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CAMBODIA’S Prime Minister Hun Manet has called for de-escalation and a peaceful resolution to his country’s long-standing border dispute with Thailand, while simultaneously condemning the proliferation of cyberscam centres that he says are damaging Cambodia’s economy and international reputation.
Speaking to AFP during a rare international interview in Brussels, Hun Manet said Phnom Penh is committed to avoiding escalation in the border conflict, which reignited last year with deadly clashes that killed dozens and displaced over a million people.
“We are not escalating. We want de-escalation. We want peaceful coexistence,” he said, referring to allegations by Bangkok that Cambodian forces had violated a December truce by firing a grenade near a Thai patrol — claims Phnom Penh denies.
The Prime Minister confirmed that Cambodian forces had observed Thai incursions into border provinces, saying the intrusions extended “well over beyond” even what Bangkok itself considers the official frontier.
When asked whether Cambodia would fight to reclaim lost territory, Hun Manet reiterated, “We always stick to the de-escalation, peaceful solutions.”
The century-old conflict between the two nations stems from disputes over French colonial-era demarcations of their 800-kilometre frontier.
Phnom Penh has requested France’s assistance, seeking access to historical maps and documents, and has called for a joint border commission to resume negotiations. “Whatever the result, we are ready to accept it,” Hun Manet said, adding that he hoped Thailand would do the same.
The 48-year-old leader, who succeeded his father Hun Sen in 2023, described the border situation as “not stable” and “fragile,” underscoring the need for international diplomatic support.
During his European visit, he met with European Council President Antonio Costa and EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, while also attending the inaugural meeting of the US-led Board of Peace, which Cambodia joined as part of its engagement in regional conflict resolution.
Hun Manet said Cambodia’s participation in the US initiative is motivated by a desire for lasting peace rather than political favour, highlighting plans to contribute training in de-mining operations in Gaza instead of providing large financial commitments.
“This is about peace and stability,” he said.
Turning to domestic issues, Hun Manet condemned the country’s booming cyberscam industry, which he said is undermining legitimate economic activity and harming Cambodia’s international image.
“The scam network, what we call the black economy, is destroying our honest economy. It has put a bad reputation on Cambodia,” he said. “This is the reason why we need to clean this out.”
The Prime Minister acknowledged that while some local businesses have benefited indirectly from the presence of scam centres, including through real estate and investment activity, the state has not profited from these operations.
“Most of the proceeds do not go into the government of Cambodia,” he said.
Experts estimate that Cambodia’s cyberscam industry generates more than $12.5 billion annually, equivalent to half the nation’s formal GDP, but Hun Manet insisted that the country remains reliant on legitimate sectors such as tourism and manufacturing.
Hun Manet also addressed the recent arrest and extradition of Chinese-born tycoon Chen Zhi, a former adviser to both Hun Manet and his father, whom US authorities have indicted for orchestrating a sprawling cyber-fraud network under the Prince Group conglomerate.
“We did not know that he was the kingpin,” Hun Manet said. “Whatever the activities, we did not know.” Chen, who had obtained Cambodian nationality fraudulently, was extradited to China following the revocation of his citizenship.
The Cambodian Prime Minister stressed that the government had acted swiftly once the wrongdoing was identified, emphasising the country’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting its economy from criminal networks.
Hun Manet’s statements come amid heightened scrutiny of Cambodia’s border and domestic security policies, as the nation seeks to balance regional diplomacy with internal reforms to combat organised cybercrime and human trafficking. - February 26, 2026
