In a significant step toward deeper regional collaboration, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra have pledged to combat online scams and boost bilateral trade during a two-day visit by the Thai leader to Cambodia on April 23-24, 2025. The agreement, announced at a joint press conference in Phnom Penh, underscores a shared commitment to tackling cross-border crime while advancing economic and environmental cooperation.
Cracking Down on Online Fraud
The centerpiece of the discussions between the two leaders was a resolute stance against online scams, a growing issue in Southeast Asia. Both prime ministers declared that their countries would not allow criminal groups to use their territories for illegal activities, including online fraud, human trafficking, and the spread of fake news. “We discussed existing cooperation, including information sharing to combat cross-border crimes such as online fraud, the spread of fake news, human trafficking, and the smuggling of counterfeit goods” said Hun Manet during the press conference. 
Paetongtarn echoed this sentiment, expressing appreciation for the joint efforts of their police forces. “I expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Hun Manet for the strong partnership of our police forces in combating online fraud and our continued collaboration to eliminate these criminal networks from the Cambodia-Thailand border region” she said. Recent joint operations have targeted online fraud syndicates in border areas like Poipet in Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey province, while Thai authorities have also cracked down on similar groups along their border with Myanmar.
Online scams have become a regional scourge, often involving sophisticated networks that exploit vulnerable populations. Victims are frequently lured with false promises of employment or investment opportunities, only to find themselves trapped in exploitative conditions. The Cambodia-Thailand border, with its porous nature and proximity to economic hubs, has emerged as a hotspot for such activities. Analysts suggest that this joint commitment could set a precedent for broader regional cooperation, though challenges remain in dismantling deeply entrenched criminal networks.
Broadening the Scope of Cooperation
Beyond crime, the two leaders outlined a comprehensive agenda to strengthen ties across multiple sectors. Environmental pollution, a persistent cross-border issue, was identified as a priority, with both sides agreeing to coordinate efforts to mitigate its impact on shared ecosystems. Military cooperation along the border is also set to be enhanced, including joint demining operations to address the lingering threat of landmines from decades of conflict in Cambodia.
Transportation and logistics were another focal point, with plans to improve land links and reduce costs for cross-border trade. Facilitating movement for tourism purposes was also discussed, alongside legal mechanisms to streamline the recruitment of Cambodian workers for jobs in Thailand. These measures aim to bolster people-to-people connections, a cornerstone of the long-standing relationship between the two nations.
The agreements reflect a pragmatic approach to addressing shared challenges. For instance, landmines continue to pose a deadly risk in border areas, particularly in Cambodia, where millions of unexploded devices remain from the Khmer Rouge era and subsequent conflicts. Joint demining efforts could not only save lives but also build trust between the two militaries, which have historically had tense relations over disputed border territories like the Preah Vihear temple area.
Economic Ambitions and Trade Targets
On the economic front, Hun Manet and Paetongtarn set an ambitious goal to increase bilateral trade to US$15 billion by 2027, a significant leap from the US$4.29 billion recorded in 2024. Last year’s trade figures marked a 15.5% increase from 2023, with Cambodian exports to Thailand reaching US$844.9 million (up 3.3%) and Thai imports totaling US$3.44 billion (up 18.9%). Thailand ranks as Cambodia’s fourth-largest trading partner, trailing China, the United States, and Vietnam.
The trade imbalance, heavily tilted in Thailand’s favor, remains a point of concern for Cambodian policymakers. While Thai goods dominate the Cambodian market, Cambodia’s exports—primarily agricultural products and garments—face stiff competition and regulatory hurdles. The new target of US$15 billion signals an intent to diversify trade and address these disparities, though experts caution that achieving this will require sustained policy alignment and infrastructure investment.
Seven cooperation deals were signed during the visit, covering areas such as trade, tourism, and security. While specific details of the agreements were not disclosed at the press conference, their scope suggests a multi-pronged effort to deepen economic integration. For Cambodia, closer ties with Thailand could provide a gateway to larger ASEAN markets, while Thailand stands to benefit from Cambodia’s growing labor pool and strategic location along key regional trade routes.
Historical Context and Regional Implications
The Cambodia-Thailand relationship has not always been smooth, marked by historical disputes over territory and cultural heritage. The Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site perched on the border, has been a flashpoint for military clashes as recently as 2011. However, under Hun Manet’s leadership—following his ascension to power in 2023 after decades under his father Hun Sen—and with Paetongtarn Shinawatra at the helm in Thailand, there appears to be a renewed push for reconciliation and mutual benefit.
This latest round of talks also comes against the backdrop of broader regional dynamics. Southeast Asia is grappling with a surge in cybercrime, much of it linked to transnational networks operating from border zones. The Cambodia-Thailand initiative to combat online scams could serve as a model for other ASEAN countries, particularly as the bloc seeks to strengthen its collective response to non-traditional security threats.
Moreover, environmental cooperation takes on added urgency given the region’s vulnerability to climate change. Cross-border pollution, often exacerbated by agricultural burning and industrial runoff, affects air and water quality in both countries. Joint action in this area could pave the way for more robust regional frameworks to address environmental challenges, a pressing concern as Southeast Asia faces rising temperatures and extreme weather events.
Public Sentiment and Challenges Ahead
Public reaction to the agreements has been cautiously optimistic. In Cambodia, where online scams have ensnared thousands of victims—many of whom are trafficked into forced labor—there is hope that stronger law enforcement ties with Thailand will disrupt these operations. However, skepticism persists about the government’s capacity to root out corruption within its own ranks, which some allege enables criminal networks to flourish.
In Thailand, the focus on trade and labor mobility has been welcomed by business communities, particularly in border provinces reliant on cross-border commerce. Yet, concerns linger over the potential influx of low-cost Cambodian labor, which could strain local job markets already grappling with economic recovery post-pandemic.
Implementation remains the key hurdle. While the signing of seven cooperation deals signals intent, translating these commitments into tangible outcomes will require sustained political will and coordination. Past agreements between the two nations have often faltered due to bureaucratic inertia or domestic political shifts. For instance, military cooperation has historically been undermined by nationalist sentiments on both sides, particularly during election cycles.
Looking Forward
As Cambodia and Thailand chart a path toward closer partnership, the stakes are high for both nations and the wider ASEAN region. Success in curbing online scams could bolster public trust in governance, while achieving the US$15 billion trade target by 2027 might reshape economic dynamics along their shared border. Yet, the road ahead is fraught with complexities, from entrenched criminal networks to historical grievances that simmer beneath the surface of diplomatic smiles.
For now, the joint commitment of Hun Manet and Paetongtarn Shinawatra offers a glimmer of hope for a more secure and prosperous border region. Whether this translates into lasting change remains an open question, one that will unfold in the coming years as both leaders navigate domestic pressures and regional challenges.
