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Cambodia claims to have halved activity in scam compounds this year, but rights groups and analysts say there is little evidence to back the bold assertion. Phnom Penh has come under mounting international pressure to dismantle the cybercrime networks that have flourished in the country, defrauding victims worldwide and trafficking thousands of workers into slave-like conditions. The government insists progress is being made, citing the voluntary departure of more than 210,000 suspected foreign scammers since last June and the deportation of 30,000 more. Prime Minister Hun Manet has introduced new legislation holding landlords and recruiters accountable for links to scam centres, with fines of up to $1,000 per illegal worker. He insists the crackdown is about safeguarding Cambodia’s future, not simply appeasing critics. Yet Amnesty International and other observers warn of a lack of transparency, noting that authorities have not disclosed which sites have been investigated. The scepticism is fuelled by Cambodia’s history of promises without follow-through. Analysts argue that elite figures tied to the industry remain untouched, while operators adapt quickly, moving staff and equipment before raids. “Any legitimate effort should start with holding perpetrators at the top to account,” said Jacob Sims of Harvard University’s Asia Center. Pressure from abroad is intensifying. China, whose nationals are both perpetrators and victims, has pushed hard, with Cambodia extraditing tycoon Chen Zhi earlier this year. The United States has sanctioned Cambodian conglomerates linked to the ruling family, while the FBI has stepped up regional coordination. Washington estimates Americans lost at least $10 billion to Southeast Asia-based scams in 2024. Despite recent police raids in Phnom Penh, where dozens of suspects were detained and scam scripts in multiple languages uncovered, experts caution that the problem is far from solved. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime has described the industry as reaching “industrial proportions,” with revenues estimated at $64 billion annually. For Cambodia, the stakes are high. The illicit economy has tarnished its reputation, undermined tourism and investment, and strained relations with key allies. Whether the government’s latest measures mark a genuine turning point or simply another attempt to deflect criticism remains an open question. -2026-03-12

Sokunthea KT Cambodia has raised retail fuel prices again this week, prompting frustration among citizens who say the increase comes just as global oil prices are falling. The Ministry of Commerce announced that from 11 to 13 March, gasoline 92 would rise from 4,400 riels to 5,200 riels per litre, while diesel would jump from 5,150 riels to 6,050 riels. Officials explained the adjustment reflected petroleum purchased earlier at higher international rates, insisting that refined products remain costly despite crude oil’s recent plunge. The move has hit hardest in Phnom Penh, where transport workers and commuters voiced anger at the timing. Long queues formed at petrol stations late Tuesday as drivers rushed to fill up before the new prices took effect. “I saved about two dollars,” said Siv Kheng, a mother of three, who waited 20 minutes to refuel. “It may not sound much, but it matters in this economy.” In rural provinces, the situation is even more severe. Communities report paying between 6,000 and 8,000 riels per litre since early March, with some farmers facing shortages as stations temporarily closed. The squeeze has raised fears of wider economic disruption, particularly in agriculture and transport. Penn Sovicheat, Ministry of Commerce spokesperson, defended the hike, saying Cambodia’s fuel prices are directly tied to international markets. He noted that while crude oil has dropped below $90 a barrel, refined gasoline and diesel remain above $120 and $160 respectively. “The market is volatile,” he said, adding that prices could fall if global trends continue. Analysts argue the discrepancy between global and domestic prices risks eroding public trust. Chey Tech, a socio-economic researcher, pointed out that Cambodia relies entirely on imports and adjusts prices every few days due to Middle East instability. “People see prices rise quickly but fall slowly,” he said. The government continues to subsidise fuel at 6.5 cents per litre, a measure introduced under former Prime Minister Hun Sen and maintained by Hun Manet. Prices are calculated using a formula set in 2022, factoring in international trends, taxes and premiums. Retailers are permitted to sell below the ceiling but none have done so. With the war in the Middle East driving volatility, Cambodia’s consumers are bracing for further shocks. For many, the latest hike is not just about numbers at the pump but a reminder of how global turmoil translates into everyday hardship. -2026-03-12

The Irrawaddy Myanmar’s resistance forces have freed more than 300 civilians in Bago Region after regime troops carried out what appears to be a mass killing, according to the National Unity Government (NUG). The joint operation, led by the People’s Defense Force (PDF) and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), took place over two days in Yei Twin Gone village tract. It followed an airstrike and subsequent raids on 5 March, during which junta soldiers reportedly killed around 40 villagers and detained hundreds more. Survivors said they were forced to lie face-down under threat of execution, while others were ordered to dig graves for the dead. Aerial footage released by the NUG shows villagers digging while bodies wrapped in blankets lie nearby. Local reports suggest more than 20 women and children were among those killed. The raids were carried out by troops from Light Infantry Battalions 264, 20 and 439, according to the Karen National Union. Resistance fighters struck back on 7 March, killing a dozen junta soldiers and injuring 20. The rescue mission came at a heavy cost, with nine PDF fighters and two KNLA members losing their lives. The NUG has not clarified whether civilian deaths occurred during the initial airstrike or the ground assault that followed. The massacre has drawn sharp condemnation. The Karen Peace Support Network, the US Campaign for Burma and the Overseas Irrawaddy Association labelled the killings crimes against humanity. On Thursday, they issued an urgent appeal to the United Nations and the wider international community, calling for immediate action against the junta and emergency aid for affected communities. The events in Bago highlight the brutality of Myanmar’s military campaign and the growing role of resistance forces in protecting civilians. While the junta continues to rely on airstrikes and ground raids to assert control, the rescue of hundreds of hostages underscores both the resilience of local communities and the escalating human cost of the conflict. -2026-03-12

Myanmar’s new parliament is set to convene this month after an election orchestrated by the military, but the results reveal cracks beneath the surface of its rule. The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), backed by former generals, secured more than 80 per cent of elected seats, yet its actual share of the vote was far lower — around 44 per cent. This discrepancy highlights the junta’s enduring struggle to win genuine popular consent. Despite the sweeping majority in parliament, more people voted against the USDP than for it in many constituencies, even in Bamar-majority areas where opposition parties were weak. Official turnout was just 54 per cent, with widespread fear of surveillance discouraging participation. The election has also exposed tensions within the ruling elite. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the junta chief, does not formally lead the USDP, meaning the party can select a president without relying on unelected military MPs. Behind closed doors, negotiations over top posts are expected to be fraught, with analysts watching closely for signs of instability rather than democratic progress. Beyond Naypyidaw, the shrinking electorate underscores the fragility of the system. Post-coup conflict prevented voting in large swathes of the country, reducing registered voters to 24 million from 38 million in 2020. Of these, only 5.8 million cast ballots for the USDP — about 11 per cent of Myanmar’s population. It is a slim mandate for a regime that relies on coercion, patronage and external support, particularly from China, to maintain control. Yet even with Beijing’s backing, the junta faces mounting challenges. Myanmar’s economy is stagnant, resources depleted, and armed resistance far harder to contain than in past decades. Anger at corruption and mismanagement continues to simmer, and while opposition parties remain hobbled, frustration is unlikely to dissipate. The election was intended as a show of renewal, but instead it has exposed the hollowness of the political order. The military may have tightened its grip, but the foundations are brittle. For those seeking democratic change, the cracks in the system offer opportunities — though seizing them will require fresh strategies and unity across different movements. At a time when Min Aung Hlaing hopes to project strength, the reality is a regime that must work ever harder to mask its fragility. The question is not whether Myanmar’s military can dominate parliament, but how long it can sustain authority without the legitimacy it so clearly lacks. -2026-03-12

Sean Turnell, The Irrawaddy Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing has unveiled a budget for 2026-27 that economists say bears little resemblance to reality, projecting growth in an economy battered by war, capital flight and soaring inflation. Presenting himself as acting president, the junta boss claimed GDP would reach 195 trillion kyats (about US$93 billion at official rates) with growth of 3.4 per cent. Yet independent assessments paint a far bleaker picture. The World Bank estimates the economy shrank by 2 per cent in 2025-26, following years of contraction since the 2021 coup and compounded by last year’s devastating earthquake. Min Aung Hlaing’s figures rely on an artificial exchange rate that vastly inflates the dollar value of Myanmar’s economy. Ordinary citizens, meanwhile, face daily price hikes, fuel rationing and widespread shortages. Poverty has climbed to 31 per cent, with 17 million people below the national line, while inflation hit 34 per cent in 2025. Economist Sean Turnell dismissed the junta’s projections as “so fictional he could be in the running for the Booker Prize,” noting the absurdity of forecasting growth amid fuel shortages and mass displacement. The World Bank’s cautious forecast of 3 per cent growth for 2026-27 is itself framed as a statistical rebound from rock bottom, driven by forced reconstruction rather than genuine recovery. With border trade routes slipping from military control, foreign investment drying up and millions of young people fleeing conscription, Myanmar’s economy is described as “surviving, not thriving.” Behind the numbers lies a humanitarian crisis. More than 3.6 million people are internally displaced, and over 15 million face acute food insecurity. As Min Aung Hlaing urges officials to prioritise agro-based industries, the reality outside Naypyitaw’s council chambers is stark: a collapsing currency, worsening power cuts and a population struggling to endure the consequences of economic fantasy. -2024-03-11

Northern Thailand is facing a deepening drugs epidemic, driven by the civil war raging across the border in Myanmar. As methamphetamine production surges in Myanmar’s Shan state, supplies are flooding into Thailand’s frontier villages, leaving vulnerable communities caught in the fallout. The region, part of the infamous Golden Triangle, was once the world’s opium capital. Now, decades after the wars of Indochina, Myanmar’s post-coup turmoil has revived the trade, with meth labs hidden in forests and poppy fields expanding at pace. Research shows drug use in Thailand’s northern provinces has tripled in five years, with nearly 290,000 people consuming hard drugs in 2024. Hill tribes such as the Lahu, long marginalised and with few economic opportunities, are among the hardest hit. Many are drawn into the trade as labourers or couriers, while others struggle with addiction. Stories like that of 70-year-old farmer Jawa Jabo, who relapsed into opium before turning to spiritual rituals for healing, highlight the human toll. Thai security forces are battling traffickers along the border, seizing millions of meth pills in firefights. Yet the sheer scale of production across the frontier makes enforcement a daunting task. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime warns that instability in Myanmar has allowed producers to ramp up operations unchecked, with opium cultivation more than doubling since the 2021 coup. Community groups in Thailand are working to steer young people away from the trade. Grassroots initiatives offering education and emotional support have helped some, like 19-year-old Sitthikorn Palor, leave smuggling behind for farm work and new ambitions. But activists say stigma and poverty continue to trap many in cycles of exploitation. As Myanmar’s conflict grinds on, the first victims remain those living closest to the border. Cheap, abundant drugs are devastating lives in Thailand’s hills, turning a geopolitical crisis into a local tragedy — one that shows no sign of easing. -2026-03-11

Intrepid Travel has launched a women-only expedition through Cambodia, tapping into the fast-growing demand for female-focused solo travel. The eight-day journey is designed to showcase the country’s culture and history through the eyes of Cambodian women, from the 7th century to the Khmer Rouge era. Travellers will explore Siem Reap’s bustling street food markets, ride tuk-tuks driven by women, and wander the ruins of Angkor with a female guide. Experiences also include a homestay dinner with a local family, a private boat trip on Tonle Sap, and hands-on weaving at the Rokhak Women Handicraft Centre. The company says women now account for more than half of its global client base. Intrepid’s Women’s Expeditions range grew by 32 per cent last year, with nearly 77 per cent of participants travelling solo. Erika Kritikides, general manager of experiences, described the new Cambodia tour as part of a broader push to empower women through tourism. “When women succeed in tourism, it strengthens families, communities and entire local economies,” she said. The initiative reflects a wider trend in the travel industry, where women are increasingly shaping demand and destinations. By focusing on authentic, locally led encounters, Intrepid aims to ensure that tourism creates meaningful opportunities for Cambodian women while offering travellers a deeper, more personal perspective on the country’s past and present. With its blend of cultural immersion and social impact, the women-only Cambodia trip marks a significant step in Intrepid’s commitment to advancing gender equality in tourism — and offers solo female travellers a chance to connect with Cambodia in a way that is both empowering and unforgettable. -2026-03-11

Cambodia has posted a sharp rise in exports at the start of 2026, signalling renewed momentum in its trade sector. Official figures show the kingdom shipped goods worth 5.23 billion US dollars in January and February, up 17.2 per cent compared with the same period last year. The United States, Vietnam, Japan, China and Spain remain the country’s top destinations, underscoring the breadth of Cambodia’s export reach. Imports also climbed, totalling 5.88 billion dollars, an 18 per cent increase year-on-year. Officials attribute the surge to a web of trade agreements that have opened doors for Cambodian products. Penn Sovicheat, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Commerce, said regional and bilateral deals — notably the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and accords with China, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates — have provided preferential tariffs and boosted competitiveness. “These agreements are a catalyst for long-term and sustainable export growth,” he noted. Analysts agree the outlook remains positive. Thong Mengdavid of the Cambodia University of Technology and Science argued that RCEP will further integrate Cambodia into regional supply chains, encouraging industries to move towards higher-value products. Bilateral deals, he added, are reducing non-tariff barriers and expanding market access. The figures highlight Cambodia’s growing reliance on trade liberalisation to sustain economic growth. While the rise in imports reflects strong domestic demand, the export surge suggests the country is positioning itself more firmly within Asia’s evolving economic landscape. With global demand shifting and regional supply chains tightening, Cambodia’s early-year performance will be closely watched. For now, the numbers point to a confident start to 2026 — and a reminder of how strategic trade partnerships can reshape a nation’s economic fortunes. -2026-03-11

Despite junta assurances that Myanmar has enough fuel reserves to last 40 days, residents in the country’s south are reporting severe shortages and mounting disruption. Queues of cars and motorcycles have been forming at petrol stations in Mon State, Karen State and Tanintharyi Region, with some outlets already shutting down. In Mawlamyine, one resident described waiting behind 30 vehicles, only to be told supplies had run dry. The shortages come in the wake of global tensions, including the recent US‑Israel strike on Iran, which raised fears that tankers may struggle to pass through the Strait of Hormuz—a key route for a quarter of the world’s fuel shipments. Local reports suggest imports have stalled, leaving storage tanks empty. Border towns reliant on fuel from Thailand are among the worst affected. In Kawthaung, stations have closed, sparking alarm in the fishing industry. “Right now, Kawthaung is the worst‑affected town. Fuel is also running out in Ranong. Fishing boats could soon face problems,” said a maritime transport operator from Tanintharyi Region. Prices have surged in both urban centres and resistance‑controlled areas. In Karen National Union territory, 92‑octane petrol has climbed above 10,000 kyats per litre, with supplies scarce even at inflated rates. A People’s Defense Forces official noted: “If it were still available to buy, it wouldn’t be a problem. But now the issue is that we can’t buy it at all.” The regime has acknowledged transport difficulties and announced restrictions to manage demand. From 7 March, private vehicles must follow an odd‑even licence plate system, limiting when they can be driven. For many in southern Myanmar, however, the measures offer little comfort. With fuel stations shuttered and livelihoods at risk, the crisis underscores how global shocks and domestic fragility are combining to squeeze everyday life. -026-03-09

Cambodia’s government has moved swiftly to clamp down on petrol stations accused of charging above official rates, as global fuel markets reel from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The Ministry of Commerce’s General Department of Consumer Protection, Competition and Anti-Fraud announced that stations found selling at inflated prices will face penalties, including licence revocation. Energy Minister Keo Rattanak issued a stern warning, declaring that operators who ignore government-set prices “will be banned from the gasoline trade forever.” Fuel prices in Cambodia are currently fixed for three-day periods, with the latest rates set at 4,400 riel (around $1.10) per litre of petrol and 5,150 riel (about $1.28) for diesel. Officials have instructed provincial branches to intensify monitoring, collect data on price fluctuations, and report daily to the ministry. Rattanak reassured the public that supplies remain stable despite turmoil in the Middle East, which has disrupted production and exports. He emphasised that Cambodia has reserves sufficient for 21 days in the event of an import stoppage, though imports continue daily. “We are not in a situation of fuel shortage,” he said, while cautioning that newly imported fuel will inevitably come at higher prices. The minister also urged consumers not to store petrol at home, warning of serious safety risks. He made clear that individuals reselling fuel at inflated rates would face arrest. “If you buy 20 litres from the station and resell it at a higher price, you will be arrested,” he stated. To secure long-term stability, Cambodia is negotiating with suppliers in the US, France, Singapore and Malaysia. For now, officials stress that imports remain uninterrupted, but vigilance is high as the regional crisis continues to push global prices upward. The government’s uncompromising stance signals its determination to shield consumers from profiteering and maintain order in a volatile market. For motorists, the message is clear: official prices stand, and enforcement will be immediate. -2026-03-09

Cambodia’s cinema screens are awash with horror, but industry voices are calling for change. In 2025, around 85 percent of licensed films fell into the genre, leaving audiences with limited choice and sparking concern over the lack of diversity. Pok Borak, Director of the Department of Cinema and Cultural Diffusion, explained that horror’s dominance stems from strong demand and ease of production. “It’s easier to produce the story, just using effects and sounds to scare the audience,” he said, noting that superstition and religion also play a role in shaping tastes. Yet filmmakers and audiences alike are pushing back. Independent director Mony Kann Darung, whose coming‑of‑age drama Far Away Close to You premiered in February, stressed the need for variety. His film, which resonated with young viewers, has sold over 50,000 tickets — proof, he argues, that audiences will embrace other genres if the storytelling is strong. “Khmer people, especially teenagers, deserve to experience such films with their own stories,” Darung said. Cinema‑goer Eang Vireak echoed the sentiment, questioning why producers remain fixated on horror. “I don’t have a problem with Cambodia making horror movies, but I do wonder why the industry is so stuck on this one genre,” he remarked. Financial risk and weak scriptwriting are among the barriers to broader production, Borak admitted. But with romance and drama beginning to gain traction in 2026, there are signs of a shift. Darung’s success suggests that audiences are ready for more than just scares — they want films that reflect their lives and aspirations. As Cambodia’s film industry grows, the challenge will be balancing commercial certainty with creative ambition. For now, the debate over diversity is gathering momentum, and the appetite for change is clear. -2026-03-09

Myanmar’s military regime is stepping up its diplomatic outreach in the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia signalling interest in closer cooperation across trade, investment and energy. On Thursday, Saudi Ambassador Maziad Mohammed M. Al‑Howishan met junta chief Min Aung Hlaing and Foreign Minister Than Swe in Naypyitaw. According to regime reports, discussions touched on regional politics, international cooperation and potential energy projects. Saudi Arabia is among the few Middle Eastern nations maintaining formal ties with Myanmar. Thousands of Myanmar migrant workers are employed in the kingdom, while many Myanmar Muslims travel annually to Mecca for the Hajj pilgrimage. Facing Western sanctions since the 2021 coup, the junta has sought to deepen relations with Gulf states. Energy shortages have added urgency, with the regime inviting investment in oil and gas projects. In recent years, Min Aung Hlaing has held talks with Kuwait’s prime minister, while senior officials have engaged Qatar, the UAE and Iran on energy and defence cooperation. Reports have previously suggested covert arms deals with Iran, while Qatar and Kuwait have been courted for mineral extraction and trade. The United Arab Emirates has been invited to invest in offshore energy projects. Many of these states are aligned with China and Russia through blocs such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS—groups the junta has openly sought to join as it leans more heavily on Beijing and Moscow for support. Myanmar currently maintains embassies in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt and Israel, reflecting its bid to expand diplomatic channels beyond the West. For the regime, closer ties with Riyadh would not only ease economic pressures but also signal a shift towards new alliances in a region where energy and geopolitics intersect. -206-03-09

The Arakan Army (AA) and allied resistance forces are pressing hard against one of the junta’s most strategic military sites, the ordnance factory No. 16 in Padaung Township, western Bago Region. Known locally as KaPaSa 16, the facility produces gunpowder for heavy explosives and ammunition. But operations have reportedly ground to a halt as resistance fighters tighten their grip. On Thursday, the AA and People’s Defense Forces (PDF) launched ground assaults on regime outposts surrounding the compound, seizing positions and weapons. Junta troops inside responded with heavy explosives, while reports suggest conscripted soldiers fled their posts. Clashes continued into Friday morning, according to military defector Zin Yaw, who monitors the fighting. He noted that the resistance appears intent on destroying the factory rather than capturing it intact, arguing that its elimination would deal a significant blow to the junta’s supply chain. The offensive follows months of gains by the AA. In December, the group seized the strategic Point 666 hilltop base guarding the factory, inflicting heavy losses on regime forces sent to retake it. Since launching a major campaign in November 2023, the AA has taken control of 14 of 17 townships in Rakhine State, plus Paletwa in Chin State, securing the border with Bangladesh. The group has since expanded operations into Magwe, Bago and Ayeyarwady Regions, while closing in on the junta’s remaining strongholds in Sittwe and Kyaukphyu. This week, it reportedly captured a junta outpost defending the Nat Yay Kan Air Defence base in Magwe’s Ngape Township. The battle for KaPaSa 16 marks a critical moment in the AA’s war. If the factory is destroyed, it would not only cripple the junta’s munitions production but also symbolise the growing reach of ethnic resistance forces deep into Myanmar’s heartland. -2026-03-09

Families of Myanmar workers killed or injured in last year’s building collapse in Bangkok have now received full compensation, amounting to 28.4 million baht. The tragedy struck in March 2025 when an earthquake caused the Office of the Auditor General building in Chatuchak district to collapse. Twenty‑seven Myanmar nationals lost their lives and seven more were injured, highlighting the risks faced by migrant workers in Thailand’s construction industry. On 2 March this year, a ceremony marked the final round of payments. Myanmar Ambassador U Zaw Zaw Soe and Dr Thonaphon Khongtheing, President of the Lawyers Council of Thailand, presided over the event, attended by Thai officials and grieving families. According to Myanmar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, each bereaved family received one million baht, while injured workers were granted 200,000 baht each. The ITD‑CREC Joint Venture, responsible for the project, provided the funds in four stages. Earlier rounds had already covered 15 deceased workers and seven injured survivors, with this final stage ensuring all 34 victims were included. The compensation process was coordinated by a special committee formed with the Thai Lawyers Council, reflecting rare cross‑border cooperation in labour rights and humanitarian support. While the payments cannot undo the loss, they provide some relief to families who depended on their relatives’ earnings. For many observers, the collapse remains a stark reminder of the dangers migrant workers face and the urgent need for stronger safety standards in Thailand’s booming construction sector. The financial settlement closes one chapter, but the wider debate over accountability and worker protection is far from over. -2026-03-09

Cambodia has begun constructing a new water resources and meteorology data centre in Phnom Penh, a facility officials describe as the nation’s “digital brain” for weather and climate monitoring. Chan Sinath, secretary of state at the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, inspected the site last week and said the centre will transform how the country gathers and analyses data. “It has the potential to gather data, analyse it, and forecast the weather with high accuracy,” he explained. The centre is expected to play a crucial role in issuing early warning alerts, helping authorities manage the risks of floods and droughts — disasters that have repeatedly disrupted lives and livelihoods across Cambodia. In 2025 alone, drought damaged more than 15,000 hectares of rice fields across 17 provinces, while flooding affected 22 provinces and destroyed over 31,000 hectares of crops. Equipped with advanced digital technologies, the hub will serve as a backbone for institutions ranging from agriculture and civil aviation to tourism and disaster management. Officials say it will strengthen Cambodia’s resilience as climate risks intensify, with extreme weather events becoming more frequent and severe. Cambodia is widely regarded as one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change. By centralising meteorological and water data, the new centre aims to give policymakers and communities the tools to respond faster and more effectively to looming threats. For a nation where rice farming remains vital and weather extremes increasingly unpredictable, the project marks a significant step towards safeguarding both the economy and public safety. -2026-03-09