Cambodia Moves to Dismantle Online Scams, Rebuild Investor and Tourist Confidence

PHNOM PENH, Jan 22, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s intensified campaign against online scam operations is being hailed by business leaders and analysts as a crucial step toward repairing the country’s global reputation and reviving its tourism industry.

Private sector representatives praised the government’s nationwide push to dismantle scam networks, describing it as a clear signal of political will to confront a problem that has long tarnished Cambodia’s image.

Thourn Sinan, president of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Cambodia Chapter, said eliminating online scams would rebuild trust in the business environment and boost confidence among investors and international visitors.

“Scams are a major obstacle to Cambodia’s economic development, not only to the tourism sector. They erode investor confidence and damage the country’s reputation,” Sinan told. “The government’s actions will significantly help restore global trust in Cambodia.”

Prime Minister Hun Manet has taken direct charge of a Special Commission to Combat Technology-Based Fraud, with the stated goal of dismantling scam operations nationwide. A sub-decree signed on Jan. 5 warns that officials who fail to act — or who conceal illegal foreign residents in collective housing — face dismissal and criminal prosecution.

On Jan. 7, Cambodian People’s Party spokesperson Chea Thyrith stressed that anyone violating the law would be held accountable, regardless of position.

The Ministry of Interior reinforced the zero-tolerance stance after the Jan. 6 arrest and transfer of Chinese businessman Chen Zhi — accused of fraud — to Chinese authorities under bilateral crime suppression agreements.

Deputy ministry spokesperson Touch Sokhak said Cambodia would not provide “opportunities, conditions, or locations” for criminals to operate, insisting the country is not a safe haven for online scams.

According to the General Department of Immigration, more than 13,000 foreigners of 66 nationalities were deported in 2025 for legal violations, with Chinese nationals making up the largest group, followed by Vietnamese and Indonesian citizens.

Socio-economic researcher Chey Tech also welcomed the measures, saying they demonstrate strong commitment to eliminating scams, improving Cambodia’s reputation, and bolstering tourism.

Cambodia received over 5 million international visitors in the first 11 months of 2025, down 13.8 percent from the same period in 2024. Vietnam remained the largest source market with 1.1 million arrivals, followed by China, Thailand, the United States and South Korea.