Cambodia Security Report — September 21, 2026

Security analysis based on open-source intelligence and web research. Period: September 14 — September 21, 2026.

Executive Summary

Cambodia's security landscape from September 14 to September 21, 2026, was primarily shaped by ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve its maritime and land border disputes with Thailand, alongside a sustained national crackdown on online scam operations. The period saw the initiation of UNCLOS conciliation talks in Singapore regarding the maritime boundary, while land border tensions were addressed through bilateral military coordination. Domestically, authorities continued to report significant progress in combating cybercrime, with an international conference on the issue slated for the immediate future. Concurrently, the enduring threat of unexploded ordnance (UXO) along the Thai border remained a critical humanitarian and security concern, further highlighted by a US travel advisory.

Key Security Developments

• Diplomatic Engagement on Maritime Dispute with Thailand
  From September 14 to 16, 2026, Cambodia and Thailand engaged in the first meeting of the UNCLOS Conciliation Commission in Singapore to address their long-standing maritime dispute in the Gulf of Thailand. This process was initiated by Cambodia following Thailand's unilateral termination of a 2001 Memorandum of Understanding. Cambodia presented a three-track proposal aiming for a comprehensive maritime boundary agreement or, alternatively, a joint development and equitable resource-sharing arrangement pending final delimitation. The talks, however, began with a "fiery start" as Thailand's Foreign Minister accused Cambodia of "self-serving and hypocritical" claims.

• Land Border Tensions with Thailand
  On September 17, 2026, Cambodia formally protested against Thailand over alleged border activity, accusing Thai armed forces of violating its sovereignty and territorial integrity by constructing earthworks near Boundary Pillar Number Nine in Ta Tum along District on September 15. Concurrently, the Thai Army announced on September 17, 2026, that Cambodia had agreed to fill in a trench and remove barbed-wire barriers at Hill 450 near Chong Sa-ngam in Si Sa Ket province after Thailand raised concerns, indicating a resolution through bilateral talks.

• Prime Minister Calls for Peaceful Border Resolution
  On September 20, 2026, Prime Minister Hun Manet called for the peaceful resolution of the Cambodia-Thailand border row, emphasizing the threat the conflict poses to the nation's hard-won stability. He urged Thailand to respect existing agreements and participate in efforts to reduce tensions and build confidence along the border, reaffirming Cambodia's commitment to international law and rejecting the use of force.

• Ongoing Crackdown on Online Scam Operations
  Cambodia's Ministry of Interior announced on September 14, 2026, the arrest of 1,255 individuals from 13 nationalities, including 732 Chinese nationals, during its August crackdown on telecom fraud. Authorities also collected approximately $202,000 in fines from landlords who concealed undocumented foreigners linked to these scam operations. This ongoing effort reflects a sustained campaign against cybercrime that has seen over $300 million in bank accounts linked to cybercrime frozen since July 2025.

• International Conference on Combating Online Scams
  Cambodia is set to host the International Conference on Combating Online Scams (ICCOS-2026) in Phnom Penh on September 23-24, 2026. This conference aims to demonstrate Cambodia's political will and lead a coordinated international response against technology-based crime, bringing together delegations from 16 countries, technical officials from 14 more nations, Interpol, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

• US Travel Advisory on Crime and Unexploded Ordnance
  On September 15, 2026, the U.S. State Department issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Cambodia, citing concerns over crime, civil unrest, and unexploded ordnance (UXO). The advisory specifically recommended avoiding areas near the Cambodian-Thai border due to unrest and highlighted heightened concerns in provinces like Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, Pailin, Preah Vihear, and Kampong Thom due to UXO.

• High Cost of UXO Clearance from 2025 Border Clashes
  The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) estimated on September 14, 2026, that clearing unexploded ordnance (UXO) left by the 2025 Cambodia-Thailand border clashes could cost approximately $1 billion and take over a decade. This highlights the significant humanitarian and financial burden placed on Cambodia by past conflicts.

• Defence Chief Attends Beijing Xiangshan Forum
  On September 18, 2026, Cambodia's Defence Chief Tea Seiha joined the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, where global leaders debated security amid Asia-Pacific tensions. This participation underscores Cambodia's continued engagement in regional security dialogues and its diplomatic ties with China.

• Japan and Cambodia Seek Stronger Strategic Partnership
  On September 18, 2026, news reports indicated that Japan and Cambodia are seeking a stronger strategic partnership, with ASEAN anchoring regional cooperation. This points to Cambodia's efforts to diversify its diplomatic and strategic relationships.

• Resumption of Joint Military Exercises with the US in 2027
  While announced in August 2026, the period saw continued discussion and affirmation of Cambodia's and the US's agreement to restart long-delayed joint military exercises, Angkor Sentinel and Carat maritime exercise, in 2027. This signifies a positive shift in Cambodia-US defense cooperation after a decade-long hiatus.

Geopolitical Impact and Regional Dynamics

Cambodia's recent security developments underscore its delicate balancing act within the complex geopolitical landscape of Southeast Asia. The ongoing maritime and land border disputes with Thailand, particularly the UNCLOS conciliation talks in Singapore and the bilateral discussions on border encroachments, highlight persistent regional tensions. Cambodia's proactive engagement with international legal mechanisms like UNCLOS demonstrates its commitment to resolving disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law, a stance that could set a precedent for other regional maritime claims. However, the "fiery start" to the UNCLOS talks suggests that a quick resolution remains challenging, potentially impacting regional stability and resource development in the Gulf of Thailand.

The renewed commitment to joint military exercises with the United States in 2027, following a decade-long suspension, signals a warming of Cambodia-US relations and a potential shift in Cambodia's strategic alignment. This development comes after a period of increased closeness between Cambodia and China, including Chinese-funded renovations of the Ream Naval Base and large-scale joint military exercises in 2025. While Cambodia maintains its defensive military modernization is not aimed at any single power, the resumption of US drills could be seen as an attempt to diversify its defense partnerships and mitigate over-reliance on any one major power. The presence of Cambodia's Defence Chief at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum during this period further illustrates Cambodia's strategy of maintaining engagement with both major powers.

The widespread crackdown on online scam operations and the upcoming international conference on the issue reflect Cambodia's efforts to address a significant transnational crime problem that has drawn international attention and concern. This initiative, coupled with the development of cybersecurity legal frameworks, could enhance Cambodia's international standing and foster greater cooperation with countries affected by these scams. The persistent threat of unexploded ordnance (UXO), particularly along the Thai border, remains a humanitarian crisis with regional implications, requiring continued international support and cooperation for clearance efforts.

Military and Defense Analysis

Cambodia's military and defense posture during this period continues to emphasize a defensive modernization program, primarily supported by China. The acquisition of Chinese-built Type 056-class corvettes, with the first vessel, Koh Kong Senchey (No. 622), arriving in April 2026 and a second expected in 2027, significantly enhances Cambodia's maritime defense capabilities. These corvettes are equipped with advanced weaponry, including a 76mm naval gun, 30mm remote-controlled cannons, anti-ship missiles, and air-defense systems, allowing Cambodia to project greater naval power in its territorial waters. This development has drawn attention from neighboring Thailand, which views Cambodia's naval buildup as potentially contributing to heightened tensions in the northern Gulf of Thailand.

The planned resumption of joint military exercises with the United States in 2027, specifically the Angkor Sentinel land exercise and the Carat maritime exercise, marks a crucial development in Cambodia's defense policy. These exercises, suspended since 2017, aim to improve interoperability, professional training, and strengthen ties between the two militaries. This move suggests a strategic effort by Cambodia to diversify its defense partnerships and enhance its military capabilities through engagement with both China and the US, rather than solely relying on one power.

Defense spending trends and capability developments are also influenced by the ongoing challenge of unexploded ordnance (UXO). The estimated $1 billion cost and over a decade required to clear UXOs from the 2025 border clashes with Thailand highlight a substantial burden on Cambodia's resources and military engineering capabilities. International assistance, such as the $13 million provided by the US in 2026 for mine clearance, is crucial for these efforts. India's offer in June 2026 to provide demining equipment and surveillance drones further indicates Cambodia's focus on enhancing its demining and border surveillance capabilities.

Outlook and Forecast

Short-term trends (1-3 months): In the immediate future, Cambodia will likely continue its diplomatic engagement with Thailand regarding the maritime and land border disputes. The UNCLOS conciliation talks are expected to resume, and bilateral military coordination will remain crucial for managing land border incidents. The International Conference on Combating Online Scams (ICCOS-2026), scheduled for September 23-24, 2026, will be a key event, potentially leading to enhanced international cooperation and new strategies in the fight against cybercrime. Domestically, the crackdown on online scam operations is expected to intensify, with authorities continuing to target criminal networks and their facilitators.

Critical flashpoints and risk areas: The Cambodia-Thailand border, both land and maritime, remains a critical flashpoint. The "fiery start" to the UNCLOS talks suggests that achieving a mutually agreeable resolution to the maritime dispute will be challenging, with potential for renewed rhetoric and diplomatic friction. Land border incidents, such as the recent trench-digging at Hill 450, underscore the fragility of peace along the frontier. The presence of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in border provinces continues to pose a significant risk to civilian populations and hinder economic development. The evolving nature of online scam operations, with criminals shifting to smaller, more clandestine methods, presents an ongoing challenge for law enforcement.

Indicators to monitor: Key indicators to monitor include the progress and outcomes of the UNCLOS conciliation process and any further bilateral discussions or agreements between Cambodia and Thailand on border demarcation. The effectiveness of the ICCOS-2026 conference in fostering international cooperation against cybercrime and the subsequent implementation of new cybersecurity measures will be important. Furthermore, the pace and success of UXO clearance operations, particularly with international support, should be closely watched. Any shifts in Cambodia's military cooperation with major powers, especially in the lead-up to the 2027 joint military exercises with the US, will be significant.

Strategic recommendations: Cambodia should continue to prioritize diplomatic solutions for its border disputes with Thailand, leveraging international legal frameworks and bilateral mechanisms to de-escalate tensions and build confidence. Strengthening regional cooperation through ASEAN and other platforms can also help in mediating these disputes. Domestically, sustained efforts to combat online scams, coupled with the development and enforcement of robust cybersecurity legislation, are crucial to protect its citizens and enhance its international reputation. Continued international funding and technical assistance for UXO clearance are essential to mitigate the humanitarian crisis and facilitate development in affected areas. Finally, Cambodia should continue to pursue a balanced foreign policy, engaging with multiple partners to diversify its defense capabilities and maintain strategic autonomy.

Sources

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