Cambodia

The Cambodian PM has said that Cambodia chooses international law and peace, and that it has sent an official letter to the International Court of Justice to seek a solution to the Thai-Cambodia border dispute

The Chanthaburi-Trat Border Protection Force collaborated with Cambodian authorities to resolve a backlog of 32 Thai cargo trucks stuck at the Ban Phak Kad border crossing. The trucks were delayed since 13 Jun due to Cambodia’s temporary border closure measures. The Ban Laem border checkpoint remains restricted, allowing only individual crossings

On 14 Jun, H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa chaired a meeting to monitor the 6th Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting in Phnom Penh. He reaffirmed Thailand’s dedication to reducing border tensions peacefully through bilateral mechanisms

Thai and Cambodian officials met on 14 Jun to try to resolve the border dispute

On 12 Jun, Cambodian Prime Minister announced that Cambodia would stop purchasing electricity and internet from Thailand. The Minister of Mines and Energy affirmed Cambodia’s ability to independently supply its own electricity. Cambodia’s Ministry of Information issued a directive to all television stations to stop broadcasting Thai films from midnight on 12 Jun onwards

On 14 Jun, Prime Minister announced that Cambodia is fully prepared to manage a potential mass return of Cambodian migrant workers from Thailand. The Ministry of National Defense, Royal Cambodian Army, and Phnom Penh Municipality arranged transportation to return workers to their home provinces. The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training is ready to assist returnees in finding jobs, with Cambodia facing a shortage of over 70,000 workers in key industries, according to the Prime Minister. He urged the Cambodian Banking Association and Cambodia Microfinance Association to explore financial relief options, such as delayed repayment or debt restructuring, for returning workers with debts. The Ministry of Labour estimates that over 1 million Cambodians are employed in Thailand

On 14 Jun, the Thai internet connection in Poipet city in Banteay Meanchey province was disconnected, followed by another disconnection in Koh Kong province. Cambodian officials are redirecting part of Thailand’s internet usage to Cambodia’s local system

On 13 Jun, Cambodia blocked all Thai goods from entering through the Daung International Border Gate in Kamrieng district in Battambang province. Despite the closure to goods, citizens of both Cambodia and Thailand can still travel through the Daung Border Gate during scheduled hours, from 8-9 am to 4 pm

According to the World Bank’s June 2025 Cambodia Economic Update (CEU), Cambodia’s real GDP growth is projected to slow to 4% in 2025 and 4.5% in 2026, down from a Jan 2025 World Bank forecast of 5.5% for both years. Growth remains robust but uneven, driven by steady exports and tourism, though softened by global uncertainties and trade policy shifts. Services exports, particularly tourism, were +16.1% YoY in Q1 2025, but international tourist numbers remain below 2019 levels

On 10 Jun, the Cambodian Prime Minister met the French President in Nice in France, during the 3rd UN Ocean Conference (8-13 Jun). Discussions focused on trade, economy, defence, security, energy, and culture. France will soon send a trade delegation led by the Minister of Commerce to Cambodia. France pledged full logistical and technical support for the 20th Francophonie Summit in Siem Reap in 2026

On 5 Jun, the second round of Cambodia-Singapore Political Consultations was held in Singapore, co-chaired by Cambodia's Secretary of State and Singapore's Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs. The 2 sides proposed a joint technical working group to develop joint tourism packages, promotional programmes, and expanded flight routes. The Third Political Consultation is scheduled for 2027 in Cambodia

Border crossing hours in Sa Kaeo province were extended for Cambodian students attending schools in Thailand, effective 11 Jun. This is due to limited hours enforced since 7 Jun, disrupting students’ school commutes. According to the Sa Kaeo immigration superintendent, up to 3,000 Cambodian students cross daily to attend classes in Thailand. Since 9 Jun, the Ban Hat Lek crossing allowed special entry for Cambodian students, however, a local border school saw low attendance early in the week

On 11 Jun, the Thai Prime Minister visited Surin province, urging security agencies to coordinate matching operating hours at border checkpoints to facilitate trade and movement. The Governor of Surin said that Cambodia recently adjusted the operating hours of the Chong Jom border checkpoint, providing a 6-hour period for travel and cross-border movement between the 2 nations

Unexpected checkpoint closures due to Cambodia-Thailand border tensions have disrupted multi-country tour operators, stranding travellers and prompting cancellations. Many operators offer multi-country Southeast Asian packages, with “Thailand and Cambodia” among the top, alongside “Thailand and Vietnam” and “Cambodia-Vietnam”

The Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism and the Embassy of the Philippines hosted a concert at the Terrace of the Elephants in Siem Reap on 12 Jun, as part of the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025. The event features the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra (MSJO) from the Philippines, aiming to encourage Filipino visitors to visit Cambodia

On 9 Jun, the Chong Chom-O’Smach border crossing in Kap Choeng district reopened, with a surge of Thai and Cambodian traders, locals, and cargo trucks; and long queues formed on both sides. Cambodians stranded in Thailand, along with Thai motorcycle taxis, vans, and freight trucks, queued 350 meters from the gate. Freight trucks began crossing at 9:00 am. Under the new regulation, the border operates 3 days a week (Mon, Wed, Fri), reduced from daily operations

On 15 Jun, the 13th Phnom Penh International Half Marathon will take place at Wat Botum Park, expected to welcome nearly 5,000 runners, up from 4,110 in 2024. Over 600 foreign runners signed up, mainly from China, Japan, France

Cambodian troops agreed to withdraw from the Thai border in Ubon Ratchathani province after talks on 8 Jun. Cambodian soldiers will fill in trenches dug in the disputed area. According to the Bangkok Post, Thai and Cambodian representatives will have weekly meetings at Chong Bok to maintain dialogue

Cambodia reduced the visa duration for Thai visitors entering by land to 7 days (from 14 days for passport holders), effective 8 Jun. Thailand limited Cambodian land arrivals to 7 days (from 60 days for passport holders). Cambodian visitors arriving in Thailand by air can stay up to 60 days. Cambodia will extend Thai air arrivals’ stay from 14 to 60 days starting 10 Jun. Thai security authorities plan to propose disconnecting electricity and internet services to Cambodian areas with casinos and scam centres, and controlling the supply of products linked to technology or transnational crime

On 5 Jun, Cambodian Minister of Tourism spoke at the 4th World Tourism Industry Conference in Seoul, under the theme “Tourism Transformation & Sustainability”. The event featured over 40 countries, 500 booths, 750 sellers, and 800 buyers. The Minister also met with the Governors Association of Korea and Incheon Tourism Organization and the Korean Air CEO for Southeast Asia and Oceania. He requested Korean Air to expand direct flights to Siem Reap and Sihanoukville and promote Cambodia’s tourism potential

Former Cambodian PM, Hun Sen, has said that Thailand will suffer from the border closure, as Thai exports exceed goods imported from Cambodia. He also said that he opposed a boycott of Thai goods to counter the border closure, calling for Cambodians to “maintain composure, maturity, patience and politeness”

Cambodia’s Defence Minister said that Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to return their troops to initial border positions following the 28 May clash where a Cambodian soldier was killed

The second round of negotiations on the draft Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) between Cambodia and the U.S. concluded, held from 4-6 Jun in Washington, D.C. Consensus was reached on several key provisions of the draft agreement. The third round of negotiations is planned soon in Washington, D.C. to strengthen mutually beneficial trade and investment ties

Security authorities on the Thai and Cambodian side of the land border checkpoint at Ban Khlong Luek sealed the border at 4pm unexpectedly, stranding thousands of Cambodians and Thaus in either country. Authorities announced that operating hours would be from 8am-4pm daily, vs 6am-10pm usually, due to heightened tensions. The Royal Thai Army also took control of all Thai checkpoints on the Cambodian border, assuring that it would minimise inconvenience and only close borders when a genuine security threat was received. The Thai army’s Burapha Task Force also announced that for the crossings: Thai nationals travelling for gambling and tourism and prohibited from exiting Thailand Cambodian traders can cross with valid passports and border passes, with validity reduced to 7 days from 14 days Humanitarian medical transfers are permitted with approval from the coordination office

On 4 Jun, FURA Investment Holdings, in collaboration with HMD Asia, launched the FURA Hospitality Fund in Tokyo, coinciding with the Cambodian Prime Minister’s official visit. FURA’s platform provides Japanese investors access to curated, ethically built hospitality ventures in Cambodia, supported by the Cambodian government. The event attracted 65 attendees

6 Jun: According to a recent report by the Ministry of Tourism: - From Jan-Apr 2025, Cambodia welcomed nearly 2.4 million foreign tourists, +13.6% YoY - Top source markets include Thailand (674,134 visitors, +14.6% YoY), Vietnam (410,424 visitors, -1% YoY), and China (387,505 visitors, +49% YoY) - About 42% of tourists arrived by air, the rest entered via land and waterways - Other sources of foreign visitors were from the U.S., Lao PDR, the U.K., France, Indonesia, and Japan

During a Cabinet meeting on 4 Jun, the Thai Prime Minister instructed key agencies to collaborate on de-escalating tensions in Nam Yuen district in Ubon Ratchathani province. The Thai government stressed that actions will adhere to international law and the 2000 MoU with Cambodia, with ongoing dialogue through the Joint Boundary Committee (JBC). The next JBC meeting is set for 14 Jun, hosted by Cambodia

During a press conference with the Club of Cambodian Journalists (CCJ) on 4 Jun, Indonesian Ambassador to Cambodia highlighted initiatives to boost Indonesian tourism to Cambodia, and promoted Phnom Penh as an attractive destination for Indonesian travellers. Cambodia is enhancing its appeal as a Muslim-friendly destination by providing halal food options and prayer facilities, including prayer rooms in major shopping centres, to cater to Indonesian and other Muslim-majority country tourists

The Deputy Prime Minister said Thailand is committed to resolving the border conflict with Cambodia by peaceful means. Cambodia continues to bring this border dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), while Thailand seeks to negotiate this through the Thai-Cambodia Joint Boundary Committee (JBC). He added that the Royal Thai Army, the Ministry of Defence, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are closely working to find a resolution but are prepared to defend Thailand’s sovereignty if needed. He said there are no official orders to close any border crossings and denied rumours of any disagreement between the government and the army over closing the border in response to increasing tensions. He said there are no troop deployments at the checkpoints, but said the preparations are in place

According to Angkor Enterprise’s report, from Jan-May 2025: - 43,193 Chinese tourists visited Angkor Archaeological Park, +30% YoY - China was the fourth-largest source of international tourists to Angkor, following the United States, United Kingdom, and France

From 3-9 Jun, Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism will lead a delegation to the 40th Seoul International Travel Fair (SITF 2025), the 4th World Tourism Industry Conference, and related meetings in Seoul. The Minister will hold bilateral meetings with South Korean provincial leaders, private sector representatives, and heads of tourism institutions to promote tourist arrivals to Cambodia

On 21 Jun, Cambodia will officially open Phnom Penh’s Walk Street. It has been trialled since 1 February, and has gained popularity among local and international visitors

According to the Travel Trends 2025 report by Booking.com: - 88% of Vietnamese respondents believe travel helps their children learn about local cultures, and 59% travel to experience new foods - 65% claimed that family vacations are a key way to spend quality time together - 58% of Vietnamese parents plan to travel every year regardless of circumstances, with 41% intending to increase travel spending in 2025 for more intentional family experiences - Popular domestic destinations for family summer trips include beach and nature spots like Da Nang, Nha Trang, Da Lat, Phu Quoc, and Vung Tau

On 2 Jun, the Prime Minister announced that Cambodia plans to file a complaint with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to resolve its border dispute with Thailand, even if Thailand does not agree. Cambodia claimed that the Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch, and Ta Kro Bei temples are part of its Oddar Meanchey province, a claim Thailand disputes

According to Angkor Enterprise, from Jan-May 2025: - 527,577 international tourists visited Angkor Archaeological Park, +11.71% YoY - Ticket sales generated $24.57 million USD, +10.64% YoY - Total revenue from Angkor Enterprise, including other sites, reached $26 million USD - During this period, Koh Ker Temple earned $172,485 USD, Beng Mealea Temple generated $75,520 USD, Phnom Kbal Spean generated $2,850 USD and Chong Kneas Port generated $1,143,421 USD

On 2 Jun, Cambodia and Luxembourg held a high-level meeting to enhance development cooperation. Discussions centred on strengthening bilateral ties in skills development, health, decentralisation, and rural development

Minister of Tourism led a Ministry delegation to inspect Chreav Waterfall in Kampong Speu Province, and discussed its potential with 20 students specialising in tourism and hospitality. The site is a promising ecotourism destination within the Oral Mountain Range, featuring a 150-metre-high waterfall, forested mountains, and diverse wildlife

The Khmer Times has reported that the Thai government is planning to close 6 permanent Thai-Cambodian border crossings and 10 temporary ones after saying that Cambodia has stirred up nationalist sentiment with calls to ban buying Thai products

The Cambodian PM has said that the border issues are complex and will take some time through legal and diplomatic issues to be resolved after the clash on Wednesday

The Royal Thai Army has dismissed rumours that Thailand was planning to close 16 border checkpoints with Cambodia, noting that this would only happen should risks escalate. They stated that no official orders have been issued to close the checkpoints, and that the current situation “remains stable”

On 29 May, the Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister and Secretary of State at the Ministry of Economy and Finance chaired the 16th meeting of the Working Group for Promoting Investment in Preah Sihanouk province, approving incentives and procedural facilitation under the special investment promotion programme, extended until the end of 2025. 10 projects received in-principle approval, with a total estimated investment of $154 million USD, expected to create 1,187 jobs. Approved projects include processing plants, commercial buildings, general education institutions, floating ports, hotels, and residential complexes

From 2024 to May 2025, the Working Group for Promoting Investment in Sihanoukville granted in-principle approvals for 297 projects, with a total estimated investment of $7.03 billion and the potential to generate around 53,187 jobs. The working group will conduct on-site evaluations for around 30 proposed investment projects in Jun 2025

On 29 May, the Kenya Embassy in Southeast Asia issued a travel advisory for Kenyans in Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam regarding new entry rules for Cambodia. Kenyans must apply for visas through Cambodia’s official e-Visa portal and are advised to complete the e-arrival card online before or upon arrival at border points. These digital processes aim to reduce immigration congestion and enhance entry efficiency

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, announced that the Ad Hoc Cambodia-U.S. Bilateral Relations Coordination Working Group will travel to the U.S. for negotiations with U.S. trade officials from 4-6 Jun in Washington. The Minister stated Cambodia’s commitment to addressing trade challenges, including establishing a dedicated working group to tackle criminal activities, counterfeit goods, and ensure transparent enforcement of rules of origin for exports to the U.S.. According to the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia, bilateral trade between Cambodia and the U.S. reached $10 billion USD in 2024, +11% YoY, with Cambodian exports to the U.S. at $9.91 billion USD, +11.4% YoY

On 27 May, Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism met with Vietnam’s Ambassador to Cambodia in a courtesy call. The discussion focused on jointly attracting more international tourists during the green season, improving infrastructure for better connectivity via land, water, and air, facilitating travel arrangements, and collaborating on new international tourism events

The Ministry of Environment is designing a tree-shaped mobile antenna to blend with the landscape at the Phnom Khnang Phsar ecotourism site. The Environment Minister confirmed the antenna will be installed away from camping sites, with visitors able to disconnect by using flight mode or storing devices. The Ministry refuted social media reports about a proposed mobile phone antenna site, clarifying that images of a phone tower were digitally altered

On 28 May, Thai and Cambodian soldiers engaged in a 10-minute exchange of gunfire in a disputed border area near Chong Bok in Nam Yuen district. According to Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence, 1 Cambodian soldier was killed, with no Thai casualties reported. Cambodia’s defence ministry claimed Thai forces initiated the clash by firing on a Cambodian trench, while Thailand stated its soldiers were negotiating to stop Cambodian troops from altering the disputed area when Cambodians opened fire due to a misunderstanding. Deputy commanders of the Thai and Cambodian local forces held a phone call and reached an agreement for a ceasefire

On 27 May, Cambodian Prime Minister met with the Chinese Premier at the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, discussing initiatives like the “Industrial Development Corridor” and “Fish and Rice Corridor”, alongside promoting people-to-people exchanges and tourism. Both sides pledged to promote tourism connections through expanded direct flights

The Apsara National Authority (ANA), and Siem Reap Tourism Club Association (STC) launched a 4D3N tour of Angkor’s heritage in Siem Reap Province, scheduled for 27-30 May. Journalists from 10 institutions, fluent in Khmer, English, French, and Chinese will participate. Journalists will explore Khmer wooden houses, cuisine, handicrafts, the Angkor period’s irrigation and agriculture, ancestral forests’ role in temple preservation and traditional medicine, and wildlife at Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium

On 29 May, the Ministry of Information will hold a ceremony aimed to inform journalists about the Green Season tourism campaign, seeking to boost domestic tourism and attract more visitors from May-Oct

From 30 May-1 Jun, Cambodia will host the inaugural “Mekong Dolphin Festival and Kayak Races” at the Prek Rumkel Ecotourism Community in Anlong Svay village. Key activities include kayak racing, exhibitions, a charity marathon, traditional bat races, camping, visits, and excursions to Sophoan Mit waterfall

On 23 May, the Prime Minister requested collaboration with Siem Reap provincial authorities to expand lightning rod coverage in tourism areas, particularly the Angkor Archaeological Park to ensure tourist safety. He urged the APSARA National Authority and Siem Reap authorities to reassess lightning protection systems and explore additional infrastructure. The directive was part of discussions on the Pentagonal Strategy-Phase 1

The Cambodian Tourism Minister and the Governor of Jiangsu Province, China, met to discuss tourism cooperation between Cambodia and Jiangsu. They also discussed potentially opening up direct flights to boost tourism, and working together on a fam trip to Cambodia

Sunway Hotels & Resorts has joined the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA). Sunway’s properties in Malaysia, Vietnam, and Cambodia are part of GHA Discovery, a loyalty program with 30 million members. GHA has 45 brands with over 850 hotels, resorts, and palaces in 100 countries. The loyalty program generated $2.7 billion USD and 11 million room nights per year

The Siem Reap Angkor Guides Association and a tourism expert confirmed that tourist numbers at Angkor are normal for the rainy season (Apr-Sep), with no impact from a recent lightning strike at Angkor Wat on 16 May. The President of the Association said that authorities are actively installing additional lightning rods at Angkor Wat and other major temple complexes

On 21 May, Cambodia’s Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation met with the UAE Ambassador to Cambodia, with discussion centred around progressing the 2023 Cambodia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. A high-profile UAE business delegation is scheduled to visit Cambodia in Nov 2025 to explore investment opportunities, while a UAE Chamber of Commerce delegation will visit Cambodia to assess hosting trade exhibitions. The Ambassador highlighted that the UAE plans to expand scholarship opportunities for Cambodian students in high-tech fields. He also said that direct flights between the 2 countries will commence in Jun 2025

The Ministry of Environment announced plans to distribute 3 million tree saplings in 2025 under the second phase of the “Green Sprout” campaign. 5 regional tree nurseries are being established in Tboung Khmum, Siem Reap, Mondulkiri, Kampong Speu, and Koh Kong to grow and distribute luxury timber, fruit trees, and palm trees free of charge. According to the Minister of Environment, the Ministry aims to produce 1 million saplings annually by mid-Jun 2025, with plans to increase to 2 million by 2026, converting 300-500 hectares into tree plantations for urban green spaces. The “Green Sprout” campaign event is scheduled for Aug 2025 at the Win-Win Memorial in Chroy Changvar

Cambodia won the right to host the International Conference on Early Southeast Asian History in 2026 and 2027. Deputy Director of the Institute of Culture and Fine Arts at the Royal Academy of Cambodia highlighted the opportunity to showcase Khmer civilisations, uniting Khmer intellectuals to explore historical influences

On 20 May, Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism met with the UAE Ambassador to Cambodia to discuss opportunities for tourism transformation and attracting investment to Cambodia

On 21 May, Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism hosted a working meeting with Turkey's Ambassador to Cambodia, discussing the launch of direct flights from Istanbul to Cambodia, starting 10 Dec 2025, and the promotion of Cambodia’s “Green Season” campaign to Turkish and Muslim-majority audiences

Riyaz International signed a joint venture with Jin Jiang Hotels China Region to establish RJJ Hotels. The agreement was signed on 3 May to grant RJJ Hotels licensing rights to operate and grow 5 Jin Jiang brands in Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Laos. The agreement targets 181 hotel management agreements and aims to have 108 hotels operational within 5 years. The first hotel will be developed by Sanher Investment & Development in Luang Prabang, Laos. RJJ Hotels will be headquartered in Malaysia. RJJ Hotels manages 5 brands under the Jin Jiang portfolio: Metropolo Jinjiang Hotels, Ginco Hotel, Renjoy Hotel, Lavande, and Jinjiang Inn. The company is in talks with property owners in Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, Jakarta, Bali, Vientiane, Luang Prabang, HCMC, Halong Bay, Hanoi, and Manila. There will be an investor conference on 27 Aug at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, with over 400 Chinese and regional investors expected to attend

On 23 May, the “Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2025” opening ceremony will take place, featuring a joint performance by Cambodian and Chinese artists at the Chaktomuk Conference Hall. Additional joint performances for the public will occur on 24-25 May at the Techo Meas and Techo Yort gardens along the Chaktomuk riverside walking street

According to regional security forces, on 16 May, a lightning strike struck the Angkor Wat temple complex in Siem Reap, killing 3 people and injuring dozens. Most victims were Cambodian nationals. Preliminary assessments indicate the lack of a lighting protection system at the temple

Asia Gaming Brief reported that a new legal interpretation indicates an additional 10% value-added tax (VAT) applied for Australian casino operator Donaco International Ltd, which operates DNA Star Vegas in Poipet. Legal advice obtained by Donaco confirms liability for the additional taxes from 1 Jan 2025, with an estimated VAT liability of up to $426,246 USD for Q1 2025. The group reported a slight revenue drop in Q1 2025

In Mar 2025, Rosewood Hotel Group, including Rosewood Phnom Penh, earned Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification. The hotel also received a 3-star rating from the Sustainable Restaurant Association’s Food Made Good Standard, a first for Cambodia and the Rosewood brand. The hotel achieved a 90% waste reduction rate in 2024. Environmental initiatives include recycling over 55 tons of glass, removing 1.7 tons of plastic through river and coastal clean-ups, planting 2,000 mangrove trees in Koh Kong province, and removing 1,050 kg of non-recyclable plastic

According to the spokesman for the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the bridge No. 28, Cambodia’s highest bridge, reached 100% completion and was permanently opened to the public on 15 May. The bridge measures 90 metres in height, 537 metres in length, and 10 metres in width