Cambodia rejects Thai cybercrime claims as pretext for force

PHNOM PENH, Jan 12, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has dismissed suggestions that allegations of online scam operations could justify foreign military action, calling such claims unfounded and a violation of sovereignty.

Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol said Cambodia would not accept cybercrime allegations as a pretext for interference or the use of force. His remarks followed statements by Thai officials linking border clashes to the destruction of alleged scam centres.

“If criminal activity occurs within Cambodian territory, it is the responsibility and the right of Cambodian authorities to address it,” Chanthol said. “We do not need another country to solve this issue for Cambodia.”

Chanthol, also first vice president of the Council for the Development of Cambodia, confirmed authorities had arrested and deported a Chinese national, Chen Zhi, after gathering sufficient evidence.

In December, Thailand’s Second Army Area Command described air strikes along the border as part of a “war against the scam army”, framing the conflict as a campaign against transnational crime.

Cambodian analyst Kin Phea rejected the claims, saying they were being used to justify unlawful force. He argued cybercrime was a global issue, noting Thailand also faced similar challenges.

Deputy Information Ministry spokesman Touch Sokhak said Cambodia had intensified efforts against online fraud through awareness campaigns, intelligence gathering and prosecutions, stressing the country would not provide “opportunities, conditions or locations” for criminals.