AKP Phnom Penh, April 30, 2026 -- Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior has firmly rejected allegations reported by Thai media outlets “The Nation” and “Khaosod English”, which claimed that Cambodian authorities attempted to delay the repatriation of 635 Thai nationals detained in a crackdown on online scam operations.

In a statement issued on Thursday evening, the Ministry described the reports as “fabricated, baseless, and misleading,” warning that such claims could create confusion among the international public.

The Ministry emphasised that Cambodia, as a law-abiding neighbouring country, has strictly adhered to legal procedures and worked in close coordination with Thai authorities and diplomatic representatives in Phnom Penh. It noted that all necessary immigration formalities were expedited efficiently.

According to the statement, Cambodian authorities completed the process and handed over the detained Thai nationals to their counterparts in less than 24 hours.

The Ministry further stressed that the inaccurate reporting reflects a lack of understanding of immigration procedures and undermines ongoing cooperation between the two countries in addressing transnational crime, particularly online scams.

The 635 Thai nationals were handed over to Thai authorities at the Poipet International Border Checkpoint in Banteay Meanchey province on the afternoon of April 30.

According to H.E. Lt. Gen. Som Vannvirak, Deputy Commissioner General of the National Police, while the majority were deported, 30 additional suspects remain in Cambodian custody for further legal proceedings related to specific offences committed within the Kingdom.

By C. Nika