Cambodia Police Deport 49 Thai Nationals Over Online Scam Offences

POIPET, June 23, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodian police have deported 49 Thai nationals accused of involvement in online scam operations, handing them over to Thai authorities through the Poipet International Border Checkpoint, officials said Tuesday.

The deportation took place on the morning of June 23 and was coordinated by the Cambodia–Thailand Border Liaison Team.

The operation was led by Major General Yoeum Man, Deputy Director of the Investigation and Procedure Enforcement Department, and Brigadier General Eng Lihour, Deputy Commissioner of Banteay Meanchey Provincial Police.

Immigration authorities imposed temporary entry bans on all 49 individuals — 43 barred from re‑entering Cambodia for three years and six for five years.

After completing immigration procedures, the deportees were formally handed over to Thai officials at the Ban Khlong Luek International Border Checkpoint in Sa Kaeo province.

Officials said the move is part of a nationwide campaign against cybercrime aimed at dismantling scam networks, protecting citizens and foreign nationals, and assisting victims trafficked or deceived into participating.

Prime Minister Hun Manet has ordered the crackdown to continue “with no exceptions,” even during holidays, until Cambodia is “completely free of scam syndicates.”

Under his directive, authorities enacted stronger legal frameworks, including the Law on Combating Technology‑Enabled Scams, which has led to the voluntary departure of thousands and the deportation of tens of thousands more.