Cambodia

The Ministry of Tourism and the Haikou Municipal Government collaborated to organise the "Cambodia Tourism Roadshow to China" - a B2B event held in Haikou. The event was attended by over 150 participants, serving as a B2B platform for Cambodian and Chinese private-sector representatives to strengthen cooperation, explore partnerships, promote tourism exchanges, and highlight Cambodia's visa exemption policy for Chinese citizens

According to a Ministry of Tourism report, Cambodia attracted 1.01 million international tourists in Q1 2026, -44.8% YoY. China led the foreign arrivals for this period, followed by Vietnam and the U.S.. A research deputy director at the Cambodia University of Technology and Science attributed this slump to regional economic slowdowns, the ongoing Cambodia-Thailand border conflict, and Middle East tensions that have driven up fuel prices and disrupted flights

At the Guangzhou International Travel Fair (GITF) 2026, held from 21-23 May, Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism officially launched its "Green Season" campaign and promoted a pilot visa exemption scheme for Chinese market travellers

During an official visit to Haikou city, Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism and the Governor of Hainan province agreed to formalise an MoU on Tourism Cooperation to expand bilateral ties. The strategic framework focuses on enhancing direct flights between Hainan and key Cambodian destinations (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Preah Sihanouk), while fostering partnerships between tourism enterprises to design packages for the Chinese market. The Minister requested Hainan’s support in promoting Cambodian tourism through Chinese media and proposed organising fam trips for local operators, journalists, and key opinion leaders

Siem Reap province will host the 39th World Conference of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) in mid-Jun, alongside a Youth Pre-Event and the Olave Baden-Powell Society (OB-PS) Event. This triennial international gathering operates under the theme “We see. We care. We act”, aiming to bring together global leaders, youth representatives, and members to promote leadership, youth participation, and sustainable development. The conference will be supported by the OB-PS, a global network providing vital financial backing to the worldwide movement

The Cambodian Tourism Minister and ADB Country Director presided over an ADB-organised roundtable discussion on the “ASEAN Sustainable and Resilient Tourism Investment Outlook 2030”. The meeting formed part of regional consultations under the ASEAN Tourism Development Framework and Strategic Plan for 2026-2030, which officially launched in late Jan 2026 in Cebu. The discussion focused on identifying investment priorities and constraints under the READS framework, targeting resilience, environmental sustainability, accessibility, digital transformation, and smart tourism. The Cambodian Minister emphasised ongoing infrastructure improvements and the “Visit Cambodia in the Green Season” campaign

The 3rd Cambodia-Haikou Cultural and Tourism Exchange Day 2026 is taking place from 20-24 May along the historic Qilou Old Street in Haikou city in Hainan province. The Cambodian delegation features traditional and contemporary artistic performances, product exhibitions, and the Cambodia Tourism Roadshow. The event aims to draw over 200 Chinese tourism operators, encouraging them to establish business connections with Cambodia’s private sector and design timely tour packages ahead of Cambodia's 14-day visa exemption for Chinese tourists. The Tourism Minister is also holding bilateral meetings with the Governor of Hainan province, the local tourism associations, and the mayors of Haikou and Sanya

Cambodia will launch a joint inspection system for its tourism sector in Jun 2026 to streamline regulations, improve business environments, and reduce bureaucratic disruptions. The initiative replaces independent ministry audits by combining labour, health, and environmental checks into a single process. Standard operating procedures were finalised alongside officials from the ministries of tourism, health, and the environment. The unified inspections will initially target tourism-related businesses and services in Phnom Penh

Under its National Policy on Air Transport 2025-2035, Cambodia's State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) outlined a strategy to modernise infrastructure and handle 8 million air passengers and 112,000 tonnes of air cargo in 2026. To counter domestic challenges, such as shortages in funding, technical staff, and digital systems, the SSCA is enforcing the 2025 Civil Aviation Law, ratifying the Montreal Convention 1999, and upgrading to satellite-based air traffic management systems. The Minister in Charge of the SSCA said that the country is focusing on new 4E and 4F-class airports (including Techo International Airport and Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport) that meet international standards, feature Khmer-inspired architecture, and include eco-friendly elements, intended to attract top global carriers like Emirates and Qatar Airways

The "Mekong-Lancang River FAM-Trip Discovery" caravan tour, consisting of nearly 20 vehicles, kicked off on 18 May from Phnom Penh as part of the Cambodia-China Tourism Year campaign. The convoy will travel through Cambodia, cross into Laos via the Stung Treng province border gate, and arrive in southwest China's Yunnan Province at the end of May

On 17 May, Cambodia's Minister of Tourism and the Governor of Pursat Province led a 70-delegate study visit, including content creators and representatives from CATA, CTF, and PATA, to inspect the development of Samanea Wellness Resort. This property features 32 private villas, fitness and yoga facilities, swimming pools, organic farms, restaurants, waterfalls, and forest trails. The inspection aligns with a broader ministerial push for high-end wellness and eco-tourism

According to recent data from the National Bank of Cambodia, Cambodia’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rose by 5.79% YoY in Apr 2026. This surge was driven by imported inflation and rising global crude prices, which pushed transportation costs up by 9.72%, alongside a 6.24% increase in food and non-alcoholic beverages and a 6.43% rise in housing and utilities. The ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) recently revised Cambodia’s 2026 GDP growth projection downward to 4.3% (down from an estimated 5.3% in 2025) and expects annual inflation to reach 3.9%. Cambodia's current account deficit is projected to widen to 8.5% of GDP in 2026, though foreign direct investment inflows are expected to remain resilient

The "EU - Here with You" campaign launch at Chaktomuk Walk Street in Phnom Penh, organised by the European Union Delegation to Cambodia, highlighted the country’s tourism potential and the "Green Season Cambodia" campaign. The event showcased the strategic partnership and EU support for Cambodia. Visitors during this period can access promotional offers on travel, food, and accommodation, whilst being encouraged to follow the Ministry of Tourism's "6 Musts", which include exploring natural scenery, staying in eco-friendly accommodation, tasting local cuisine, discovering heritage sites, trying outdoor experiences, and buying local handicrafts

At a meeting held on 16 May at the NITA BY VO Hotel, tourism operators and Siem Reap officials discussed pressing provincial challenges and urged continued public-private collaboration to revive the local tourism sector. Siem Reap’s hotel, restaurant, and service sectors remain under severe financial pressure due to a persistent decline in visitor arrivals. Siem Reap Tourist Club President highlighted the need for unified solutions involving local authorities, aviation, travel agencies, and transport services, whilst attendees also identified immediate community matters requiring collective action, such as park maintenance and pedestrian safety

JTI International (Cambodia) formed a new partnership with the Ministry of Tourism to support sustainable development in Siem Reap. JTI Cambodia planned the "Amazing Year 2026" event to mark the company's 10th anniversary in Siem Reap province. The event will include tree-planting activities in the Angkor area to support environmental preservation and promote green tourism. JTI Cambodia requested guidance from the ministry to help promote the tourism and investment potential of Siem Reap and the wider country to international audiences

On 12 May, Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism met with senior executives from the Spanish conglomerate Avasa Travel Group to promote the country's tourism potential to European and Latin American markets. The initiative was facilitated by a fam trip, showcasing Cambodia's political stability, improved infrastructure, and iconic heritage sites. By engaging international travel agency owners, the government seeks to foster foreign investment and position the country as a high-potential, secure destination for global travellers

The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) and Sihanoukville provincial authorities are preparing to inspect roads and infrastructure on Koh Rong Island to plan a potential international half marathon, which would be the island's first. The Secretary of State at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport said that the island is increasingly popular with domestic and foreign visitors, with many foreigners staying for long periods. He also expressed hope that future airport development and direct flights would attract more international tourists

Cambodia’s Cardamom Tented Camp has released its 2025 Impact Report, highlighting the success of its tourism-led conservation model across an 18,073-hectare concession in Botum Sakor National Park. The 12-tent eco-retreat directly channels guest revenue into protecting the rainforest, employing 18 staff members mostly from nearby villages. In 2025, the camp supported 620 ranger patrols covering over 7,700 kilometres on foot, which resulted in the rescue of 2 endangered Sunda pangolins and the removal of 819 snares, 15 illegal camps, and 22 chainsaws. Furthermore, wildlife monitoring expanded to 72 camera traps, capturing sightings of the rare marbled cat and critically endangered white-eared night heron. The camp also boosted its solar energy generation to 13,816 kWh, reducing diesel use by 35%, processed 882 kg of recyclable materials, and launched a 20-household pilot waste management programme in Chi Phat. Looking ahead, the camp manager announced plans to deepen community integration, including an upcoming Cambodian-inspired artist-in-residence programme

On 13 May, the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) held a consultative meeting, with the discussion focused on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), alongside the development of the tourism, agriculture, mining, and energy sectors. The participants established future directions and action plans designed to transform these sectors into resilient, inclusive, and sustainably driven forces for national economic growth

Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has formally demanded that Thailand withdraw its national registration of the Ta Muen Thom and Ta Kwai temple complexes, labelling the move an illegal violation of Cambodian sovereignty. The statement was issued on 13 May, rejecting the Thai Fine Arts Department's unilateral listing, arguing that such actions have no legal effect on border demarcation. Cambodia maintains that these sites sit within its territory and insists that any disputes must be resolved via international law and existing frameworks. The Ministry urged an immediate revocation to preserve the spirit of peaceful bilateral dialogue

During high-level talks at the Senate’s Solidarity Palace on 12 May, Azerbaijan and Cambodia pledged to deepen bilateral ties, focusing on a complementary "food for energy" partnership. The Special Envoy to the Azerbaijani President met with the Acting Head of State to propose expanding cooperation in agriculture, tourism, and trade. A key outcome of the discussion was the potential for Cambodia to leverage its agricultural surplus to meet Azerbaijan's food security needs, while Azerbaijan supports Cambodia’s energy security

TUI Hotels & Resorts signed a management agreement for TUI Suneo Olympia Phnom Penh, a 168-room property scheduled to open in Sep 2026. The hotel marks the brand’s fourth Asia-Pacific location and is designed to serve both leisure and business travellers. Facilities will include an all-day dining restaurant, a sky garden for events, a spa, and meeting spaces

The APSARA National Authority issued rainy season safety guidelines for visitors to the Angkor Archaeological Park, warning against sheltering under trees or using electronic devices during thunderstorms. The authority recommends wearing high-grip shoes for slippery stones and using blunt-tipped umbrellas to avoid damaging sculptures. Strict conduct rules remain in force, including a ban on alcohol, requirements for modest dress, and prohibitions against touching carvings or climbing structures. Additionally, visitors are forbidden from feeding or interacting with monkeys and are encouraged to use insect repellent in forested areas

On 12 May, the Minister of Tourism held a meeting with the Founder and Director of Narrowcasters to discuss tourism cooperation. During the talks, Narrowcasters shared their 15 years of international experience in creating destination storytelling for famous tourist sites, including those in Cambodia. The discussion focused on integrating high-quality storytelling and multilingual interpretation with modern technology to improve how Cambodian tourism destinations are presented to international visitors. Both sides ultimately exchanged views on future cooperation aimed at improving tourism service quality and enhancing the overall visitor experience at key destinations across the country

During a meeting at the Peace Palace, Cambodia's Prime Minister and an UNESCO representative agreed to expand their partnership in education and cultural heritage preservation. This collaboration comes as Cambodia faces the massive burden of restoring the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that sustained 562 damaged sections, including collapsed walls and shattered roofing from projectile impacts during military clashes in 2025. UNESCO continues to support Cambodia's human capital development under the government's Pentagonal Strategy-Phase I through educational policy and teacher quality initiatives, whilst also providing technical expertise and international funding for heritage sites. Experts estimate that stabilisation will take up to 10 years, whilst a full restoration could take 30 years and cost tens of millions of dollars, supported by ongoing assessments from UNESCO, ICOMOS, and the International Coordinating Committee (ICC) co-chaired by China and India

On 12 May, Cambodia’s National Assembly unanimously approved a stricter military conscription law in response to deadly border clashes with Thailand. The new legislation mandates 2 years of service, up from 18 months, and narrows the eligibility age to 18-25. Penalties for evasion have been toughened, with prison terms increasing to up to 2 years during peacetime and 5 years during wartime. The Prime Minister confirmed that enforcement will begin in 2026

On 8 May, the Singaporean Ambassador and the Tourism Minister met to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation, focusing on joint market promotion and the development of combined tourism packages. The talks highlighted Cambodia's hospitality and improved infrastructure, with both parties seeking to increase flight connectivity and organise fam trips for Singaporean investors and content creators. In 2025, Cambodia welcomed 44,189 visitors from Singapore

The newly launched 2026 Tourism Statistics Forecasts presents 3 international visitor scenarios based on changing conditions, including 4.6-4.8 million if regional crises drag on, 5.3-5.5 million if the border situation with Thailand does not fully improve, and 6.1-6.3 million if the situation completely resolves. Despite a decline in the number of visitors in 2025, total tourism revenue for 2025 rose by 6.6% YoY to $3.878 billion USD. The Tourism Minister attributed this to a large influx of high-spending, high-end tourists

On 8 May, the Ministry of Tourism officially launched the 2025 Tourism Indicators and the 2026 Tourism Statistics Forecasts for public use. The launch was attended by around 400 participants, including representatives from ministries, tourism associations, academics, students, and content creators

During a trilateral meeting at the ASEAN summit facilitated by the Philippine President, the Thai Prime Minister and Cambodian Prime Minister took steps toward rebuilding trust following prolonged border tensions. While the reopening of border checkpoints, territorial claims, and encroachment accusations have yet to be discussed, the 2 nations are cautiously considering returning charges d'affaires to their respective embassies and have agreed to avoid public "verbal wars" in favour of direct communication. Thailand formally notified Cambodia of its cancellation of the 2001 maritime memorandum of understanding (MoU 44), though both sides agreed to continue discussions under the UNCLOS framework. Following a 5-month period of zero border violence due to joint demining operations, Foreign Ministers are tasked with establishing upcoming confidence-building measures and preparatory talks ahead of the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Boundary Commission meeting

The Women’s Association for Peace and Development of the Ministry of Tourism held a meeting to review Q1 2026 achievements and set Q2 priorities. The meeting aimed to introduce the association’s vice presidents and committee members, and to review the ministry's progress report. The Honorary President of the association encouraged members to contribute to peace, good deeds, morality, and Khmer women's values. She emphasised the vital role of women in sustainably developing the tourism sector, urging them to boost resilience and local income by promoting Cambodia’s image through the “Visit Cambodia in the Green Season” campaign

Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam committed to boost their cooperation across all sectors, including tourism connectivity, including increasing direct flights between the 3 countries

The Tourism Minister chaired the first meeting of the National Committee for Clean City Assessment to advance the "Clean City, Clean Resort, Good Service, Good Hospitality" campaign. This programme, initiated in 2012, aims to enhance Cambodia’s tourism appeal through a nationwide "Clean and Green" movement. During the session, 68 officials reviewed the results of the 4th Clean City Assessment (2026-2029), which evaluates candidate cities based on seven main indicators and 113 criteria. The process involves document reviews and on-site inspections to ensure continuous improvement in urban cleanliness and hospitality standards across the country

The Tourism Minister recently met with the Cambodia-China Cultural Tourism Bridge Development Association (CCIDA). The CCIDA pledged to promote Cambodia as a destination and attract major Chinese investors, while seeking Ministry guidance to strengthen its promotional role. From Jan-Apr 2026, Cambodia welcomed over 240,000 Chinese tourists, with China currently ranking as the top source of international visitors

On 4 May, the Minister of Tourism led a delegation to donate food and essential supplies to the Cambodian Red Cross in celebration of the 163rd World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day. The donation included 2 tonnes of rice, 100 cases of noodles, 500 cases of water, and various bedding and clothing kits. The ceremony marked the 71st anniversary of the organisation and reflected contributions from the ministry’s leadership and civil servants

The Cambodian government revised its 2026 economic growth forecast down to 4.2% due to global uncertainty, inflationary pressures from the Middle East conflict, and domestic shocks such as border tensions and US tariffs. In response, the Prime Minister unveiled the Medium Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF) 2027-2029, which prioritises national security, social welfare, and economic diversification. While growth is projected to recover to 5.0% by 2027, the government faces rising spending pressures for infrastructure and elections alongside a shifting revenue base as it transitions toward green energy. The framework targets an annual revenue growth of 7.3% and aims to maintain a budget deficit of around 1.53% of GDP

From Jan-Apr 2026, the Angkor Archaeological Park hosted 23,965 Chinese tourists, with 5,820 arriving in Apr 2026 alone. China ranked as the fourth largest source of international visitors to the site, trailing the U.S., Britain, and France

The Cambodia Mixed Audax Cycling Club held a historic 1,212km endurance ride around Tonle Sap Lake to promote the "Visit Cambodia in Green Season" campaign. Around 100 cyclists from 7 countries participated in the event, which required finishers to complete the course within a 90-hour time limit to earn a World Audax Record

The Cambodian Ministry of Commerce implemented new retail fuel prices effective 6 May, setting regular gasoline (92) at 5,300 riel per litre (an increase from 5,150 riel) and diesel (10ppm) at 5,550 riel per litre (a decrease from 5,650 riel)

On 5 May, the Thai cabinet unilaterally cancelled a 25-year-old MoU with Cambodia that had established a framework for joint energy exploration in the Gulf of Thailand. The Thai Prime Minister cited a lack of progress over 2 decades as the primary reason for the termination, fulfilling a nationalist election pledge following border conflicts in 2025. While the Cambodian government expressed regret and announced plans for a compulsory conciliation mechanism under the ​United Nations Convention on the ​Law ‌of the Sea (UNCLOS), Thailand maintains that future maritime boundary negotiations will now be conducted exclusively under international law rather than the defunct bilateral pact

On 29 Apr, the Techo Startup Centre launched the Tourism Digital Adoption Initiative to enhance the competitiveness and resilience of Cambodian MSMEs through digitalisation. Funded by the Japanese government in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank, the 3-year programme provides businesses with digital readiness assessments, technical training, and financial grants of up to 1,600,000 riel for technology investments. The initial 5-month campaign aims to support 500 enterprises, starting in Phnom Penh before expanding to provinces such as Siem Reap, Battambang, and Kampot

4 Cambodian destinations have been named among Asia's top 25 attractions in TripAdvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards, with Angkor Wat ranking second, followed by the Bayon temple (13th), Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (20th), and Ta Prohm (23rd). These rankings, based on a year of global traveller reviews, follow Siem Reap’s earlier recognition as the 13th best cultural destination worldwide

The Ministry of Tourism convened a workshop in Phnom Penh to establish Cambodia’s inbound tourism strategy for 2027-2028. The event was co-organised with the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, focusing on identifying high-value priority markets and addressing regional competitiveness challenges, such as air connectivity, pricing structures, and booking barriers. By aligning public and private sector visions, the workshop aimed to shift the Kingdom towards a data-driven, sustainable model that prioritises increased tourist spending and addresses negative perceptions

The Cambodia Tourism Board (CTB) has launched a "Matching Grant" programme to boost the international profile of the country's national and local festivals. The grant provides up to $20,000 USD per event, covering up to two-thirds of the international promotion budget. Applicants must contribute at least one-third of the costs. The programme is open to public institutions, non-profits, private entities, and agencies

On 2 May, Cambodia launched the "Visit Cambodia in the Green Season 2026" campaign to rebrand the traditional low season from May-Oct as a premium travel window. The Tourism Minister urged industry stakeholders to collaborate on promotional packages to transform the rainy months into a high-value period

According to Angkor Enterprise, from Jan-Apr 2026, Angkor Archaeological Park saw 322,004 international visitors (-32.1% YoY). Ticket sales generated around $15.5 million USD during this period (-30.2% YoY)

The Tourism Minister appointed Thim Sereyvuth as the new Director of the Siem Reap Provincial Department of Tourism, tasking him with enhancing the province's brand identity through unique cultural and culinary storytelling. The new director is expected to coordinate with the private sector and content creators to improve public services, attract tourism investment, and develop night-time experiences in Angkor and Siem Reap city

The Philippines has offered to mediate between Thailand and Cambodia, with a potential trilateral meeting being explored during the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu from 6-8 May

The Philippines has offered to mediate talks between Thailand and Cambodia to reduce tensions between the countries. The Philippines' President spoke with the Thai Prime Minister to express his willingness to host the talk. The meeting is likely to be held in Cebu for the 48th ASEAN Summit

The Ministry of Environment and UN-Habitat signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation on natural resource management, social protection, and sustainable development. The partnership focuses on capacity building, resource mobilisation, and enhancing resilience in coastal and urban areas. The agreement supports Cambodia’s environmental strategic framework, which aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, increased forest coverage, and a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 as outlined in the Third Nationally Determined Contribution

During a legislative visit to the Spanish Parliament marking 75 years of diplomatic ties, Spain and the EU expressed support for a peaceful resolution to the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute based on international law. The Cambodian delegation discussed strengthening cooperation in trade, clean energy, and agriculture, while also addressing concerns regarding the safety of border residents and World Heritage sites. The 2 countries further committed to mutual international support, including Spain's bid for ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) observer status and Cambodia's leadership of the 2026 International Speakers' Conference

On 29 Apr, the Norwegian-flagged cruise ship Viking Orion docked at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, arriving from Thailand with 822 international tourists and 467 crew members. The majority of passengers (629) are U.S. citizens. While the majority of passengers spent their time exploring local Sihanoukville landmarks, including fishing villages, markets, and pagodas, a small group of 33 travellers headed to Siem Reap to visit the Angkor temples

The Minister of Tourism led a Cambodia Tourism Marketing and Promotion Board (CTB) meeting to review Q1 2026 achievements and establish strategies for Q2. Key initiatives include the "Visit Cambodia in the Green Season" campaign (May-Oct) and a temporary visa exemption for Chinese citizens with PRC passports, running from 15 Jun-15 Oct 2026. The board aims to diversify markets and enhance Cambodia's global profile, specifically leveraging the 20th Francophonie Summit in Nov

The Kong MMA training centre, currently under construction on Koh Rong by Canadian martial artist Dave Leduc, is poised to become a landmark destination for Kun Khmer and mixed martial arts. This facility will offer structured programmes for both professional fighters and tourists, aiming to attract tens of thousands of visitors to the island’s beaches. Supported by the Kun Khmer Federation, the project includes future plans for a dedicated competition arena to host global sporting events

The World Bank approved $300 million USD in financing to enhance Cambodia’s transport network and logistics capacity, focusing on the Asian Highway 21 (AH21) corridor. The initiative will be rolled out in 2 phases, with an initial $150 million USD allocated to upgrade 247km of infrastructure and strengthen trade facilitation. By improving this vital link between Cambodia’s northeastern provinces and Vietnam, the programme aims to benefit 1.6 million people, reduce transport costs, and attract private investment in agribusiness, tourism, and cold chains. The Minister of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) said that the project seeks to bolster regional connectivity and market access for local farmers and traders while supporting inclusive economic growth

On 29 Apr, the Deputy Prime Minister met with Grab Holdings Group President to discuss the company’s expansion and its role in Cambodia’s digital economy. Aligning with Phase 1 of the government’s Pentagonal Strategy, Grab plans to broaden its service coverage and explore new financing options for its partners. The meeting also focused on green development, with Grab expressing interest in supporting clean energy initiatives within the transport sector. The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating Grab’s ongoing and future investment projects to enhance user convenience and market reach

The Cambodia Tourism Board (CTB) and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have entered a 9-month partnership, backed by a collective $140,000 USD investment. The agreement focuses on joint marketing and familiarisation trips targeting markets in Australia, France, and Singapore, with plans to expand reach into India over the longer term. The MoU aims to reshape international perceptions of Cambodia and boost arrivals for the upcoming "Visit Cambodia in the Green Season" campaign (May-Oct 2026)

Effective from 29 Apr, the Cambodian Ministry of Commerce increased retail fuel prices, with Regular Gasoline (Gasoline 92) rising to 5,150 riels per litre and Diesel Fuel (Gasoil 10ppm) reaching 5,650 riels per litre. These rates will remain in place until the next official update. The rates include government subsidies designed to help citizens manage costs amidst rising international market prices

The Prime Minister Hun Manet highlighted the role of Geographical Indication (GI) and collective brands in driving economic growth and supporting the Pentagonal Strategy Phase 1. Managed by a 17-ministry national committee, Cambodia has registered 78 GI products, including Kampot pepper, Kampong Speu palm sugar, and Koh Kong mud crab, alongside collective marks like Phnom Penh kuy teav. These intellectual property protections create premium identities for local goods, enhancing export capacity to high-value international markets and boosting cultural tourism

The Middle East crisis is impacting Cambodian tourism, with disrupted Gulf transit hubs causing a 32% drop in visitors to Angkor and a 30% revenue decline in Q1 2026. According to a board member of Smiling Gecko Singapore, higher airfares and unreliable routes have compressed the traditional European market, leading to a shift towards regional travellers from Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam who typically spend less and stay for shorter periods. Booking windows have also shortened, with European guests now committing only 8-10 weeks in advance. This downturn directly threatens funding for local humanitarian projects, and while domestic tourism offers some relief, it cannot offset the loss of long-haul visitors, exposing Cambodia's structural over-dependence on a limited number of international flight connections

The US Treasury Department has sanctioned Cambodian Senator Kok An, labelling him a "scam centre kingpin" for allegedly protecting a network of fraudulent compounds that defrauded Americans of millions of dollars. The US claims these operations, housed in retrofitted casinos and office parks, often utilise human trafficking victims forced into criminal activity under threat of violence. While Kok An denies all knowledge of scamming, official Cambodian business records link him to 7 of the sanctioned firms

According to the Minister of Economy and Finance, Cambodia’s economy is projected to grow by 5% in 2026, a slight decrease from 5.2% in 2025, with GDP reaching $53.8 billion USD and GDP per capita rising to $3,020 USD. The Minister attributed this cooling to external shocks and border issues with Thailand, alongside global uncertainties. While the economy remains reliant on garments, tourism, and agriculture, experts advocate for a strategic shift towards renewable energy, digital services, and high-value manufacturing

“The Smile of Angkor” exhibition in Beijing covers over 2,000 square metres and utilizes projection, sound, spatial design, and holographic performances to recreate the ancient Khmer Empire. The project was developed through a partnership between Cambodian and Chinese entities, including X Capital. Since its launch in Jan 2026, the exhibition has generated around 40 million online impressions within its first 2 months. The exhibition will run in Beijing until Jun 2026, with plans to tour other Chinese provinces and potentially expand internationally

The Cambodian government and media have condemned a Wall Street Journal report that used the derogatory term "Scambodia" to describe the country’s cybercrime challenges. The Information Minister and the Cambodian Human Rights Committee officially rejected the label as "insulting" and "sensationalist," arguing it fosters discrimination and ignores the state's ongoing crackdowns on scam operations. During a Khmer Times podcast, editors highlighted that such headlines damage Cambodia’s economy and tourism by overshadowing law enforcement efforts with a single negative narrative. Officials and local journalists are calling for more balanced, on-the-ground reporting and greater government transparency to ensure international perceptions accurately reflect the country's progress

On 27 Apr, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia highlighted that Cambodia remains a primary focus for anti-fraud efforts, citing reports that scam revenue may account for 40%-60% of the nation's GDP. She confirmed that the U.S. has restrained over $700 million USD in cryptocurrency tied to regional "pig butchering" and forced-labour schemes. While acknowledging recent raids by Cambodian authorities on scam compounds, she noted the U.S. is "waiting to see" if these actions lead to a genuine reduction in crime

On 30 Apr, the Ministry of Tourism and the Chinese Embassy will host a joint martial arts showcase at the North of Bayon Temple in Siem Reap as part of the Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2026. The event featured traditional Cambodian disciplines including Kun Lbokator, Yuth Kun Khorm, and Kun Khmer, alongside Chinese Shaolin Kung Fu and Tai Chi

The Thai Defence Minister confirmed that border checkpoints with Cambodia will remain closed until Cambodia adheres to the Dec 2025 ceasefire agreement. This stance follows the National Security Council's decision to scrap MoU44, ending the long-standing maritime border demarcation agreement and shifting to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) as the primary legal framework. While the Royal Thai Navy maintains full operational intensity to protect maritime sovereignty, official bilateral mechanisms such as the Regional Border Committee remain functional. The Ministry also plans to bolster national self-reliance through domestic industry promotion and infrastructure upgrades for border troops, while dismissing the need for "personal-level" diplomatic talks

The Cambodian Cabinet approved a draft law requiring all males aged 18-25 to complete 2 years of mandatory military service, replacing an unimplemented 2006 framework. Triggered by deadly border clashes with Thailand in 2025, the legislation aims to address personnel shortages and modernise the armed forces. Under the new rules, women may serve voluntarily, while those who have completed their service will remain on the reserve list until age 45. The Prime Minister has prioritised this transition to a conscripted force to ensure a more professional defence capability, with the law set for final ratification by the National Assembly and the King