AGP Executive Report

HIV Milestone: Cambodia became the first country in Asia-Pacific to hit UNAIDS’ 95-95-95 HIV targets, with UNAIDS praising progress on testing, treatment and viral suppression. Health Diplomacy: Prime Minister Hun Manet met UNAIDS regional director Eamonn Murphy, who urged Cambodia to share its model, including social protection links to health services. Renewables & Energy Security: Mines and Energy Minister Keo Rottanak said Cambodia’s renewable push is shielding electricity prices from global oil shocks, while Cambodia and the ADB plan to expand local bank financing for clean energy through the SCALE initiative. ASEAN Regional Politics: Cambodia’s scholar Kin Phea highlighted the ASEAN Future Forum as a needed platform amid major-power rivalry and non-traditional security risks, while Vietnam’s role in agenda-setting was also underlined. Cambodia–Thailand Border Context: A Cambodia-focused op-ed argues third-party engagement matters because trust is strained after the 2025 clashes, with ASEAN mediation and observation teams cited as key de-escalation tools. Cambodia–China Trade & Development: Cambodia and China reaffirmed agricultural cooperation to expand exports, and Cambodia showcased its goods at a China-South Asia trade expo in Kunming. Digital Governance: MPTC urged ministries to lead on AI adoption to speed up Cambodia’s digital transformation. Defense Industry Messaging: Hun Sen reiterated Cambodia’s military equipment production is for self-defence and domestic supply, responding to overseas criticism. Aviation & Connectivity: Cambodia Airways inducted its first ATR 72-600, signaling route expansion and improved regional air capacity.

Cambodia–Thailand Border Mediation: Cambodia’s political trust gap after the July 2025 clashes is driving calls for third-party help, with ASEAN Chair Malaysia leading de-escalation efforts including a ceasefire and an ASEAN Observation Team monitoring sensitive areas. HIV Policy Milestone: Cambodia became the first Asia-Pacific country to hit UNAIDS’ global 95-95-95 HIV targets, with leaders citing community-led testing and treatment expansion. Energy & Economic Resilience: Mines and Energy Minister Keo Rottanak says renewables are keeping electricity prices near pre-crisis levels amid oil shocks, while Cambodia and ADB plan to push renewable financing through local banks. Defence Industry & Politics: Hun Sen reiterated Cambodia’s military equipment production is for self-defence and possible future exports via official channels, while also responding to overseas opposition criticism. Digital Transformation: Posts and Telecommunications Minister Chea Vandeth urged ministries to adopt AI to improve public service efficiency. SME Push: Finance Minister Aun Pornmoniroth said SMEs are a priority for jobs and domestic production, with customs reforms and public-private dialogue to tackle financing and market access barriers. Governance & Enforcement: Cambodia revoked Roxy Casino’s license in Bavet after links to online fraud were confirmed. Visa Update: Cambodia will grant visa-free entry to Macau SAR passport holders from 15 June to 15 October.

ASEAN Diplomacy: PM Hun Manet told the 3rd ASEAN Future Forum in Hanoi that ASEAN’s success should be judged by peace and people’s welfare, while warning Cambodia remains concerned about the Thai military’s on-the-ground posture and the risk of “faits accomplish.” Border & Information War: Thailand’s Joint Information Coordination Centre (JIC) is set to get a reported 9.8 million baht to bring international media to border areas and shift from reactive updates to proactive information dissemination. Scam Crackdown Fallout: Cambodia revoked the Roxy Casino license in Bavet after inspections linked it to online fraud, as authorities also face renewed scrutiny over whether raids actually protect victims. Human Rights & Justice: A Bangkok court sentenced two Uyghur men to death over the 2015 Erawan Shrine bombing, while rights groups say the trial fell short of international standards. Governance & Services: Cambodia’s Immigration warned travelers against an unauthorized visa website, directing arrivals to official e-Arrival channels. Economy & Investment: The CDC approved $3.26bn in fixed-asset investment projects in the first five months of 2026, with China leading. Environment: The Ministry of Environment urged nationwide rainy-season tree planting, offering 5 million saplings. Regional Mobility: Cambodia reported repatriation support for 22 Filipino trafficking victims returning home.

Digital Trade Push: Cambodia will host its Third Cambodia Digital Trade Forum and Online Expo in Phnom Penh from Sept. 11–13, 2026, with talks on AI, cybersecurity, digital trust, and cross-border logistics, plus youth and women-focused initiatives. Water & Climate Resilience: The Water Resources and Meteorology minister met Singapore’s ambassador, reaffirming cooperation on water security, forecasts, and early warnings tied to Cambodia’s climate and poverty-reduction goals. Skills Upgrade: Cambodia’s Labour minister visited Swiss TVET centres in Geneva to study a dual-track, competency-based model and explore stronger private-sector apprenticeship links. Youth Philanthropy: Deputy PM Hang Chuon Naron honoured Anna Sophie Abe of Etoile Performing Arts, transferring $20,000 from a charity concert to scholarships and vocational training. Border Politics: Acting Head of State Hun Sen rejected Thai media claims about using force, stressing peaceful, international-law mechanisms—while the CPP signals the border dispute’s “peaceful resolution” policy will be used in the 2027/2028 election campaign. Economy Watch: The World Bank warned fuel-price hikes could push about 1.1 million more people into poverty, urging near-term protection and long-term productivity reforms. Environment & Enforcement: Authorities recorded 896 natural resource crimes in Jan–May 2026, while the environment minister urged citizens to join a drive to plant at least 1 million trees per year. Tourism Connectivity: Cambodia and Vietnam agreed to boost tourist flows and connectivity, including maritime and Mekong cruise links, via technical working groups.

Cambodia–Thailand Border Tensions: Acting Head of State Hun Sen rejected Thai media claims that Cambodia would use military force, saying Cambodia will not choose war and will pursue peaceful settlement through international law and diplomacy. Cambodia–U.S. Ties: U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau praised progress in Cambodia–U.S. relations and welcomed the Open Skies Agreement as a connectivity milestone, while Hun Manet highlighted support for private sector growth. Cambodia–Viet Nam Youth and Tourism: Hun Manet said youth-to-youth links are a key foundation for Cambodia–Viet Nam ties, and both countries agreed to boost tourist flows and connectivity via land, air, and maritime routes. Humanitarian Demining: UN Deputy Secretary-General Izumi Nakamitsu commended Cambodia’s mine clearance and UXO expertise, noting the long-term resources and sustained commitment involved. UK Trade and Investment: UK envoy Matt Western MP is set to visit Cambodia to deepen trade and investment cooperation as Cambodia prepares to graduate from LDC status, with talks also covering energy transition and regulatory reforms. Poverty Warning: The World Bank warned that higher fuel prices could push about 1.1 million more people into poverty, urging action to protect vulnerable households and prepare for an aging population.

Border Diplomacy & Sovereignty: Acting Head of State Hun Sen urged Thai media to correct misquotes about Cambodia’s border stance, stressing peaceful solutions and warning against distortions. He also backed the “Waiting Village” naming for displaced families as a political message: homes can be built without conceding disputed territory. Military Readiness Admission: Hun Sen said shortcomings in his era left Cambodia “not adequately prepared” for the border crisis, apologising for overreliance on diplomatic assurances and noting defence reforms are now underway. Cambodia–Thailand De-escalation: PM Hun Manet and Thailand’s Anutin pledged to keep tensions within international law, calling for the Joint Boundary Commission to resume survey and demarcation work. Regional Leadership at ASEAN Future Forum: Vietnam’s PM Le Minh Hung pushed for ASEAN to shape global norms, while Cambodia’s PM Hun Manet attended the Hanoi forum and held meetings with regional leaders. Cambodia–Vietnam Ties: Hun Manet and Vietnamese leaders reaffirmed stronger cultural and political cooperation and urged faster border-crossing procedures to boost trade. US–Cambodia Open Skies Boost: A US Deputy Secretary of State praised steady bilateral progress and highlighted the Open Skies Agreement as a connectivity milestone. Cybercrime Crackdown: Cambodia detained 86 suspects and seized hundreds of devices in Phnom Penh and Preah Sihanouk as authorities intensify actions against online scam syndicates. Parliament & Governance: The National Assembly began reviewing Road Law amendments to cut transport costs and improve safety, while the Senate called for more women and youth candidates in 2027 commune elections. Humanitarian Recovery: Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia reported progress in recovering martyrs’ remains, with DNA identification efforts ramping up.

Border & Sovereignty: Acting Head of State Hun Sen told displaced families in Sla Kram that Cambodia will keep pursuing territorial recovery without surrendering, even as it builds permanent homes—calling the “Waiting Village” label a political message, and admitting he bears responsibility for earlier under-preparation for the border crisis. Diplomacy: PM Hun Manet returned from Vietnam after the ASEAN Future Forum, where Cambodia and Thailand reiterated commitments to international law and peaceful border dialogue. Elections & Local Governance: The Senate urged stronger participation of women, youth and qualified candidates for the 2027 commune elections, while reviewing practical governance gaps. Law & Infrastructure: The National Assembly began reviewing Road Law amendments aimed at safer roads, lower transport costs and better enforcement. Cybercrime Crackdown Under Scrutiny: Cambodia intensified raids and detentions tied to online scams, but Amnesty challenged the government’s claims, saying many scam compounds were not effectively dismantled and victims still faced harm. Public Safety for Workers: Civil society groups demanded safer transport for garment workers after deadly crashes. Economy & Regional Integration: The World Bank warned Cambodia faces overlapping shocks—fuel price pressures, returning migrant workers and credit strains—while the NBC chief is set to speak at the Nikkei Forum in Tokyo. ASEAN-China Media: Cambodia outlined priorities for ASEAN-China media cooperation: integrity, digital capacity building and people-centred storytelling. Green Transition: Cambodia moved to accelerate EV adoption through incentives and charging expansion, alongside upgrades to disease surveillance systems.

Cybercrime Crackdown: Phnom Penh authorities inspected 85 sites, raided 2 major operations, and detained suspects tied to an online investment scam and an illegal gambling den, seizing phones and gaming equipment as the governor pushes tougher action across all 14 districts. Border & Sovereignty: Acting Head of State Hun Sen reiterated Cambodia’s stance on the Thailand border dispute—peaceful negotiations first, while warning Thailand that any long-term closure is its choice as long as Cambodian territory is not violated. Scam Networks Under Scrutiny: Amnesty again claimed Cambodia’s crackdown is missing many scam compounds and that interventions were undermined, while Cambodia rejected the report and said enforcement continues nationwide. ASEAN Diplomacy: At the ASEAN Future Forum in Hanoi, Cambodia’s PM Hun Manet and Thailand’s PM Anutin urged peaceful, lasting solutions under existing statements, as Vietnam’s PM Le Minh Hung called for ASEAN to shape new rules and norms by 2045. Trade Facilitation: Cambodia and China signed an AEO pact to streamline customs clearance and reduce inspections, aiming to expand compliant traders. Aviation & Investment: Air Cambodia signed an MoU with Hainan Airport to expand routes, while CDC met Japan’s JETRO to improve the investment climate and attract more Japanese firms.

Cambodia–Thailand Maritime Row: Samdech Techo Hun Sen shared a Thai scholar’s critique of Bangkok’s UNCLOS approach, arguing Thailand misunderstands international law and is “playing the UNCLOS game” the wrong way as Cambodia pushes compulsory conciliation. Bilateral Diplomacy: PM Hun Manet’s Hanoi visit with Vietnam’s top leadership focused on deepening ties, easing cross-border cargo procedures, and expanding expressway and air links, with both sides also agreeing to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2027. Anti-Scam Crackdown Under Scrutiny: Amnesty says Cambodia’s raids and “zero tolerance” drive are missing most trafficking-linked scam compounds, while the U.S. DOJ reports a cross-border operation that disrupted scam centers in Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar and froze millions in crypto. Public Security & Enforcement: Phnom Penh police arrested a Chinese national who was deported and banned after serving time, alleging he re-entered illegally and planned another extortion/kidnapping scheme. Governance & Reform: The Interior Ministry defended a gradual reduction of deputy police positions via attrition and tighter appointments, not sudden dismissals. Digital Policy: The Information Ministry urged youth to “think before you share” as it expands anti-fake-news efforts. Development & Economy: A Kampong Thom entrepreneurship cluster was launched to back students, startups, farmers and MSMEs, while ASEAN Customs met in Phnom Penh to push smoother trade and supply-chain resilience. Environment & Transport: Cambodia’s environment minister urged EV adoption, and officials advanced riverbank planning by delegating river management tasks to provincial and municipal bodies.

Scam Crackdown Under Fire: Amnesty International says Cambodia’s yearlong crackdown on online scam compounds failed to dismantle most trafficking-linked operations, citing 86 compounds operating as of April (up from 53 a year earlier) and only limited state intervention at 24 sites, while survivors interviewed reported abuses including sexual violence and said they were not properly screened or identified as trafficking victims. PM Hun Manet’s Vietnam Pivot: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet departed for Hanoi for an official visit and the 3rd ASEAN Future Forum, holding bilateral talks with Vietnam’s PM Le Minh Hung and delivering a keynote on ASEAN trade, investment and people-centered cooperation. ASEAN-China Media Push: Cambodia joined the ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum in Shenyang, with officials stressing media integration, fact-checking and countering disinformation amid AI-driven information shifts. Border Enforcement in Takeo: Takeo Governor Vei Samnang ordered stricter inspections of imported goods at Cambodia-Vietnam border checkpoints, warning against collusion and illegal smuggling. Regional Diplomacy: Acting Head of State Hun Sen sent Russia Day greetings to Russia’s Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko, pledging to deepen parliamentary cooperation. Climate Civic Drive: The “Clean Cambodia, Khmer Can Do” campaign framed daily cleanliness as climate action, linking waste mismanagement to methane emissions, flooding risk and pollution.

Cybercrime Crackdown: Cambodia’s nationwide raids have detained hundreds of foreign nationals and shut down scam-linked sites, with authorities seizing computers and phones used for online fraud and illegal gambling. Public Security Push: Acting Head of State Hun Sen urged local officials to intensify action against street crime, drugs, and cyber offences under the Safe Village-Commune policy. Drug Corridor Strategy: The Interior Ministry says it is targeting drug trafficking “at the roots” with coordinated operations across provinces to stop Cambodia being used as a transit route. UNCLOS Maritime Fight: Cambodia’s move to compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS faces Thai resistance, with experts warning Bangkok may keep adding procedural hurdles. Khnar Temple Staircase: Cambodia’s Culture Ministry condemned Thai forces for burning a wooden staircase to Khnar Temple, calling it deliberate damage to heritage. Education & Skills: The TVET push is nearing its 1.5 million target, while the CoolThink@JC computational thinking programme rolls out to primary schools. Governance & Diplomacy: Hun Manet heads to Hanoi for the ASEAN Future Forum, with talks aimed at deepening regional economic cooperation. Trade Facilitation: Cambodia and China signed an AEO pact to speed customs clearance for compliant businesses. Environment Agenda: Cambodia marked Zero Waste with millions of pledges to cut plastic use and expanded sorting and monitoring efforts.

Cambodia–Vietnam Diplomacy: PM Hun Manet will visit Viet Nam from 8–10 June for bilateral talks with Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and to attend the 3rd ASEAN Future Forum in Hanoi, with meetings also planned with Vietnam’s party and National Assembly leaders. Digital Education Reform: Education Minister Hang Chuon Naron launched the CoolThink@JC computational thinking programme in Cambodian primary schools, building on a June 2025 MoU with the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and teacher training plans. Media Integrity Push: The Ministry of Information expanded its “Say No to Fake News” campaign, urging youth to verify information and follow laws and digital safety norms. Tourism Tech & Promotion: The Tourism Ministry rolled out a green-season augmented reality app to boost domestic travel and partnerships, alongside expo activities and visa-exemption promotion for Chinese visitors. Public Services in Phnom Penh: CDC officials joined a free medical outreach in Meanchey serving about 1,000 residents across four communes. Environment & Cleanup: In Siem Reap’s Kampong Khleang, authorities and partners collected about 40 tonnes of plastic waste over five months, urging residents and tourists to keep Tonle Sap areas clean. Border Tensions Monitoring: ASEAN Observer Team visits in Pursat (O’Phlouk Damrei and Chey Chumneas) focused on ceasefire compliance, with Cambodia again stressing peaceful resolution and land demarcation. Information Governance Drafting: The Ministry of Information reviewed draft media guidelines to protect women, children, and persons with disabilities ahead of stakeholder consultations.

Border Monitoring & Ceasefire Compliance: Cambodia’s Liaison Group facilitated ASEAN Observer Team field visits in Pursat to check implementation of the Dec. 27, 2025 Joint Statement, with Cambodia again alleging Thai military incursions, barbed wire and shipping containers that block displaced families’ return, and urging renewed land demarcation via the Joint Boundary Commission. Humanitarian Returns: Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior says nearly 620,000 border-displaced people have returned home (about 95% of those who fled), while schools and health facilities remain closed in affected provinces. Public Security Push: Acting Head of State Hun Sen urged civil servants to intensify action against street crime, drugs and cybercrime under the Safe Village-Commune Policy, warning against inactivity and abuse of authority. Governance & Services: Hun Sen also called on commune and sangkat councils to deliver public services promptly and step up tax and customs collection to boost revenue. Media Rights Framework: The Ministry of Information and international partners reviewed draft media guidelines to protect women, children and persons with disabilities ahead of stakeholder consultations. Education & Digital Skills: MoEYS and Japan’s IATSS signed a road-safety education MoU, while Cambodia rolled out the CoolThink@JC computational thinking curriculum in primary schools. Economy & Connectivity: Cambodia and the US concluded a key open skies aviation agreement after 12 years, aiming for direct flights and more investment via Techo International Airport. Debt Watch: Economists say Cambodia’s public debt rose to $13.3 billion in Q1 but remains low risk due to mostly concessional, long-term loans. Environment & Conservation: Cambodia marked Environment Day with a zero-waste push on plastic bags and reported nearly 50 wildlife species recorded in Veun Sai–Siem Pang National Park.

Open Skies Deal: Cambodia and the United States have concluded a long-negotiated Open Skies aviation agreement after 12 years, with Washington signaling investment support for Phnom Penh International Airport to boost direct flights, tourism, and trade. Digital Agriculture: The Ministry of Agriculture launched the Cam Agri Hub website, a one-stop digital gateway for climate-smart rice farming guidance, weather advisories, and market information. Environment & Wildlife: On World Environment Day, Cambodia reported nearly 50 wildlife species detected in Veun Sai–Siem Pang National Park, including seven threatened mammals, based on 2025 camera-trap surveys. Tourism Push: Preah Sihanouk reviewed $39M in Koh Rong projects aimed at creating about 1,000 jobs and upgrading the island’s tourism strategy. Humanitarian Fundraising: A “2,700 Steps” charity walk raised 2.1 billion riel for Cambodia Kantha Bopha hospitals. Land Disputes: In Preah Vihear, residents met authorities over alleged land grabs tied to large concessions granted to China Great Cause and Global Green (Cambodia) Energy Development. Crime & Security: Phnom Penh police arrested four foreign suspects in a kidnapping case, including a Chinese man accused of illegal re-entry after deportation. Maritime Law: Thailand said it will join UN arbitration chosen by Cambodia to resolve the Gulf of Thailand dispute, while pausing other border talks. Trade Pressure: The U.S. proposed forced-labor-related tariffs that include Cambodia, adding new pressure on export compliance.

US Forced-Labour Tariffs: The U.S. Trade Representative has proposed new forced-labour duties affecting 60 countries, naming Cambodia among those accused of failing to effectively ban forced-labour imports—raising fresh pressure on Cambodia’s trade compliance and export competitiveness. Cambodia–Thailand Maritime Clash: Thailand says it will join Cambodia’s UN-backed UNCLOS conciliation, but is holding other bilateral talks and objects to Cambodia’s push to include resource-sharing issues—keeping the Gulf of Thailand dispute in the legal arena. Cultural Heritage Under Fire: Cambodia’s Culture Ministry strongly condemned Thai military destruction of the K’nar Temple wooden staircase and protested Thailand’s planned activities at Ta Krabei, framing it as an attack on heritage and conservation work. Scam Crackdown Cross-Border: Singapore arrested another suspect linked to a Cambodia-based scam ring targeting Singaporeans; authorities say dozens remain at large, with Phnom Penh raids tied to the wider operation. Tourism Headwinds: Cambodia reported 1.3 million foreign arrivals in the first four months of 2026, down nearly 46%, citing regional factors and the Thailand border dispute. China Ties Deepen: Cambodia and China signed an AEO mutual recognition deal to speed customs clearance and cut inspections, alongside seven Mekong-Lancang cooperation projects under the MLC Special Fund. Development Finance: The U.S. DFC approved $100 million financing for Techo International Airport expansion, boosting Cambodia’s aviation infrastructure plans.

UNCLOS Maritime Row: Cambodia has formally invoked the UN compulsory conciliation mechanism to settle the Overlapping Claims Area dispute with Thailand, with officials stressing it’s a lawful, structured process—not a break in ties. Diplomatic Outreach: Deputy PM Vongsey Vissoth met Singapore’s new ambassador to reaffirm cooperation on trade, energy, digital connectivity and public administration reforms. Business Climate: The CDC pledged faster, more transparent internal reforms to improve investment protection and address private-sector hurdles, with AmCham and other chambers in attendance. US Forced-Labour Tariffs: The US proposed Section 301 tariffs of up to 12.5% on 60 countries, including Cambodia, after forced-labour findings—prompting pushback from trading partners. Agriculture Exports: Cambodia earned about $327.4m from milled rice exports in Jan–May 2026 (568,912 tonnes), while Cambodia-China deals also target easier access for dried longans and beef via SPS protocols. Skills & Jobs: National TVET Day (June 15–16) will spotlight the programme training 1.5 million youth from poor and vulnerable families. Environment & Rights: Rights groups renewed calls to free jailed Mother Nature Cambodia activists as their appeals hearing was postponed. Security & Justice: Three suspended Stung Treng prison officials have resumed duties after a bribe-related smartphone case; meanwhile, Thai “fake girlfriend” scam victims were found held in Cambodia by a Chinese group.