Cambodia Security Report — September 20, 2026

Security analysis based on open-source intelligence and web research. Period: September 13 — September 20, 2026.

Executive Summary

Cambodia's security landscape from September 13 to September 20, 2026, was primarily shaped by ongoing border and maritime disputes with Thailand, intensified efforts against cyber-enabled fraud, and a delicate balancing act in its diplomatic and military relations with major global powers. Significant developments included the first round of UNCLOS conciliation talks with Thailand over their maritime boundary, continued tensions along the land border marked by protests and military activities, and Cambodia's appeal for international assistance to clear newly discovered cluster munitions. Domestically, the nation continued its robust crackdown on online scams, preparing to host an international conference on the issue, while also engaging in discussions on cybersecurity and digital rights. These events underscore Cambodia's commitment to resolving regional disputes peacefully, enhancing its internal security, and navigating complex geopolitical alignments.

Key Security Developments

• Cambodia-Thailand Maritime Boundary Talks Commence
  From September 14 to 16, 2026, Cambodia and Thailand held the first meeting of the Conciliation Commission under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in Singapore. The talks aimed to resolve their disputed maritime boundary in the Gulf of Thailand, with Cambodia advocating for a delimitation treaty or joint development and equitable sharing of an estimated $300 billion in hydrocarbon reserves. Thailand, however, emphasized delimitation as the central focus. The next round of discussions is scheduled for October 14-18 in The Hague, indicating a continued diplomatic effort to address this long-standing issue.

• Border Tensions with Thailand Over Military Activities
  On September 15, 2026, Cambodia lodged a formal protest against Thailand, accusing its military of construction activities, including ground leveling and trench digging, near Boundary Pillar No. 9 in Oddar Meanchey province. This followed a clarification by the Thai Second Army Area on September 14 regarding Cambodian trench-digging and barbed wire installation at Hill 450 in the Chong Sa-ngam area of Si Sa Ket province, which Thailand initially viewed as a potential encroachment. By September 17, the Thai army reported that the issue at Hill 450 was resolved through negotiations, with Cambodia agreeing to restore the area to its original condition.

• Appeal for International Support to Clear Cluster Munitions
  Cambodia appealed to the international community for technical and financial support to clear newly discovered cluster munitions from its territory. These munitions, identified as M42, M46, and M85 submunitions from the M-series, are believed to be remnants from the July and December 2025 border conflicts with Thailand. Senior Minister Ly Thuch, first vice-president of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), made this request at a conference against the use of cluster munitions held in Vientiane, Laos, from September 14 to 18, 2026. The CMAA reported that these cluster munitions pose a high risk to civilians and have already caused casualties among 10 Cambodian civilians since July 2025.

• Continued Crackdown on Online Scams and Upcoming International Conference
  Cambodia continued its nationwide campaign against online scams, with authorities arresting 1,255 suspects across 85 remaining online scam sites during August operations. This crackdown led to the freezing of over $300 million in illicit funds. As part of its commitment to tackling cyber-enabled fraud and strengthening international cooperation, Cambodia is set to host an International Conference on Combating Online Scams in Phnom Penh from September 23 to 24, 2026. The event aims to bring together ministerial-level leaders from 16 countries and representatives from six international organizations.

• Cambodia ICT Camp Focuses on Cybersecurity and Digital Rights
  The fourth Cambodia ICT Camp was held in Siem Reap from September 18 to 20, 2026. Organized by the Open Development Cambodia Organisation (ODC), the camp brought together approximately 150 digital stakeholders to explore emerging technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and digital media, with a particular focus on online safety, inclusion, and human rights. The discussions addressed challenges such as technology-facilitated gender-based violence, disinformation, and child online safety.

• Defence Chief Attends Beijing Xiangshan Forum
  Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, H.E. Tea Seiha, attended the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum in China from September 15 to 17, 2026. This forum served as a platform for global leaders to debate security amidst Asia-Pacific tensions, highlighting Cambodia's continued engagement with China on defense and strategic matters.

• Vietnam-Cambodia Border Security Cooperation
  On September 18, 2026, a conference was held in Vietnam's Tay Ninh province between its police forces and those from Cambodia's Svay Rieng, Prey Veng, and Tboung Khmum provinces. The meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation in ensuring security and public order along their shared border. Both sides agreed to enhance information sharing and collaboration against terrorism, drugs, human trafficking, arms trafficking, money laundering, and high-tech crime.

• US Provides Funding for Mine Clearance
  The United States provided $13 million to Cambodia in 2026 to support landmine and unexploded ordnance clearance in border areas affected by the 2025 conflict with Thailand. This increased support brings total US aid for mine action in Cambodia since 1993 to $235 million, underscoring ongoing international efforts to address the humanitarian impact of past conflicts.

• International Conference on Counter Terrorism and Human Security Notification
  Notifications were sent out on September 16, 2026, for the International Conference on Counter Terrorism and Human Security (ICCTHS), scheduled to take place on November 9-10, 2026, in Phnom Penh. This upcoming event signifies Cambodia's ongoing commitment to addressing global and regional security threats, including transnational crime and human trafficking.

Geopolitical Impact and Regional Dynamics

Cambodia's security developments during this period highlight its complex position within Southeast Asia, balancing relations with major powers while managing persistent regional disputes. The ongoing maritime boundary dispute with Thailand and the land border tensions, including alleged military incursions and the presence of cluster munitions, remain significant flashpoints that directly impact regional stability. The initiation of UNCLOS conciliation talks, while a positive step towards peaceful resolution, underscores the deep-seated disagreements over resource-rich areas in the Gulf of Thailand and territorial integrity. The involvement of ASEAN observers in monitoring the land border also demonstrates the regional bloc's interest in preventing escalation and fostering confidence-building measures.

The diplomatic and military engagements with both China and the United States reflect Cambodia's strategic hedging. Defence Chief Tea Seiha's attendance at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum reaffirms Cambodia's strong military cooperation and "ironclad friendship" with China, which includes support for military modernization and joint exercises like "Golden Dragon." Simultaneously, the announced resumption of joint military exercises with the US ("Angkor Sentinel 2027") in early 2027, after a decade-long hiatus, signals a pragmatic effort by Phnom Penh to reset defense ties with Washington. This balancing act allows Cambodia to maintain strategic autonomy and leverage assistance from both powers, even as the US continues to express concerns about China's growing influence at Ream Naval Base.

The intensified focus on combating online scams and cybercrime, culminating in the upcoming international conference in Phnom Penh, positions Cambodia as a key player in regional cybersecurity efforts. This initiative, coupled with enhanced law enforcement cooperation with the US and Vietnam, addresses a transnational threat that impacts economic stability and public trust across Southeast Asia. The humanitarian issue of cluster munitions, a legacy of past conflicts, also has regional implications, as Cambodia seeks international support to mitigate the danger to its population and land, further emphasizing the need for regional cooperation in post-conflict recovery.

Military and Defense Analysis

Cambodia's military and defense posture during this period is characterized by its ongoing efforts to modernize its forces, address legacies of past conflicts, and engage in strategic partnerships. The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) are actively involved in managing border security, particularly along the contentious frontier with Thailand. The reported trench digging and barbed wire installation by Cambodian troops at Hill 450, while deemed a defensive measure by Thailand, highlights the continued need for vigilance and robust border control mechanisms. The persistent presence of unexploded ordnance and newly discovered cluster munitions from the 2025 conflicts with Thailand necessitates significant resources and international assistance for clearance, which directly impacts the safety and operational freedom of military personnel and civilians in affected areas.

Modernization programs are evident through Cambodia's deepening defense cooperation with China. China has pledged support for Cambodia's military modernization across maritime, land, and air domains, and the "Golden Dragon" joint military exercises (last held in May 2026) involve modern equipment and multi-service operations, enhancing the RCAF's capabilities in counter-terrorism, humanitarian relief, and disaster response. The upcoming resumption of the "Angkor Sentinel" joint military exercises with the United States in early 2027 signifies a renewed focus on interoperability and disaster-response capabilities with Western partners. This dual-track approach to defense partnerships allows Cambodia to diversify its training and equipment sources, potentially enhancing its overall military effectiveness and strategic flexibility.

Defense spending trends are not explicitly detailed in the provided information for this specific period, but the significant foreign assistance for mine clearance, including $13 million from the US in 2026, indicates a continued investment in humanitarian demining efforts. The focus on cybersecurity, as evidenced by the ICT Camp and the international conference on online scams, also suggests an increasing allocation of resources towards non-traditional security threats and the development of digital defense capabilities. These efforts contribute to a more comprehensive security posture, addressing both conventional and emerging challenges.

Outlook and Forecast

Short-term trends (1-3 months): In the immediate future, Cambodia will likely see continued diplomatic activity surrounding its border and maritime disputes with Thailand. The next round of UNCLOS conciliation talks in The Hague in October will be a critical indicator of progress towards a lasting resolution of the maritime boundary and resource-sharing issues. On the land border, while the specific incident at Hill 450 was resolved, underlying tensions and protests over alleged incursions are expected to persist, requiring ongoing vigilance and bilateral dialogue. Domestically, the International Conference on Combating Online Scams in late September will be a major event, aiming to solidify international cooperation and further disrupt cybercrime networks. The continued efforts to clear cluster munitions will remain a humanitarian and security priority, with Cambodia actively seeking international assistance.

Critical flashpoints and risk areas: The primary flashpoints remain the Cambodia-Thailand land border, particularly around disputed temple areas and areas with alleged military activities, and the overlapping claims area in the Gulf of Thailand. Any unilateral actions or miscalculations in these regions could quickly escalate tensions. The presence of unexploded cluster munitions also poses a continuous risk to civilian populations and ongoing development efforts. While the crackdown on online scams has been successful, the adaptability of criminal networks means that new, decentralized scam operations could emerge, posing an ongoing cybersecurity threat.

Indicators to monitor: Key indicators to monitor include the outcomes and progress of the UNCLOS conciliation talks with Thailand, particularly regarding a potential agreement on maritime delimitation or joint resource development. The frequency and nature of border incidents with Thailand, as well as the effectiveness of bilateral liaison mechanisms, will also be crucial. In the cybersecurity domain, the success of the international anti-scam conference in fostering concrete international cooperation and the reported decline or shift in online scam operations will be important metrics. Furthermore, the level of international support and progress in cluster munition clearance will indicate the effectiveness of Cambodia's humanitarian appeals.

Strategic recommendations: Cambodia should continue to prioritize diplomatic engagement and adherence to international law in resolving its disputes with Thailand, leveraging regional platforms like ASEAN to de-escalate tensions and build confidence. Strengthening border management and communication mechanisms with neighboring countries, particularly Thailand and Vietnam, is essential to prevent misunderstandings and manage localized incidents. Internally, sustained investment in cybersecurity infrastructure, law enforcement capabilities, and public awareness campaigns is crucial to counter evolving cyber-enabled threats. Continued international partnerships for mine and cluster munition clearance are vital for humanitarian reasons and to unlock land for socio-economic development. Finally, Cambodia's strategic balancing act between China and the US should be maintained, ensuring that defense cooperation with both powers contributes to national security without compromising sovereignty or regional stability.

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