Online scams ‘do not contribute’ to Cambodia’s economy, says PM Hun Manet

PHNOM PENH, Mar. 6, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet has declared that online scams bring no benefit to the country’s economy, underscoring his government’s determination to stamp out such activities under its “Clean Our Home” campaign.

Speaking at the closing session of the National Authority for Combating Drugs’ 2025 review and 2026 planning meeting in Phnom Penh on Friday, Hun Manet stressed that illicit online operations were not part of Cambodia’s growth strategy.

“The Cambodian economy does not rely on this kind of black-market activity. We will continue to combat it and will do so indefinitely,” he said.

The premier said the crackdown was aimed at fostering honest investment, which he described as essential for sustainable development.

He also pointed to new legislation that holds landlords accountable if their properties are used for fraudulent schemes.

Addressing public concerns that enforcement peaks only around Khmer New Year, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet insisted: “This is not a seasonal effort. We will continue to address this issue permanently. We will not allow this crime to take place in Cambodia.”

He urged authorities to coordinate closely in tackling online scams, adding that “it is not too late” for Cambodia to rid itself of such criminal activity.