Cambodia Passes Citizenship Law Amid Tensions with Thailand

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Cambodia’s National Assembly has approved a controversial bill allowing the government to revoke citizenship from individuals deemed to be conspiring with foreign powers—sparking alarm among rights groups and opposition figures.

The legislation, passed on 25 August with near-unanimous support from 120 of 125 lawmakers, comes amid rising nationalist sentiment and diplomatic strain with neighbouring Thailand. Interior Minister Sar Sokha cited “a small handful” of citizens undermining national unity, arguing they “should no longer be qualified as Cambodian citizens.”

The bill follows a constitutional amendment in July that paved the way for legal changes to nationality rights. It must still be ratified by the Senate and signed by King Norodom Sihamoni, though both steps are widely expected to be formalities given the ruling party’s dominance.

Critics warn the law’s vague wording could be weaponised to silence dissent. A coalition of 50 Cambodian NGOs issued a joint statement ahead of the vote, calling the measure “disastrously chilling” for free speech and civil liberties. “The government has many powers,” they wrote, “but it should not have the power to arbitrarily decide who is and is not a Cambodian.”

The bill’s timing is notable. It follows a recent flare-up in Cambodia–Thailand border tensions and coincides with a broader crackdown on critics of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s administration. The revocation process would be overseen by a committee formed at Sokha’s request, raising concerns about transparency and due process.

Rights advocates fear the law could be used to target political opponents, activists, and journalists—particularly those with dual nationality or links to foreign organisations. Amnesty International has condemned the move as a violation of international norms, warning it could render individuals stateless and strip them of basic protections.

As Cambodia moves closer to enacting the law, observers say it marks a troubling shift in the country’s legal landscape—one that could reshape the meaning of citizenship itself.

-2025-08-26