Synopsis: Analysts say law enforcement mechanisms should include effective tracking systems, capable officials, and better public awareness campaigns.
The Senate is closely monitoring the implementation of the recently promulgated Anti-Scam Law aimed at shielding Cambodia’s reputation, which may have dented foreign investment and deterred tourists.
An analyst observing the situation called for an effective mechanism to measure the law’s success with an eye on effective enforcement.
Speaking to Khmer Times yesterday, Senate Second Vice-President Thun Vathana said the Upper House is closely watching the implementation of the newly adopted anti-scam law to ensure it is enforced effectively, fairly, and in line with national interest.
“With the oversight role, we are monitoring how the law is being applied by relevant ministries, law enforcement agencies, and courts to ensure transparency, accountability, and consistency,” he said.
Online scams and cyber-enabled fraud, according to Vathana, are serious transnational crimes that threaten public security, damage trust in the digital economy, and harm Cambodia’s international reputation.
He added that the Senate fully supports the government’s zero-tolerance policy on criminal networks operating scams in Cambodia.
“We build our nation by rolling out the red carpet for visionary investors and honourable visitors, while firmly closing the doors to crooks and criminals,” he said.
However, Vathana added that these crimes do not affect Cambodia alone. He described them as regional and global challenges that require decisive and collective action.
“We also encourage continued cooperation among government institutions, the private sector, civil society, and international partners,” he said. “Scam networks cross borders, so our response must also be coordinated across borders.”
He called for higher public awareness to make Cambodia scam free.
“Public awareness is essential. Citizens must remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and support national efforts to eliminate scams from our society.”
The Law on Combatting Online Scams, consisting of five chapters and 24 articles, came into effect on April 6. It introduces criminal penalties, expands investigative powers, and establishes new mechanisms to dismantle organised online fraud operations.
Officials said the law represents another step towards combatting online scams, which in the past several years have been haunting southeast Asia.
Seun Sam, policy analyst at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said the Kingdom needs extra mechanisms to monitor the enforcement of the anti-online scam laws.
The mechanisms, Sam added, must include effective tracking systems, capable enforcement officials, and better public awareness campaigns.
“The key is to give an assuring message to investors and tourists that Cambodia is a safe country for them to enter,” he said. “At the same time, the government needs to ensure that all relevant officials and authorities participate in the tasks to ensure the quality of the law.”
The analyst also suggested the government utilise both traditional and social media to spread the stories of the successes and achievements of law enforcement domestically and internationally.
“Showing the cleanliness and transparency through wide dissemination of information will restore Cambodia’s reputation,” he added.
Singapore has thrown its full diplomatic weight behind Cambodia’s newly enacted anti-cyber scam law, vowing close cooperation to dismantle transnational crime networks.
The message was conveyed yesterday by Singaporean Ambassador to Cambodia Steven Pang Chee Wee to Senior Minister Chhay Sinarith, who heads the Secretariat of the Ad-hoc Commission for Combatting Online Scams (CCOS).
Ambassador Pang praised the proactive establishment of the CCOS under Prime Minister Hun Manet’s direct leadership, noting it has yielded “remarkable results”.
Calling the new law “a testament to Cambodia’s clear strategy and commitment”, he said Singapore stands ready to assist through capacity building and technical training for law enforcement, intelligence sharing and digital forensics best practices.
“The objective is to eliminate these crimes at their roots and prevent any resurgence within Cambodia,” he said.
Sinarith also called for international partnerships to tackle money laundering, human trafficking, and cross-border syndicates.
The latest figures show that from July last year to mid-April 2026, authorities in Phnom Penh and the provinces cracked down on more than 250 online scam locations, leading to the closure of 91 casino sites serving as fronts for illicit activities.
- Tags: National, scam operation
