Deputy PM Says Crackdown on Online Scams Key to Safe Investment and Tourism

PHNOM PENH, May 7, 2026 (KPT) — Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol said Cambodia’s crackdown on online scams is central to ensuring the country remains “100 percent safe” for investment and tourism, as he addressed the Cambodia Investment Forum 2026 on Thursday.

Chanthol, who also chairs the Council for Development of Cambodia, highlighted the government’s strong commitment under Prime Minister Hun Manet to combating technology based fraud. He pointed to the new Law on Combating Technology Based Fraud, enacted on April 6, as evidence of Phnom Penh’s proactive measures.

“The enactment of this law demonstrates the government’s most proactive steps, reflected through continuous crackdowns and law enforcement operations against offenders,” he said.

He stressed that eliminating online scams is a top priority to create a secure and trustworthy environment for investors and visitors. “We encourage all investors to place their confidence in Cambodia and help share the government’s commitment and actions to show the world that Cambodia is 100 percent safe for both investment and tourism,” he added.

Since mid 2025, authorities have raided more than 250 suspected scam centers and shut down 91 casinos linked to fraud operations, deporting over 13,000 foreign nationals and prompting more than 200,000 voluntary departures. A new law on combating online scams, enacted in April 2026, imposes harsher penalties on ringleaders and participants, reflecting Phnom Penh’s zero tolerance stance.

Recently, Cambodia deported 635 Thai nationals linked to illegal online operations in one of the country’s largest cross-border crackdowns. The group was expelled through the Poipet International Border Gate in Banteay Meanchey province after officials completed legal procedures in coordination with Thai counterparts, underscoring growing bilateral efforts to dismantle transnational crime networks.