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Cambodian police have launched a murder investigation after villagers discovered the body of a Chinese man stuffed into a suitcase and dumped in a river. The grim discovery was made on the evening of 13 February in Prey Veng province. Residents of Nhat Chro village noticed a large black suitcase floating in the Anlong Veng River and alerted local authorities. When officers retrieved it, they found the corpse of a man inside. Officials said the victim, believed to be around 40 years old, was dressed in a white short-sleeved shirt and knee-length shorts. His hands and feet had been bound, and his mouth sealed with tape. Police confirmed he was of Chinese nationality but have not yet established his identity. The case has shocked the community, with villagers describing their horror at the discovery. District authorities said they could not determine when the man was killed, and forensic examinations are now under way. The body has been transferred to Stung Meanchey Temple in Phnom Penh while investigators continue their work. Cambodia has seen a rise in violent crime linked to transnational networks in recent years, with several high-profile cases involving foreign nationals. Police are treating the incident as a serious criminal matter and have pledged to pursue all leads. For now, the mystery of who the victim was, and why he was killed, remains unsolved. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as they try to piece together the circumstances behind the suitcase murder. -2025-02-16

Cambodian authorities have confirmed that a former online scam compound in Takeo province has been repurposed as a temporary detention centre for foreigners awaiting deportation. The site, known locally as “Mango Park 2”, was once operated under the name Sophameth Residence Co., Ltd. and sprawls across five hectares in Bati district. It contains a warehouse and 13 buildings with nearly 350 rooms. The complex was shut down in July 2025 during a major crackdown on online fraud, led by General Chuon Sovann and coordinated with prosecutors, police and armed forces. Officials now say the compound has been handed over to the Ministry of Interior and placed under the management of the General Department of Immigration. It will serve as a holding facility for foreign nationals prior to deportation, a move the Takeo Provincial Administration described as part of wider efforts to tighten border security and combat transnational crime. The transformation highlights Cambodia’s ongoing struggle with online scam operations, many of which have been linked to human trafficking and organised crime networks across Southeast Asia. In recent years, large compounds disguised as residential or business centres have been raided, revealing hundreds of foreign workers allegedly coerced into running fraudulent schemes. By converting Mango Park 2 into a detention facility, the government aims to streamline deportation procedures while signalling a tougher stance against criminal enterprises that exploit Cambodia’s territory. Authorities have urged continued vigilance, stressing that cooperation between local administrations, national security bodies and the judiciary remains crucial to dismantling such networks. The announcement comes amid growing regional pressure to curb cyber fraud and protect vulnerable migrant workers. For Cambodia, the repurposing of a notorious scam hub into a state-run detention centre is both symbolic and practical: a reminder of the scale of the problem, and a step towards reclaiming control over spaces once dominated by illicit activity. -2026-02-16

The Philippines has used Myanmar’s Union Day to call for deeper reconciliation, urging the release of more political prisoners as a step towards inclusive dialogue. In a statement marking the 79th anniversary of Union Day on 12 February, Manila’s Department of Foreign Affairs extended congratulations to the people of Myanmar but stressed that genuine reconciliation must be accompanied by concrete action. “It is our fervent hope that this occasion be marked by the release of more political prisoners,” the statement read. Thousands have already been freed since 2021, yet the Philippines said further gestures were needed to build trust and pave the way for national dialogue. The appeal was explicitly tied to ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus, agreed in 2021, which calls for an immediate end to violence, dialogue among all parties, humanitarian aid, and the appointment of a special envoy. Progress has been slow, with Myanmar’s military authorities accused of ignoring commitments, prompting frustration among ASEAN members. The Philippines’ message reflects growing impatience within the bloc. ASEAN leaders have repeatedly reviewed the consensus, pressing for implementation but acknowledging limited results. Some members have taken tougher stances, restricting Myanmar’s participation in high-level meetings until tangible progress is seen. For Myanmar, Union Day traditionally commemorates the 1947 Panglong Agreement, which sought to unify diverse ethnic groups. This year’s anniversary comes against the backdrop of civil war, widespread displacement and escalating armed resistance. By linking its message to ASEAN’s framework, the Philippines underscored regional concern that Myanmar’s turmoil threatens wider stability. While the release of prisoners would be only an initial step, Manila’s call highlights ASEAN’s determination to keep pressure on Myanmar’s rulers. The bloc remains divided over how far to go, but the consensus continues to serve as the benchmark for regional diplomacy. -2026-02-14

Australian authorities have issued urgent alerts to 300 citizens after Thai police uncovered personal data linked to Australians inside a scam compound across the border in Cambodia. The site, near the O’Smach crossing, contained documents listing names, phone numbers and residential addresses of Australians, suggesting they were potential targets. Investigators also found staged offices designed to look like legitimate law enforcement agencies, including one imitating the Australian Federal Police with official insignia to bolster fraudulent operations. The National Anti-Scam Centre confirmed that all 300 individuals identified in the seized material were contacted directly and given advice on how to safeguard their information. The case is part of a wider investigation coordinated between Australian and Thai officials, with Cambodian authorities also under pressure to dismantle criminal networks operating in border zones. Scam compounds in CambodiaCambodia has become a hub for transnational scam call centres in recent years. Often run by organised crime groups, these operations lure workers under false pretences and then force them to participate in elaborate fraud schemes. Victims are targeted across Asia and beyond, with scams ranging from fake investment pitches to impersonation of government agencies. Many of these compounds are located in so-called “special economic zones” where oversight is weak and law enforcement access limited. Raids in recent months have revealed large-scale cybercrime operations, identity theft rings and extortion networks. Coordinated responseAustralian officials say the discovery highlights the global reach of scam syndicates and the importance of cross-border cooperation. “This is a stark reminder of how far these networks will go to appear legitimate,” a spokesperson for the National Anti-Scam Centre said. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, warning that further alerts may follow as investigations progress. For Australians, the incident underscores the need for vigilance and the growing role of international collaboration in tackling online fraud. -2026-02-14

Six weeks after a ceasefire halted deadly clashes along the Thai-Cambodian frontier, thousands of displaced Cambodians remain stranded in makeshift camps, uncertain if they will ever return home. Their plight has been compounded by last week’s election in Thailand, where Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul secured a sweeping nationalist victory on a pledge to build a wall across disputed borderlands. In Banteay Meanchey province, residents of Prey Chan and Chouk Chey villages continue to live in limbo. Proeung Sopheap, 59, revisited her abandoned home for the first time since December’s fighting, collecting a few belongings. “I don’t know what led to this fighting,” she said. “Like other Cambodians, I want peace, not war.” The clashes, the worst in more than a decade, killed at least 149 people and displaced hundreds of thousands along the 817-kilometre border. Thai authorities insist residents on their side have returned, but Cambodian officials estimate 80% of land and homes in the affected communes remain inaccessible, leaving more than 4,600 people in temporary shelters. Barbed wire and shipping containers now divide Prey Chan, with Thailand claiming part of the village lies within its territory. The violence has scarred cultural heritage too. At the Preah Vihear Temple, an 11th-century UNESCO World Heritage site, Cambodian officials say artillery fire left bullet holes, dents and unexploded ordnance scattered across the complex. “It is truly regrettable to see a World Heritage site fired at and destroyed like this,” said Pheng Sam Oeun, deputy director general of the temple authority. Cambodia has submitted damage reports to UNESCO, but funding for full restoration remains uncertain. Mines and unexploded shells continue to menace both sides. Cambodian authorities have shut more than 40 schools in Preah Vihear province, prioritising clearance at hospitals and pagodas. On the Thai side, a soldier lost a limb this week after stepping on a landmine in Sisaket province. For displaced villagers like Pich Vorn, the politics matter less than the longing for home. “Even if it is small, it is where I have lived for many years,” he said. Yet with nationalist rhetoric hardening in Bangkok and barriers rising along the frontier, the prospect of return feels increasingly remote. -2026-02-15

Rebel forces in Myanmar’s Karenni State have vowed to stamp out opium cultivation, warning farmers that next year no poppy fields will be spared if planting continues. The Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF), which controls much of the state, says poppy growing has spread rapidly since the 2021 military coup, moving beyond traditional areas in Pekon township into Loikaw and Demoso. Brigade 4 Commander Moe Nyo issued what he called a “final warning”, insisting that open cultivation along roadsides and near homes must end. On Monday, KNDF fighters destroyed nearly an acre of poppy beside the Union Highway in western Demoso. Moe Nyo blamed poverty and crop failures for the surge, but argued that opium has worsened social problems, fuelling trafficking, addiction and crime. “Far from improving livelihoods, it has undermined the social fabric,” he said. Karenni’s Interim Executive Council admits its response has been patchy. Secretary Banyar Khun Aung said restrictions are enforced only at township level, with no coordinated state-wide policy. Long-time growers are tolerated to some extent, but new large-scale planting is being curbed. “No one has been given legal permission to grow poppy,” he stressed. Local volunteers say the trade has trapped communities in a cycle of rising food prices. “People only started to grow poppy after the coup because it brings quick cash,” one aid worker explained. “But it hasn’t improved their lives. They now buy food at high prices instead of growing it themselves.” Opium is attractive because it matures quickly—just three months to harvest—with relatively low costs and high profit margins. A UN Office on Drugs and Crime report found poppy cultivation in Karenni rose from nearly 1,300 acres in 2024 to about 1,550 acres last year, a 21 percent increase. The KNDF’s pledge to eradicate poppy fields sets up a tense confrontation with farmers who see the crop as a lifeline. Whether the rebels can enforce their ban across the state remains uncertain, but the warning signals a tougher stance against a trade that has long tied Myanmar’s borderlands to the global narcotics economy. -2025-02-14

Cambodia’s tourism industry is reeling from renewed border clashes with Thailand, but river cruises along the Mekong are bucking the trend. International arrivals fell 17% last year, and Angkor Wat—Cambodia’s crown jewel—has seen ticket sales plunge during what should be peak season. Figures from Angkor Enterprise show just 93,500 tickets sold in January, down sharply from 146,150 a year earlier. Tour operators say the fighting has dented confidence, with G Adventures reporting a drop in bookings and removing Battambang from itineraries after deadly clashes displaced residents. Yet while land tours falter, Mekong cruises are thriving. Avalon Waterways says sales are up 15% and departures through the first quarter are nearly sold out. Scenic Group, parent of Scenic and Emerald Cruises, has reported a 10% rise in passengers for 2026. Tauck, which offers both land tours and cruises, also notes strong demand. Industry insiders suggest the appeal lies in the relative safety of river itineraries, which glide between Cambodia and Vietnam, largely insulated from border tensions. “We are hoping that by shining a spotlight on this incredible country, we’ll help drive tourism and bring economic benefits to communities that need it most,” said Steve Lima, vice president of growth at G Adventures. The contrast is stark: Angkor Wat, once a magnet for millions, is struggling to draw crowds, while cruise operators are enjoying some of their best sales in years. For Cambodia, the challenge will be to stabilise its borders and reassure travellers, ensuring that the country’s cultural treasures benefit from the same resilience now seen on the Mekong. -2026-02-13

Violent protests have erupted in Cambodia’s Koh Kong province after construction workers accused a Chinese-owned company of failing to pay their wages. The unrest, which broke out on 10 and 11 February, saw dozens of workers hurling rocks and brandishing sticks outside the offices of Panda Road & Bridge Construction in Prek Khsach village. Videos shared widely on social media show angry crowds damaging the building and vehicles belonging to company staff. Local authorities confirmed the confrontation and said the dispute was linked to unpaid salaries, with some workers claiming the owners had fled amid a nationwide crackdown on scam operations. Construction manager Soun Sovanthai told Kiripost his team is owed around 10 per cent of their wages—between $10,000 and $20,000. He believes the sudden disappearance of the Chinese owners is connected to recent government raids on scam compounds and the revocation of Huione bank’s licence, which has disrupted financing for several projects. “Most of the construction workers have not received money lately,” he said, adding that he has had to use his own funds to pay staff. Authorities in Kiri Sakor district later announced that the conflict had been “resolved”, with the company agreeing to pay wages “according to its current ability” and settle the remainder later. But workers insist they have yet to see any money, leaving many in hardship. One protester, who gave his name as Kong, said the situation turned “brutal” on the second night, with between 30 and 40 motorbikes and cars damaged. “By then, people were furious,” he explained, noting that his own motorcycle was destroyed. The unrest comes against the backdrop of Cambodia’s intensified crackdown on cyber scam networks, which has triggered fears that some Chinese-owned firms are abandoning construction projects and leaving workers unpaid. For those on the ground in Koh Kong, the dispute is more than a financial grievance—it is a stark reminder of how vulnerable local workers are when foreign investors suddenly vanish, leaving livelihoods in limbo. -2026-02-13

Myanmar’s military has suffered heavy losses in Sagaing Region, where resistance forces say they have captured four junta bases and defeated a unit in Kawlin and Kantbalu districts over the past three months. According to the National Unity Government (NUG), its People’s Defense Force (PDF), fighting alongside the Arakan Army (AA), killed 96 regime personnel, wounded 38 and detained 101 others, including members of the pro-junta Pyu Saw Htee militia. The joint forces also seized nearly 200 weapons, large quantities of ammunition and other military equipment. The fiercest clashes came on 7 and 8 February, when PDF and AA fighters ambushed a column of more than 200 junta soldiers moving from Kawlin town to Thayet Khon village. Resistance commanders reported the battlefield was left strewn with bodies, though two PDF fighters also died. This followed a four-day assault ending on 31 January, in which resistance forces overran a base in Koe Htaung Bo village, Kantbalu Township. Two further outposts in Pay Gyi and Nghat Pyaw Tine villages fell in December, along with a fourth base in neighbouring Kyunhla Township. The ethnic Kachin Independence Army (KIA), allied with the PDF and AA, has declared its aim to liberate Kawlin, Kantbalu and Katha districts, which serve as the gateway to Kachin State. The AA itself has seized most of Rakhine State and continues to expand into other regions, while also supporting operations in Chin and Kachin states. Yet even as the junta loses ground, its forces have intensified attacks on civilians. Local groups report at least 17 villages in Myingyan and Natogyi townships were burned between 4 and 8 February, forcing tens of thousands to flee without food or shelter. Witnesses say entire communities have been destroyed despite no active clashes in the area. Humanitarian workers warn of extreme hardship among displaced families, while reports have emerged of airstrikes in Taungtha Township and the abduction and rape of a 13-year-old girl in Natogyi. The escalating violence underscores Myanmar’s worsening crisis: resistance forces gaining territory, while the military responds with brutal reprisals against civilians. -2026-02-13

For the first time in more than a decade, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has heard detailed testimony from Rohingya survivors in a genocide case against Myanmar’s military. The hearings, held in The Hague from 12 to 29 January, mark a pivotal moment in a long struggle for justice after the mass killings and forced displacement of the Rohingya minority in 2017. The case, brought by The Gambia in 2019, accuses Myanmar of breaching the Genocide Convention. Over two weeks of oral arguments and a final week of rebuttals, victims supported by the NGO Legal Action Worldwide (LAW) travelled from refugee camps in Bangladesh to testify. In a rare move for interstate proceedings, witnesses described the military’s “clearance operations” in closed chambers, recounting sexual violence, attacks on children and mass killings. “Rohingya have been persecuted in Myanmar for decades. We did not know that legal proceedings existed, and we could fight for our rights. But this time, we have the tools to defend ourselves and demand accountability,” said Salma, a survivor whose name has been changed for protection. The European Union, which helped fund the initiative alongside Canada, called the testimonies a powerful stand against impunity. “What this community has endured is a stain on our collective humanity. Accountability is not optional,” said Michael Miller, EU Ambassador to Bangladesh. The hearings come as Myanmar’s junta continues to tighten its grip through elections widely seen as an attempt to legitimise its rule, while reports of ongoing abuses persist. For Rohingya survivors, the ICJ represents a rare chance to confront their persecutors on the global stage. At the close of the hearings, Rohingya victims joined survivors from Bosnia, Iraq, Palestine and Sudan in a “Survivors’ Dialogue” hosted by the EU in The Hague, underscoring the universal demand for justice in the face of atrocity. The ICJ will announce its decision at a later date. For the Rohingya, who have endured years of displacement and violence, the hope is that the world’s highest court will finally deliver accountability—and a measure of peace. -2026-02-13

yadaya, archives, the irrawaddy Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing narrowly escaped a rocket strike in Mandalay last month, according to military sources, in what resistance fighters claim was a targeted attack on the junta boss. The incident took place in the early hours of 27 January at the Central Military Command inside Mandalay Palace. Sources say Min Aung Hlaing had stayed overnight to prepare for a yadaya ritual—a traditional ceremony believed to ward off misfortune—dressed in Burmese royal regalia and planning to enter the palace at an astrologically chosen time. Resistance group Brave Warriors for Myanmar later claimed responsibility, saying its fighters fired improvised 107-mm rockets at the compound after receiving a tip-off about the general’s presence. The group reported three successful detonations and injuries among officers, though the junta leader himself was unharmed. Following the attack, Min Aung Hlaing disappeared from public view for a week, fuelling speculation about his condition and even rumours of his death. He resurfaced on 3 February, meeting Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, and days later appeared at Yangon University to collect an honorary doctorate. The episode highlights both the vulnerability of Myanmar’s top general and the growing boldness of resistance forces nearly five years into the country’s civil conflict. It also underscores the junta’s reliance on superstition: military leaders are known for turning to astrology, numerology and rituals in times of crisis. Min Aung Hlaing himself has long been associated with the monk Vasipake Sayadaw, believed to advise him on spiritual practices and even military tactics. With the regime’s proxy party claiming victory in the recent election, Min Aung Hlaing is widely tipped to pursue the presidency. But the rocket attack in Mandalay serves as a reminder that, despite his ritual attempts to secure fortune, Myanmar’s embattled leader faces mounting threats both on the battlefield and in the political arena. -2022-02-12

Cambodia has closed almost 200 scam compounds and arrested more than 170 senior crime figures in what officials describe as the country’s most sweeping crackdown yet on transnational fraud. The campaign, launched late last year, has also seen 11,000 workers deported, many of them victims of trafficking forced into online scams. Authorities gave rare access to one of the shuttered sites in Kampot province, near the Vietnam border, where reporters found rows of computer stations, scripts for targeting Thai victims, and even a mock police station designed to trick callers. The complex, known locally as My Casino, was allegedly run by former tycoon Ly Kuong, who was arrested in January and charged with fraud, illegal recruitment and links to organised crime. Officials admit they struggled to contain the exodus of thousands of workers after Kuong’s detention. “We have only about 1,000 policemen in the entire province and about 300 military policemen,” Kampot’s police chief Mao Chanmothurith said. “Even with both forces combined, we couldn’t stop 6,000 to 7,000 people leaving.” The crackdown follows the US indictment and China’s extradition of a China-born alleged scam mastermind, a move that spurred Cambodian authorities to act against the sprawling networks. Amnesty International has described the situation as a “humanitarian crisis”, with many scam workers reporting brutal conditions before fleeing compounds. While officials insist this campaign is broader than previous efforts, critics remain sceptical. Cambodia has long downplayed the existence of scam centres, and past raids have failed to stem their growth. The arrest last week of journalist Hem Vanna, who exposed violence at a scam compound in Banteay Meanchey, has further fuelled concerns about press freedom. Reporters Without Borders has called for his immediate release, warning that authorities are silencing those who highlight human rights abuses. For now, Phnom Penh is keen to show progress. But with thousands of workers displaced and questions over how deep the networks run, Cambodia’s crackdown may be only the beginning of a long battle against organised cybercrime. -2026-02-12

The head of one of Myanmar’s most influential ethnic armies has accused the international community of turning a blind eye to deadly airstrikes carried out by the ruling junta, warning that civilians are paying the price as the conflict deepens. General Yawd Serk, chairman of the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), spoke to Reuters at his remote headquarters in Loi Tai Leng, near the Thai border, in his first media interview in years. His comments came days after elections staged by the military, widely criticised as a means to entrench its grip on power. “The civilians are suffering and I want the international community not to ignore it,” Yawd Serk said, citing data from the Myanmar Peace Monitor that recorded more than 1,000 civilian sites hit by airstrikes in the past 15 months. Since late 2024, at least 1,728 civilians have been killed in bombing raids, according to monitoring groups. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s government, sparking nationwide resistance. Pro‑democracy forces, lacking an air force, have struggled against the junta’s aerial campaigns. The military insists it is targeting “terrorists”. Yawd Serk, long seen as a shrewd operator who maintains a ceasefire with the junta, struck a sharper tone than usual. He praised Suu Kyi’s administration and blamed Senior General Min Aung Hlaing for Myanmar’s crisis, describing the leadership as driven by “ego, pride, and greed”. He also pointed to China as the only foreign power actively intervening, saying Beijing has pressed armed groups to halt offensives in order to protect its Belt and Road projects. “There is one country which intervenes in Myanmar, it is China and only China,” he said. Despite the bitterness of the conflict, Yawd Serk urged dialogue among Myanmar’s armed factions and called for the creation of a federal army, a long‑standing demand of groups opposing the junta. Representatives from rival Shan organisations attended his Shan National Day parade, signalling tentative steps towards unity. For now, the RCSS leader insists that political solutions remain essential. “We can’t even think who we can rely on,” he admitted, but added that trust‑building among ethnic groups could pave the way for a future beyond war. -2026-02-11

Adam Janusz Mielcarek, a 59-year-old Polish historian reported missing in Cambodia for more than a week, has been found alive but in critical condition in Phnom Penh. His family confirmed he was discovered in a city park, robbed of all his belongings and suffering from severe malnutrition and memory loss. Mielcarek’s sister, Kamila Rind, said he was barely recognisable when locals identified him from social media posts and alerted the family. “He has been found and is in a very bad state. He was robbed. Somebody took everything, including his documents, telephone, shoes, and even glasses,” she explained. “He has lost 15 kilos and is malnourished. We could barely recognise him. He is hospitalised now.” The historian vanished after travelling from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh on 21 January. His mobile phone was last tracked on 25 January before being deactivated. Authorities had appealed for public help, while his disappearance prompted involvement from the Metropolitan Police in London, Interpol, and Polish diplomatic missions in the region. Mielcarek, a Polish citizen with UK residency, had been travelling alone. His family had raised concerns about his mental health and the risks he faced. Notices were circulated widely across Polish communities in Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand, countries he had previously visited. His discovery has brought relief but also urgent questions. How he came to be robbed and left in such a state remains unclear, and his amnesia means he cannot recall the events leading to his disappearance. Cambodian authorities are now urging anyone with information about his movements during the missing week to come forward. For his family, the priority is his recovery. “We are grateful he is alive,” Rind said, “but we hope the truth of what happened will also come to light.” At present, Mielcarek remains in hospital in Phnom Penh, as investigations continue into the circumstances of his ordeal. -2026-02-11

Cambodia is stepping up efforts to protect garment workers from rising workplace heat, as policymakers and industry leaders warn of growing risks to health and productivity. On 19 January, government officials, employers, unions, international brands and researchers gathered in Phnom Penh to discuss how soaring temperatures are affecting the country’s labour-intensive garment industry. The consultation comes after years of record-breaking heat, with new studies showing unmanaged heat stress is already leading to health problems, reduced output and factory disruptions. The meeting highlighted the need to align workplace safety measures with Cambodia’s broader climate adaptation and green economy goals. Officials confirmed that the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training is drafting a new regulation on workplace heat, known as a Prakas, alongside the development of a wider Occupational Safety and Health Law. “Rising temperatures are already affecting workers’ health, factory efficiency and productivity in Cambodia’s garment sector. This dialogue will help translate climate risks into concrete policy and workplace solutions that protect workers while sustaining competitiveness,” said Xiaoyan Qian, Director of the ILO Country Office for Thailand, Cambodia and Lao PDR. The consultation was convened under the UN’s Partnership for Action on Green Economy and led by the International Labour Organization and Better Factories Cambodia, with support from partners including GIZ/FABRIC Cambodia, Cornell University, the National University of Singapore and EuroCham’s Responsible Business Hub. For Cambodia, where garment exports remain a cornerstone of the economy, the challenge is clear: adapting to climate pressures while safeguarding workers and sustaining competitiveness in global markets. The new policies aim to ensure that rising heat does not undermine one of the country’s most vital industries. -2026-02-10

Cambodian and American authorities have worked together to arrest and repatriate a US fugitive wanted on multiple criminal charges, the US Embassy in Phnom Penh has confirmed. Special agents from the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) at the embassy coordinated the operation, locating the suspect before Cambodian police carried out the arrest. The individual was wanted in the United States for serious offences, including illegal possession of firearms and drug-related crimes. Following his detention, the fugitive was deported from Cambodia and escorted back to the US under the custody of deputies from the US Marshals Service. In a statement, the embassy praised Cambodian law enforcement for their cooperation, describing the operation as a clear demonstration of joint commitment to justice. “Those who attempt to evade justice will be located and brought to face the law,” it said. The case underscores the growing collaboration between Phnom Penh and Washington on security matters, particularly in tackling transnational crime. For both governments, the successful arrest sends a strong signal that fugitives cannot rely on crossing borders to escape accountability. -2026-02-10

via the Irrawaddy Myanmar’s military regime says it has regained control of Banmauk, a town in northern Sagaing Region, after months of fighting against resistance forces. Banmauk was seized by the National Unity Government’s People’s Defense Force (PDF) and its ally, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), in September last year following a five-day offensive. The town lies close to Indaw Township on the Kachin border, which remains under PDF control. The junta announced on Sunday that its troops had retaken Banmauk after a four-month counteroffensive. Officials claimed care was taken to avoid damaging civilian infrastructure, though local reports suggest much of the town has been devastated by artillery, drone strikes and air raids. Resistance groups say two 500lb bombs dropped in December destroyed the market. According to the military, 69 clashes during the campaign caused casualties on both sides. It reported seizing 27 weapons and recovering the bodies of resistance fighters, whom it labelled “terrorists”. A PDF fighter confirmed that anti-regime forces had withdrawn, though skirmishes continue around the town. The junta-aligned Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) also declared Banmauk retaken. Analysts say the town’s capture is strategically significant for the SNA, which operates gold mines west of Banmauk. These mines are its main source of revenue, and the militia is believed to have joined forces with the junta to secure them. While the loss of Banmauk is not seen as a decisive setback for the PDF, it underscores the regime’s determination to claw back territory in Sagaing, a stronghold of resistance activity. Meanwhile, the PDF and KIA continue to hold Indaw, captured last April, and are reportedly close to seizing the nearby district-level town of Katha. The battle for Banmauk highlights the complex alliances shaping Myanmar’s civil conflict, where control of resources such as gold mines can be as decisive as military strength. For residents, however, the cost has been measured in destroyed homes, shattered livelihoods and yet another town caught in the crossfire. -2024-02-10

Myanmar’s military authorities have detained three senior figures from the Yangon Region Gold Entrepreneurs Association (YGEA), accusing them of manipulating the domestic gold market. The Military Commission announced late on 5 February that Chairman U Myo Myint, Vice-Chairman U Myo Thu Win, and Secretary U Nay Myo Htet were taken into custody and will face prosecution. All three are prominent gold traders with well-known businesses in Yangon. According to the statement, the officials allegedly purchased and stockpiled large quantities of gold bars before reselling them at inflated prices. The Commission claims these actions were intended to destabilise the market and violated directives issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation. The accusations are detailed: U Myo Myint is said to have bought eight pure gold bars, each weighing 70 ticals, in January with the aim of reselling them for profit. U Myo Thu Win allegedly purchased 970 ticals of gold between December 2025 and January 2026, later reselling 950 ticals at higher rates. Meanwhile, U Nay Myo Htet is accused of buying 319 ticals and reselling 268 ticals at inflated prices. The Commission stressed that, as association leaders, the men were responsible for maintaining price stability but instead engaged in speculative trading. It warned other entrepreneurs to comply strictly with official orders, promising “effective legal action” against anyone found undermining the market. The arrests highlight the junta’s tightening grip on Myanmar’s economy, where gold has long been a safe haven for ordinary citizens amid political turmoil and currency instability. By targeting senior figures in the gold trade, the military appears intent on sending a clear message: market manipulation will not be tolerated. Observers note that while the charges centre on economic misconduct, the move also underscores the regime’s broader strategy of asserting control over influential business networks. For traders and investors, the crackdown raises fresh uncertainty about the future of Myanmar’s gold market. -2026-02-10

Mizzima Six people, including four novice monks, were killed when Myanmar’s military carried out an airstrike on a village monastery in Sagaing Region on 5 February. Residents of Thit Say Kone village in northern Taze Township said two jet fighters struck the monastery compound at around 9:30 in the morning. One aircraft dropped bombs twice, while the second fired rockets before releasing further explosives. Shrapnel killed four young novices, a man and an elderly woman, while three others were left seriously injured. “The monastery has no connection to the revolution,” a local man told reporters, suggesting the military may have mistaken the compound’s vehicle workshop for a clinic or hospital. “They targeted a non-military site by mistake.” The attack adds to a grim tally of civilian casualties since the 2021 coup. According to the National Unity Government, the junta has launched 4,750 airstrikes over the past five years, killing more than 5,100 civilians. Sagaing Region has been one of the hardest-hit areas, with villages repeatedly bombed and burned in what rights groups describe as collective punishment against communities suspected of supporting resistance forces. The deaths of the novices have sparked fresh outrage, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the military’s campaign. For many in Myanmar, monasteries are sacred spaces and central to community life, making the strike particularly shocking. As the junta intensifies its use of air power, humanitarian groups warn that civilian suffering will deepen, with millions already displaced and in urgent need of aid. The tragedy in Taze Township is another reminder of the escalating crisis — and of the growing calls for international action to halt the violence. -2026-02-09

Myanmar’s representative to the United Nations has issued a stark warning, urging the international body to take decisive action against the country’s military junta as atrocities mount and the social crisis deepens. Speaking on 4 February, Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun condemned the junta’s ongoing violence, sham elections and systematic repression, which he said have left millions displaced and pushed half the population below the poverty line. Since the coup of February 2021, more than 7,700 people have been killed, including thousands of women and children. Over 3.6 million are now displaced, while nearly 22 million require humanitarian assistance. “Atrocities are the everyday reality for the people of Myanmar,” the envoy told the UN, warning that the junta’s planned elections will only prolong the crisis. Kyaw Moe Tun stressed that the military has weaponised every sector of society, from healthcare and education to employment and infrastructure, leaving citizens facing poverty, persecution and exclusion. He described the junta’s actions as war crimes and crimes against humanity. Despite the bleak picture, he highlighted efforts by the National Unity Government, ethnic organisations and civil society groups to provide humanitarian aid, education and health services. But he said these initiatives face growing limitations without stronger international support. “The UN must not continue failing the people of Myanmar,” he declared, calling for bold, principled decisions to hold the junta accountable. He argued that social development cannot thrive “in a vacuum of legitimacy” and insisted that perpetrators must face justice if Myanmar is to build a federal democratic union. The appeal comes as the fifth anniversary of the coup passes, underscoring the urgency of international intervention. For Myanmar’s people, the envoy said, hope endures — but without UN action, the humanitarian crisis will only deepen. -2026-02-09

Cambodia’s pledge to eliminate online scam centres by April faces a critical test, as experts warn the crackdown will falter unless authorities dismantle powerful networks tied to local elites. Speaking during a webinar hosted by the Stimson Centre, Jacob Sims of Harvard University described the masterminds behind the fraud hubs as “The Untouchables” — tycoons whose influence has long shielded them from accountability. He welcomed recent raids and arrests, including the deportation of alleged kingpin Chen Zhi, but cautioned that isolated cases will not deliver lasting change. “Until accountability becomes system-wide towards the elites that are benefiting from this, it can be viewed largely as a token,” Sims said. The warning comes amid mounting international pressure. Brett Blackshaw of the US State Department highlighted the global scale of the crisis, noting scams cost victims $442 billion in 2025, with Southeast Asia generating about $41 billion annually. He said tens of thousands of Americans have been affected, pushing the issue high on Washington’s foreign policy agenda. The human toll is equally stark. An estimated 400,000 people from at least 70 countries have been trafficked into scam compounds, often trapped in abusive conditions. Cambodian journalist Mech Dara stressed that victims are “left behind”, urging stronger international coordination against transnational gangs. Economic consequences are already biting. Bradley Murg of the Cambodian Institute for Cooperation and Peace said foreign investors are pulling back, with major US firms refusing to do business until the scam crisis is resolved. He warned that growth targets are now at risk, with tourism also suffering. Both the US and China have applied pressure, coordinating deportations and financial seizures. Yet experts say Cambodia’s challenge lies at home: confronting entrenched interests that profit from the fraud. For now, authorities have deported hundreds of foreign nationals and vowed to escalate enforcement. But unless the government moves against the “untouchables”, analysts fear the promised elimination of scam centres could stall, leaving Cambodia’s credibility — and its economy — exposed. -2026-02-09

Cambodia has lodged a formal protest against Thailand, accusing its military of illegally occupying villages and erecting barriers deep inside Cambodian territory. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued the statement on Sunday, denouncing the installation of containers, barbed wire and road construction in Oddar Meanchey and Pursat provinces. Officials say Thai forces advanced nearly 500 metres beyond the recognised boundary at the O’Smach International Border Checkpoint, raising national flags on Cambodian soil and sealing off access to government buildings, markets and homes. The ministry described the actions as a “deliberate attempt to reshape the security environment” and a breach of both the United Nations Charter and ASEAN principles. The dispute centres on areas long defined by the Franco-Siamese Convention of 1904 and the Treaty of 1907. Despite these agreements, Cambodian authorities claim Thai troops have repeatedly crossed into Oddar Meanchey, most recently after a ceasefire signed on 27 December 2025. Local officials report extensive damage to casinos, resorts, schools and pagodas, with widespread looting of shops and homes. Deputy Governor Met Measphakdey told reporters that drainage boxes and barbed wire were laid more than 420 metres inside Cambodian territory after the ceasefire, calling it a blatant violation of sovereignty. Residents of Samraong city say the once-bustling border market has become a ghost town, with traders forced out and properties stripped bare. The incursion has left deep scars: five civilians were killed, hundreds of homes damaged, and thousands displaced. Although most families have since returned, authorities warn that the continued presence of Thai troops threatens security and undermines trust in bilateral agreements. Cambodia insists it remains committed to resolving the crisis peacefully, adhering to international law and the December ceasefire. Yet the latest developments highlight the fragility of border relations and the human toll of unresolved disputes. For now, the O’Smach checkpoint—once a vital hub for trade and travel between Oddar Meanchey and Thailand’s Surin province—stands silent, its future uncertain as diplomatic tensions escalate. -2026-02-09

China’s intervention in Myanmar’s conflict has dramatically shifted the battlefield, halting resistance forces just short of seizing Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city. The People’s Defense Force (PDF), allied with ethnic armies, had advanced to within 22 kilometres of Mandalay during last year’s Operation 1027 offensive. But their momentum collapsed after Beijing brokered ceasefires with the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA, both key allies), while cutting supplies and pressuring the United Wa State Army to halt support. Analysts say Chinese-supplied drones, aircraft and munitions bolstered regime counteroffensives, forcing PDF units to retreat from northern Mandalay. The TNLA’s withdrawal and subsequent cooperation with junta forces further weakened the resistance, leaving supply lines severed and liberated areas lost. The MNDAA, under heavy Chinese pressure and with its leader detained in China, was compelled to hand back Lashio in April 2025. Later, the TNLA surrendered Mogoke and Mongmit, escorting regime convoys during the handover. These concessions allowed the junta to regain control of strategic trade routes and push into Mandalay Region. Observers note that the resistance’s failure to maintain strong alliances compounded the impact of Chinese pressure. “Caught in a pincer movement, the PDF had no choice but to withdraw,” one military analyst told The Irrawaddy, warning that overconfidence and poor coordination had undermined their campaign. For now, Mandalay’s outskirts have reverted to guerrilla zones. Resistance leaders admit that retaking lost ground will require regrouping and stronger cooperation among ethnic armed organisations. Yet many caution that Beijing’s influence—blocking supplies and forcing ceasefires—remains the greatest obstacle to any resurgence. As Daw Ni Ni Kyaw of the People’s Liberation Army put it: “If we cannot overcome Chinese pressure, it will be very difficult to retake territories lost to the regime.” -2026-02-07

The United States has renewed its “national emergency” declaration on Myanmar, ensuring sanctions against the military regime remain in place for another year. President Donald Trump confirmed the extension this week, citing the ongoing crisis as “an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.” The emergency order, first issued days after the 2021 coup, allows Washington to maintain restrictions on the junta, including a ban on jet fuel sales and the blacklisting of banks tied to the regime. Trump said the U.S. would continue to monitor progress toward dialogue and reducing violence, adding he was prepared to “calibrate pressure as necessary to protect American interests.” Advocacy groups welcomed the move. James Shwe of the Los Angeles Myanmar Movement argued the decision showed Washington would not bow to lobbying efforts to normalise relations with the junta. Alongside the sanctions, Trump signed a spending bill allocating US$121 million in humanitarian aid for Myanmar. Crucially, none of the funds will go to the military regime. Instead, the aid—authorised under the Burma Act—will support democracy initiatives, cross-border assistance through Thailand and India, non-lethal aid and training, local governance, and justice efforts for crimes committed against the Rohingya. The package also provides support for political prisoners and civil disobedience movements. It passed narrowly in the House of Representatives, with 217 votes in favour and 214 against, before winning stronger backing in the Senate. The new allocation reinstates significant aid after earlier cuts to USAID programmes. For Myanmar’s pro-democracy groups, it represents both a lifeline and a signal that Washington intends to keep pressure on the junta while bolstering those resisting its rule. -2026-02-07

An online journalist has been arrested in Cambodia after publishing footage alleging violence inside a suspected scam compound in Poipet, just metres from the provincial police headquarters. Hem Vanna, who reports for HVNN TV Online, was detained by Banteay Meanchey Military Police on 4 February and later charged under Cambodia’s Criminal Code. Prosecutors accuse him of “inciting serious disorder to public security” and of illegally recording private speech. He is now being held in Banteay Meanchey Provincial Prison. The video, posted on 30 January, showed a resident claiming that five foreigners were assaulted inside a sealed building believed to be linked to online fraud. The site sits barely 100 metres from the Poipet Military Police station. Authorities have denied receiving information about the alleged incident, though rights group LICADO says the case points to illegal detention linked to scam operations. Vanna’s arrest adds to a growing list of Cambodian journalists facing prosecution for reporting on scams, gambling and sensitive security matters. At least six were detained in 2025, including reporters who published footage of alleged torture at gambling sites and others accused of harming national defence after appearing in Thai media. The crackdown comes amid a wider government campaign against online fraud. Last weekend, police raided a massive complex in Bavet city, Svay Rieng province, detaining more than 2,000 foreign nationals. In the first nine months of 2025 alone, authorities dismantled 48 scam operations and deported nearly 3,000 people. Press freedom groups warn that the arrests risk silencing independent reporting at a time when Cambodia is grappling with the scale of online crime. For now, Hem Vanna’s case highlights the precarious position of journalists who probe too close to the country’s most sensitive issues. -2026-01-07