Cambodia

Cambodia and Myanmar signed 4 agreements and cooperation documenrts on taxation, investment, culture, media and information, during the official visit of Min Aung Hlaing to Phnom Penh

The American Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (AmCham Cambodia) has launched a dedicated hospitality and tourism task force to draft strategic recovery recommendations and foster private enterprise growth following recent industry downturns. Kick-started on 8 Sep with a networking event of over 80 industry professionals at Rosewood Phnom Penh, the group establishes a platform for operators, stakeholders, and policymakers to formulate practical solutions. Following an invitation to join all 16 sector working groups of the Government-Private Sector Forum (G-PSF), the task force will enable international business leaders to present these ideas and operational challenges directly to the Royal Government of Cambodia at the upcoming G-PSF meeting

The Environment Minister has outlined a three-pronged strategy to boost Cambodia's environmental protection by combining forest conservation, expanded tree planting, and community-focused ecotourism. The plan utilises satellite imagery, drones, and demarcation maps to curb illegal logging, while distributing around 10 million free tree saplings over 3 years to expand green cover. By linking conservation directly to local economic benefits, the initiative develops community-based ecotourism to generate jobs and revenue, providing residents with a financial incentive to protect forests and supporting government targets for carbon neutrality and 60% forest cover by 2050

Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Arts met with the newly appointed Iranian Ambassador in Phnom Penh to reinforce bilateral relations and expand cooperation across culture, sports, and tourism. Both sides highlighted joint cultural exchanges as a key driver to promote mutual tourism, strengthen people-to-people connections, and enable citizens of both nations to experience each other's cultural heritage

A South Korean business delegation led by the International Interchange Development Association (IIDA) has pledged renewed support to promote Cambodia for tourism and corporate investment following a meeting with Tourism Minister Huot Hak. The collaboration aims to boost tourist arrivals, expand direct flights, streamline visa processes, and encourage foreign direct investment in key sectors including technology, green energy, and infrastructure. The IIDA's promotional strategy will highlight the country's peace, political stability, and socio-economic progress

The Ministry of Tourism partnered with Viettel Cambodia (Metfone) on 8 Sep to launch the digital campaign "My Village, My Food", following an MoU signed by the Tourism Minister and the Metfone CEO. The initiative utilises Metfone’s technology, including the TV360 product showcased at the launch event, to promote local tourism and Khmer culinary heritage to domestic and international audiences. The campaign features 7 short videos showcasing signature dishes from Kampot, Kep, Preah Sihanouk, Siem Reap, Battambang, Pursat, and Takeo, which are being released through Oct across the social media channels of the ministry, regional tourism departments, Metfone, and participating content creators

Beginning on 18 Sep, the Cambodia Tourism Board (CTB), in collaboration with the APSARA National Authority, the Siem Reap Provincial Administration, and the Cambodia Hotel Association, is launching a series of free, bi-weekly cultural pop-up shows to boost tourism in Siem Reap and the Angkor Archaeological Park. Taking place every Fri and Sat for 30-40 minutes, these spontaneous public performances will highlight 2 UNESCO-listed intangible cultural heritage arts: the ancient martial art Kun Bokator and Lkhon Khol shadow theatre

Following high-level recommendations from the Prime Minister, the Ministries of Tourism, Rural Development, and Environment have agreed to build a comprehensive joint plan to advance the Chi Phat ecotourism community. The coordinated strategy focuses on conserving natural resources, empowering local communities, and maintaining Chi Phat's authentic identity. The Ministry of Tourism will support local development by improving "soft infrastructure" through tourism skills training, promoting the destination, and fostering stronger ties between local residents and the private sector to drive sustainable economic growth

According to a ranking by US News & World Report, Cambodia has been named the best country for ecotourism in Southeast Asia and 17th globally, placing it ahead of regional peers such as Laos (22nd), Thailand (33rd), and Vietnam (89th)

Ahead of the Kan Ben and Pchum Ben festival (27 Sep-11 Oct), the Ministry of Tourism has issued strict guidelines directing tourism operators to enhance service quality, safety, and cleanliness. Operators must maintain public order, provide adequate signed parking, and publicly display clear, reasonable pricing. Business premises must feature the national flag, proper lighting, the three official Royal Family portraits, and Khmer-inspired decor, while adhering to fire safety precautions and strict restroom hygiene standards. Additionally, operators are instructed to train staff in professional ethics, encourage staff uniforms with Khmer characteristics, comply with state regulations, and engage visitors with 3 national slogans: "Tourism for All, All for Tourism", "Tourism Grows in Peace", and "Everyone is an Ambassador of Cambodian Tourism"

On 7 Sep, the Minister of Tourism Huot Hak and Kratie Governor officially launched the Kratie Tourism Development Plan 2026-2030, aiming to transform Kratie into a premier destination for ecotourism and cultural tourism. The roadmap focuses on 4 strategic priorities, including developing identity-driven tourism products, incorporating storytelling into attractions, building a distinctive destination brand, and expanding night-time tourism. Alongside the plan's launch, 51 trainees received certificates for HoKa Cambodia hospitality programmes across food and beverage, housekeeping, and tour guiding for the Koh Trong Tourism Community, advancing local service standards

A Siem Reap provincial delegation attended the 19th EATOF General Assembly in Cebu, the Philippines (2-4 Sep) under the theme “The New EATOF Toward Globalisation in Local Communities”. The delegation promoted Siem Reap-Angkor's cultural heritage, cuisine, handicrafts, and community-based products. Through bilateral discussions with member regions, Siem Reap explored joint travel routes, visitor exchanges, and partnerships in green tourism, smart technology, AI adoption, and digital transformation to enhance the sustainability, quality, and competitiveness of its tourism sector

Under a directive from the Prime Minister, the Interior Minister announced that Cambodia will suspend all nationwide casino online gambling operations from Oct 2026 to combat online scams and unmonitored financial flows. The suspension will remain in place until authorities establish tighter legal frameworks, digital infrastructure, and oversight systems, with non-compliant casinos risking licence revocation. The policy follows an extensive crackdown between Jul 2025 and Aug 2026, during which authorities dismantled 86 scam centres, repatriated over 22,000 foreign nationals, detained nearly 30,000 suspects, sanctioned 27 casinos (revoking 18 licences), and prosecuted multiple high-ranking state, police, and military officials for corruption linked to scam networks

A joint study by the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Economy and Finance warns that climate change could reduce Cambodia’s GDP by 2.5% by 2030 and up to 9.8% by 2050, as the country faces severe risks from floods, droughts, storms, heatwaves, and seawater intrusion. To counter these threats, Cambodia has integrated climate resilience into its Pentagonal Strategy - Phase I (2023-2028), Climate Change Strategic Plan 2024-2033, and NDC 3.0 framework, pledging to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2035 and reach carbon neutrality by 2050. The Secretary of State outlined 3 key urban priorities, including scaling nature-based solutions, upgrading early warning systems, and strengthening digital governance

Cambodia recorded 1.99 million international arrivals from Jan-Jul 2026, down 46% YoY. China, Vietnam and the US were the top 3 source markets. The Tourism Minister attributed the decline to negative publicity around online scam networks, friction along the Cambodia-Thailand border, and Middle East conflicts driving up fuel prices and dampening global travel demand

The Cambodia Travel Match (CTM) 2026 Mini-Series runs from 6-12 Sep across Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Kampot, and Kep. The event hosts 40 international buyers from the Philippines, Nepal, and Myanmar to build direct business links, experience destinations firsthand, and create commercial travel packages for their home markets. The initiative specifically highlights Kampot and Kep as a unified coastal destination combining Kampot's riverside agritourism with Kep's seaside leisure to extend visitor stays and boost local spending

On 4 Sep, Cambodia launched a $1.24 billion USD economic stimulus package to counter domestic and external headwinds that have lowered the country's projected economic growth to 4.2% (down from over 5%) and pushed inflation to 5.8% in Apr 2026. To protect jobs, businesses, and household incomes, the initiative will provide 4 monthly cash transfers starting in Sep, generate around 200,000 jobs, and transition 60,000 fuel-powered tuk-tuks in Phnom Penh to electric vehicles

On 31 Aug, the secretariat of the Inter-Ministerial Committee for Facilitating the Travel and Transportation of Tourists announced consolidated 24-hour emergency hotlines to provide timely support for domestic and international visitors in Cambodia. Depending on the nature of the issue, tourists can contact the General Department of Immigration (068 386 699 / 078 386 699 / 087 386 699), the National Police (117), the Tourism Police (016 654 736), the Rapid Response Team for Foreigners (031 201 2345 / 031 601 2345), or the emergency ambulance service (119)

Over 3,500 informal tourism workers attended a Ministry of Tourism seminar in Siem Reap. The initiative focused on elevating service standards, offering vocational skill vouchers, and driving registration on the ministry’s digital platform. The Minister of Tourism highlighted that registering provides vital benefits across 4 areas, including healthcare via the National Social Security Fund and Health Equity Fund, business expansion, skills development, and targeted government interventions, while praising informal workers as essential mobile promoters for Cambodian tourism

The Ministry of Tourism and the Bar Association of the Kingdom of Cambodia (BAKC) have signed a new 4-year MoU spanning 2026 to 2030 to extend an initial agreement from Mar 2021. The agreement is designed to strengthen legal awareness, law enforcement, and protection within the tourism sector, with the BAKC to provide legal consultation, resolving sector-related disputes, and offering technical assistance across 10 legislative projects, including addressing gaps in the existing Law on Tourism. Additionally, the association will deliver legal training to ministry officials, host educational outreach and seminars for lawyers and the public, and collaborate with the ministry to promote Cambodia's tourism potential

The Ministry of Tourism, in partnership with Swisscontact under the Cambodia Hospitality Training Project (HoKa), hosted a technical review meeting in Siem Reap to strengthen vocational training for community-based tour guides. Around 18 participants, including HoKa secretariat officials, Swisscontact representatives, and trainers from 12 target provinces, revised 4 core training resources. The updates incorporated regional feedback to ensure materials reflect practical community-based tourism conditions, meet labour market needs, and elevate service quality across the national workforce

From Jan-Aug, the Angkor Archaeological Park welcomed 474,933 foreign tourists (-30% YoY), with ticket pass sales totalling $22.54 million USD (-27% YoY). The Ministry of Tourism is executing social media campaigns, establishing global travel partnerships to promote Siem Reap’s modern amenities alongside its historic temples, and collaborating with stakeholders to improve regional transport circuits and logistics. The President of the Angkor Tour Guide Association called on the government to assist in reviving struggling businesses throughout the industry

A Cambodian delegation attended the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation River Source Dialogue in Qinghai province, China, to promote the nation's tourism potential and mark the framework's 10th anniversary. The event gathered over 150 attendees, including representatives from Cambodia's Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, the Kep and Takeo provincial administrations, the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia, Lancang-Mekong member nations, and media. The delegation undertook study tours of Qinghai Lake, the Yushu Museum, and the Sanjiangyuan Monument to examine local tourism and conservation models

Siem Reap is preparing for the year's second "Angkor Equinox" from 21-23 Sep. Local authorities chaired by the Deputy Governor have introduced the "Angkor Equinox Run", scheduled for the early morning of 21 Sep. The equinox event is projected to draw 5,000-10,000 domestic and international visitors. The event collects voluntary donations from visitors to fund local community development projects and humanitarian efforts

Cambodia is expanding its tourism workforce development to align with ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement standards (ASEAN MRA-TP). A recent 7-day workshop in Phnom Penh trained 145 new National Master Trainers and Assessors (including 66 women) for hotel services, bringing the total trained by 30 ASEAN-certified technical officials to over 816. Supported by 9 accredited vocational institutions (four offering full ASEAN programmes) and 4 accredited assessment centres, including Paul Dubrule in Siem Reap alongside PSE, VIT, and Thalias in Phnom Penh, Cambodia has evaluated around 2,200 workers via Recognition of Prior Learning mechanisms. The ministry plans to expand trainer programmes to travel services by 2027 and continue developing the Cambodia Tourism Professionals Registration System (CTPRS) to support lifelong learning and job matching

Cambodia is collaborating with Malaysia to develop its Muslim-friendly tourism sector, leveraging Malaysia as both a feeder market and a gateway to expand its infrastructure, standards, and regional reach. A delegation led by the Secretary of State attended the World Islamic Tourism & Trade Expo 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, and invited international tourism delegates from markets including Malaysia, China, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey on inspection trips to evaluate local Cambodian prayer facilities and halal options. Cambodia is building on its existing Cham Muslim heritage in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap by launching a Muslim-Friendly Tourism Standards Handbook, adapting local cuisine, and partnering with private sector entities like Elite Hospitality & Management to accommodate Muslim travellers

Cambodian authorities have launched an intensified campaign against transnational cybercrime, raiding over 793 locations, dismantling 86 scam compounds, and taking action against 624 operations. This crackdown has led to the arrest of over 29,000 suspects spanning 39 nationalities, the deportation of more than 22,000 individuals, 408 court referrals, and legal action against corrupt officials. In response, criminal networks have adapted by shifting from large compounds to smaller venues such as guesthouses, rental properties, vehicles, and coffee shops. To counter this, Cambodia is enhancing international cooperation, highlighted by a joint working group with South Korea that saw Korean victims reduced by over 90% and an upcoming ASEAN-level conference in Phnom Penh, while also trialling the "Kapea Scams" mobile application to enable anonymous public reporting and block suspected scam channels

During a study visit to Nigrodhavan Pagoda (Wat Koul Toteung) attended by around 250 participants, the Tourism Minister highlighted the dual role of Cambodia's sacred sites in facilitating Buddhist worship and driving cultural tourism. The delegation participated in a meditation session and Dhamma teachings. The Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Cults and Religion have signed an MoU to ensure the sustainable development and diversification of religious tourism while preserving site sanctity

On 31 Aug, Pailin Provincial Governor met with the Director-General of Lotus Group and Chairman of BRICS House Cambodia, and local partner JFT Jet General Director to discuss trade and investment opportunities. The meeting focused on exporting Pailin's fresh produce to Russia, promoting the province's natural ecotourism appeal to Russian-speaking travellers, and attracting hospitality investments. The Governor committed to promoting Pailin’s development and drawing Russian investors and tourists to the province

At the 3rd Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam (CLV) National Tourism Organisations Meeting, Traveloka participated in discussions supporting the regional "Three Countries, One Destination" initiative. This engagement gives the company early visibility into cross-border policies, creating opportunities for co-branded programmes, data-sharing collaborations, and network-driven value propositions as regional tourism integration gains traction

On 29 Aug in Phnom Penh, digital booking platform BookMeBus signed an MoU with Oudong Express to integrate private taxi services into its online system, allowing passengers to digitally arrange flexible inter-city, inter-provincial, airport, and tourist transport

A one-day workshop, organised by the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum with GIZ-CPS support, trained 45 Cambodian tour guides at the ECCC Resource Centre and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. The initiative equips guides to accurately interpret Khmer Rouge history, ECCC court cases, and key memorial sites using evidence-based facts. Through practical visits, the course delivered critical instruction on victim participation, court legacy preservation, and legal frameworks prohibiting the denial of Democratic Kampuchea regime crimes to safeguard historical truth for future generations

Cambodian Minister of Tourism met with WWF Regional Director for Southeast Asia and WWF-Cambodia Country Director to discuss formalising an MoU that will structure their collaboration on ecotourism, community-based tourism, and capacity building. To support this policy framework, the Ministry of Tourism actively trains local communities in hospitality, tour guiding, barista skills, food preparation, homestay management, and forest-based adventure standards, having instructed approximately 1,000 individuals across 24 communities in 2025 and around 700 people across 13 communities during H1 2026

During a meeting with the Director-General at India's Ministry of Commerce, Siem Reap Deputy Governor proposed expanding bilateral tourism, trade, and agricultural cooperation to boost local economic growth. To diversify the province's international visitor base, the administration advocated promoting the "Siem Reap-Angkor" destination in India through cultural programmes, trade exhibitions, and yoga-related activities. Additionally, Siem Reap proposed launching a Cambodia–India business forum to connect investors and explore concrete projects

Although water levels along the Mekong River have begun receding to normal thresholds, recent flooding across Kratie, Stung Treng, Tboung Khmum, and Kampong Cham provinces has affected nearly 19,000 families, displaced around 2,000 households to safe areas, and damaged around 14,000 houses alongside 4,800 hectares of rice fields. In response, local authorities and humanitarian organisations such as the Cambodian Red Cross are delivering aid, including assistance to 63 affected families in Tboung Khmum, while water management officials monitor key infrastructure like Kampong Thom’s Stung Chinit Reservoir (currently operating at 92% capacity) to safeguard agricultural supplies. The Cambodia National Mekong Committee (CNMC) continues to urge high vigilance across riverside communities due to potential moderate-to-heavy rainfall, flash flooding, lightning, and strong winds forecast across the Lower Mekong Basin through 1 Sep 2026

A Cambodian public and private hospitality delegation attended the 20th International Travel Expo HCMC (ITE-HCMC 2026) on 27 Aug 2026. The Tourism Minister co-chaired the official opening ceremony

On 25 Aug, the National Bank of Cambodia Governor and Central Bank of Uzbekistan Governor signed an MoU in Tashkent to enhance cooperation on cross-border payment systems

During the 20th HCMC International Travel Expo, the Cambodian Minister of Tourism met with the Vietravel Chairman to discuss expanding regional tourism cooperation, including the promotion of Cambodia’s "Visit Cambodia in the Green Season" campaign. Central to the talks was Vietravel's proposed "Three Ancient Cities" package - a cross-border itinerary connecting Hue, Siem Reap, and Luang Prabang, supported by prospective new air routes linking the historical hubs. Both sides agreed to draft an MoU on joint marketing and tourist exchanges, while Vietravel planned a high-level executive visit to assess Siem Reap and coastal Cambodian destinations for future tour expansion

The Ministry of Tourism partnered with Elite Hospitality & Management to invite delegates and travel agencies from key markets, including Malaysia, China, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, on a fam trip evaluating its Muslim-friendly infrastructure, such as Halal-certified chefs and specialised facilities. The initiative aims to position Cambodia as a safe, welcoming destination while showcasing its broader natural landscapes, tropical islands, and wellness offerings alongside traditional heritage sites to capture high-value tourism spend across accommodation, dining, and leisure

3 Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials have been remanded in custody by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court following their arrest by the Anti-Corruption Unit in mid-Aug 2026. Charged with intentional destruction, embezzlement, abuse of power, and money laundering, the trio face between 5-10 years in prison over the theft and misuse of more than 10,000 official visa forms. Investigators revealed that stolen Type C and CEX visas were funneled to foreign nationals operating within illegal online scam networks, with authorities actively tracing thousands of missing forms that Samnang claimed were destroyed

The Cambodia Tourism Board (CTB) launched a film tourism initiative in partnership with the Chaktomuk Short Film Festival (CSFF), signing a Matching Grant Agreement to co-invest in overseas marketing and establish Cambodia as a top international filming hub. The strategic B2C campaign will promote the nation's culture, natural scenery, and urban spaces. Alongside supporting local film mentoring and labs, the partnership will highlight the 15th edition of the CSFF in Phnom Penh from 30 Oct - 2 Nov, followed by a provincial tour of Battambang, Siem Reap, and Kep through Dec 2026

Marriott International has partnered with local conglomerate The Royal Group to introduce the Ritz-Carlton brand to Cambodia in 2032 via a mixed-use development on Norodom Boulevard in Phnom Penh's Daun Penh district. The project will combine a Grade A office tower with a 152-room luxury hotel, featuring dining venues, a sky bar, an infinity pool, a spa, and Cambodia's first ultra-luxury branded residences. The Ritz-Carlton Residences will comprise 119 private homes, duplexes, and penthouses offering views of the Four Faces River confluence alongside dedicated resident amenities including a private pool, lounge, library, and golf simulator

The Senior Officials Meeting on Tourism of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam (CLMV SOM) took place on 26 Aug in HCMC, chaired by the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) Chairman. The meeting reviewed outcomes from past summits and finalised the Tourism Cooperation Action Plan 2026-2028 ahead of the 8th CLMV Tourism Ministers Meeting on 27 Aug. Representing Vietnam, Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai highlighted key commitments to support the "Four Countries, One Destination" initiative through border pass recognition, cross-border economic corridor tours, caravan and self-drive travel, joint digital marketing, and shared workforce training across the sub-region

Park rangers from the Kirirom National Park Office conducted a patrol on 23 Aug, targeting illegal land encroachment in Preah Suramarit-Kosomak "Kirirom" National Park, Kampong Speu province. The operation addressed the illegal placement of boundary posts on state-owned land aimed at private land claims in the restricted Phnom Ham Khat area of Yay Mao Pech Nil commune, Phnom Sruoch district. During the patrol, rangers discovered 65 wooden fence posts installed across roughly 0.40 hectares of land, which they immediately removed and destroyed on site. Investigations are ongoing to identify the perpetrators

In a mid-year review report released by the Ministry of Economy and Finance on 19 Aug, Cambodia further downgraded its 2026 GDP growth forecast to 4.1%, down from a 4.2% projection in May and an initial target of 5%. Driven by Middle East conflict-related fuel price hikes, a border dispute with Thailand, and online scam issues, the slowdown reflects lower-than-expected performance in agriculture and tourism, along with a slight deceleration in the garment sector. While wholesale-retail, finance, and construction-real estate remain aligned with initial expectations, the export-driven non-garment manufacturing sector stands out as a bright spot expected to support the economy for the rest of 2026

Cambodia’s Tourism Working Group has requested extending the pilot visa waiver scheme for Chinese nationals (originally set for 15 Jun-15 Oct) until the end of the year, while also exploring similar exemptions for other key target markets. The Tourism Minister pledged to submit the proposal to Prime Minister to help revive the sector

The Phnom Penh Governor and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Cambodia Chief Representative met to discuss ongoing cooperation, with JICA committing to 4 new assistance projects and proposing quarterly technical meetings. The Governor highlighted JICA's 30-year contribution to local infrastructure and waste management

The Skills Development Fund (SDF) has provided financial backing for ASEAN-standard training in Siem Reap to boost Cambodia’s tourism workforce and hospitality service standards. The programme trained 70 individuals, split evenly between National Master Trainers at Pop-Up Cafe and National Master Assessors at SPOON Cafe Restaurant. The courses focused on practical skills covering Competency-Based Training and Assessment, ASEAN Toolboxes, and the ASEAN Qualifications Framework to ensure local businesses remain competitive internationally

Cambodia was selected as a featured destination for the adventure travel show Race Across the World. The Ministry of Tourism voiced full support for the production, viewing it as a prime opportunity to highlight the country's cultural heritage and natural beauty to international audiences. The show features contestants travelling on limited budgets using local transport, with Cambodia forming part of a multi-country route that includes China, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, and Indonesia

Marriott International and The Royal Group have agreed to launch The Ritz-Carlton in Cambodia, opening a hotel and branded residences in Phnom Penh in 2032. The mixed-use development will feature a 152-room hotel, 119 luxury residences across levels 30 to 60, and a Grade A office tower. The property is developed by The Royal Group International, offering high-end amenities, including an infinity pool, a spa, 5 dining venues, and views of the Four Faces River confluence

The Cambodian Ministry of Tourism and the Cambodian Economic Youth Federation Association (CEYFA) have agreed to sign an MoU to support workers in the informal tourism sector, including local vendors, transport operators, and independent hospitality staff. The strategic partnership focuses on vocational training, job creation, informal economy initiatives, and university-level tourism awareness campaigns to improve living standards through sustainable income and targeted government benefit packages

The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) and Weixin Pay launched Phase I of a cross-border payment scheme, allowing Chinese tourists to scan local KHQR codes across Cambodia using their Weixin Pay wallets. The initiative links Cambodia's Bakong infrastructure-covering 4.5 million merchants with Tencent's TenPay Global ecosystem of over 1 billion active users

Cambodian authorities inspected 195 licensed casinos, revoking the licences of 20 and suspending 29 others, while closing 605 of 751 targeted scam locations. Between Jul 2025 - Jul 2026, 388 cases involving 4,147 suspects across 27 nationalities were sent to court, alongside the deportation of tens of thousands of undocumented foreign nationals. The Ministry of Interior reported that these organised syndicates used advanced technology for crypto investment fraud, romance scams, and illegal lending

The Tourism Minister officially launched the Phnom Penh Tourism Development Plan 2026-2030, setting an ambitious roadmap to position Cambodia's capital as a top regional urban destination by 2030. The scheme directly links tourism expansion to local job creation, poverty reduction, and climate action. The capital is actively expanding its attraction portfolio with initiatives like the Chaktomuk Walk Street and new event-ready recreational parks. The city is also upgrading public transit, building dedicated cycling tracks, and introducing a public e-bike scheme

On 17 Aug, The Minister of Rural Development presided over the launch of Cambodia's Rural Road Infrastructure Development Strategic Plan 2026-2033 in Phnom Penh, attended by 374 key stakeholders. The roadmap aims to construct an interconnected, climate-resilient road network usable year-round. Grounded in benefit, quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness, the initiative is designed to better link rural communities with urban hubs, stimulate business activity, increase household incomes, and enhance logistics efficiency nationwide

The Tourism Minister led around 500 cyclists, including 18 international riders from nations such as France, Germany, Singapore, China, and the US, in the 179km "Cycling for Phnom Da Green Tourism" event from Phnom Penh to Takeo province. The route passed through historical landmarks like Tonle Bati, Phnom Chisor, Ang Tasom, and Angkor Borei before ending at the ancient Phnom Da Temple. Participants supported local ecology and community welfare by planting 600 peacock flower trees along the approach to Phnom Da Temple and distributing educational supplies to 437 students and 31 teachers across four regional primary schools

The Tourism Minister convened a high-level review on 14 Aug to evaluate the initial 2-month progress of Cambodia's temporary visa-free pilot for Chinese nationals (15 Jun-14 Aug). The trial has already driven a 13.23% increase in ticket purchases by Chinese visitors at Angkor Archaeological Park compared to the same period in 2025. The country is now establishing dedicated information counters at international gateways to resolve border bottlenecks and further streamline entry procedures

Following a 15 Aug meeting between the Tourism Minister and the Motion Picture Association of Cambodia (MPAC) President, both sides outlined a strategy to attract international productions and convert screen exposure into real-world tourist visits. The initiative aims to create direct economic benefits during filming through spending on local accommodation, transport, and crews, while showcasing the country's culture and landscapes to global audiences. The Ministry of Tourism scheduled a "Promoting Film Tourism in Cambodia" workshop for 20 Aug

On 14 Aug, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) under the Secretary of State met with an international delegation of conservation experts at Kratie's Kampi River Guard Station to launch an enhanced protection strategy for the Mekong River dolphin. Cambodia plans to establish a new Dolphin Conservation Command Centre by the end of 2026. The facility will combine 24-hour patrols to combat illegal electric fishing with advanced scientific tools like environmental DNA (eDNA) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM). By safeguarding the dolphins, the government aims to solidify Kratie's status as a sustainable eco-tourism destination while boosting local livelihoods

Under a sub-decree signed by the Prime Minister to enforce Cambodia’s conscription law, male citizens aged 17-25 must register annually between Oct-Dec, with those aged 18-25 subject to 24 months of mandatory military service. Selection is conducted through voluntary enlistment or a lottery, though students, migrant workers, and overseas civil servants can defer service for up to 4 one-year periods, and specialists in fields like engineering, IT, and healthcare may apply for exemptions. Conscripts receive a monthly allowance of about $100 USD, medical care, and benefits equivalent to professional soldiers, including category-specific disability or death protections