Category: Politics & Security
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Thailand classified Cambodia’s soldiers as POWs. Then called their release goodwill.
Thailand invoked Geneva Convention prisoner-of-war rules for 18 Cambodian soldiers in August 2025. That framework only exists inside international armed conflict. Five months later, Thailand described their repatriation as goodwill. The Convention calls it an obligation.
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Cambodia’s Nine-Month Enforcement Architecture: From Legal Amendment to Syndicate Removal
Between June 2025 and April 2026, Cambodia assembled nationality-law amendments, an institutional enforcement body, financial regulatory action, and dedicated legislation into a sequence that removed two figures linked to the Chen Zhi syndicate three years before the FATF assessment that could carry economic consequences.
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South Korea’s $13.5M forensic project sits where development aid meets a security crisis
On March 31, Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior and the Korea International Cooperation Agency signed a $13.5 million agreement to build forensic science laboratories inside the national police. The project’s official title frames it as capacity development. The bilateral timeline tells a more specific story. The Record of Discussion, signed by KOICA Cambodia country director Choi…
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UN Official Urges Peace and Respect for International Law After Cambodia–Thailand Border Tensions
The United Nations’ top official in Cambodia called for peace and respect for international law after meeting Cambodian human rights authorities, while allegations about the 2025 border conflict remain disputed between Phnom Penh and Bangkok.
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Thailand Most Exposed in ASEAN to Hormuz Shock as Energy, Tourism and Trade Risks Converge
BANGKOK, March 2026 – Thailand is emerging as one of Southeast Asia’s most economically exposed countries to a prolonged disruption of oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, as rising energy prices, aviation disruption and shipping instability threaten to strike three of the country’s core economic pillars simultaneously. Across ASEAN, governments are already responding to…
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Thailand election leaves establishment in charge but reform debate unresolved
Thailand’s conservative establishment tightened its grip on parliament following the February 2026 general election, with the Bhumjaithai Party emerging as the largest force in the House of Representatives. The Election Commission of Thailand certified 499 of 500 seats on March 4, allowing the new parliament to convene and begin government formation. Official results show Bhumjaithai…
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Thailand Says Thaksin Parole Review Will Follow Standard Procedures as May Eligibility Nears
Justice ministry stresses committee oversight for former premier’s potential release in May 2026 after serving roughly two-thirds of a one-year prison sentence, while several administrative details remain undisclosed.
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Cambodia, South Korea signal deeper investment cooperation as trade rises in early 2026
Cambodia and South Korea are stepping up efforts to strengthen economic cooperation, with bilateral trade rising in the first two months of 2026 and officials planning new investment dialogues and a potential Cambodian promotion mission to Seoul later this year.
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Cambodia denies Thai claim on border talks timing, says survey requests already submitted
Cambodia has rejected Thai claims that Prime Minister Hun Manet planned border talks after Khmer New Year, saying no such statement exists and that Phnom Penh has already submitted five requests to resume joint boundary surveys.
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Cambodia’s National Assembly deepens policy research ties with China’s SIIS
Cambodia’s National Assembly is expanding policy-research cooperation with China’s Shanghai Institutes for International Studies as Phnom Penh seeks to strengthen evidence-based legislative capacity.
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Israel’s Gas-Price Guilt Trip: Is Bangkok Just a Side-Show in a Foreign War?
The Israeli mission’s strategic redirection of Thai fuel-price outrage targets the state’s foundational Status Fragility, attempting to refatigate a Civilizational Hierarchy that subordinates Thai sovereign protection to Israeli agricultural necessity.
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Trump Signals Possible Endgame in Iran War as Oil Prices Swing and Markets Seek Stability
U.S. weighs sanctions flexibility and naval protection for Hormuz shipping while markets react to war signals and supply uncertainty.
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Thai Court Jails Ex-Move Forward MP in Candidate Eligibility Case, Renewing Focus on Election Enforcement
Rayong ruling enforces election eligibility law but raises questions about candidate screening and institutional oversight.
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Cambodia, UK Skills Partnership Sign Three-Year TVET MoU to Support Workforce Development
Agreement focuses on technical and vocational training, skills upgrading and workforce readiness as Cambodia seeks to strengthen human capital for emerging sectors.
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OIF Secretary-General Concludes Cambodia Visit as Phnom Penh Advances Francophonie Summit Preparations
Louise Mushikiwabo reviews preparations for the 20th Francophonie Summit, due in Phnom Penh on November 15–16, as Cambodia highlights coordination, logistics and multilateral engagement.
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Cambodia pushes legal and diplomatic case as Thai border tensions continue
Phnom Penh says it remains committed to ceasefire terms, civilian return and internationally recognised boundary principles, while Thailand rejects Cambodian allegations over troop positions and barriers.
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G7 weighs emergency oil reserve release after war-driven crude surge
G7 finance ministers were set to discuss a possible co-ordinated release of emergency oil reserves with the IEA after war-driven supply fears pushed crude to its highest levels since mid-2022, raising fresh concerns over inflation, energy security and global growth.
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Thai election’s Illusion of Stability Masks Deeper Structural Divides
Thailand’s February 2026 election produced a Bhumjaithai-led coalition that restores parliamentary stability but leaves a deep divide between provincial patronage politics and urban reformist support unresolved.
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After the Raids, Southeast Asia’s Scam Economy Shows Signs of Adaptation
Cambodia may be willing to raid the scam economy, but the world is not yet convinced it is able or willing to dismantle the system that keeps recreating it.
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Cambodian PM Links Peace and Security to Women’s Rights in International Women’s Day Message
Prime Minister Hun Manet said peace and security are essential foundations for advancing women’s rights and strengthening families, highlighting Cambodia’s efforts to expand gender equality and female participation in UN peacekeeping missions.