Cambodia

Cambodian ex PM Hun Sen’s livestream broadcast on 27 Jun where he appeared to call for regime change has been said to violate international protocol according to the Thai Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs

Thailand has signed 2 orders to ease the Thai-Cambodian border tensions, including allowing stranded cargo trucks to return via 3 border checkpoints over the next 7 days, with strict limits. It also extended permitted stays for Cambodians who had border passes and temporary work permits which lasted for 7 and 15 days, but not those whose stays expired before 23 Jun

The Cambodian PM responded to the Thai authorities’ announcement that they would partially re-open for some of the border crossings with Cambodia by stating that “resolving the border closure issue is simple—if the Thai side, which has unilaterally closed the border since June 7, agrees to reopen it”

On 27 Jun, the Thai Prime Minister met with the French President to discuss Thailand’s border dispute with Cambodia. France expressed readiness to assist in coordinating peaceful bilateral negotiations between the 2 countries, building on the President’s earlier commitment on 10 Jun to Cambodian Prime Minister to support peaceful resolution and provide documentation. The leaders discussed regional security, with the Thai Prime Minister noting ASEAN’s role in combating transnational crime, including Thailand’s efforts against call centre scams and cybercrime

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Cambodian tourist arrivals to Thailand dropped by 48% in Jun due to border tensions, reaching 14,758, with 48% arriving by air and 51.9% via land borders. TAT Governor reported that Cambodian arrivals from Jan-May totalled 197,658, -14% YoY, with daily arrivals averaging 1,200. Thailand’s tourism sector is under pressure from a strengthening Thai baht against the US dollar, impacting small businesses like budget accommodations, street food vendors, and beer bars

Cambodian Senate President stated that Cambodia is awaiting the appointment of a new Thai Prime Minister to resolve the ongoing border dispute, adding that only a new Thai PM could bring the necessary goodwill to resolve issues with Cambodia. He said that Cambodia does not view Thailand as an enemy and has remained neutral, not supporting Thailand’s Red Shirt or Yellow Shirt factions, working with all Thai governments

On 26 Jun, the Burapha Task Force announced a temporary relaxation of regulations at 4 Sa Kaeo province border checkpoints, including Khlong Luek and Nong Preu in Aranyaprathet district, Khao Din in Khlong Hat, and Taphraya in Taphraya, to allow Thais and Cambodians to cross the border. 2-way trade through 5 Sa Kaeo checkpoints, including the Thai-Cambodian Friendship Bridge, is valued at 330 million THB daily. Up to 1,000 Cambodians with motorcycles and cars can leave Thailand via Khlong Luek and Khao Din from 8am-4pm, and via Taphraya and Nong Preu from 8am to noon. Taphraya and Nong Preu will also open up to 300 Cambodians with bicycles to buy products in Thailand. The taskforce noted that these regulations are subject to change

On 26 Jun, over 500 Cambodian nationals, primarily labourers and medical patients, returned to Cambodia through the Chong Chom border checkpoint in Surin during a 30-minute window. Very few Thai nationals re-entered Thailand. Cambodia initially delayed opening its side of the gate, leaving hundreds of Cambodians waiting to return. Authorities from both countries enforced strict controls, preventing Cambodians from entering Thailand and Thais from crossing into Cambodia, including for goods transport

From 27 Jun-3 Jul, Battambang Province will host its first-ever durian buffet, as part of the annual fruit festival, featuring locally grown durians. The event offers unlimited durians and various Battambang fruits for 80 minutes, with entrance fee at $12.52 USD for adults

According to a report released on 26 Jun, Amnesty International accused Cambodia’s government of ignoring abuses by cybercrime gangs operating scam compounds. The report identified 53 scam centres and dozens of suspected sites across Cambodia, including in Phnom Penh, described as prison-like with high fences, razor wire, armed guards, and staffed by trafficked victims, including children, forced to commit global fraud. Amnesty reported inadequate investigation of human rights abuses, failure to assist victims, and lack of regulation of security firms and torture tools, which Cambodian government spokesman Pen Bona rejected. According to the United States Institute for Peace, Cambodia became a hub for the global scam industry during the pandemic, with Chinese-led groups repurposing casinos and hotels into scam centres housing up to 100,000 people, generating over $12.5 billion USD annually

Speaking at the opening of the Siem Reap Regional Professional Tour Guide Training Course from 23-27 Jun, the Minister of Tourism called for tour guides to develop professional skills, unite in solidarity, and uphold national honour while adhering to ethical standards. He encouraged collaborative efforts to promote the green season campaign through content creation to attract tourists

Thailand closed all land border crossings with Cambodia in seven provinces to nearly all travellers, including tourists and traders, effective from 24 Jun. The Banteay Meanchey Governor confirmed exemptions for humanitarian cases, such as medical emergencies and students. Cambodia retaliated by closing its border checkpoints in Banteay Meanchey and banning Thai fruit and vegetable imports. On 24 Jun, a temporary 3-hour window at the Poipet-Khlong Luek crossing allowed Cambodian and Thai nationals, including traders and workers, to return home, but foreign nationals and goods transport were barred. Cambodian leaders stated Cambodia will only reopen its borders after Thailand lifts its restrictions

On 24 Jun, Cambodian Senate President accused Thai individuals, acting under orders from Bangkok leaders, of interfering with his Facebook page and encroaching on Cambodian territory. He predicted that Thailand would have a new prime minister within 3 months, stating he already knows the successor’s identity but would not disclose it

In 2024, Cambodia welcomed 4,456 Kazakh tourists (+182.9% YoY). On 24 Jun, Cambodia's Minister of Tourism met Kazakhstan’s Ambassador in Siem Reap to explore ways to enhance tourism ties. Discussions included potential initiatives such as signing an MoU on bilateral tourism cooperation, organising study tours to share tourism expertise, promoting film tourism, and exploring the feasibility of direct flights between Cambodia and Kazakhstan

On the night of 23 Jun, the Thai Military unilaterally closed the Poipet-Khlong Lek Border Gate. Around 6,000 Cambodian citizens own stalls at Rong Kluea Market, which has about 3,500 active stalls. Many Cambodian traders at the market were stranded in Thailand. Cambodian and Thai authorities at the Poipet-Khlong Lek Border Gate are negotiating a 1-day solution to allow stranded citizens to return to their respective countries

The International Day of Yoga 2025 was celebrated on 19 Jun in Siem Reap and 21 Jun in Phnom Penh, organised by Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Indian Embassy and other Cambodian ministries. The Phnom Penh event drew over 500 participants, including officials, students, and international guests. The initiative promotes yoga’s health benefits and positions Cambodia as a wellness tourism destination, especially for Indian travellers. According to the Ministry of Tourism, as the Cambodia-India Tourism Year extends into 2025, the emphasis is on promoting top-quality wellness offerings tailored to health-conscious travellers, promoting cultural richnesses of the 2 countries. The Ministry confirmed plans to host more wellness-focused events, such as yoga retreats in tourist hubs

PM Paetongtarn chaired a meeting regarding the suppression of transnational crimes. She promised to take down scam gangs based in Cambodia, noting that the Thai government’s campaign has caused the scam centres to lose income opportunities worth about 30 billion THB. The PM also said that Thailand will strengthen control at border crossings with Cambodia. The Thai government will cut off internet connectivity to Cambodia's military and security organisations as well as cross-border supplies of oil, electricity and other products

On 22 Jun, Cambodian Prime Minister announced a complete halt to all fuel and gas imports from Thailand, effective from midnight on 29 Jun. He stated that Cambodia has sufficient capacity to source fuel and gas from alternative countries to meet domestic demand

Thai military authorities imposed new restrictions on vehicles entering from Cambodia via Sa Kaeo province, effective from 23 Jun, applied to major entry points in Sa Kaeo. The restrictions ban pushcarts and hand-pulled carts with six or more wheels, motorcycles with Cambodian licence plates, and all modified motorcycles from Cambodia

On 22 Jun, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cambodia released a statement advising Cambodian citizens to avoid travelling to Thailand unless absolutely necessary. All Cambodian citizens currently in Thailand are requested to avoid potentially dangerous areas, including gatherings and demonstrations

Fuel shortages in Poipet are seeing a higher number of Cambodians crossing the Thai-Cambodia border to purchase fuel

The Chong Sai Taku border crossing at the Cambodia-Thai land border has been ordered to close by the commander of Thailand’s Second Army Region

The Cambodian PM ordered the permanent closure of two checkpoints in Udor Meanchey province in response to what he called the Thai army’s unilateral decisions to shut access points without consultation with Cambodia

From Jan-May 2025, Cambodia welcomed 2.95 million international tourists, +11.7% YoY. The top 5 sources of international tourists were Thailand, Vietnam, China, the United States, and Laos

Casino operators in Poipet are offering aggressive travel promotions, including hotel room discounts, limousine airport pickups, and plane tickets from Bangkok to Siem Reap to attract Thai gamblers. Other promotions included Bangkok-Siem Reap flight tickets, and a "luxury-class" van at the airport for a 3-hour trip to Poipet. Tightened security at the Ban Khlong Luek checkpoint greatly reduced the number of Thai nationals visiting Poipet’s casinos, resulting in the loss of revenue and temporarily closing some. Many Thai workers employed in Poipet’s casinos are resigning due to frequent power cuts, slow internet speeds, and uncertainties about border checkpoint operating hours

The An Ses border checkpoint located in An Ses village in Preah Vihear province was officially closed by Cambodian authorities, in response to Thailand's unilateral decision to reduce the checkpoint's operating days and hours. The Head of the An Ses border checkpoint said that Cambodia would reopen the crossing if Thailand restored the original operating schedule as it was before the Mom Bei border incident

The Cambodia-China Digital Youth Association (CCDYA) partnered with 16 Cambodian-Chinese influencers to promote the "Visit Cambodia in the Green Season" campaign, targeting Chinese and international audiences during the rainy season. On 17 Jun, the Minister of Tourism met CCDYA leaders and influencers to discuss their collaboration. The Minister expressed strong support for CCDYA’s plan to host a Cambodia-China KOL event later in 2025

In Jun 2025, Cambodian tourist arrivals to Thailand dropped by 48%, totalling 14,758 visitors, due to border closures. According to the Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), from Jan-May 2025, Cambodia sent 197,658 tourists to Thailand, -14% YoY, with daily arrivals averaging 1,200. Post-closure on 7 Jun, Cambodian arrivals fell by 44%, with a peak decline of 81% on 14 Jun. Of Jun’s arrivals, 48% travelled by air and 51.9% via land borders

Knai Bang Chatt, a Cambodian boutique resort, has been rebranded as Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West, embracing regenerative travel. The rebrand introduces 2 flagship facilities, including the Kep West Wellness Centre and the Discovery Centre, offering tailored wellness programmes, and a range of activities such as sailing and kayaking. The Discovery Centre collaborates with Marine Conservation Cambodia to engage guests in marine restoration projects

On 20 Jun, activities at the Poipet International Border Gate in Banteay Meanchey province proceeded smoothly. A steady influx of Cambodian nationals and foreign travellers crossed the border, with thorough document inspections conducted by authorities. Cambodian authorities strictly enforced a ban on importing all types of vegetables and fruits from Thailand

On 16 Jun, the National Committee for the Management and Development of Community-Based Tourism and Ecotourism (NC-CBTE) held its first meeting of the 7th legislative mandate at the Ministry of Tourism in Cambodia to promote sustainable and responsible community-based tourism and ecotourism. The advisor to the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents urged authorities to prioritise green tourism areas to combat global warming and reduce outbound tourism by Cambodians

On 18 Jun, the Thai Prime Minister confirmed that a 9-minute audio clip of a 17-minute phone call with Cambodian Senate President on 15 Jun, which was partially leaked, was authentic. In the call, the PM agreed to restore normal border opening hours. The PM expressed a desire for peace, apologised for a Thai plan to cut off water and electricity to Cambodia. The Thai PM also stated that she would no longer have personal conversations with Hun Sen due to a breach of trust following the leak. In the call, she is heard referring a regional Thai army commander as an “opponent” and agreeing to follow the former Cambodian prime minister's request

On 18 Jun, tens of thousands of Cambodians participated in a "Solidarity March" in Phnom Penh to support the government’s stance in its border dispute with Thailand. The march was led by the Deputy Prime Minister. The PM emphasised a commitment to "peace and good cooperation", advocating for a peaceful resolution through the International Court of Justice (ICJ)

On 20 Jun, the Minister of Tourism spoke at a workshop titled “Combating Counterfeit Products That Pose High Risks to Health and Public Safety in the Tourism Sector” at the Cambodia-Korea Cooperation Centre, urging increased participation in promoting and using local products, especially those with Geographical Indication marks. The event was attended by 312 participants, including senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism. The Minister called on hotel owners, restaurateurs, food establishments, and tourism operators to adhere to laws and quality standards, particularly in food safety management

The Malaysian Ambassador to Cambodia and the Tourism Minister of Cambodia met to discuss boosting tourism cooperation between both countries. Both exchanged views and ideas to promote 2-way tourism through new initiatives, including hosting exhibitions in both countries, diversification of tourism events during the Green Season in Cambodia, and the launch of new direct flights between Phnom Penh and Penang

According to a statement from the Royal Thai Army, Thailand banned its citizens from travelling to work in casinos, gambling dens, and other entertainment venues in Poipet, effective from 17 Jun. On 16 Jun, former Cambodian Prime Minister urged a complete closure of border crossings and a suspension of Thai goods imports if Thailand does not lift its cross-border restriction

According to The Washington Post, Cambodia is among 36 countries potentially facing U.S. travel restrictions due to the Trump administration’s consideration of expanding its travel ban list. The U.S. Secretary of State signed an internal diplomatic cable, identified concerns including ineffective government authorities issuing reliable civil documents, high visa overstay rates, and fraudulent citizenship schemes in the listed countries, including Cambodia. The cable gave the 36 countries a 60-day deadline to meet the U.S. State Department benchmarks, with failure to comply potentially leading to full or partial suspension of their citizens’ entry into the U.S.

The Cambodian Senate President issued an ultimatum to Thailand, demanding that all border checkpoints with Cambodia be fully reopened by 24 Jun, or Cambodia will ban imports of Thai fruits and vegetables

On 28 May, JHL Collection launched its first international venture, Arjuna Resort & Spa, a 5-star property, in Sihanoukville. The resort is part of Kampong Dewa Resorts. Key features include signature venues like Angkasa Restaurant & Bar, Wang Long Chinese Royal Restaurant, Sky Lounge, sky pool & bar, Kampong Dewa Casino, Arjuna spa by Sandjong, the workout fitness centre, and tailored bespoke services. Future developments within the Kampong Dewa Resorts masterplan include the Khayangan Beach Club, Herloom Hotel and Residence, Bima Hotel & Convention Center, and a Theme Park

The Thai PM reinstated the country does not recognise the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), citing detailed legal and historical analysis. She clarified that the border was never officially closed, operating hours were adjusted due to recent clashes and Cambodia's troop positioning. The Thai military is authorised to act based on conditions on the ground. She pledged not to yield to pressure or misinformation after the Cambodian Senate President issued a 24-hour ultimatum for Thailand to fully reopen all border checkpoints

On 14-15 Jun, Cambodia’s Annual Environmental Tourism Event 2025 was held, coinciding with the 3rd Freshwater Sea Festival celebrating Tonle Sap Lake. Key activities included eco-tourism cycling and adventure tourism; environmental clean-ups, tree planting, and eco-tourism camping; and evaluations of green and clean households. The event attracted 20,000 visitors

Despite the tensions at the border, the Ta Moan Thom Temple continues to attract both Cambodian and Thai tourists. Visitors include families, pilgrims, and travellers. Both Cambodian and Thai officials are closely monitoring the area to prevent tensions from spilling over into the temple zone

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

On 15 Jun, the State Secretariat for Border Affairs issued a press release detailing the outcomes of a 2-day Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary and Demarcation Committee (JBC) meeting held in Cambodia. The JBC approved 4 agenda items, including discussing revisions to the 2003 Terms of Reference (TOR) for orthophoto map production, and approving a joint survey team to demarcate the border at agreed locations. Cambodia expressed willingness to continue cooperating with Thailand through the JBC for border measurement and demarcation, excluding the 4 disputed areas. Both countries agreed to hold the next JBC meeting in Sep 2025

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

The third Cambodian Freshwater Festival will begin on 14 Jun in Kampong Phluk in Siem Reap, and is expecting a high number of tourists. The 2-day event’s activities include visits to Tonle Sap Lake, a tourism parade, exhibitions of local tourism products, a giant puppet parade, a recreational boat race, and entertainment and educational programmes. The event will also feature the launch of the “Clean Cambodia, Khmer Made” campaign, by the Meanchey-Kampong Phluk Tourist Transport Community, focusing on environmental conservation

On 12 Jun, a foreign cruise ship registered under the Marshall Islands flag docked at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, carrying 628 tourists from 27 nationalities for a 1-day visit. 380 tourists were from the U.S.

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

On 11 Jun, the Minister of Tourism met with the CEO of Cambodian Broadcasting Service Co., Ltd. (CBS) and his delegation for a courtesy visit and business discussion. CBS sought Ministry support for a project to enhance tourism-related film production, including new television programmes to promote Cambodia’s tourism potential globally and attract more international visitors

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