Cambodia Security Report — September 25, 2026

Security analysis based on open-source intelligence and web research. Period: September 18 — September 25, 2026.

Executive Summary

Cambodia's security landscape during the period of September 18-25, 2026, was primarily shaped by ongoing tensions with Thailand over border and maritime disputes, alongside significant efforts to combat cybercrime. Diplomatic clashes at the UN Human Rights Council highlighted the unresolved border conflict, with both nations accusing each other of violations and Thailand rejecting claims of territorial annexation. Concurrently, Cambodia hosted a major international conference in Phnom Penh to showcase its crackdown on online scam operations, a critical domestic and international security concern. While strengthening ties with China through high-level visits and defense modernization, Cambodia also signaled a renewed engagement with the US by agreeing to resume joint military exercises in 2027, indicating a nuanced approach to its foreign policy and defense strategy.

Key Security Developments

• Escalation of Cambodia-Thailand Border Dispute: On September 18, 2026, Cambodia and Thailand clashed at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva over their ongoing border dispute. Cambodia accused Thai armed forces of unlawful activity and annexing Cambodian sovereign land, leading to the displacement of over 20,000 Cambodians. Thailand, in turn, rejected these claims, stating it did not seek conflict and accused Cambodia of spreading disinformation. This dispute has reportedly cost Thailand $5.2 billion and Cambodia $1 billion. The U.S. Department of State issued an updated travel advisory on September 15, 2026, advising against travel within 50km of the Cambodia-Thailand border due to ongoing tensions and risk of armed conflict.

• Maritime Boundary Talks with Thailand: Cambodia and Thailand resumed conciliation talks over their disputed maritime boundary in Singapore from September 14-16, 2026, under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The next round of talks is scheduled for October 14-18 in The Hague. Cambodia is seeking a comprehensive boundary settlement while proposing joint development and equitable resource sharing as an alternative. This follows Cambodia's decision in June to initiate compulsory conciliation after Thailand terminated a 25-year-old Memorandum of Understanding.

• International Conference on Combating Online Scams (ICCOS-2026): From September 23-24, 2026, Cambodia hosted the International Conference on Combating Online Scams (ICCOS-2026) in Phnom Penh, with representatives from over a dozen countries, including the US and China, and organizations like Interpol and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. The conference aimed to showcase Cambodia's efforts to crack down on the multi-billion-dollar cyberfraud industry.

• Cybercrime Crackdown and Legal Framework: Cambodian authorities reported dismantling 86 scam compounds and shuttering 27 casinos linked to online fraud networks between July 2024 and August 2026. Over 3,500 suspects from 29 nationalities are facing legal proceedings, and approximately 22,000 foreigners linked to scam operations have been repatriated. The crackdown is supported by the Law on Anti-Technology-Driven Fraud, enacted in April 2026, which includes severe penalties up to life imprisonment.

• Cambodia-China Strategic Partnership: Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Seiha attended the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum from September 15-17, 2026, where China pledged support for Cambodia's defense modernization and both countries agreed to deepen strategic ties. This follows a "2+2" dialogue between foreign and defense ministers in April 2026, reinforcing their "ironclad friendship." On September 24, 2026, Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng met with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk in Beijing, reaffirming their enduring friendship.

• Resumption of Joint Military Exercises with the US: Cambodia announced on September 4, 2026, that it would resume joint military exercises with the United States, specifically "Exercise Angkor Sentinel 2027," in February 2027, after a decade-long suspension. This decision follows recent meetings between top defense officials aimed at mending strained relations, particularly concerning Washington's concerns about Cambodia's close ties with China and its military presence at Ream Naval Base.

• Defense Acquisitions and Modernization: Cambodia is modernizing its military, with a focus on defensive systems. The first Chinese-built Corvette No. 622, "Koh Kong Senchey," arrived at Ream Naval Base in April 2026, with a second corvette expected next year. These corvettes are equipped with advanced naval guns, anti-ship missiles, and air-defense systems. India has also offered to assist Cambodia's armed forces modernization with demining equipment and surveillance drones.

• Japan-Cambodia Security Cooperation: Japan and Cambodia are seeking a stronger strategic partnership, with Japan shifting its focus from aid to "strategic co-creation." Security cooperation areas include maritime security, humanitarian assistance, capacity-building, cybersecurity, and communications, aligning with Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific concept. Japan provided Official Security Assistance (OSA) to Cambodia in 2026, including equipment to strengthen communication and maritime capabilities.

• Impact of Middle East Conflict: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated on September 18, 2026, that the country incurred significant losses from the economic impact of the war in the Middle East, including through state subsidies. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued a statement on February 28, 2026, expressing deep concern and advising Cambodian nationals in the region to take extra precautions.

• Landmine and UXO Clearance: The United States provided $13 million to Cambodia in 2026 to support landmine and unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance in border areas affected by the 2025 conflict with Thailand. The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) estimates that clearing UXOs from the 2025 border clashes could cost approximately $1 billion and take over a decade.

Geopolitical Impact and Regional Dynamics

Cambodia's recent security developments highlight a complex and evolving geopolitical strategy, balancing its historically strong ties with China against renewed engagement with the United States and other regional partners. The persistent border and maritime disputes with Thailand remain a significant source of regional instability. The diplomatic clashes at the UN and the ongoing conciliation talks underscore the deep-seated nature of these territorial disagreements, which have led to displacement and economic costs for both nations. This ongoing friction could potentially escalate, impacting ASEAN's cohesion, especially as Cambodia is slated to chair ASEAN in 2026, a year when the Philippines will be pressing for a binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.

Cambodia's "ironclad friendship" with China continues to be a cornerstone of its foreign policy, evident in high-level defense cooperation and China's support for Cambodia's military modernization. The acquisition of Chinese-built corvettes and China's involvement in the Funan Techo canal project, which is seen as a political instrument to reroute Cambodia's economic bloodstream away from Vietnam, further solidifies Beijing's influence. This deepening relationship with China, particularly its military presence at Ream Naval Base, remains a point of concern for the United States and its allies, who suspect special privileges for China.

However, Cambodia's decision to resume joint military exercises with the US in 2027, after a decade-long suspension, signals a strategic effort to diversify its security partnerships and mend strained ties with Washington. This move could be interpreted as Cambodia seeking to avoid over-reliance on a single major power and to maintain a degree of strategic autonomy. The increased security cooperation with Japan, focusing on maritime security and capacity-building, further supports this diversification, aligning with Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific concept. These developments suggest Cambodia is navigating a delicate balance, aiming to leverage relationships with major powers for its national interests while attempting to mitigate regional tensions.

Military and Defense Analysis

Cambodia's military and defense posture during this period reflects a clear focus on modernization and strengthening its defensive capabilities, primarily with significant support from China. The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) are undergoing a reform and modernization process, with planned increases in defense spending for 2027–2029, projected to reach approximately $900 million. This increased allocation is deemed necessary to enhance professionalism, expand training capacity, improve logistics, and acquire modern equipment.

A key development in defense acquisitions is the integration of Chinese-built corvettes into the Royal Cambodian Navy. The first Type 056-class corvette, "Koh Kong Senchey" (No. 622), arrived at Ream Naval Base in April 2026, with a second expected in 2027. These vessels are equipped with a 76mm automatic naval gun, 30mm remote-controlled cannons, YJ-83 anti-ship guided missiles, rocket launchers, and the HQ-10A air-defense missile system, significantly enhancing Cambodia's maritime defense capabilities. While National Defence Minister General Tea Seiha emphasizes that these acquisitions are purely for defensive purposes and territorial security, Thailand has expressed concern that Cambodia's naval buildup could heighten tensions in the northern Gulf of Thailand.

Beyond Chinese assistance, Cambodia is also exploring diversified defense partnerships. India has offered to assist in modernizing Cambodia's armed forces by providing advanced military technology, including demining equipment and surveillance drones. Furthermore, the agreement to resume "Exercise Angkor Sentinel 2027" with the United States in February 2027 marks a significant step towards rebuilding military-to-military ties after a decade-long hiatus. This exercise aims to strengthen interoperability and disaster-response capabilities, reflecting a renewed commitment to defense cooperation with the US. These developments indicate a strategic effort by Cambodia to enhance its military capabilities through a multi-faceted approach, balancing its strong relationship with China with renewed engagement with Western partners.

Outlook and Forecast

Short-term trends (1-3 months): In the immediate future, the Cambodia-Thailand border and maritime disputes will remain a critical flashpoint. The resumption of UNCLOS conciliation talks in The Hague next month (October 14-18) will be closely watched, though a quick resolution is unlikely given the entrenched positions and the non-binding nature of the commission's recommendations. Continued diplomatic exchanges, potentially including further accusations and counter-accusations, are probable. The humanitarian situation of over 20,000 displaced Cambodians near the border will likely persist, adding pressure on both governments.

Critical flashpoints and risk areas: The Cambodia-Thailand land border, particularly areas within 50km, remains a high-risk zone due to ongoing military tensions, unexploded ordnance (UXO), and the potential for armed conflict. The disputed maritime areas in the Gulf of Thailand also present a flashpoint, especially given the potential for natural gas and hydrocarbon resources. Any perceived escalation of military presence or resource exploration in these areas could trigger further confrontations. Internally, while the government has showcased its crackdown on cybercrime compounds in Phnom Penh and Prey Veng, the skepticism from analysts regarding the dismantling of underlying criminal organizations and the relocation of scam operations to smaller units or other countries suggests that cybercrime will remain a persistent threat.

Indicators to monitor: Key indicators to monitor include the progress and outcomes of the UNCLOS conciliation talks between Cambodia and Thailand, particularly any agreements on joint development or boundary delimitation. The frequency and nature of military activities along the Cambodia-Thailand border, as well as any new travel advisories, will be crucial. Observe the implementation and effectiveness of Cambodia's anti-cybercrime measures, including further arrests, asset seizures, and international cooperation. Also, monitor the development of Cambodia's defense modernization programs, especially the delivery of the second Chinese corvette and the scope and scale of the "Angkor Sentinel 2027" exercise with the US, as these will indicate the trajectory of Cambodia's strategic alignments.

Strategic recommendations: Cambodia should prioritize de-escalation and confidence-building measures with Thailand, potentially through third-party mediation beyond the UNCLOS conciliation, to address the humanitarian crisis and reduce border tensions. Domestically, a more transparent and comprehensive approach to combating cybercrime is needed, focusing on dismantling high-level criminal networks and addressing corruption that facilitates these operations. From a defense perspective, Cambodia should continue its military modernization while clearly articulating its defensive posture to regional neighbors to avoid misinterpretations. Diplomatically, maintaining a balanced foreign policy that engages both China and the US, as well as other partners like Japan and India, will be crucial for national security and economic stability. This multi-alignment strategy can help Cambodia navigate complex geopolitical dynamics and secure diverse support for its development and security needs.

Sources

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