AGP Executive Report

Tourism Pressure in Siem Reap: With foreign arrivals down sharply, Angkor-area vendors say domestic tourists are keeping them afloat, even as some days’ sales barely cover costs. Cybercrime Crackdown: Cambodia deported nearly 18,000 foreign online scam suspects this year, with officials saying the crackdown is scaling up but warning it won’t fully work without tackling trafficking and corruption networks. Education Watch: Cambodia’s 2026 Upper Secondary School Exam wrapped up with 151,238 candidates, while exam rules are being tested by cases of smart devices found in rooms. Startup Push: The government launched a 2026-2030 national strategy to grow Cambodia’s startup ecosystem, targeting incubation, investment, and capacity-building. Border Tensions & Demining: Cambodia protested new Thai military bunkers and a planned power grid expansion, while mine-action officials warn incursions could undo years of clearance gains. Health & Equity: Cambodia is hosting a regional global health forum on universal health coverage amid climate change and AI, alongside distribution of Health Equity Fund cards to underprivileged families. Vocational Training: New scholarship rounds offer 1,150 vocational places with monthly stipends for youth from poor and vulnerable households.

Startup Push: Cambodia launched its National Strategy on Startup Development 2026-2030, aiming to grow the startup ecosystem, boost investment access, and help new firms scale into competitive businesses by 2030. Border Tensions: Cambodia lodged a formal protest against Thailand over continued border encroachment, citing new Thai bunkers near Thmor Da checkpoint and plans to extend the power grid into disputed areas. Displacement Support: In Banteay Meanchey, a 3-day program rolled out new elements to help displaced families cope with trauma, with sessions for frontline workers on protecting girls and women in relocation settings. ASEAN/Regional Security: A senior Pentagon official told allies in Asia to increase defense spending and deter aggression, saying the US is “digging in” to maintain a favorable balance of power while visiting Cambodia among other stops. Trade & Logistics: DHL Express added a direct Shanghai–Bangkok cargo flight to strengthen trade links across China, Indochina, the Middle East and Europe. Climate & Livelihoods: Cambodia’s sea salt producers warn changing monsoon patterns and heavier dry-season rain are disrupting production in Kampot and Kep. Finance & Nature: WWF-Cambodia convened a workshop on landscape finance and nature-positive agriculture to mobilize coordinated funding for Cambodia’s rural and climate resilience goals. Business Trust: Wing Bank won three Trust Forum 2026 awards for escrow and public/social trust services.

ASEAN & Diplomacy: Malaysia marked ASEAN’s 59th anniversary, stressing “ASEAN centrality” as the region’s compass amid global fragmentation, while Cambodia also pushed for active participation across society to keep ASEAN peace and rules-based order on track. Border Tensions: Cambodia lodged a formal protest over Thailand’s alleged continued military works and power-grid expansion encroaching on Cambodian territory near the Thmor Da border area. Defense & Regional Posture: A US Pentagon official told Asian allies to invest more in their own defense, saying Washington is “digging in” to deter aggression. Cybercrime Watch: India’s digital-arrest scam probe is considering lowering the CBI case threshold from Rs 10 crore to Rs 1 crore, after concerns organized networks are being missed. Tourism & Culture: Cambodia’s tourism push included a “Run for the Mekong River Dolphins” event in Stung Treng, while the ASEAN Cultural Center opened in Manila to promote shared regional heritage. Education: Cambodia began the Grade 12 national exam with 151,238 candidates, with anti-cheating monitoring and results due in early September. Environment & Agriculture: WWF-Cambodia convened a workshop on landscape finance for nature-positive agriculture, and Cambodia launched long-term river basin planning for the Tonle Sap to support future investment. Wildlife & Food: New giant ibis nests were found in Keo Seima, and Cambodia’s durian exports to China surged via the China–Laos railway corridor.

ASEAN Diplomacy: Cambodia’s FM Prak Sokhonn and Malaysia’s ASEAN Day remarks put the spotlight on “centrality from within,” arguing ASEAN must stay proactive as global fragmentation and major-power rivalry intensify. Education Watch: Cambodia’s 2025-26 Upper Secondary School Examination (Baccalaureate) opened today with 151,238 candidates across 244 centres, with science and social streams, thousands of observers, and results due Sept. 2. Border & Rights: Cambodia defended UN Special Rapporteur Thomas Andrews’ displacement findings, saying it provided access and that figures align with UN and humanitarian data, as debate continues over civilian returns amid the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict. Humanitarian & Safety: CMAC says Thai forces fired 6–7 million cluster bomblets across 335 Cambodian villages in 2025, leaving thousands of square kilometres contaminated. Economy & Jobs: Australia-backed efforts aim to boost Cambodia’s cashew processing, with claims the country processes only about 5% domestically—costing over $125m a year—while a partnership targets added daily capacity. Environment & Tourism: A “Run for the Mekong River Dolphins” drew about 1,000 participants in Stung Treng to support ecotourism and protect critically endangered dolphins. Local Livelihoods: Sea salt producers in Kampot and Kep say shifting monsoon rains and flooding tides are disrupting production, threatening a traditional, labour-intensive industry. Community & Culture: Hun Manet urged preservation of indigenous midwives’ traditional medical practices, linking cultural identity with modern healthcare. Public Access: The Latter-day Saints’ Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple will open for free public tours Aug. 15–22 ahead of its formal dedication Aug. 30.

Mekong Dolphin Conservation: Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism says about 1,000 people joined the “Run for the Mekong River Dolphins” in Stung Treng, with the 5 km race framed as support for ecotourism and protection of the critically endangered Mekong Irrawaddy dolphin. Officials cite only 117 dolphins remaining along a 120 km stretch of the Mekong. Border Displacement & UN Scrutiny: Cambodia’s Foreign Ministry defended UN Special Rapporteur Thomas Andrews’ findings on displacement during the 2025 Cambodia–Thailand border conflict, saying his figures match data from UN agencies and humanitarian partners and that Cambodia provided access to detention and displacement sites. Cluster Munitions Report: CMAC says Thai forces fired 6–7 million submunitions across 335 Cambodian villages, affecting 3,872 sq km, with nearly 2,700 sq km infested by cluster bombs—presented to an ICRC delegation. Indigenous Health Traditions: PM Hun Manet urged continued preservation of indigenous midwives’ traditional medical practices, linking them to identity and research while promoting better welfare. ASEAN Message: FM Prak Sokhonn marked ASEAN’s 59th anniversary by arguing ASEAN’s success depends on active participation beyond governments, including business, academia, civil society, youth and local communities. Tourism & Faith: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will open Phnom Penh’s first Latter-day Saint temple to the public for free tours from Aug. 15–22 ahead of its Aug. 30 dedication. Water Security Planning: Cambodia launched long-term river basin masterplanning for the Tonle Sap River Basin Group with ADB support, aiming to guide water allocation, flood/drought management and future investment. Law Enforcement: Cambodia deported 777 foreign nationals over 10 days, including 158 Chinese accused in technology-based fraud, as part of intensified immigration and criminal enforcement.

Malaysia-Cambodia Defense: Prime Minister Hun Manet met Malaysia’s defence minister in Phnom Penh, with Malaysia pledging deeper cooperation from peacekeeping to maritime security and AI capacity-building for the defence sector, and pointing to its role in supporting the Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire. Cambodia-Laos Parliamentary Ties: National Assembly President Khuon Sudary sent condolences to Laos after the death of Lao National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane, praising his leadership and Cambodia–Laos inter-parliamentary cooperation. Border Conflict Reality Check: A UN human rights expert argues that humanitarian protections can’t solve the core problem of disputed territory, leaving hundreds of thousands of displaced Cambodians unable to return home. Road Safety Push: A new report says Cambodia’s road deaths remain preventable despite stronger laws, blaming reckless driving, inconsistent enforcement, and unequal accountability. Activists Still Jailed: Five environmental activists convicted in 2024 remain behind bars with no release in sight after appeal delays, as rights groups call the sentences unjust. Scam Economy Warning: The US says scam compounds in Burma, Cambodia and Laos have become industrial-scale operations tied to trafficking and money laundering, with Americans losing billions. Local Economy & Jobs: Chip Mong broke ground on a $250M food and beverage complex in Phnom Penh to expand dairy, noodles and tea production. Agriculture Deal: Amru Rice Cambodia will double Preah Vihear organic rice procurement to 40,000 tonnes (about $12M), aiming to strengthen traceability and climate-resilient farming.

Scam crackdown and regional risk: Malaysia reported over 66,000 online scam cases last year with losses around RM2.97 billion, as experts warn syndicates are using AI and social engineering to scale fraud. Cambodia–U.S. defense ties: Cambodia and the U.S. signaled renewed maritime cooperation, with plans to resume the CARAT exercise in 2027 and expand naval training and disaster relief. ASEAN diplomacy: Cambodia urged ASEAN to actively uphold the bloc’s peace pact principles, saying the Cambodia–Thailand border issue is a regional concern. Education reform push: Cambodia’s PM Hun Manet called for education reform focused on quality, equity, digital transformation and stronger teacher leadership. Business environment and investment: A government-private sector working group met to tackle practical hurdles for firms, while Hun Manet also received a Chinese business delegation exploring investment across tech, logistics, agriculture and finance. Agriculture and jobs: Amru Rice will double Preah Vihear organic rice procurement to 40,000 tonnes (about $12M), and Australia backed cashew processing to boost value-added output and jobs. Cross-border logistics: FUTA Express and Cambodia’s VET signed an MoU to strengthen Việt Nam–Cambodia freight connectivity. Wildlife conservation: Keo Seima’s Giant Ibis nest protection recorded 17 nests and 18 chicks fledged over a decade, with new nests recently found.

ASEAN Diplomacy: Cambodia’s FM Prak Sokhonn urged ASEAN to actively uphold the bloc’s peace, non-interference and sovereignty principles, saying the Cambodia-Thailand border issue is regional, not just bilateral, as ASEAN marks its 59th anniversary and the 50th year of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation. Education Reform: PM Hun Manet set four priorities for the education system—quality, equity, digital transformation and human capital—calling for better digital infrastructure, online learning, tech use in teaching and stronger teacher leadership. Business & Investment: A Hong Kong-Guangdong-Macao business delegation met Hun Manet to explore investment in infrastructure, real estate, banking, tech/AI, logistics, aviation and healthcare, while Working Group C pushed practical fixes to business hurdles like licensing, electricity costs and skilled labour gaps. Agriculture Jobs: Amru Rice Cambodia will double Preah Vihear organic rice procurement to 40,000 tonnes (about $12M) and also buy organic cassava. Scam Crackdown & Human Trafficking: The US warned scam compounds in Burma, Cambodia and Laos have become industrial-scale, tied to trafficking and money laundering, while Cambodia reported a 13% rise in trafficking victims assisted in the first half of 2026. Wildlife Conservation: Keo Seima’s Giant Ibis nest protection recorded 17 nests and 18 chicks fledged over a decade, with new nests recently found. Sports: Vietnam beat Cambodia 3-1 to reach the ASEAN Championship semis; Singapore also advanced after a 1-1 draw with Indonesia.

Artists’ Payments Get a Boost: Wing Bank, the Khmer Artists Association (KAA) and Mastercard launched the KAA Exclusive Card, giving Cambodian artists a Mastercard payment card plus KAA membership access through the Wing Bank app. Human Trafficking in the Spotlight: Cambodia says it assisted about 580 trafficking victims in the first half of 2026, up 13%, with 170 suspects arrested and many victims linked to online scam crackdowns. UN Rights Engagement: Cambodia reaffirmed cooperation with UN human rights mechanisms after UN Special Rapporteur Thomas Andrews’ first official visit, saying he had access to detention sites and border areas. Border Monitoring Continues: The ASEAN Observer Team visited a civilian area in Preah Vihear after alleged Thai attacks in late 2025, with Cambodia urging transparency and full implementation of border agreements. Private Sector Pushes Rules: The government-private sector forum heard calls for import controls to protect Cambodia’s salt industry, alongside broader complaints about licensing, electricity costs and compliance gaps. Tech, Scams and Diplomacy: A U.S. Senate hearing heard that Trump raised scam-compound issues with Xi, while Cambodia also faces scrutiny over how victims are identified during raids. Education in French: Cambodia and the OIF signed a five-year action plan to expand French-language education, including curriculum updates and volunteer teacher deployment.

French Language Education: Cambodia and the OIF signed a five-year action plan in Paris to upgrade French-language curricula, revise textbooks, train teachers, and deploy volunteer instructors. Digital Transformation & Media: Information Minister Neth Pheaktra met Smart Axiata’s CEO to push digital transition and responsible information, including fighting misinformation. Border Monitoring & Displacement: Cambodia facilitated an ASEAN Observer Team visit to a civilian border area in Preah Vihear, reiterating support for ceasefire monitoring; meanwhile, NEC said voter registration for about 10,000 displaced people was disrupted ahead of October commune elections. Religious Discipline: Cambodia’s top Buddhist leaders warned monks to tighten discipline and avoid misconduct, including misuse of social media and gambling. Anti-Scam Push: OpenAI said it disrupted a major Poipet-based scam campaign using ChatGPT for romance fraud, fake investments, and bogus police scams. Human Rights & Elections: UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews urged more open civic space ahead of 2027 elections, citing border displacement and cyber scam harms. Conservation Win: WCS reported 17 giant ibis nests found over a decade in Keo Seima, with 18 chicks hatched. Marriage Vetting: Police data showed 1,154 foreign nationals applied to marry Cambodians in H1 2026, with strict checks to prevent trafficking disguised as marriage.

Border Displacement & Elections: The National Election Committee says voter registration for about 10,000 of 27,000 eligible displaced Cambodians is disrupted because Thai forces occupy their home areas, affecting 44 polling stations across border provinces; NEC says registration will still proceed and may add polling sites near temporary housing. Human Rights Watch: UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews pushed back on Thai criticism, saying he shared an advance draft on displacement before issuing his Cambodia border-conflict statement, while warning Cambodia faces intersecting rights challenges ahead of the 2027 elections. Cybercrime Crackdown: OpenAI says it disrupted a Poipet-based scam campaign by banning accounts and blocking new registrations, alleging use of ChatGPT for romance fraud, fake investments, bogus police scams, and possible trafficking-related operations. Education Reform: PM Hun Manet urged universities to protect academic integrity, limit overreliance on AI, and strengthen quality, equity, and digital education as Cambodia reforms its workforce for the future economy. Conservation: Koh Sdach authorities released a critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle after it was rescued from a fisherman’s net, tagging it and involving students to boost awareness. Climate Pressure: Cambodia’s wildlife communities are bracing for worsening El Niño drought, with officials warning dry conditions could shrink habitats and water sources.

Education & Community Fundraising: Opening Doors Cambodia (ODC) is running a 600km cycling drive from Siem Reap to Koh Kong to keep English programs going for students from low-income families, with Action Education also donating learning materials and bicycles for vulnerable girls along the route. Regional Diplomacy: Myanmar’s ex-junta chief Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Bangkok for his first Thailand visit as civilian leader, as Thailand and ASEAN push for normalization after the 2021 coup and amid ongoing detention of Aung San Suu Kyi. ASEAN Governance: Cambodia hosted ASEAN civil service leaders in Phnom Penh to discuss “innovation for better service delivery,” with a focus on using AI and improving public-sector performance. Cambodia–Malaysia Ties: Cambodia and Malaysia agreed to broaden agricultural cooperation beyond rice, including cashews, aquaculture and fertilisers, during their 3rd JCBC meeting in Kuala Lumpur. Social Protection: Experts urged expanding Cambodia’s National Social Security Fund to cover more elderly people left out after war and informal work, warning the gap is driving families into debt and leaving seniors without adequate healthcare. Cybercrime Warning: Police warned of online trafficking scams using fake job ads and social media, urging the public to stay vigilant.

Cybercrime Crackdown: Phnom Penh says it raided 139 online scam centres in the first half of 2026, detaining 2,389 suspects across 27 nationalities, as part of the “Safe Village-Commune-Sangkat” push. Regional Diplomacy: Cambodia and China launched the 2nd Mekong-Lancang Peace Boat Programme in Phnom Penh, aiming to boost peace, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges across six countries. Human Rights: UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews warns Cambodia faces serious rights challenges tied to the border conflict, trafficking and political freedoms ahead of elections. Social Protection: Experts urge expanding the National Social Security Fund to cover more elderly Cambodians left out after war and informal work, warning of debt and healthcare gaps. Public Safety Incident: A drug suspect detonated a grenade during a domestic violence dispute in Pursat, killing himself and five security officials. Tourism Economy: Siem Reap’s tourism recovery remains slow despite a green-season discount campaign, with experts urging stronger international marketing and air connectivity. Bilateral Ties: Cambodia and Malaysia agreed to broaden cooperation beyond rice into cashews, aquaculture and fertilisers, plus education and migrant worker welfare.

Cross-border Crime Crackdown: South Korean and Kazakh authorities have dismantled a Korean-run voice phishing scam ring, arresting 19 suspects in a joint operation after the group shifted from Cambodia to Vietnam and then to Almaty as enforcement tightened. Women’s Rights at the Border: A new report on the 2025 Cambodia–Thailand border conflict highlights how female returnees face debt, insecure work, and unequal pay even after escaping displacement. Digital Startups Funding: Cambodia’s Entrepreneurship Development Fund launched a second cohort under its EcoBoost Investment Track to expand equity access for digital startups and SMEs and strengthen domestic value chains. Health Partnership: Cambodia’s Health Minister praised UNFPA as a key partner aligned with national health plans, including support for sexual and reproductive health and “Three Zeros” targets. Rice Exports Surge: Cambodia exported 707,471 tons of milled rice in the first seven months of 2026, up 68% year-on-year, with revenue rising to $415.1m and a push toward a 1m-ton annual milestone. Tourism Pressure: The Tourism Ministry says international arrivals fell 47.9% in H1 2026, blaming negative publicity, scam networks, and border friction, and calling for stronger public-private action. UNESCO on Preah Vihear: Phnom Penh urged UNESCO to formally document damage to Preah Vihear Temple from Thai strikes in July 2025. SME Strategy: Cambodia is set to roll out a National SME Development Strategy 2026–2030 to support businesses across their full life cycle. Aviation Update: Cambodia-based AVi8 Airways says it plans to start operations in May 2027, focusing first on ACMI and medical charter services.

ASEAN Diplomacy: Thailand’s PM Anutin Charnvirakul laid out a “stronger, more resilient, people-centred” ASEAN vision in Jakarta, urging regional solutions on security, food and energy, and faster digital connectivity. UN Human Rights: Cambodia reaffirmed its human-rights commitment and open UN engagement after UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews’ mission, with talks covering expression, justice, detention conditions, and border-displaced communities. Cambodia-Thailand Border: ASEAN Observer Team visits both Boundary Pillar No. 37 and the Boeung Trakoun checkpoint in Banteay Meanchey, highlighting ongoing displacement and calls for Joint Boundary Commission demarcation. Tourism Pressure: Tourism Minister Huot Hak said foreign arrivals fell 47.9% in H1 2026, blaming scam networks, border friction, and negative publicity, while pushing marketing and public-private fixes. Economy Outlook: Deputy PM Aun Pornmoniroth projected 4.1% growth for 2026 amid fuel-price and inflation pressures. Public Health: Cambodia’s COVID-19 hospital visits rose 74.8% week-on-week, with CDC urging precautions. Scam Tech: OpenAI reported a Cambodia-linked scam operation using ChatGPT to run romance, crypto, gambling, and police-impersonation fraud. Business & Skills: A National Business Financing Forum showcased government credit and support tools for MSMEs, while EU scholarships sent 23 Cambodian students to Europe.

Human Rights Diplomacy: Cambodia and UN Special Rapporteur Thomas Andrews reaffirmed commitment to open human-rights dialogue after his first mission, including visits to border communities displaced by the Cambodia–Thailand conflict. Border Displacement: Thailand rejected Andrews’ estimate of 650,000 displaced Cambodians, saying it relied on one-sided information, while Cambodia continues pushing for accountability and clearer border negotiations. Economic Resilience Funding: The ADB approved a $250m concessional loan for Cambodia’s RISE program to protect social spending, support IDPoor households, and promote clean energy amid regional shocks. Workforce Update: Cambodia’s workforce rose past 2.3 million across 47,494 active enterprises, with the Labour Ministry citing policy support for employment, training, and worker protections. Tourism Push: The Tourism Ministry launched a Green Season Siem Reap promotion with discounts up to 50%, aiming to lift arrivals in the rainy low season. Cambodia–Japan Culture: The Cambodia Festival in Japan marked a decade since 2015, with the 10th edition drawing about 120,000 visitors and boosting cultural, tourism, and trade ties. Digital Payments: Cambodia expanded cross-border ASEAN QR links with Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam via Bakong and KHQR. Public Services: A new passport office opened in Sihanoukville to bring ID services closer to people under decentralization plans. Humanitarian Aid: Cambodian Red Cross President Bun Rany Hun Sen delivered support to 86 construction workers in Phnom Penh, including cash and sarongs. Regional Cooperation: Cambodia’s Deputy PM and FM Prak Sokhonn began a Malaysia visit ahead of the 3rd JCBC meeting.