Cambodia Security Report — September 29, 2026

Security analysis based on open-source intelligence and web research. Period: September 22 — September 29, 2026.

Executive Summary

During the period of September 22-29, 2026, Cambodia demonstrated a dual focus on enhancing internal security through a significant crackdown on online scam operations and navigating complex regional and international diplomatic relations. The nation hosted a major international conference in Phnom Penh to combat cyber-enabled crime, showcasing its efforts while facing skepticism regarding the long-term effectiveness of these measures. Concurrently, Cambodia reaffirmed its "ironclad friendship" with China, marked by continued economic and strategic cooperation, even as it moved to resume joint military exercises with the United States after a decade-long suspension, signaling a warming of ties with Washington. Persistent border tensions with Thailand remained a critical security concern, prompting increased diplomatic efforts and the announcement of mandatory military conscription for young citizens.

Key Security Developments

• International Conference on Combating Online Scams (ICCOS-2026)
  Cambodia hosted the International Conference on Combating Online Scams (ICCOS-2026) in Phnom Penh on September 23-24, bringing together representatives from approximately 20 countries, including the United States and China, along with Interpol and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. The conference aimed to deepen understanding of the online scam ecosystem and strengthen international cooperation against cyber-enabled crime. Ahead of the event, Cambodian authorities conducted media tours of shuttered scam facilities in Prey Veng and Svay Rieng provinces, displaying seized evidence such as counterfeit cash and fake police stations.

• Ongoing Crackdown on Online Scam Syndicates
  The Cambodian government continued its nationwide campaign against cyber-scam operations, with Senior Minister Chhay Sinarith stating on September 28 that efforts to investigate and prosecute "mafia controlling the online fraud network" are ongoing, requiring time and international cooperation. From July 2024 to August 2026, Cambodian authorities reported dismantling 86 scam compounds, shuttering 27 casinos linked to fraud, and processing 446 cases involving 3,527 suspects from 29 nationalities. Approximately 22,000 foreigners have been repatriated, and about $300 million has been seized from scam-related bank accounts. Despite these efforts, analysts like John Wojcik from TRM Labs expressed skepticism, noting that many large compounds remain active and that the underlying infrastructure for these operations persists.

• Cambodia-Thailand Border Tensions and Diplomatic Efforts
  Border tensions with Thailand remained a significant concern, with Cambodia stepping up diplomatic efforts and supporting ASEAN-led border monitoring. On September 28, Government spokesman Pen Bona reaffirmed Cambodia's commitment to dialogue, international law, and peaceful dispute resolution, urging Thailand to respect existing agreements. The Ministry of National Defence visited ASEAN Observer Team personnel stationed in Banteay Meanchey province, where the team's mandate includes observing, verifying, and reporting on border developments. The US President Donald Trump was highlighted on September 22 for his diplomatic role in brokering a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand in 2025.

• Reaffirmation of Cambodia-China "Ironclad Friendship"
  On September 22, Cambodia and China reaffirmed their "ironclad friendship" and comprehensive strategic partnership as Beijing marked the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Chinese Ambassador Wang Wenbin emphasized China's support for Cambodia's development path and highlighted cooperation in priority areas like the "Fish and Rice Corridor" and "Industrial Corridor". China views Cambodia as a key partner in the next phase of China-ASEAN cooperation, focusing on trade, investment, and infrastructure. The inaugural meeting of the China-Cambodia "2+2" Strategic Dialogue Mechanism between foreign and defense ministers was held in April 2026, indicating expanding bilateral cooperation.

• Resumption of Cambodia-US Joint Military Exercises
  Cambodia's army announced on September 4, 2026, that it would resume joint military exercises with the United States, "Exercise Angkor Sentinel 2027," in February 2027, after a decade-long suspension. Initial planning for this bilateral exercise, focusing on strengthening military interoperability and disaster-response capabilities, took place from August 31 to September 4, 2026, involving the Royal Cambodian Army, U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC), and the Idaho National Guard. This move signals a renewed momentum in Cambodia-U.S. military cooperation, despite Washington's past concerns about China's military presence at Ream Naval Base.

• Mandatory Military Conscription Announced
  On September 28, Cambodia announced the application period for mandatory military service for young citizens aged 18 to 25, with applications opening on October 1, 2026. This decision is linked to rising border tensions with Thailand and aims to increase the number of soldiers, with selected youths serving 24 months.

• Cambodia-Thailand Maritime Boundary Talks
  Cambodia and Thailand are set to resume maritime talks next month (October 2026) in The Hague under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) conciliation process. The goal is to resolve overlapping territorial claims and establish resource-sharing frameworks. The Conciliation Commission concluded its inaugural meeting in Singapore from September 14-16, with both delegations signing the Terms of Appointment and finalizing procedural rules.

• US State Department Travel Advisory
  On September 15, the U.S. State Department issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Cambodia, citing concerns over crime, civil unrest, and unexploded ordnance. Specific areas near the Cambodian-Thai border received a more serious Level 4 designation, advising against travel due to unrest. Travelers were also cautioned about crime in Phnom Penh and unexploded ordnance in provinces like Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, Pailin, Preah Vihear, and Kampong Thom.

Geopolitical Impact and Regional Dynamics

Cambodia's security developments during this period highlight its ongoing efforts to balance relations with major global powers while addressing internal and regional challenges. The reaffirmation of the "ironclad friendship" with China, marked by celebrations of the PRC's 77th anniversary and discussions on economic corridors, underscores Beijing's significant and growing influence in Cambodia's economic and strategic landscape. China's substantial investments and loans, including for projects like the Funan Techo canal, create a deep dependency, with analysts noting that China will likely retain considerable influence over Cambodia's decisions. This strong alignment with China has implications for regional dynamics, particularly within ASEAN, where Cambodia often acts as a key partner for Beijing.

Simultaneously, the decision to resume joint military exercises with the United States, "Exercise Angkor Sentinel 2027," after a decade-long hiatus, signals a strategic re-engagement with Washington. This warming of Cambodia-US relations, also evidenced by reduced US tariffs and Cambodia's participation in the "Board of Peace" initiative, suggests an attempt by Phnom Penh to diversify its partnerships and avoid over-reliance on a single power. The resumption of military drills could enhance interoperability and disaster-response capabilities, potentially mitigating some US concerns about China's military presence at Ream Naval Base. However, the balancing act remains delicate, as both the US and China continue to vie for influence in Southeast Asia.

Regionally, persistent border tensions with Thailand, despite past ceasefire efforts mediated by the US, continue to pose a threat to stability. Cambodia's diplomatic efforts, including backing ASEAN-led border monitoring and pursuing UNCLOS conciliation for maritime disputes, demonstrate a commitment to peaceful resolution within regional frameworks. The widespread issue of online scam operations, with Cambodia as a significant hub, also has regional implications, affecting neighboring countries like Indonesia and drawing international law enforcement cooperation from various nations. The international conference on combating online scams, co-sponsored by Interpol and UNODC, reflects a collective regional and global effort to tackle this transnational crime.

Military and Defense Analysis

Cambodia's military and defense posture during this period reflects a combination of internal strengthening and strategic re-alignment. The most significant development is the announcement of mandatory military conscription for young citizens aged 18 to 25, with applications opening in October 2026. This measure, which requires 24 months of service, is explicitly linked to increasing border tensions with Thailand and aims to bolster the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces' personnel reserves. This indicates a strategic shift towards enhancing conventional defense capabilities in response to perceived external threats.

The resumption of joint military exercises with the United States, specifically "Exercise Angkor Sentinel 2027" scheduled for February 2027, marks a crucial development in Cambodia's defense policy. These exercises, suspended for nearly a decade, are designed to strengthen military interoperability and disaster-response capabilities. This move suggests a desire to improve the professionalism and readiness of the Cambodian military through engagement with Western partners, potentially diversifying its training and equipment sources beyond its strong ties with China. The planning conference for "Angkor Sentinel 2027" from August 31 to September 4, 2026, covered areas like medical services, engineering, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal/Unexploded Ordnance (EOD/UXO) capabilities, highlighting practical areas of cooperation.

Despite the warming ties with the US, Washington has expressed concerns regarding China's military presence at Cambodia's Ream Naval Base on the Gulf of Thailand, where Beijing assisted with a major upgrade. Cambodian officials have consistently denied granting China special privileges there. The continued "ironclad friendship" with China also implies ongoing defense cooperation, although specific details within this reporting period are limited to the "2+2" Strategic Dialogue Mechanism between foreign and defense ministers, which held its inaugural meeting in April 2026. This mechanism suggests a more institutionalized approach to bilateral defense coordination with China. Prime Minister Hun Manet has also pledged to "look at increasing" Cambodia's defense budget, emphasizing that national defense is for protecting its territory, not invading others.

Outlook and Forecast

Short-term trends (1-3 months): In the immediate future, Cambodia is expected to maintain its proactive stance against online scam operations. The momentum from the International Conference on Combating Online Scams (ICCOS-2026) will likely lead to continued enforcement actions and enhanced international cooperation, particularly with countries like Indonesia, the US (FBI), and China. However, the effectiveness of these crackdowns in dismantling high-level criminal networks and preventing their re-establishment in smaller, less visible operations will remain a key challenge. Diplomatic efforts regarding the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute will intensify with the upcoming maritime talks in The Hague in October 2026, aiming for a comprehensive boundary settlement or joint development. Internally, the implementation of mandatory military conscription will begin on October 1, 2026, marking a significant shift in national defense policy and potentially increasing military readiness.

Critical flashpoints and risk areas: The Cambodia-Thailand border remains a critical flashpoint, with ongoing military presence and operations from Thailand in Cambodian provinces. Any miscalculation or escalation could reignite clashes, despite diplomatic efforts. The effectiveness and transparency of Cambodia's anti-scam campaign are also risk areas. If the crackdown is perceived as superficial or failing to address politically connected figures, it could undermine international trust and cooperation, potentially leading to renewed pressure or sanctions from countries like the US. The Funan Techo canal project, heavily influenced by China, presents a long-term geopolitical risk, particularly concerning its potential impact on the Mekong River's hydrology and regional relations.

Indicators to monitor: Key indicators to monitor include the progress and outcomes of the Cambodia-Thailand maritime talks in The Hague, which could set a precedent for peaceful dispute resolution. The implementation and public reception of mandatory military conscription will be important, as it could impact social stability and military capacity. Observing the nature and frequency of joint military exercises with both the US and China will provide insights into Cambodia's evolving strategic alignment. Any new developments or official statements regarding China's presence at Ream Naval Base will also be crucial. Furthermore, the number of arrests, extraditions, and asset seizures related to online scams, coupled with independent assessments of the industry's actual decline, will indicate the success of the anti-fraud efforts.

Strategic recommendations: Cambodia should prioritize transparent and comprehensive enforcement in its fight against online scams, ensuring that all levels of criminal networks, including high-level facilitators, are held accountable to build international credibility. Continued active engagement in ASEAN-led mechanisms for border dispute resolution with Thailand is vital to prevent escalation and foster regional stability. Strategically, Cambodia should aim to diversify its defense partnerships beyond its strong ties with China, leveraging the renewed military cooperation with the US to enhance capabilities and maintain a balanced foreign policy. Investing in cybersecurity infrastructure and expertise is also crucial to protect against evolving cyber threats and to prevent Cambodia from being exploited as a base for transnational cybercrime.

Sources

• ces-intelligence.com
• kiripost.com
• nampa.org
• thestandard.com.hk
• kslm.news
• akp.gov.kh
• asianews.network
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