AGP Executive Report

Prime Minister Hun Manet’s Vietnam trip: Hun Manet will visit Vietnam from June 8–10 for bilateral talks and to speak at the 3rd ASEAN Future Forum in Hanoi, with meetings planned with top Vietnamese leaders as both countries prepare for next year’s 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Education & skills: Deputy PM Hang Chuon Naron officially launched the CoolThink@JC computational thinking programme in Cambodian primary schools, pushing digital education reform through translated and adapted materials. Media literacy push: The Ministry of Information expanded its “Say No to Fake News” campaign, urging youth to “Think Before You Share” and verify sources. Angkor conservation partnership: Park Hyatt Siem Reap teamed up with the World Monuments Fund to train 25 local heritage foremen and offer guests behind-the-scenes conservation experiences. Marine cooperation: Cambodia’s Environment Minister highlighted growing Cambodia–China collaboration on marine protection, coral conservation, ocean observation and joint research. Tourism tech: The Tourism Ministry launched a green-season AR app to promote domestic travel and support digital transformation in tourism. Cybercrime crackdown: Police dismantled scam operations in Koh Kong and Bavet, arresting dozens of foreign suspects and raiding multiple sites.

Border Returns & Humanitarian Strain: Cambodia says nearly 620,000 people displaced by border tensions have returned home, with about 28,903 still unable to go back as some schools and health services remain closed. Cross-Border Crime Crackdown: Thai police detained a Japanese man suspected of leading a Poipet-based scam and human trafficking network, while Cambodia also reported raids and arrests tied to online gambling and cyberfraud. Public Safety on the Road: A truck overturn in Svay Rieng injured 27 workers, renewing pressure to improve transport safety for factory commuters. Tourism Push: The Ministry of Tourism launched a green-season AR app to promote domestic travel, and Cambodia promoted tourism at a Beijing cultural expo, including a temporary visa-exemption push for Chinese visitors. Culture & Community: A guide to the Cambodian lunar calendar highlights how Khmer months shape festivals and rituals, while local events like Prasat Ta Kwai reopening drew crowds. Governance & Services: CDC officials joined free medical outreach in Meanchey, and an inter-ministerial panel advanced rural development and water infrastructure plans.

Border Update: Nearly 620,000 Cambodians displaced by recent border tensions have returned home, with about 28,903 still unable to return as schools and health services remain closed in parts of Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey and Preah Vihear. Media & Rights: The Ministry of Information and international partners reviewed draft media guidelines to protect women, children and persons with disabilities, aiming to strengthen ethical reporting. Public Security Push: Acting Head of State Hun Sen urged officials to intensify action against street crime, drugs and cybercrime under the Safe Village-Commune policy, warning against abuse of authority. Land Disputes in Preah Vihear: Residents met authorities and company representatives over long-running land conflicts involving China Great Cause (Cambodia) Investment and Global Green (Cambodia) Energy Development. Environment & Waste: Cambodia’s zero-waste drive reported major progress on cutting plastic bag use and expanding wastewater treatment and monitoring. Aviation Deal: Cambodia and the US concluded a key open skies agreement after 12 years, setting up direct flights and new investment at Techo International Airport. Agriculture Online Tools: A new “Cam Agri Hub” digital gateway launched to help farmers access climate-smart guidance and market information. UN Tribute: Three fallen Cambodian UN peacekeepers received the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal in New York. Rice Exports: Cambodia exported about 568,912 tonnes of milled rice in the first five months of 2026, earning over $327 million. Culture & Diplomacy: ASEAN observers visited the destroyed Steung Me Teuk Bridge in Pursat, while Cambodia continues to stress legal, rules-based handling of disputes.

Education & Innovation: DPM Hang Chuon Naron opened ITC’s Scientific Day 2026, urging tighter academia-industry-government links to turn research into real innovation, alongside a science-policy workshop on plastic waste and a circular economy. Youth & Global Voice: World Vision-backed youth advocate Mao Rima brought community concerns—waste, violence, and school dropouts—to the UN, pitching a future social enterprise to support farmers and create local jobs. Education Partnerships: Japan’s Achievement Co. and School Aid Japan met Cambodia’s education leadership to expand school building, libraries, and human-resource development. Industry & Skills: Industry Minister Hem Vanndy praised Toyota’s “Made in Cambodia” Hilux/Fortuner ramp-up and pushed Toyota to deepen SME supplier linkages and safety/maintenance education. Environment & Livelihoods: Germany (via GIZ) reaffirmed support for Cambodia’s waste management, plastic recycling, and biodiversity protection in Koh Sralao, tied to climate action goals. Trade & Agriculture: Cambodia exported 568,912 tonnes of milled rice in the first five months of 2026, earning about US$327.4m, led by fragrant rice. Tourism Pressure: Foreign arrivals fell nearly 46% to 1.3 million in Jan–Apr, with analysts citing regional slowdown, scam concerns, and Thailand border tensions. Diplomacy & Aviation: A senior US diplomat secured progress on a long-awaited Open Skies deal and discussed DFC financing for Techo International Airport expansion. Cambodia–Thailand Flashpoint: Cambodia’s culture ministry condemned Thai military destruction of the K’nar Temple staircase and protested planned religious/tourism activities at Ta Krabei. Maritime Dispute: Cambodia launched UNCLOS conciliation and named two international legal experts to join Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn’s commission. Scam Crackdown Spillover: Singapore-linked scam ring investigations continued after another Singaporean was arrested in Malaysia over alleged Cambodia-based fraud operations.

Angkor & Tourism: Park Hyatt Siem Reap teamed up with World Monuments Fund to fund long-term Angkor Archaeological Park conservation training, including a six-month program for 25 local heritage foremen and guest visits to active sites. Tourism Headline: Cambodia’s foreign arrivals fell nearly 46% to 1.3 million in the first four months of 2026, with declines from China, Vietnam and the U.S., blamed on regional slowdown, scam concerns and the Thailand border dispute. Rice Exports: Cambodia exported 568,912 tonnes of milled rice in Jan–May 2026, earning about $327 million, with fragrant rice leading and Europe the biggest buyer. Heritage Clash: Cambodia’s Culture Ministry strongly condemned Thai military destruction of the wooden staircase to K’nar Temple, calling it an attack on heritage and part of efforts to alter the ground situation. Trade & Investment: The U.S. DFC approved $100 million financing for Techo International Airport expansion, while Cambodia and China signed a $2 million deal for seven Mekong-Lancang cooperation projects. Agriculture Deal: Cambodia and China agreed sanitary and phytosanitary terms to expand dried longan exports to China. Policy & Research: Cambodia is pushing a National Research Foundation to strengthen research and innovation capacity, with funding priorities including energy, carbon neutrality and digital healthcare. Regional Context: Vietnam’s tourism surged, while ASEAN Future Forum 2026 in Hanoi aims to advance people-centred community-building.

Business Climate Reforms: Cambodia’s CDC says it will push rapid internal reforms to improve the investment climate, protect investors and address private-sector hurdles with more transparency, following an AmCham-hosted public-private briefing. Rights & Environment: Rights groups and civil society renew calls to free five Mother Nature Cambodia activists jailed about 700 days ago, saying the case targets environmental defenders; an appeals hearing has been postponed indefinitely. Maritime Diplomacy: Cambodia has invoked UNCLOS compulsory conciliation to seek a fair, lasting settlement with Thailand over the Overlapping Claims Area, stressing it’s a legal path, not a break in ties. Cybersecurity Cooperation: Cambodia and South Korea pledge deeper anti-cybercrime coordination after recent enforcement wins, while Cambodia also faces renewed border tensions reported in Preah Vihear. Trade Pressure: The U.S. proposes forced-labour-related tariffs that could hit Cambodia; DPM Sun Chanthol says it would not add to the already agreed 19% rate. Infrastructure & Jobs: The U.S. DFC approved $100m for Techo International Airport, and Toyota says it has scaled “Made in Cambodia” Hilux/Fortuner production with more local workforce and SME supply links. Road Safety: 27 factory workers were injured after a lorry overturned in Svay Rieng, with brake failure cited.

Public Finance: Cambodia’s public debt rose to $13.3 billion in Q1 2026, with 96% external and 4% domestic debt, while new concessional loans totalled $91.92 million. Aviation & Investment: The U.S. DFC approved US$100 million financing for Techo International Airport, backing Cambodia’s aviation expansion. Digital Payments: Cambodia and India launched a cross-border UPI/QR cashless link to make travel easier for Indian tourists. Maritime Dispute: Cambodia formally initiated UNCLOS compulsory conciliation over the Thailand maritime dispute, as Thailand signalled it will act under UNCLOS. Cybercrime Crackdown: A regional “Disruption Week” disrupted 1.4 million scam accounts and infrastructure tied to fraud compounds across Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. Health Policy Backlash: Cambodia faced backlash after a move to restrict online health content, following an order to remove a popular doctor’s public health materials. Climate Preparedness: Early-warning systems were launched in four high-risk provinces to improve disaster readiness. Animal Welfare: FOUR PAWS rolled out an online tool for reporting the dog and cat meat trade. Road Safety: 27 garment workers were injured after a vehicle overturned in Svay Rieng. Tourism & Culture: Park Hyatt Siem Reap earned Condé Nast Traveler’s Triple Crown distinction.

Cybercrime Crackdown: Phnom Penh carried out citywide raids across 82 sites, screening 478 foreign nationals; officials said no active scam operations were found, but 10 people without passports were handed to immigration and three residential sites were fined for security-rule violations. Sex Trafficking Enforcement: Authorities raided a Kampong Speu restaurant offering illegal sexual services, rescuing 18 women including 10 minors. Immigration Checks: Three foreigners with expired visas were arrested during a Sen Sok condo raid. Public Debt Update: Cambodia’s public debt reportedly reached $13.3 billion in Q1 2026, with the government saying risks remain low. Digital Payments for Tourism: Cambodia and India launched the first phase of cross-border QR payments, letting Indian visitors pay at 4.5 million KHQR merchants in Cambodia; the RBI said UPI connectivity went live June 2. Garment Sector Labour: Labour Minister Heng Sour visited a Uniqlo supplier, urging workers to avoid unlawful strikes and praising compliance with labour laws. Maritime Dispute: Cambodia moved to initiate UNCLOS compulsory conciliation after Thailand ended a 2001 maritime framework, escalating diplomatic friction. Health & Education Budgets: PM Hun Manet rejected claims that education and health spending will be cut in 2027 to fund defence, saying the figures were misinterpreted. ASEAN Social Protection: The ILO flagged gaps in maternity benefits across ASEAN, especially for women in informal work and migrant workers. Cultural Spotlight: A Khmer classical dance instructor in the US is using performances in Canada to keep Khmer heritage alive across borders.

Maritime Law Update: Cambodia has launched compulsory UNCLOS conciliation over its overlapping Gulf of Thailand claims with Thailand, after Bangkok scrapped a 2001 MOU; Thailand says it’s still considering the UN process but prefers bilateral talks, while both sides insist on keeping tensions within legal and diplomatic channels. Digital Payments: Cambodia and India rolled out the first phase of cross-border QR payments, letting Indian travellers use UPI apps to scan Cambodia’s KHQR at 4.5 million+ merchants, with a planned two-way link for Cambodian visitors in India. Economy & Finance: Cambodia’s public debt rose 1.9% to $13.3bn in Q1 2026, with officials saying it remains at low risk; meanwhile, regulators reviewed progress on a non-bank sector outlook project. Policy & Governance: Cambodia is pushing PPP planning support through an MEF-ADB validation workshop, and the FSA reviewed Phase 1 work for a macro outlook on non-bank finance. Media Freedom: CamboJA was shortlisted for the 2026 IPI-IMS Free Media Pioneer Award, highlighting innovation in independent journalism. Sports & Society: PM Hun Manet urged patience and legal resolution for border disputes, promoted wider sports infrastructure, and denied plans to cut education and health budgets for defence spending. Trade Pressure Abroad: The US proposed new Section 301 tariffs tied to forced-labour claims, including Cambodia, adding uncertainty for regional exporters.

UNCLOS Maritime Move: Cambodia has formally notified Thailand and the UN to start compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS after Thailand withdrew from the 2001 MoU44, with Cambodia’s Senate and National Assembly backing the step and Prime Minister Hun Manet framing it as a sovereignty-protecting, rules-based path. Border Tensions & Maps: Thailand’s stance is under pressure as officials argue Cambodia wants talks on restoring relations while Thailand warns against Cambodia’s approach; Thai critics also say using unratified military maps could weaken Bangkok’s legal position. Digital Payments for Tourism: India’s UPI is now integrated with Cambodia’s KHQR, letting Indian travellers pay at millions of merchant outlets, while Cambodia and India push a two-way QR corridor to boost travel and trade. Anti-Scam Crackdowns: Authorities arrested scam informers in Bavet and detained 113 foreigners in Poipet raids, as Cambodia continues multi-province operations targeting online fraud hubs. Regional Fake News Push: Cambodia’s Information Minister proposes a Mekong fact-checking and rapid-response network to counter cross-border misinformation. Arts & Culture: Phnom Penh hosts the first GOLDEN (r)AGE contemporary performing arts festival (June 4–14), featuring 13 productions across seven venues. Local Governance Milestone: Kampong Cham becomes the first province to complete commune administrative boundary demarcation.

Cambodia–Thailand Maritime Row: Prime Minister Hun Manet says Cambodia has formally launched compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS after Thailand ended a 25-year MoU, with both the Senate and National Assembly backing the move as a lawful, peaceful step to resolve overlapping claims. Diplomacy & Border Monitoring: Deputy PM/Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn briefed diplomats on the UNCLOS process, while an ASEAN Observer Team inspected the An Ses border checkpoint in Preah Vihear amid reports of Thai incursions and barriers blocking families’ return. Anti-Fake News Push: Information Minister Neth Pheaktra says fake news is a regional challenge needing shared fact-checking and rapid response; Cambodia also backed the “Zero Fake News” campaign with partners including One More Group and Vital. Cross-Border Payments for Tourists: India’s UPI is now accepted in Cambodia via KHQR, enabling Indian travellers to pay at 4.5 million merchant outlets through ACLEDA Bank and NPCI International, with a two-way link planned. Health & Community Support: The Information Ministry donated 106 million riel to Kantha Bopha for free child care, and a green recreation project in Kampong Speu is set to boost eco-tourism and local livelihoods. Environment: Extreme heat and low water levels killed about 2 tonnes of fish in Siem Reap’s Tamouk Lake sanctuary, raising fears of further losses.

Cybercrime Crackdown in Phnom Penh: Phnom Penh authorities kept up raids on suspected online scam sites, inspecting 80 locations and checking 1,354 foreigners, with 16 found without valid passports, while seizing phones and computers in multiple districts. Crypto Ransom Turns Violent: A Chinese real estate executive in Phnom Penh, Yang Weixin, was abducted and killed after his family failed to pay a reported $2 million crypto ransom, with investigators describing a rapid timeline from abduction to death. Border Misinformation Denied: Thailand’s government rejected social media claims that the Aranyaprathet checkpoint reopened for Cambodian students, warning the public not to share unverified posts. Diplomacy on the Cambodia–Thailand Border: An expert urged third-party mediation to help defuse lingering tensions, as Cambodia protested Thai construction and religious icons in disputed areas. Merit-Based Diplomacy Hiring: Cambodia’s foreign ministry held a second recruitment exam for diplomats, aiming for more transparent, ethics-focused selection. Digital Verification Link: Cambodia’s tech support helped Timor-Leste launch verify.gov.tl, a blockchain-based document verification portal. Rural Livelihoods & Tourism: MRD and Tourism signed an MoU to boost rural tourism and community development, while a temporary market opened in Banteay Meanchey for 2,800 displaced families. Environment Enforcement: The environment ministry said it blocked tens of millions of cubic metres of polluted industrial wastewater from entering waterways through stronger monitoring and enforcement.

Disaster Response: Cambodia opened a temporary market in Banteay Meanchey for 2,800 displaced families, aiming to restore livelihoods with organised, hygienic trading spaces. Storm Aftermath: In Svay Rieng, a severe gale damaged 242 homes across five districts, with relief aid delivered to affected families and calls for stronger community vigilance. Rural + Tourism Push: The Ministry of Rural Development and the Ministry of Tourism signed an MoU to expand community-based tourism and rural services, including connectivity, water and sanitation, and model village initiatives. Rights Under Pressure: 70 NGOs and rights groups urged Prime Minister Hun Manet to intervene after Cambodia’s Appeal Court postponed the hearing for five Mother Nature Cambodia environmental activists, now serving six to eight years. Public Money Transparency: An NGO forum called for better access to local budget and procurement information, saying most community bidding data remains hard to obtain. Anti-Scam Crackdown: Phnom Penh authorities inspected 81 suspected scam locations, checked 700+ foreigners, and fined landlords over harbouring fraud operations. Tourism Headline: Angkor welcomed 359,471 international visitors in the first five months of 2026, down 31.8% year-on-year, with fuel costs, scams and Thailand border issues cited.

Education & Skills: Cambodia’s higher-education push continues with NUM’s new International Campus in Veal Sbov, adding English-based digital economy and public policy programs, while Paragon International University launches a UK-recognised SQA-aligned business degree via a “2+2” pathway. TVET & Green Jobs: Cambodia and China sign up for a New Energy Vehicle vocational skills upgrade, linking Guangxi’s college with Cambodia’s NPIC and PIT to build shared curricula and standards. Markets & Finance: SERC and ACLEDA hold a public seminar to boost understanding of Cambodia’s growing securities market, as the National Bank of Cambodia wraps up a Francophone central bank governors conference highlighting central bank autonomy and tech-driven inclusion. Anti-Scam Crackdown: Cambodia’s fight against scam centres stays in focus, with officials saying raids and a new anti-scam law have targeted hundreds of facilities and jailed thousands. Tourism Pressure: War-driven fuel price spikes tied to the Iran conflict are squeezing tourism-dependent Cambodia and the region, threatening summer travel demand. Social Impact: “Run for Charity” raises about $25,900 for Kantha Bopha children’s healthcare, and Hun Manet calls for stronger protection of displaced children on International Children’s Day. Sports & International Links: Cambodia is set to send a 42-member delegation to the 11th Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships in the Philippines, boosting regional sports tourism.

Cambodia–Thailand Border Tensions: Cambodia has lodged a formal protest against Thailand over alleged sovereignty violations, citing 36 Buddhist statues and two flagpoles built in disputed border areas in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey. Energy & Cost Pressures: Cambodia is accelerating renewable energy to cut dependence on imported fuel as West Asia conflict drives up prices, with officials warning the country loses about $80 million to keep electricity stable. Tourism Watch: Rising jet fuel costs and uncertainty from the Iran war are straining tourism across Southeast Asia, with Cambodia’s Angkor-area livelihoods also feeling the squeeze. Capital Markets & Climate Finance: SERC and UNDP launched detailed guidance for issuing green, social and sustainability bonds to attract private investment for climate and social goals. Child Rights Push: PM Hun Manet reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to child rights and protection for International Children’s Day and the World Day Against Child Labour. Public Safety & Enforcement: Phnom Penh authorities inspected foreign residents, processing 265,000? (154) foreigners in raids, including cases of missing or expired documents. Human Interest: In Mondulkiri, a Bunong orphan with disability, Roeurn Heng, is rebuilding her life and community role despite past violence and discrimination.

Cambodia–Thailand Border Tensions: Phnom Penh lodged a formal protest over Thailand’s continued “consolidation” in occupied areas, citing construction of at least 36 Buddha statues and installation of flagpoles in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey. Diplomatic Messaging: Hun Manet denied Thai social media claims he used a Thai quota to attend West Point, saying he was nominated by Cambodia’s defence ministry and endorsed by the US embassy. Scam Crackdown: Authorities referred four Chinese nationals to court and moved to deport 60 others after a raid on Ying Huang Casino in Sihanoukville linked to cyber fraud, drugs, arms and money laundering. Fake Deportation Notice: Cambodia’s Interior and Immigration departments again rejected viral claims ordering Africans to leave by May 31, saying the notices are fabricated while enforcement targets immigration violations case-by-case. Regional Security: Cambodia participated in India’s multinational counter-insurgency drill PRAGATI 2026 in Meghalaya, with 13 countries and 400+ troops. Jobs & Services: Labour Ministry opened 10,000+ local vacancies in Pursat with skills training and social security coverage, while Hun Manet urged officials to keep Safe Village-Commune policies running. Sports & Culture: Cambodia hosted an international boxing event “Dragon – The Golden Ring,” and a Phnom Penh art show highlighted Khmer classical dance-inspired works.