The number of scam centres operating in Cambodia has actually increased since a government programme to eliminate them commenced in July 2025. The claim reported by non-profit, Amnesty International, appeared in its latest report on the Kingdom’s scam sector released in June 2026 entitled: ‘Falling Through the Cracks – Cambodia’s “Crackdown” on scamming compounds and the victims it has failed.’
In the context of the Cambodian economy between 2024 and 2026, a stark contradiction is observed between seemingly positive macroeconomic growth and a widespread household-level insolvency crisis. According to an International Monetary Fund (IMF) report released in late 2024, the Royal Government of Cambodia maintained a remarkably low public debt-to-GDP ratio of approximately 26.6%.
Since the end of the civil war in the late 1990s, the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) government has shifted its narrative from the ‘1979 Liberation’ to ‘economic growth’ to justify its legitimacy.
When a Malaysian couple, Danny* and his fiancé, Christine, finally broke free from an online scam group in Cambodia, they believed reaching their embassy would
The momentum of regional politics in Southeast Asia is reaching a major turning point as Thailand prepares for the general election on February 8, 2026, an event that not only affects Thailand’s internal stability but is also a major determinant of the fate of bilateral relations with Cambodia.
Lixin Group has grown into a major conglomerate with business interests stretching from the Mekong to the Black Sea. But evidence collected by OCCRP suggests that it has a darker side.
Thai fighter jets carried out airstrikes on O’Smach town in Oddar Meanchey province on December 8, 2025, hitting areas long linked to online scam operations, according to local workers and witnesses.
From 24-27 December 2025, Cambodia and Thailand are again meeting under the General Border Committee (GBC) framework to discuss a ceasefire. The talks could lead to a defence ministers meeting on 27 December, even as fighting continues and both sides accuse each other of violations.
National unity is not a slogan. It is a strategic asset. In a moment of crisis with Thailand, Cambodia’s strongest non-military advantage is legitimacy, meaning how credible Cambodia appears to its own citizens and to the outside world. Unity among Cambodian political forces will not immediately stop Thai military pressure, but it can strengthen Cambodia’s position in regional and international diplomacy, narrow the space for hostile pretexts, and expand support for lawful and peaceful solutions.
The Phnom Penh court decision to delay Kem Sokha’s case in mid December 2025 is being described by some officials and supporters of the ruling party as a step to protect national interest and unity. Many Cambodians do not see it that way. To them, it looks like the state is keeping a major political case in permanent limbo because the ruling elite is afraid of what could happen if real political competition returns.
Four Preah Vihear indigenous families met with provincial authorities on Tuesday over claims to their land but were told they had no option but to leave their homes.
Two Daun Penh security guards prevented a youth activist from the Khmer Thavrak group from setting up a small public library in Phnom Penh’s Wat Botum park.
Kep provincial officials cut down around 30 trees along the beachfront in the city and said this was done to beautify the area ahead of the Southeast Asia Games in May.
Battambang authorities arrested two people for allegedly impersonating authorities and for extorting money from another person.
The ruling Cambodian People’s Party dropped a second lawsuit against former senior Candlelight adviser Kong Korm, days after he quit the opposition party.
VOD is a media outlet operated by the Foundation for Freedom (FFF), a nonprofit organization registered in Washington State, United States, with EIN 92-2110856.
© 2026 Copyright By Foundation for Freedom (FFF)
