The Minister of Interior, Sar Sokha, has confirmed that over the past two years, Cambodian authorities have expelled more than 15,000 foreigners linked to online crimes.

Speaking at a seminar on experience-sharing in combating cybercrime and money laundering on October 8, Sar Sokha noted that during the sixth term of the government, over 21,000 foreigners involved in cybercrime were expelled. In the seventh term, approximately 15,000 more have been deported.

Sar Sokha emphasized that these actions reflect the seventh-term government’s strong commitment to addressing online crime. He added that tackling cybercrime is not solely Cambodia’s responsibility, but requires cooperation from multiple countries to jointly combat these offenses.

According to the minister, cybercrime has evolved rapidly in recent years and is more complex than it was five years ago. Cambodia is not a haven for cybercriminal networks. Previously, these groups often gathered in large numbers in public areas or specific locations, but now they operate in smaller, dispersed groups.

Deputy Head of the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking, Chou Bun Eng, has stated that suppressing online crime is particularly challenging because some operations are hidden under legal business fronts. Additionally, foreign nationals entering Cambodia often do not declare their true intentions, complicating oversight.

A letter from the Ministry of Interior dated July 10, 2020, indicated that over 89,000 foreign nationals applied for official recognition as immigrants and permanent residency across Cambodia. Among them were more than 28,000 households from 11 different nationalities, with nearly 89,500 Vietnamese nationals. Other nationalities with residency permits numbered only around 315 individuals.

These measures underscore the government’s ongoing efforts to maintain law and order online while protecting Cambodia from exploitation by foreign criminal networks.

Observers have warned that the 900,000 Cambodians returning from Thailand could face severe economic difficulties if the government fails to respond in time. Development policy analyst Sek Socheat told The Cambodia Daily that while the Ministry of Labor has announced hundreds of thousands of available jobs, these opportunities may not meet the needs of Cambodians returning from Thailand.

Sek Socheat explained that most available jobs are concentrated in urban areas, whereas many returning migrants reside in rural provinces far from employment hubs, particularly Phnom Penh. This geographic mismatch creates additional challenges for them in finding suitable work.

He also noted that the skills acquired by Cambodians in Thailand may not align with the labor demands in Cambodia, and wages offered may not be sufficient to sustain livelihoods.

The analyst recommended that the government collaborate with civil society organizations to assess the specific needs of returning Cambodians promptly. Proposed measures include facilitating employment matching for those with mismatched skills, promoting agricultural work, and providing debt relief for families unable to earn income immediately.

On October 7, 2025, 18 civil society organizations issued a joint statement highlighting that the return of 900,000 Cambodians from Thailand poses a significant challenge requiring coordinated action from the government, the private sector, and civil society to ensure a reasonable standard of living for returnees.

The NGOs urged the government to expand social protection measures for migrant families, encourage the private sector to hire returning workers, provide rapid skills training, deliver short-term financial support, and ensure health assistance for returnees. They also recommended temporarily suspending family debt obligations for households with returning members and improving legal documentation processes to reduce irregular migration in the future.

The report noted that a survey of over 700 returning migrant workers across seven provinces in August found that most returnees went back to rural home areas and had urgent needs for food and employment.

The Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training reported on August 2, 2025, that at least 190,000 job openings were available nationwide, but the majority were in industry and services, with very few opportunities in construction and other sectors.

Authorities in Preah Sihanouk province have detained 290 foreign nationals found residing and working illegally in Cambodia, following a protest that escalated into a clash with Chinese workers in the local Chinatown area.

The General Commissariat of National Police reported that on the night of October 4 into the early hours of October 5, groups of Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals staged a protest against Chinese workers who allegedly used discriminatory and threatening language at their workplace. By October 6, specialized authorities had identified and detained 290 individuals, including 216 Pakistanis, 68 Bangladeshis, and 6 Nepalese, for illegal residence and employment. Investigations are ongoing to process the case according to the law.

The protest drew public attention in Preah Sihanouk city, as several Pakistanis and Bangladeshis expressed anger at Chinese workers who were accused of making ethnically and religiously offensive remarks in a workplace building.

Soeng Senkaruna, head of the Khmer Democracy Organization based in Australia, noted that enforcement of immigration laws in Cambodia remains limited, with many foreigners living in the country illegally to engage in online scams. He emphasized that the government must take stronger action to eliminate corruption to effectively address such issues.

The crackdown follows a series of reports of online fraud involving high-ranking officials and organized crime networks. Former tycoon Heng Sithy, in November 2024, documented the collaboration between government officials and criminals in illegal online gambling, human trafficking, cybercrime, and money laundering. Individuals implicated included Kuoch Chamroeun, Koeut Rith, and Hun To, the cousins of Prime Minister Hun Manet, who reportedly led organized drug trafficking networks with support from government officials and immigration police.

In a related action in April 2024, Preah Sihanouk authorities expelled 231 Vietnamese nationals through the Prek Chak international border crossing after finding their involvement in online fraud across three locations in the province.

These measures reflect Cambodia’s ongoing efforts to address illegal foreign employment and online crime while highlighting the continued challenges in enforcing immigration and anti-corruption laws.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has confirmed that it is actively monitoring the case of 18 Cambodian soldiers detained by Thai forces on July 29, 2025, following a ceasefire along the border.

ICRC regional delegate Jurg Montani stated that in response to a request for intervention from a Cambodian advocacy group on October 6, 2025, the organisation engaged in dialogue with both Cambodia and Thailand, maintaining principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence.

Earlier in September 2025, Jurg Montani informed the Cambodian Ministry of National Defense that all 18 soldiers were safe and in good health. The ICRC also facilitated the delivery of messages from the soldiers’ families and conveyed replies back, in line with the Geneva Conventions.

On October 2, 2025, the Cambodian Human Rights Committee called on the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to intervene immediately with Thai authorities for the unconditional release of the 18 soldiers, in accordance with international law.

The committee expressed concern that OHCHR’s response had so far been insufficiently proactive, risking a misinterpretation that the office is tolerant of violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. They warned that continued inaction undermines both the rights and dignity of Cambodian forces and sets a troubling precedent for impunity, weakening the credibility of international human rights mechanisms.

According to reports, Thai forces detained around 20 Cambodian soldiers at approximately 7:50 a.m. on July 29, 2025, just over seven hours after the ceasefire came into effect at midnight that day. Since then, only two soldiers have been returned. One was severely injured and unable to walk, while the other could move but suffered psychological trauma.

The ICRC continues to advocate for access, monitoring, and humanitarian support to ensure the well-being and protection of the detained personnel, emphasizing the urgent need for both governments to comply with international norms.

Thai political and foreign affairs expert Surachart Bamrungsuk has warned that any attempt to annul the 2000 and 2001 memorandums of understanding between Cambodia and Thailand could pave the way for Cambodia to bring the border dispute to the International Court of Justice.

Surachart told The Nation on October 5 that efforts to hold a referendum on scrapping MOU 43 of 2000 and MOU 44 of 2001 could backfire on Thailand in the long term. He highlighted that most Thai citizens do not fully understand the complexities of the foreign policy issues embedded in these agreements.

The expert said that the push to annul the MOUs is currently driven more by nationalist and militarist sentiments among hardline factions than by clear foreign policy objectives. He added that if the MOUs were subjected to a referendum, they could be completely revoked to demonstrate patriotic commitment.

Surachart warned that cancelling the MOUs would escalate tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, making negotiations to resolve the border dispute more difficult. He suggested that Cambodia is likely waiting for Thailand to make the first move toward international legal proceedings, as Phnom Penh seeks Bangkok’s voluntary engagement with the International Court of Justice.

On September 30, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul indicated that he personally supports the idea of scrapping the 2000 and 2001 agreements, but must first consult the public to decide on the matter.

The Bangkok Post reported that a recent survey by Thailand’s National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) found that 44.1 percent of Thai citizens had no understanding of the 2000 MOU. Only 7.7 percent had a clear understanding, while 23.1 percent had partial awareness and 24.9 percent had limited knowledge.

The survey on the 2001 MOU showed that just 6.8 percent of the public fully understood the agreement, 22.4 percent had partial awareness, 24.9 percent had limited knowledge, and 45.7 percent were entirely unaware of it.

Separately, former senior military commander of the Khmer People’s National Liberation Front Chum Chheang told Cambodia Daily’s Idea Talk on October 2 that under the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, the MOUs could technically be annulled, but only under specific conditions outlined in Articles 46 through 64 of the convention.

The situation underscores the challenges in navigating public perception, nationalist sentiment, and international legal frameworks amid rising tensions over Cambodia-Thailand border agreements.

The Humanitarian Response Forum, known as HRF, has released a report showing that nine weeks after the ceasefire along the Cambodia-Thailand border, the humanitarian situation has improved, but the number of displaced civilians has increased.

According to the HRF report covering the period from September 13 to October 3, 2025, conditions along the border between the two countries have continued to show improvement following the ceasefire.

The report notes that population movements have shifted, with over 16,000 people displaced due to the conflict as of October 2, 2025. This accounts for 44 percent of the total displaced population. Of these, more than 14,000 remain in temporary shelters, while over 1,300 are staying with friends or relatives.

The HRF, led by the World Food Programme and Danish Church Aid, is working closely with Cambodia’s National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) and provincial authorities to coordinate humanitarian efforts in line with government response plans.

Deputy Governor and provincial spokesperson for Banteay Meanchey, Lee Sovannarith, told The Cambodia Daily that some organisational reports do not reflect the situation accurately. He stressed that the number of displaced people is not as high as reported by the HRF.

The Ministry of National Defense stated at a press conference on September 30 that the total number of displaced Cambodians reached 168,946 following the five-day conflict along the border. Among them, 38,447 were in Banteay Meanchey province, 29,717 in Preah Vihear, 34,264 in Battambang, 63,492 in Siem Reap, and 3,026 in Pailin province.

The report highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing improved humanitarian conditions with rising displacement, underscoring the need for continued monitoring and support for affected populations along the Cambodia-Thailand border.

Political geography observers have criticised a recent New York Times report suggesting that Cambodia initiated a five-day conflict with Thailand at the end of July 2025. They say the article deliberately misleads public perception and is being used by Thailand to frame the narrative.

Seng Vannly, a regional political analyst based in the Asia-Pacific, wrote on Facebook that the report appears to have been influenced or commissioned by Thai sources to accuse Cambodia while concealing Thailand’s military actions. During the five-day clash, Thailand deployed US-supplied F-16 fighter jets and Swedish Gripen aircraft over Cambodian territory.

Seng Vannly added that the New York Times article, relying on Thai official reports, heavily accused Cambodia of using heavy weaponry against civilian locations, including hospitals, residential areas, schools, and fuel stations.

The analyst questioned why Thailand, if it was confident that Cambodia was the aggressor, did not seek intervention from existing international mechanisms, such as the International Court of Justice, or allow a third party to mediate. He noted that Thailand has repeatedly delayed the establishment of a proper ASEAN observer mission.

According to Seng Vannly, Thailand’s agreements with Cambodia, which allowed ASEAN to mediate and implement ceasefire arrangements, were motivated solely by trade pressures from the United States, not by a genuine interest in balanced dialogue.

He said Thailand’s reluctance to accept impartial negotiations or third-party involvement has been a key factor in the ongoing difficulty of achieving peace in the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict.

The New York Times report, published on September 29, relied on Thai military sources regarding the shipment of Chinese weapons before the five-day clash. It accused Cambodia of targeting civilian sites with heavy arms, echoing Thailand’s narrative.

Former US radio reporter Men Kimseng added that the New York Times coverage appeared to be fed by Thai intelligence to influence a major international media outlet and shape the information environment around the border dispute.

He noted that even analysts quoted in the report tended to lean toward Thailand’s perspective, portraying Thailand as defending itself while framing Cambodia as the aggressor in the repeated use of heavy weaponry.

After more than two months of border disputes with Thailand, the newly-appointed Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has stated that his government plans to hold a national referendum to decide whether to annul the 2000 and 2001 Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) between Cambodia and Thailand.

This announcement has raised concerns among international legal experts, who argue that such a move would violate international law and undermine Cambodia’s sovereignty, as the agreements are recognized under both national and international law.

The 2000 MOU, which deals with land borders, and the 2001 MOU, concerning maritime boundaries, were signed by both countries and are considered legally binding under international law. The agreements were designed to peacefully resolve border disputes and maintain the sovereignty of both nations.

Political expert In Sophal, writing on his Facebook account, explained that under the Vienna Convention of 1969, international agreements signed by two sovereign states are legally binding unless explicitly stated otherwise in the terms of the agreement. He added that while Thailand may unilaterally declare that it no longer recognizes these MOUs, international law requires both parties to uphold their obligations unless Cambodia chooses to withdraw from the agreement.

In Sophal further emphasized that Cambodia could potentially challenge Thailand’s withdrawal from the MOUs through diplomatic channels, such as the United Nations (UN) or ASEAN, or even through the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Sok Sam Oeun, a legal expert, warned that while Thailand may attempt to disregard the agreements, it would face significant international consequences, including possible diplomatic and economic sanctions. He also pointed out that, as a powerful country, Thailand might resist international pressure, but it would still damage its international standing.

In Sophal concluded by stating that Cambodia could resort to international legal action if Thailand moves forward with its withdrawal from the MOUs, and warned that such a step could escalate tensions and even lead to military conflict.

The article also noted that while Thailand is a significant regional player, disregarding international agreements could isolate the country diplomatically, especially within ASEAN and the UN.

The United States has accused Cambodia’s government of not only failing to address human trafficking but also of being systemically complicit in enabling the crime.

In its 2025 Trafficking in Persons report released on September 29, the US State Department placed Cambodia on the Tier 3 Watch List. The report said senior officials had benefited financially from trafficking operations, while others had intimidated victims, witnesses, and civil society groups working to combat online fraud linked to trafficking.

The report also alleged that Cambodian authorities blocked investigations into scam compounds, amounting to protection for operators. Washington highlighted that Phnom Penh had failed to prosecute a ruling party senator and senior government adviser sanctioned by the US, despite evidence of his ownership of multiple businesses tied to online fraud.

The State Department noted Cambodia has not reported any convictions since 2022, underscoring its failure to meet minimum standards to eliminate trafficking.

Cambodia’s own National Committee for Counter Trafficking admitted earlier this year that trafficking had risen in 2024. It said authorities targeted 72 locations across 18 provinces, detaining more than 3,000 suspects of 19 different nationalities by August 21, 2025.

Prime Minister Hun Manet acknowledged in December 2024 that Cambodia was being used as a base for human trafficking, but he pledged zero tolerance for all forms of cross-border crime.

Still, the US Treasury last year froze the assets of ruling party senator Ly Yong Phat and several of his businesses under sanctions for alleged trafficking, money laundering, forced labor, and online fraud.

The Cambodia Daily was unable to reach Chou Bun Eng, the permanent vice chair of the national anti-trafficking committee, for comment by the time of broadcast.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has announced his intention to nullify the 2000 and 2001 border agreements with Cambodia. He said his government would consult the Thai public first, while analysts argue such unilateral action is impossible under international law.

The Nation newspaper quoted Anutin on September 30 as saying his administration plans to hold a referendum on whether to scrap the two memoranda of understanding with Cambodia: the 2000 MOU on land demarcation and the 2001 MOU on overlapping maritime areas.

Political science expert In Sophal wrote on his Facebook account on September 29 that under the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, once two sovereign states sign and recognize an agreement, it remains valid unless it includes a termination clause. Neither the 2000 nor the 2001 MOUs contain such provisions.

He noted that while Thailand may declare unilaterally that it no longer recognizes the agreements, it would remain legally bound if Cambodia insisted on their continuation. In Sophal added that Cambodia could file a diplomatic protest with the United Nations or ASEAN, or even take the issue to the International Court of Justice.

The analyst warned that a unilateral withdrawal would damage Thailand’s credibility and international standing while straining bilateral ties further.

Opposition politicians in Cambodia have also repeatedly demanded that Prime Minister Hun Manet cancel the agreements, claiming they caused Cambodia to lose land and maritime territory to Thailand.

In Sophal countered that Cambodia cannot cancel the 2000 MOU, as it anchors Thailand to the 1904 and 1907 Franco-Siam treaties and obliges Bangkok to respect maps produced by the joint border commission in 1908. He argued that the agreement safeguards Cambodian sovereignty, particularly around the Preah Vihear temple.

He added that scrapping the 2000 MOU would be akin to voiding the Franco-Siam treaties themselves, leaving Cambodia without a legal basis for border negotiations. According to Sophal, Thailand’s intention to scrap the MOU stems from its reluctance to acknowledge the 1907 treaty, which it claims was made with France, not Cambodia.

If the MOU were annulled, he warned, Thailand could attempt to enforce its own unilateral maps and lay claim to Preah Vihear and other disputed areas along the border.

Cambodia has rejected accusations from Thailand that its troops opened fire first in recent border clashes, insisting instead that it was the victim of aggression.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Tuesday that Cambodian forces did not retaliate and remained committed to peace, despite being attacked. The ministry called on ASEAN, the United Nations, and the wider international community to help ease tensions and restore confidence between the two neighbors.

Phnom Penh expressed concern over the continuing standoff along the border, urging Thailand to respect the ceasefire and pursue dialogue in line with international law.

The dispute escalated after Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow told the UN General Assembly on September 28 that Cambodia was “playing the victim” while Thai civilians and soldiers suffered from landmines and rocket attacks.

Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn countered that his country’s suffering was due to border violations by Thailand, which he said had repeatedly undermined the ceasefire and Cambodia’s sovereignty.

The Ministry of Interior also challenged Bangkok’s claim to be the victim, pointing to the deaths of Cambodian soldiers and Thailand’s unilateral border closures and military actions. Officials noted that Thailand had resisted third-party mediation and questioned why Bangkok feared taking the case to the International Court of Justice if its claims were genuine.

Former tycoon Heng Sithy has warned Thailand not to tarnish Cambodia’s image over online crime, arguing that many of the ringleaders are in fact Thai nationals operating covertly inside Cambodia.

Speaking through his family to The Cambodia Daily, Heng Sithy said Thailand should “show more dignity” instead of portraying Cambodia as a haven for online scams. He insisted that Cambodian authorities had taken strong measures to prevent the country from being misrepresented internationally.

Sithy’s family added that online syndicates are difficult to track because they often disperse staff and utilize modern technologies, such as modbots, to control their operations. He called on the Ministry of Interior to adopt the strictest enforcement measures possible, saying crackdowns must be swift and relentless.

Sithy also declared his loyalty to Cambodia, saying he is Khmer “by blood and by spirit” and has no intention of fleeing abroad. “If I had wanted to run, I would already be living comfortably in the UK, US, or France,” he said. He stressed that during times of external threats, Cambodians must unite rather than criticize the country from overseas.

He voiced support for the government’s diplomatic efforts to maintain peace and security, but added that if Cambodia were ever attacked, he believed the country would defend its sovereignty without compromise.

Heng Sithy was extradited from Russia to Cambodia on May 24, 2025, under a bilateral agreement, after being charged by Cambodian courts with “serious threats” under the criminal code.

Since late 2024, Sitthy has gained attention for exposing alleged corruption and misconduct by wealthy elites, senior officials, and members of the armed forces on social media.

His comments come as international reports highlight Cambodia’s growing role in transnational fraud. A July 18 report from the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission described Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar as key hubs for online scams. It noted that Chinese actor Wang Xing was recently detained in Thailand and trafficked into a scam compound in Myanmar.