Cambodia Security Report — February 23, 2026

Security analysis based on open-source intelligence and web research. Period: February 16 — February 23, 2026.

Executive Summary

During the period of February 16-23, 2026, Cambodia demonstrated a proactive diplomatic posture, notably through Prime Minister Hun Manet's participation in the inaugural US-led Board of Peace in Washington D.C., signaling a warming of relations with the United States. Concurrently, the Kingdom intensified its nationwide crackdown on cybercrime and online scam networks, resulting in significant deportations of foreign nationals. Persistent border tensions with Thailand remained a critical security concern, with Cambodia accusing Thai forces of territorial occupation despite a recent ceasefire. Furthermore, Cambodia reaffirmed military cooperation with Laos and continued preparations for the implementation of mandatory military conscription in 2026, underscoring a focus on enhancing national defense capabilities.

Key Security Developments

• Diplomatic Engagement with the United States: Prime Minister Hun Manet led a high-level delegation to Washington D.C. to attend the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace on February 19, 2026, an initiative launched by US President Donald Trump. This visit aimed to reinforce Cambodia's image as a peace-oriented nation and enhance diplomatic leverage. On the sidelines, PM Hun Manet held bilateral discussions with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, focusing on strengthening diplomatic ties, expanding multi-sectoral cooperation, and addressing issues such as border security with Thailand and combating online scams.

• Thawing US-Cambodia Defense Relations: In a significant gesture on February 20, 2026, the US Commerce Department removed Cambodia from its arms sale blacklist. This move signals a thaw in military relations and opens the door to expanded defense cooperation, marking a broader reset in US-Cambodia ties across security, trade, and diplomacy.

• Intensified Cybercrime Crackdown and Deportations: Cambodian authorities conducted a major three-day crackdown on cybercrime between February 14 and 16, 2026, resulting in the deportation of 1,089 foreign nationals from 14 nationalities linked to online scams. This operation is part of a larger, escalating nationwide effort that has seen over 48,000 foreign nationals deported since August 2023, with the government committed to eradicating online scam networks by April 2026.

• Persistent Border Tensions with Thailand: On February 17, 2026, Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that Thai forces were occupying Cambodian territory despite a peace accord brokered by US President Donald Trump in December 2025. He called on Thailand to allow a joint boundary commission to begin working on their disputed border, describing the situation as "fragile." Thai security officials, on February 16, 2026, reported that Cambodia reinforced its troops with thousands and engaged in provocative actions like burning grass near the border.

• Stalled Cambodia-Thailand Regional Border Talks: Earlier in February, a second meeting of the secretariat of the Regional Border Committee between Cambodian and Thai military regions failed to reach a shared position, further delaying broader regional border talks. This indicates ongoing difficulties in resolving the long-standing territorial dispute.

• Reaffirmation of Military Cooperation with Laos: On February 16, 2026, General Vong Pisen, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), met with Saichay Kommasith, Deputy Minister of National Defense and Chief of the General Staff of the Lao People's Army, in Phnom Penh. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening and expanding military cooperation, including exchanges of visits, joint security cooperation, border order maintenance, information exchange to combat terrorism and transnational crimes, and scholarship exchanges.

• Mandatory Military Conscription Implementation: Cambodia is set to implement its long-dormant military conscription law starting in 2026, with the service period extended from 18 to 24 months. This decision, announced in July 2025, is partly in response to rising tensions with Thailand and aims to strengthen the country's defense capacity and modernize the military.

• Strengthening Ties with Vietnam: On February 20, 2026, General Secretary To Lam of Vietnam met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on the sidelines of the Board of Peace meeting. Lam affirmed Vietnam's prioritization of its relationship with Cambodia and suggested promoting political relations, economic and trade linkages, and deepening ties between Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.

• Continued Strong Relations with China: Cambodia and China jointly hosted a gala night in Phnom Penh on February 17, 2026, to celebrate the 2026 Lunar New Year, underscoring their "all-weather" partnership and deep-rooted cultural ties. This event highlighted the advancement of bilateral relations into a community with a shared future, steered by the leadership of both countries.

Geopolitical Impact and Regional Dynamics

Cambodia's recent security developments highlight its complex balancing act within the Southeast Asian geopolitical landscape, particularly between major powers like the United States and China. The participation of Prime Minister Hun Manet in the US-led Board of Peace and the subsequent removal of Cambodia from the US arms sale blacklist signify a notable warming of US-Cambodia relations. This shift could potentially diversify Cambodia's strategic partnerships and reduce its perceived over-reliance on China, offering new avenues for defense cooperation and economic investment from Western nations. However, Cambodia simultaneously maintains robust ties with China, as evidenced by the Lunar New Year celebrations and ongoing rhetoric of a "community with a shared future," which continues to be a cornerstone of its foreign policy, encompassing economic, political, and security links.

The persistent border disputes with Thailand, despite ceasefire efforts and US diplomatic involvement, remain a significant source of regional instability. Prime Minister Hun Manet's accusations of Thai occupation underscore the fragility of the situation and the potential for renewed conflict, which could draw in regional actors and complicate ASEAN's efforts towards regional cohesion. Similarly, ongoing maritime tensions with Vietnam, particularly concerning the Funan Techno Canal, reflect broader anxieties about territorial integrity and economic interests in the South China Sea region. While Cambodia seeks to assert its maritime access, Vietnam aims to protect its strategic and commercial interests, creating a delicate balance of power.

Cambodia's active diplomacy with both the US and regional neighbors like Laos and Vietnam, while navigating its strong relationship with China, demonstrates a pragmatic approach to foreign policy. The reaffirmation of military cooperation with Laos and discussions with Vietnam on deepening ties contribute to regional security frameworks, albeit within the context of existing border challenges. The US's renewed engagement and Cambodia's efforts to combat cybercrime also reflect a commitment to international norms, potentially enhancing its standing in multilateral forums and with the European Union, which has historically focused on governance and human rights.

Military and Defense Analysis

Cambodia is embarking on a significant transformation of its military and defense posture, primarily driven by the impending implementation of mandatory military conscription in 2026. This long-dormant law, passed in 2006, will now require all Cambodian citizens aged 18 to 30 to serve for 24 months, an extension from the original 18 months. This move is explicitly linked to rising tensions with Thailand and aims to bolster troop numbers across all military units, improve the selection process for professional soldiers, and enhance the country's overall defense capacity.

Accompanying the conscription, there is a clear intention to increase the Kingdom's defense budget and modernize the military. Experts are calling for the next generation of soldiers to be equipped with modern warfare skills, including the use of drones, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity capabilities, to effectively protect the nation in contemporary conflicts. This indicates a strategic shift from a mass-force-based military to one focused on quality, skills, and technology.

The recent removal of Cambodia from the US Commerce Department's arms sale blacklist on February 20, 2026, presents a new opportunity for defense acquisitions and capability development. This thaw in military relations could open doors for Cambodia to diversify its arms suppliers and potentially access more advanced Western military technology, which could complement its existing defense ties, particularly with China. While the specifics of future acquisitions are yet to be seen, this development could significantly impact Cambodia's modernization programs and force posture, allowing for a more balanced approach to its defense needs.

Outlook and Forecast

Short-term trends (1-3 months): In the immediate future, Cambodia is likely to continue its active diplomatic engagement, particularly with the United States and European partners, following Prime Minister Hun Manet's recent visits. The intensified crackdown on cybercrime and online scam networks will persist, with authorities aiming to meet the April 2026 deadline for eradication. Border tensions with Thailand are expected to remain elevated, with continued diplomatic exchanges and potential for localized incidents, especially given the stalled regional border talks. Preparations for the implementation of mandatory military conscription will accelerate, with public awareness campaigns and logistical planning becoming more prominent.

Critical flashpoints and risk areas: The Cambodia-Thailand border dispute remains the most critical flashpoint. Prime Minister Hun Manet's direct accusation of Thai occupation, coupled with reports of troop reinforcements and provocative actions, indicates a high risk of escalation despite ceasefire agreements. Any miscalculation or localized incident could quickly reignite broader conflict. The Funan Techno Canal project also presents a potential flashpoint with Vietnam, as it threatens Vietnam's economic interests and raises environmental concerns, potentially leading to increased diplomatic friction or even physical obstruction efforts by Vietnam. The ongoing efforts to dismantle cybercrime networks, while positive, could also lead to internal security challenges as criminal elements resist or relocate.

Indicators to monitor: Key indicators to monitor include the progress of the joint boundary commission between Cambodia and Thailand, any further military movements or clashes along the border, and the success of the cybercrime eradication campaign by April 2026. The nature and extent of US-Cambodia defense cooperation following the removal from the arms blacklist will be crucial, particularly any announced defense acquisitions or joint military exercises. Additionally, monitoring the rhetoric and actions surrounding the Funan Techno Canal and Vietnam's response will be important for assessing maritime security.

Strategic recommendations: Cambodia should prioritize diplomatic resolution of its border disputes with Thailand and Vietnam through established bilateral and multilateral mechanisms, leveraging its improved ties with the US to encourage mediation if necessary. Continued investment in military modernization and training, particularly in modern warfare skills like cybersecurity and drone operations, is essential to enhance defensive capabilities and deter aggression. The Kingdom should strategically leverage its warming relations with the United States to diversify defense acquisitions, attract foreign investment, and strengthen its position in regional security dialogues, while carefully managing its long-standing relationship with China to avoid alienating either major power. Finally, sustaining the cybercrime crackdown with robust legal frameworks and international cooperation will be vital for national security and international reputation.