Cambodia Security Report — September 24, 2026

Security analysis based on open-source intelligence and web research. Period: September 17 — September 24, 2026.

Executive Summary

During the period of September 17-24, 2026, Cambodia's security landscape was primarily shaped by intensified diplomatic engagements, significant efforts against transnational cybercrime, and persistent border tensions. Phnom Penh hosted a major international conference on combating online scams, demonstrating a strong commitment to eradicating these criminal networks with support from the US and UK. Concurrently, Cambodia reaffirmed its "ironclad friendship" with China, securing further economic and strategic cooperation, while also signaling a potential rebalancing of ties by agreeing to resume joint military exercises with the United States in 2027. A volatile maritime dispute with Thailand entered UN-backed conciliation, though land border tensions remained high, prompting a US travel advisory. These developments underscore Cambodia's complex geopolitical positioning and its proactive stance on internal security threats.

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 officials from over 20 countries, including the United States and China, and international organizations. Prime Minister Hun Manet declared that Cambodia "will never be a safe haven for online scams" and called for enhanced international cooperation, including real-time intelligence sharing, to dismantle these transnational criminal networks. This conference highlights Cambodia's commitment to addressing a significant security threat that has also negatively impacted its tourism sector.

• Dismantling of Online Scam Operations
  Cambodian authorities reported significant progress in their nationwide campaign against cyber scam operations. Over the last 12 months, 832 suspected locations were investigated, with crackdowns carried out at 663 sites, leading to the dismantling of 86 scam compounds and 446 cases forwarded to court involving 3,927 accused from 29 nationalities. Notably, on September 22, the Interior Ministry announced that intelligence provided by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) led to the successful eradication of 50 online scam sites across seven provinces, including Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Kandal, Svay Rieng, Kampot, Tboung Khmum, and Preah Sihanouk.

• Reaffirmation of Cambodia-China "Ironclad Friendship"
  On September 22, Cambodia and China reaffirmed their "ironclad friendship" and comprehensive strategic partnership during celebrations for the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in Phnom Penh. Chinese Ambassador Wang Wenbin described the two nations as "true friends sharing weal and woe" and reiterated China's firm support for Cambodia's independent development path, emphasizing China as Cambodia's most trusted development partner. Discussions also focused on enriching the "Diamond Hexagon" cooperation framework and advancing key initiatives like the "Fish and Rice Corridor" and "Industrial Corridor".

• Resumption of Joint Military Exercises with the US
  Cambodia's army announced on September 4, 2026, its decision to resume joint military exercises with the United States, dubbed "Exercise Angkor Sentinel 2027," early next year, after a nearly decade-long suspension. This development follows several high-level meetings between defense officials aimed at mending rocky relations, reflecting renewed momentum in Cambodia-US military cooperation and a shared commitment to strengthening defense capabilities and disaster-response.

• US Travel Advisory Update and Border Risks
  The U.S. Department of State updated its travel advisory for Cambodia on September 15, advising citizens to "Exercise increased caution" due to crime, unrest, and unexploded ordnance. Specifically, it issued a "Do Not Travel" warning for areas within 50 kilometers of the Cambodia-Thailand border, citing ongoing military tensions, armed conflict risks, and limited US government ability to provide emergency consular services in those zones. Phnom Penh was also flagged for increased caution due to street crime.

• Volatile Maritime Dispute with Thailand Enters UN Conciliation
  A long-standing and volatile territorial dispute between Cambodia and Thailand over a 27,000-square-kilometer overlapping maritime zone in the Gulf of Thailand, rumored to hold $300 billion in energy reserves, formally entered a UN-backed conciliation process in Singapore on September 15. Early diplomatic exchanges revealed deep-seated animosity, with Cambodia's Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn framing his nation as a peaceful participant seeking regional stability, while Thailand accused Cambodia of playing the victim.

• Cambodian Accusations Against Thailand Regarding Border Incursions
  Prime Minister Hun Manet, speaking at the ICCOS-2026 conference on September 23, accused neighboring Thailand of using anti-scam crackdowns as a pretext to expand into Cambodian territory. He stated that anti-scam objectives should not "be used as a pretext by any nation to use force to attack or occupy another nation's sovereign territory," highlighting the current tense territorial border dispute as a "clear violation of principles of international law".

• Strengthening Border Security Cooperation with Vietnam
  On September 18, border police forces from Vietnam's Tay Ninh province and Cambodia's Svay Rieng, Prey Veng, and Tboung Khmum provinces held a conference in Tay Ninh to review and set orientations for cooperation in ensuring security and public order along their shared border. The discussions focused on strengthening information sharing and enhancing cooperation against illegal border crossings, terrorism, drugs, human trafficking, arms trafficking, money laundering, smuggling, and high-tech crime.

• UK-Cambodia MoU on Combating Online Scams
  The United Kingdom and Cambodia are set to sign a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen intelligence sharing, financial investigations, and cooperation against online scam networks and human trafficking. This agreement was announced during UK Minister of State for the Home Office Lord Hanson's visit to Cambodia to attend the ICCOS conference on September 23-24, underscoring a broader international effort to combat cyber-enabled crime.

• Mandatory Military Service Implementation from 2026
  Cambodia is implementing mandatory military service starting in 2026, with the service period extended from 18 to 24 months. Prime Minister Hun Manet announced this decision in July 2025, citing rising border tensions with Thailand as a key reason for activating the long-dormant conscription law and pledging to increase the defense budget to modernize the military.

Geopolitical Impact and Regional Dynamics

Cambodia's recent security and diplomatic activities highlight its strategic navigation within an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, particularly amidst the intensifying competition between the United States and China. The reaffirmation of the "ironclad friendship" with China, marked by significant trade growth and continued investment pledges, solidifies Beijing's role as Cambodia's primary economic and strategic partner. This robust relationship is further underscored by China's support for Cambodia's development initiatives, including the "Diamond Hexagon" cooperation framework and infrastructure projects.

However, the decision to resume joint military exercises with the United States in 2027, after a decade-long hiatus, signals a potential recalibration of Cambodia's foreign policy and an effort to diversify its security partnerships. This move could be interpreted as Phnom Penh seeking to balance its deep ties with China against concerns from Washington regarding China's growing military presence at Ream Naval Base. The US travel advisory, while citing crime and UXO, also explicitly warns against travel near the Cambodia-Thailand border due to ongoing military tensions, reflecting Washington's awareness of regional flashpoints.

Regional stability is significantly impacted by the escalating maritime dispute with Thailand in the Gulf of Thailand, which has now entered UN-backed conciliation. This dispute, coupled with Prime Minister Hun Manet's accusations that Thailand is using anti-scam crackdowns as a pretext for territorial expansion, underscores the fragility of bilateral relations and the potential for renewed conflict. The involvement of ASEAN observers in monitoring a prior ceasefire along the land border indicates the regional bloc's vested interest in preventing escalation. Cambodia's proactive engagement in combating online scams, with cooperation from the US, UK, and ASEAN members, also serves to enhance its international image and address a transnational threat that impacts regional economies and security.

Military and Defense Analysis

Cambodia is actively pursuing a modernization agenda for its military, driven by a perceived need to enhance national defense capabilities and respond to evolving regional threats. A significant policy shift is the planned implementation of mandatory military service from 2026, extending the conscription period from 18 to 24 months. This move, announced by Prime Minister Hun Manet in July 2025, is partly a response to rising border tensions with Thailand and aims to increase troop numbers and reinforce the army. The government is also considering an increase in the defense budget to facilitate this modernization, focusing on upgrading military structure, human resource development, and equipment.

The resumption of "Exercise Angkor Sentinel 2027" with the United States marks a crucial development in Cambodia's force posture and capability development. After a decade-long suspension, these joint drills are intended to strengthen interoperability and disaster-response capabilities, reflecting a renewed effort to build military capacity through cooperation with the US. While Cambodia has historically conducted large-scale "Golden Dragon" exercises with China, involving advanced Chinese military hardware, the re-engagement with the US suggests a strategic effort to balance external defense relationships. Cambodia's modernized Ream Naval Base, which received significant Chinese assistance for upgrades, is also positioned to welcome friendly foreign vessels for joint training, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and counterterrorism cooperation, indicating a desire for broader maritime security engagement.

Outlook and Forecast

Short-term trends (1-3 months): In the immediate future, Cambodia will likely continue its high-profile campaign against online scams, leveraging the momentum from the ICCOS-2026 conference. Increased international cooperation, particularly with the US and UK, on intelligence sharing and financial investigations is expected to lead to further crackdowns and arrests. Diplomatic efforts regarding the Cambodia-Thailand maritime dispute will remain a critical focus, with the UN-backed conciliation process in Singapore continuing to unfold. Tensions along the land border with Thailand are expected to persist, requiring careful monitoring to prevent escalation, especially given Prime Minister Hun Manet's recent accusations. Relations with China will remain robust, with continued discussions on economic corridors and investment.

Critical flashpoints and risk areas: The primary flashpoints remain the Cambodia-Thailand land border and the disputed maritime zone in the Gulf of Thailand. Any perceived territorial incursions or aggressive actions by either side could quickly escalate, potentially undermining the fragile diplomatic processes currently underway. The effectiveness and transparency of Cambodia's anti-scam operations will also be a critical area, as skepticism remains among some analysts regarding the targeting of high-level beneficiaries. Furthermore, the implementation of mandatory military service from 2026, while aimed at strengthening defense, could face domestic challenges or generate regional scrutiny.

Indicators to monitor: Key indicators to monitor include progress in the UN-backed conciliation talks between Cambodia and Thailand over the maritime dispute, any reports of renewed clashes or significant military movements along the land border, and the outcomes of ongoing anti-scam operations, particularly regarding the prosecution of high-level figures and the tracing of illicit financial flows. The nature and scope of the "Angkor Sentinel 2027" exercises with the US will also be important indicators of Cambodia's evolving defense posture and its efforts to balance relations with major powers. Additionally, the impact of geopolitical tensions and border issues on Cambodia's vital tourism sector will be a crucial economic indicator.

Strategic recommendations: Cambodia should prioritize de-escalation and diplomatic resolution in its disputes with Thailand, actively engaging in the UN conciliation process and establishing clear communication channels to prevent misunderstandings along the border. Continued transparency and robust enforcement in the fight against online scams, including pursuing financial networks and high-level perpetrators, will be vital for improving international trust and attracting legitimate foreign investment. While strengthening defense capabilities through initiatives like mandatory military service, Cambodia should ensure these measures are communicated clearly as defensive in nature to avoid exacerbating regional anxieties. Finally, maintaining a balanced foreign policy that leverages cooperation with both China and the United States, while actively engaging with ASEAN partners, will be crucial for safeguarding national interests and promoting regional stability.

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