty and regional tensions are still pressuring the economy. SMEs Push: Hun Manet urged simpler business procedures and stronger product quality/food safety, including tighter oversight of cosmetics and warnings after a “trout sold as salmon” controversy. Energy & Green Finance: The World Bank approved $115m to expand Cambodia’s electricity access and strengthen the grid; CMA and ARDB signed an MoU to promote green finance for banks, agriculture and MSMEs. 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 transparency and faster processing. Cambodia–China High-Level Ties: China called for peaceful resolution of Cambodia–Thailand disputes; Hun Sen’s party visit to Beijing underscored telecom-fraud cooperation, and Hun Manet is set to visit China in July for a World AI conference. Courts: Cambodia’s Supreme Court upheld 14-year treason sentences for two journalists, keeping them in custody. Mine Action: Cambodia reiterated at the UN Human Rights Council its mine-clearance and victim-assistance progress.

Royal Affairs: King Norodom Sihamoni has sent condolences to Venezuela after deadly earthquakes, and Cambodia’s King and Queen Mother are set to return from Beijing on July 3, with health reported improved. Food Safety & Consumer Trust: PM Hun Manet ordered stronger food quality inspections and tighter national standards after a social media controversy over trout allegedly sold as salmon, warning that one dishonest business can damage trust across the market. SME Push & Digital Economy: Marking the 3rd National Day of MSMEs, Hun Manet urged small firms to use digital tools to boost product quality, packaging, branding, and management, and to strengthen domestic production through competitiveness and transparency. Cambodia–China Security Talks: In Beijing, Xi Jinping told Hun Sen that China is willing to establish a security partnership with Cambodia to tackle telecom fraud, with both sides pledging closer law-enforcement cooperation. Online Scam Human Cost: Despite crackdowns, about 5,300 people remain trapped in Myanmar scam compounds near the Thai border, according to a human trafficking victim assistance network. Cybercrime Crackdown: Tokyo police arrested a suspected cyberfraud leader after a fake move-in notice helped expose a Cambodia-linked Prince Group operation. Tourism Development: A new inter-ministerial working group was approved to attract film productions and promote night temple tourism, aiming to create more visitor experiences and investment opportunities. Conservation Win: A critically endangered white-rumped vulture has returned to Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary after a decade, signaling progress after past poisoning incidents.

Human Trafficking at the Border: Despite crackdowns since 2024, about 5,300 people remain trapped in Myanmar scam compounds along the Thai-Myanmar border, including at least 18 Filipinos and victims from multiple countries, with many forced to run scams under armed groups. Cambodia–China Diplomacy: In Beijing, Senate President Hun Sen met Xi Jinping, with both sides reiterating the “ironclad friendship” and pledging deeper cooperation across infrastructure, agriculture, clean energy, digital economy and AI, while Wang Yi and Cambodian officials echoed plans to strengthen strategic coordination. Online Scam Fallout: Cambodia’s crackdown is also exposing weak SIM registration and banking checks, with experts pointing to identity misuse and verification gaps that helped fraud networks operate. Regional Trade Talks: CPTPP members agreed on preliminary talks to add Indonesia, the Philippines and the UAE, with Cambodia having applied for membership in 2025. Education & Irrigation Funding: Cambodia and JICA signed financing totaling about $171.3M for teacher education in Kampong Cham and irrigation/drainage rehabilitation in southwest Phnom Penh. Environment & Culture: Kampot is preparing a bid to join UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network for gastronomy.