Cambodia

The Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia has urged Cambodia to crackdown on scam centres, noting that “China is highly concerned about a number of recent cases involving Chinese citizens going missing or disappearing in Cambodia”

Knai Bang Chatt resort by Kep West has launched "The Regenerative Stay" for 2026, a programme that funds the planting of 10 mangrove seedlings for every guest booking. In partnership with Marine Conservation Cambodia, the initiative aims to restore the Kep coastline, with each stay estimated to offset over 7.7 tonnes of CO2 over the trees' lifetime. Participation is automatic, allowing guests to contribute directly to local biodiversity and coastal protection

Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism mandated 100% condom availability and use across all entertainment and accommodation venues, following a national directive to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. This policy targets bars, hotels, and beer gardens, requiring owners to ensure condoms are readily accessible to guests and staff. As of 2024, around 76,000 Cambodians are living with the virus, with roughly 7,000 individuals still unaware of their status

A specialized UNESCO team is set to inspect the Preah Vihear Temple to assess structural damage caused by military activity along the Thai-Cambodian border. The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts spokesperson confirmed that the assessment is essential for upcoming conservation and repair efforts following shelling and gunfire during 2 major escalations in Jul and Dec 2025

The second Khmer Kite Festival ("Khleng Ek") and freestyle kite-flying event will take place from 6-8 Feb 2026 at the old Siem Reap International Airport, aiming to educate younger generations and tourists on the historical significance of traditional kites. Alongside kite-flying competitions, the festival will feature traditional art performances, Basak theatre, and exhibitions on the craftsmanship of the Khleng Ek

The Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister accused Thailand of continuing to occupy its territory with military barricades despite a ceasefire reached on 27 Dec 2025. Following 2 major border conflicts in 2025 that resulted in 101 deaths and displaced over half a million people, around 4,000 Cambodian families remain unable to return to their homes. While Thailand dismisses these claims as baseless, maintaining that its troop positions comply with de-escalation measures, the situation remains tense. Diplomatic efforts involving the U.S., Malaysia, and China helped halt the violence, but formal border demarcation talks via the Joint Boundary Commission are currently on hold until after the Thai general election on 8 Feb 2026

Chen Zhi, the billionaire head of the Prince Group conglomerate, was arrested in Cambodia and extradited to China. The Prince Group is accused by US authorities of being a front for one of the largest investment fraud operations in history, swindling billions of dollars from victims worldwide. These scam networks operate from vast complexes in Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos, often using human trafficking victims forced to carry out online scams under threat of violence. In 2025, US prosecutors seized around $5 billion USD in Bitcoin linked to Chen. Cambodian Foreign Minister stressed that this high-profile move is merely one step in a wider, permanent campaign to purge the region of sophisticated, technology-driven transnational crime

On 8 Jan, the National Paralympic Committee of Cambodia (NPCC) announced the withdrawal from the 13th ASEAN Para Games in Thailand, following a similar total withdrawal from the December 2025 SEA Games, citing "unforeseen circumstances" and urgent safety concerns from athletes' families

On 13 Jan, Cambodia's Minister of Tourism met with Indian investor representatives and immigration officials to discuss streamlining travel procedures for South Asian nationals. The talks aimed to simplify visa processes and reduce administrative delays to boost regional tourism and investment, focusing on visitors from India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Officials indicated that outcomes from the discussion would inform future policy adjustments and potential pilot initiatives that will ensure smoother cross-border travel

On 12 Jan, Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment and the Fauna & Flora-Cambodia Programme launched the nation’s first guidelines for the sustainable management of caves and limestone karst ecosystems. These regulations integrate international best practices to protect bat colonies, endemic biodiversity, and archaeological heritage while providing a framework for regulated tourism and guano harvesting

The World Bank advised Cambodia’s Ministry of Industry that it must increase its productivity growth from 0.8% to over 2% annually to achieve high-income status by 2050. A World Bank survey of the informal economy found that while 41% of firms are merely "survivalist," 15% are high performers capable of competing with formal businesses. The Bank and the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI) are now collaborating on a targeted MSME Development Strategy to streamline registration and provide social protections

On 9 Jan, the Deputy Prime Minister announced that Cambodia is negotiating with the United States to reduce the 19% reciprocal tariff on key exports, including garments, footwear, and travel goods. Following an agreement in Aug 2025 that saw Cambodia waive all duties on US imports in exchange for a reduction from a 49% rate, the government is now pushing for a 0% tariff, arguing that the US lacks domestic production in these sectors. According to a report from the Ministry of Commerce, bilateral trade volume between Cambodia and the US reached $13.14 billion USD in 2025, +29.24% YoY. Cambodia exported $12.73 billion USD worth of goods to the US, +28.48% YoY, while imports amounted to over $417 million USD, +57.83% YoY

On 9 Jan, at the 2025 Cambodia Chapter of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Business Meeting, Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism emphasised a strategy to convert current geopolitical and economic challenges into growth opportunities. A major focus of the meeting was the "Solidarity Season" and the #StillCambodia initiative, which seeks to maintain investor confidence and reassure international travelers of the country's safety despite ongoing border tensions with Thailand. On 10 Jan, the Minister chaired a meeting with the 25 provincial tourism departments for the first time. He mandated the departments to develop unique local identities, improve infrastructure, and organise new tourism events specifically for 2026

On 8 Jan, the Cambodia Tourism Board (CTB) met to outline a strategic plan for the year ahead, focusing on sector resilience amid global economic risks and geopolitical tensions, specifically the ongoing military incursions by Thailand

The Cambodia Tourism Board (CTB) launched a stakeholder feedback initiative to improve its operations and foster better collaboration within the tourism sector. This five-minute survey is designed to gather insights from partners to identify successes and areas for growth after nearly 2 years of the board's operation

The Defence Minister announced that Thailand will keep its military forces along the Cambodian border for at least one year to safeguard national sovereignty despite the ceasefire. He added that Thailand is committed to the ceasefire but would address any land encroachment or violation of national interests by Cambodia

On 9 Jan, during a meeting at the Ministry of Environment between Cambodian Environment Minister and Indian Ambassador, both sides reinforced their partnership in environmental protection, with a central focus on the National Tiger Reintroduction Project. The initiative is supported by the International Big Cat Alliance to restore tiger populations in Cambodia’s protected areas. According to the Ministry, the Indian government continues to provide annual technical training programmes for Cambodian environmental officials

The Secretary of State and Spokesperson of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) have formally dismissed allegations from Thai media claiming that Thai passengers face harassment and excessive questioning at airports. He clarified that immigration procedures are routine and professional, with additional security questions typically reserved only for first-time visitors to verify travel plans

The Cambodian Ministry of Tourism is developing the Techo Peace Garden in Preah Vihear province. The garden is situated at the Dam 95 tourist site, at the foothills of Tbeng Mountain, and being positioned as a new leisure and recreation space that highlights the natural landscape. On 7 Jan, the Tourism Minister and Preah Vihear Governor conducted an on-site inspection. According to the Ministry, the garden aims to encourage longer stays and boost local economic development throughout the 2026 season

A detailed report by Oudom Consulting highlights the severe structural damage caused to Cambodia’s tourism sector following the July 2025 border conflict with Thailand. Tourism receipts for H2 2025 are estimated to have fallen by between $650 million - $1.25 billion USD. In major tourist hubs, accommodation revenue dropped by 45-60%, while food and beverage income fell by 35-50%. The impact on informal sectors, including tuk-tuk drivers, tour guides, and street vendors, was severe though remains largely unmeasured. According to data from the APSARA Authority, international ticket sales fell by 18.1% YoY in Jul and 25.7% in Sep as land borders closed and tour operators withdrew products. The $7-$10 million USD loss in ticket revenue translated into an estimated $200-$350 million USD in broader economic losses for Siem Reap city in H2 2025. 150,000-250,000 workers were furloughed or displaced during this period. The report predicts a full recovery could take up to 24 months for Thai-linked tourism and 3 to 18 months for markets affected by international travel advisories

On 8 Jan 2026, the National Bank of Cambodia ordered the liquidation of Prince Bank following a multibillion-dollar international fraud investigation. The move coincides with the indictment of founder Chen Zhi by US authorities for his alleged role in a transnational "pig butchering" scam, leading to his extradition to China. While new operations are frozen and auditor Morisonkak MKA oversees the bank’s $1 billion in assets, the central bank has assured depositors they can withdraw funds with proper documentation, though outstanding loan repayments must continue

Khiri Travel has received the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification across all destinations where it operates – Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Sri Lanka

According to the Preah Vihear National Authority, the Preah Vihear Temple received 58,154 tourists in 2025 (-36.2% YoY), including 51,731 domestic visitors (-35.2% YoY) and 6,423 foreign tourists (-42.9% YoY). The decline is attributed to renewed border clashes and shelling by the Thai military starting in Jul 2025, which targeted both the temple and its primary access road. An official said that visitor numbers could have exceeded 2024’s figure had it not been for the military aggression. This disruption has impacted the local economy, which relies heavily on tourism for guesthouse, transport, and restaurant income

The 9th Ultra Trail Angkor (UTA) is set to take place in Siem Reap on 24 January 2026, drawing over 1,200 runners from 41 countries. Organisers expect this figure to reach 1,500 by race day. Cambodia leads with over 500 runners, the highest local participation to date. France has more than 400 registered, followed by Vietnam. The UTA features 8 distinct events designed for various skill levels, ranging from professional ultra-runners to recreational hikers

A 10-day-old ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia was jeopardised on 6 Jan 2026 following a cross-border incident in Ubon Ratchathani province. Thailand accused Cambodian forces of firing mortar rounds that wounded a Thai soldier, while Phnom Penh maintained the blast was an accidental "garbage explosion" that injured two of its own troops. Thailand’s Foreign Ministry has lodged a formal protest and requested an apology. The Thai military warned that further "operational errors" could lead to a military response

The Kep Provincial Government signed an MoU with MekongNet to launch free public Wi-Fi at major tourist landmarks, including the Crab Market. MekongNet will provide the technical expertise and infrastructure to ensure the connection is stable, secure, and high-quality. Local businesses expect the improved connectivity to facilitate cashless payments and help them promote their services to a wider audience

According to Angkor Enterprise's report, in 2025, the Angkor Archaeological Park welcomed 955,131 foreign tourists from 197 countries (-6.7% YoY), including 80,144 Chinese visitors (-3% YoY). China ranked as the fourth largest source of tourists, trailing behind the U.S., the U.K., and France. The site generated $44.7 million USD in gross revenue, -6.5% YoY. Industry experts attribute the decline to persistent online scams and recent border conflicts with Thailand

One week after the 27 Dec truce, Cambodia has called for the immediate withdrawal of Thai military forces from territory it claims has been illegally annexed across four border provinces. While Phnom Penh's foreign ministry has formally demanded that Thailand cease "hostile military activities" and return to legally established boundaries, Thai Prime Minister has countered that his troops are operating within Thai territory in full compliance with international regulations

Despite the ceasefire on 31 Dec, 512,263 Cambodian civilians remain displaced as of early Jan 2026. Only 5,192 individuals were able to return to their villages in the latest reporting period. Since the escalation began on 7 Dec 2025, the Cambodian Ministry of Interior has reported 32 civilian deaths and 94 injuries. The conflict caused extensive destruction to homes, schools, and health centres across provinces like Banteay Meanchey and Oddar Meanchey. Despite the repatriations and the return of 18 detained soldiers, 84 villages remain inaccessible, leaving thousands in temporary shelters as authorities work to restore essential services and clear landmines

According to the Siem Reap Provincial Department of Tourism, from 30-31 Dec 2025, Siem Reap recorded 286,751 visitors, -14.06% YoY. Local residents and domestic tourists accounted for 279,210 of the total arrivals, -13.66% YoY. The number of international tourists reached 7,541, -26.5% YoY

On 1 Jan, the Marshall Islands-flagged Sirena Cruise Ship docked at Sihanoukville, carrying 633 international passengers, primarily from the US (269) and Australia (81). The vessel arrived at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port from Vietnam at 7am and departed for Thailand at 5pm the same day

On 30 Dec, the Royal Government of Cambodia has launched 4 priority projects under the Kampong Thom Provincial Tourism Development Plan 2026-2030 to transform the Sambor Prei Kuk area into a major destination. The initiative focuses on a "Time Trap Strategy" to encourage visitors to extend their stay from a few hours to at least one overnight. Key elements include the development of digital tourism experiences, a "Pre-Angkorian Chenla" promotional campaign, and a museum dedicated to the Chenla period. The plan emphasises aesthetic upgrades to community markets, homestays, and lakes, alongside infrastructure improvements to roads, water, and internet services to create a cohesive tourism ecosystem that benefits local livelihoods

In 2025, nearly 3,000 tourism professionals received capacity-building training in core hospitality areas, including front office operations, culinary arts, and housekeeping. The Tourism Professional Training Department (TPTD) provided online courses to 76,683 participants. Training was extended to 598 national trainers and 222 assessors to ensure high standards across the industry. Programmes also covered airline ticket booking, massage therapy for persons with disabilities, and skills for French- and Chinese-speaking tour guides

Thailand has released 18 Cambodian soldiers held since Jul as part of a truce deal. Thailand’s Foreign Ministry said the action was done "as a demonstration of goodwill and confidence-building". Cambodia’s Defence Ministry “remains hopeful that this release will significantly contribute to building mutual trust”

Preah Sihanouk province is set to host a 72km bicycle race on 10 Jan 2026 as the centrepiece of a five-day festival celebrating sports, tourism, and trade. This initiative aims to attract at least 100 national and international participants to boost local businesses and demonstrate the region's stability

On 29 Dec,the Diamond Princess cruise ship arrived at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, carrying 2,850 passengers and 1,059 crew members. The tourists represented 52 nationalities, with the largest contingents originating from Australia (824) and the U.S. (797). The vessel arrived from Vietnam and was scheduled to depart for Thailand on the same day

The Angkor Tour Guide Association reported a surge in the number of Indian tourists to Siem Reap, which they attributed to new direct flights from Kolkata and a backlash against Thailand following its military’s demolition of a Hindu Vishnu statue near the border in late Dec 2025. An official from the Angkor Tour Guide Association noted that the recent increase in Indian visitors is already generating clear benefits for Siem Reap’s economy, boosting demand across local hotels, restaurants, and transport services

The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Siem Reap Provincial Administration, organised a cycling program under the theme “Together for Cambodia in the Season of Solidarity”, drawing nearly 2,000 participants. The event was held just one day after the 27 Dec ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand began, aiming to raise support for refugee families displaced by the recent border fighting. Participants cycled from the Royal Residence Garden through the streets of Siem Reap to the Angkor Temple complex

During a meeting with the Tourism Minister, the K-Pop boy band N-CHIVE and their agency, K’VE Entertainment, announced plans for a music tourism tour in Phnom Penh designed to foster "love and solidarity" between South Korea and Cambodia. Members of N-CHIVE explicitly cited their "strong confidence" in the Cambodian government’s ability to ensure security for international visitors. The group pledged to support Cambodia’s tourism recovery by promoting the country as a safe and welcoming destination

Thailand and Cambodia signed a 16-point ceasefire agreement on 27 Dec, agreeing on de-escalation measures, as well as the mechanisms for the implementation and verification of de-escalation measures

According to the Ministry of Tourism, from Jan-Nov 2025, Cambodia received 5.17 million foreign visitors (-13.8% YoY). Vietnam topped the list of foreign tourist arrivals with 1.11 million tourists (-7.3% YoY), followed by China with 1.1 million arrivals (+43.5%), and Thailand with 1.01 million arrivals (-47%)

On 25 Dec, the Thai military said that 3 houses were destroyed when Cambodian forces launched rockets into Ban Klong Pang. Although no casualties were reported, as the area had been largely evacuated, the military confirmed that 40 rounds from BM-21 launchers targeted the settlement shortly after Thai troops had secured it

Trip.com Group, online travel agency and operator of Ctrip and Qunar, has suspended its planned tourism partnership with the Cambodia Tourism Board due to escalating security concerns. In a statement issued on 25 Dec, Trip.com addressed data security concerns, clarifying that its marketing partnership with Cambodia involves no data sharing or disclosure of private user information. The clarification follows a backlash from users in China and Thailand, some of whom threatened to boycott and uninstall the app due to fears regarding regional scam networks. This decision follows a series of urgent alerts from the Chinese Embassy regarding intensified border clashes and the prevalence of digital scam centres, which recently required the rescue of 46 Chinese nationals. Public sensitivity has surged as the ongoing military conflict with Thailand has already led to hundreds of thousands of displacements and a complete suspension of land border crossings

Tourism at the Angkor Wat UNESCO World Heritage site has plummeted as the border conflict with Thailand entered peak winter season. Siem Reap has seen a 10%-18% drop in visitor numbers, while some local operators report business has crashed by up to 80% due to widespread tour cancellations. Tuk-tuk drivers and street vendors have seen their incomes halve or more. Data from Angkor Enterprise shows ticket sales fell by at least 17% YoY between Jun and Nov

Foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met in Kuala Lumpur on 22 Dec to discuss the Thai-Cambodian conflict, calling on both sides to “exercise maximum restraint”. Thai and Cambodian defence officials will hold ceasefire talks on 24 Dec

Cambodia has reported that more than half a million Cambodians have been displaced due to the ongoing Thailand-Cambodia conflict, whilst around 400,000 have been displaced in Thailand, according to Thai authorities. The death toll so far has been reported to be at least 22 in Thailand and 19 in Cambodia. ASEAN Foreign Ministers, including those from Cambodia and Thailand, are set to meet in Kuala Lumpur on 22 Dec

Cambodia has begun dismantling a controversial 300-metre breakwater in Koh Kong province following Thai concerns that the structure infringed upon maritime territory and caused coastal erosion. While some security sources claimed Thailand forced the move with an ultimatum to block a strategic resupply bridge, the Royal Thai Navy has denied using threats, maintaining that the removal was a private-sector decision. Despite these conflicting reports, the Chanthaburi–Trat Border Defence Command continues to monitor the site to ensure the full removal of the barrier and the restoration of border stability