AKP Phnom Penh, September 22, 2026 --

As Cambodia prepares to host the International Conference on Combating Online Scams on Sept. 23-24 in Phnom Penh, Cambodian youth and citizens have expressed their support for the event, saying it provides an important platform to demonstrate Cambodia’s efforts to combat online scams and strengthen international cooperation against the transnational crime.

Miss Ly Siek Chou, a university student in Phnom Penh, said the conference is an important opportunity for Cambodia to show the international community its efforts to address online scam activities that continue to pose challenges in the country. She said the event also demonstrates Cambodia’s commitment to working with partner countries and international organisations to combat perpetrators of such crimes.

“Online scam is a complex and interconnected problem, involving organised networks operating across borders and constituting a major form of transnational crime,” she said, expressing confidence that international cooperation would help Cambodia strengthen its knowledge, expertise and capacity to combat such criminal networks more effectively.

Mr. Hem Kunthy, a Phnom Penh resident, said the organisation of the conference reflects the Royal Government’s attention to and commitment to addressing online scams through cooperation among countries in the region and around the world.

He said the event would provide an opportunity for participating delegations to gain a clearer understanding of the situation in Cambodia while creating a platform for direct cooperation and the exchange of strategies to disrupt online scam networks and prevent such activities from continuing.

Mr. Sao Thim, President of Phnom Preah Community in Thmar Da commune, Veal Veng district, Pursat province, also welcomed the conference, saying he wanted to see continued efforts to eliminate online scam groups because the issue affects not only Cambodia’s image but also its tourism sector.

He noted that online scams are a global challenge, with people in different countries facing similar threats. He said international cooperation was therefore important to tackle the problem collectively.

According to Mr. Sao Thim, concerns over online scams have also affected tourism in his community, with fewer foreign tourists visiting while domestic visitors have become more prevalent. He expressed support for greater cooperation between Cambodia and other countries to address the issue.

Speaking at the inauguration of Luang Me Hospital in Phnom Penh on Sept. 16, Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet said online scams were a “red line” for the Royal Government and that authorities must continue cracking down on such activities in accordance with the law.

The Prime Minister stressed that Cambodia should not rely on casino or online scam-related activities for its economy, but should instead develop legitimate sectors that can provide sustainable long-term benefits to the country.

He also highlighted the upcoming international conference as an important development for Cambodia, saying the country had moved within a short period from facing accusations related to online scams to being recognised for its efforts and cooperating internationally in organising a conference to combat the problem.

Cambodia will host the International Conference on Combating Technology-Facilitated Fraud on Sept. 23-24 under the theme “Acting Together towards Breaking the Chain and Eradication of Online Scams.” The conference will bring together representatives of governments, international organisations, law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, technology companies, research institutions and other stakeholders to share experiences and best practices and strengthen collective efforts against the global threat.

Article in Khmer by Makara
Article in English by C. Nika