AGP Executive Report

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.

Cambodia–China Security and Party Ties: Xi Jinping told Hun Sen in Beijing that China is willing to establish a security partnership with Cambodia and will work with Cambodian authorities to stamp out telecom and online fraud, as Hun Sen’s goodwill visit continues. Cyber-Scam Crackdown: Cambodia says it has launched an 18-month offensive against transnational cyber-fraud syndicates, backed by a new “Law on Combating Technology-enabled Scams,” while the US DOJ separately seized Huione-linked cloud infrastructure used in alleged money laundering. Digital Governance Win: Cambodia’s verify.gov.kh won the 2026 UN Public Service Award for transparency and accountability, highlighting upgrades aimed at cutting document fraud and speeding public services. Regional Trade/Connectivity: Japan and Cambodia signed about $171M in financing for education and irrigation, and CCCC reaffirmed support for major infrastructure projects including the Funan Techo Canal and Phnom Penh–Bavet expressway. Local Development: Kampot pushed ahead with its UNESCO Creative Cities bid for gastronomy, and PM Hun Manet chaired a cabinet meeting approving several draft laws and national plans. Agriculture & Industry: MAFF held a cashew value-chain forum in Kampong Thom, and a Vietnamese firm plans to assemble construction machinery in Kampong Speu.

China-Cambodia Diplomacy: Senate President Hun Sen arrived in Beijing for a June 25–27 goodwill visit, meeting China’s top legislature leader Zhao Leji as both sides reaffirmed an “ironclad friendship” and deeper strategic coordination. ASEAN Security Cooperation: Immigration chiefs meeting in Cambodia agreed to intensify joint action against cross-border scams, with a push for faster training and stronger intelligence-sharing, and Cambodia backing a new ASEAN immigration training centre. Cyber-Scam Crackdown in Phnom Penh: Authorities raided 101 suspected scam sites across Phnom Penh in a five-day blitz, detaining 24 foreigners and seizing phones, laptops and other gear, while a parallel drug raid netted two suspects and seized illicit drugs. Press Freedom Under Fire: Cambodia’s Supreme Court upheld treason convictions and 14-year sentences for two journalists over Facebook photos tied to Thailand border clashes, drawing renewed criticism from rights groups. Digital Government Win: Cambodia’s verify.gov.kh won a UN Public Service Award for transparency and accountability, highlighting document fraud prevention and upgrades including AI and cybersecurity. Health & Education Partnerships: Cambodia and Israel pledged to expand cooperation on universal health coverage and digital health, and also to deepen education ties in AI, engineering and advanced agriculture.

Wealth & Succession: Attorney Samantha Yem says Cambodia’s next economic challenge is protecting first-generation fortunes, urging family offices, succession planning, and disciplined investing. Cambodia–Israel Labour: Cambodia and Israel move to fast-track a labour pact for safe, transparent deployment of Cambodian workers to Israel, with talks also covering smart agriculture and green innovation. Russia Eyes Cambodia: Russian Ambassador Anatoly Borovik says Moscow is doubling down on ASEAN ties after the Kazan summit, naming Cambodia a key pillar for new economic corridors and industry links. Funan Techo Waterway: CRBC and Funan Techo bring the coastal-inland waterway project to ITC Phnom Penh with a community engagement lecture and 3D simulations for students and officials. Kun Khmer Halted for Minors: Authorities order a stop to a Prey Veng Kun Khmer competition involving minors after irregularities in safety, pairing, and federation approval. Border Tensions: Cambodia files a formal protest against Thailand’s continued border activities around Chouk Chey village, Banteay Meanchey. Drugs Update: PM Hun Manet says 85% of illicit drugs entering Cambodia are destined for third countries, calling for continued reporting via NoDrug. Cement Tax Incentives Extended: Hun Manet pledges support and tax incentives for the domestic cement industry through end-2028. Supreme Court Press Freedom: Cambodia’s Supreme Court is set to rule on the treason appeal of two journalists jailed over photos from a restricted border area. ASEAN/China Trade Route: A new Cambodia–Laos transit route cuts time for six Cambodian agricultural exports to China, including bananas, mangoes, rice, durians, and cassava starch. Protected Areas Pay Off: Protected-area communities earned about $2.2m and created 4,400 jobs in 2025 through non-timber forest products and nature-based tourism.

US Sanctions Prince Group: The U.S. Treasury and Justice Department moved again against Cambodia-linked online scam networks, sanctioning nine people and 26 entities tied to the Prince Group and seizing Huione Group cloud infrastructure used for crypto money-laundering and scam operations. Border Tensions: Cambodia lodged a formal protest over Thailand’s continued border surveying and marker installation in Banteay Meanchey, warning it violates past agreements. Renewables Push: ADB approved $63 million for a 250MW, two-hour battery storage project in Takeo to stabilize the grid and boost cross-border power trade. Tourism Data Plan: Cambodia will use digital surveys via The Asia Foundation to launch the Cambodia International Visitors’ Survey and guide future tourism policy. Education & Culture Links: Cambodia and Israel discussed expanding agricultural cooperation and student safety; Cambodia also praised China’s student exchange programme as a bridge for youth ties. Weather Alert: Storm Higos is expected to bring heavy rain and thunderstorms across much of Cambodia from June 24–29. Humanitarian Support: Samaritan’s Purse delivered 11,520 fruit saplings to displaced families in Banteay Meanchey to support food security. Regional Security Talks: Cambodia urged ASEAN unity to tackle online scams, terrorism and immigration offenses at a Siem Reap immigration meeting. Cambodia–China Top Diplomacy: Hun Sen is set to visit China June 25–27 to deepen the “ironclad” friendship.

Child Health Fundraising: Cambodia’s Kantha Bopha Foundation received a US$40,000 (160 million riel) donation from the Supreme Sangha Council, with First Lady Dr. Pich Chanmony Hun Manet urging support for the “10,000 Riel, 10,000 People” campaign to keep care free for infants, children and pregnant women. Anti-Scam Push at ASEAN: Deputy PM Sar Sokha urged ASEAN unity against online scams, terrorism and illegal immigration, calling for stronger intelligence-sharing and joint border control. US Sanctions on Prince Group: The US Treasury sanctioned nine people and 26 entities tied to Cambodia’s Prince Group scam network, while also moving to tighten controls linked to Huione Group infrastructure used for crypto fraud. Border Tensions Monitoring: Cambodia facilitated an ASEAN Observer Team field visit to the Prey Chan area in Banteay Meanchey to check ceasefire compliance after Thai military deployments and barbed wire affected families. Clean Energy Investment: The ADB approved US$63.44 million for a Takeo battery storage project to stabilize renewables and boost cross-border power trade with Vietnam. Education & Jobs: A US-supported Major and Career Fair 2026 is set for June 28 at ITC Phnom Penh, aiming to connect students with scholarships, internships and employment.

Prince Group Crackdown: Singapore Police are investigating two men, Hu Xiaowei and Qiu Wei Ren, over alleged money laundering tied to Cambodia’s sanctioned Prince Group, with authorities saying more than S$600m in assets have been seized or frozen since March 2026. US Sanctions Escalate: The US Treasury and OFAC announced new sanctions on nine people and 26 companies linked to Prince Group, while the Justice Department seized a Huione Group cloud account tied to billions in crypto fraud. Border Monitoring: An ASEAN Observer Team visited Prey Chan Village in Banteay Meanchey to verify the border situation after Thai military actions, including barbed wire and container structures, with Cambodia again rejecting any border change by force. Cambodia–Israel Ties: Commerce Minister Cham Nimul met Israel’s ambassador as Cambodia and Israel agreed to deepen cooperation, including agriculture internships and labour links. Cambodia–Laos Agriculture: Cambodia’s agriculture minister met Lao PM Sonexay Siphandone to expand agricultural trade and routes to China via Laos. China Visit: Senate President Hun Sen will lead a friendship visit to China from June 25–27, including meetings with Xi Jinping and other top leaders. Tourism Pressure: New reporting says Cambodia’s tourism is still hit by the wider scam-centre crisis, with thousands trapped in Myanmar-border compounds.

Political Finance Watch: Cambodia’s Interior Ministry warned political parties that accepting money or support from foreign entities would violate the Constitution and the Law on Political Parties, with penalties and possible dissolution if allegations are proven. Scam Crackdown: Authorities detained 1,332 foreign nationals across 12 provinces in June 1–15 raids, seizing fines and dismantling a counter-intelligence cell inside scam networks that monitored police movements. Trade & Agriculture: Cambodia and Laos launched a new overland transit route to China via Lao PDR for durian, bananas, mangoes, rice, Pailin longan and cassava starch, with the first durian containers dispatched from Cambodia. Tourism & Culture: The SOSORO Museum opened an interactive Khmer–French exhibition on how French words entered Khmer, while Khnang Phsar Mountain in Kampong Speu drew 1,014 visitors in mid-June as eco-tourism infrastructure expands. Infrastructure Finance: The U.S. DFC and OCIC signed a Letter of Intent for $100 million strategic financing for Techo International Airport. Sports & Youth: A national student chess competition in Phnom Penh showcased new talent from dozens of schools. Cybercrime Risk Beyond Cambodia: INTERPOL flagged rising cyber threats across the Asia-Pacific, including scams, ransomware, phishing and AI deepfakes.