(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said that international media have increasingly recognized Cambodia’s efforts to combat online scam operations, following a five-month nationwide crackdown that has helped improve the country’s global image.

Speaking at a gathering with Cambodia’s small, medium and handicraft enterprises on Saturday (Jun. 27), the premier said the government has faced three major challenges over the past two years: cross-border aggression, transnational online scam operations and economic difficulties.

He acknowledged that the crackdown has affected parts of Cambodia’s grey economy but stressed that decisive action was necessary to restore the country’s international reputation.

“We cannot allow foreigners to continue asking whether Cambodia is a safe place to visit or whether they risk being kidnapped here,” he said, adding that Cambodia must protect the peace and stability achieved since 1998.

The prime minister noted that Cambodia’s peace and political stability has long attracted foreign investment, but its international image was damaged by reports linking the country to online scam operations.

“Just four or five months ago, international media portrayed Cambodia as a hub for online scams. Today, most reports recognize that Cambodia has dismantled scam compounds and that many criminal groups have fled elsewhere,” he said.

The prime minister added that international reporting has become more balanced, with many countries now recognizing that online scam networks are a global challenge rather than one unique to Cambodia.

He underlined that the Royal Government’s campaign is aimed at protecting Cambodia’s national reputation and reaffirmed its determination to eliminate online scam operations.

“We must acknowledge that online scam crimes have existed in Cambodia, and we must solve the problem to protect our national reputation and interests. Over the past five months, Cambodia has shown the world that it can take effective action,” he said.

On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet also revealed that several foreign partners have praised Cambodia’s enforcement efforts, encouraged the country to serve as a model in combating online scam crimes and proposed that Cambodia host an international conference on the issue.
=FRESH NEWS