Legislative and Regulatory Developments
Government Advances Draft Law on Suppression of Illegal Gambling
The Council of Ministers convened a technical meeting to review the "Draft Law on Suppression of Illegal Gambling." Led by Secretaries of State Sok Pheng and Noeu Bounner, the session involved the Council of Jurists and the Economic, Social, and Cultural Council. The draft aims to strengthen the legal framework for combating illegal gambling activities, though specific provisions regarding penalties or enforcement mechanisms were not detailed in this update.
(OCM · link)
Justice Ministry Reviews Criminal Code Amendments
The Ministry of Justice held a technical working group meeting to discuss amendments to the Criminal Code. Key areas under review include provisions related to organized crime, exemptions from punishment, corporate criminal liability, and the increase of fines for certain misdemeanors. The amendments aim to modernize the code and enhance its effectiveness in addressing contemporary criminal challenges.
(MOJ · link)
SERC Reviews Amendment to Derivatives Business Regulations
The Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia (SERC) led a meeting to review and amend regulations governing the derivatives business. The initiative aims to increase management efficiency, supervision transparency, safety, and market order within the derivatives sector. This move signals a potential tightening or clarification of compliance standards for financial intermediaries operating in this market.
(SERC · link)
Draft Prakas on Elevator Installation Licenses Under Preparation
The Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC) is drafting a Prakas on "Elevator Installation Licenses." The regulation aims to establish a clear legal framework, safety standards, and technical requirements for managing elevator installation operations. This introduces a new licensing requirement for construction and engineering firms involved in vertical transportation systems.
(MLMUPC · link)
Draft Sub-Decree on Road Right-of-Way Management Reviewed
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) reviewed the draft Sub-Decree on "Management of Road Right-of-Way Usage." The meeting focused on aligning the draft with existing laws and regulations before submission to the Council of Ministers. The sub-decree aims to regulate the use of land along road networks, which has implications for property owners and businesses located near national roads.
(MPWT · link)
Investment and Infrastructure
French Utility EDF Discusses $1.2 Billion Hydropower Investment
Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth met with a delegation from Électricité de France (EDF) to discuss a proposed investment in an 800-megawatt hydropower project estimated at over $1.2 billion. The government expressed support for the project, emphasizing energy security, affordable pricing, and grid stability as national priorities. The project aligns with Cambodia's goal to diversify energy sources and reduce reliance on coal.
(OCM · link)
PPLC Superport Project Moves Forward with Connectivity Plans
The MPWT discussed the connection of the PPLC Superport & Industrial Co., Ltd. project to the national transport network. The project, a registered Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and Qualified Investment Project (QIP), involves integrating road and rail infrastructure with existing public networks. Discussions focused on technical standards for road and rail connections to ensure seamless logistics operations.
(MPWT · link)
Electronic Tablet Assembly Plant Announced
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport announced that a factory for assembling electronic tablets will be established in Cambodia. This initiative supports the government's "Pentagonal Strategy" focus on technology and digital economy development. The plant is expected to supply devices for digital education, enhancing access to technology for students.
(MoEYS · link)
Cambodia Ratifies UN Vehicle Regulations Agreement
Cambodia has ratified the 1958 UN Agreement on vehicle regulations and will become a full member in April 2026. This was highlighted during the MPWT's participation in the 88th session of the Inland Transport Committee in Geneva. Membership allows Cambodia to adopt international standards for vehicle safety and parts, potentially impacting vehicle importers and manufacturers.
(MPWT · link)
Security and Border Affairs
Security Alert and Displaced Persons at Border
The General Department of Immigration issued a press statement regarding displaced persons and the impact on civilian areas resulting from actions by the Thai military. As of the report, approximately 580,000 displaced persons have returned to their homes, while 69,568 remain displaced. The National Police also convened a high-level command meeting to monitor security and stability along the Cambodia-Thailand border.
(Immigration · link)
Japan Provides $1M Grant for Conflict-Affected Migrant Workers
The Government of Japan, through the ILO, provided a grant of approximately $1 million to support migrant workers returning due to the border conflict. The project, witnessed by the Ministry of Women's Affairs and MLVT, aims to promote employment and livelihood support for returnees in provinces such as Oddar Meanchey, Pursat, and Preah Vihear.
(Women’s Affairs · link)
Indonesia Pledges Cooperation on Online Scams and Trafficking
In a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Sar Sokha, the Indonesian Ambassador reaffirmed cooperation in combating online scams, human trafficking, and drug crimes. The ambassador supported Cambodia's campaign to crackdown on cyber scams and facilitate the repatriation of Indonesian nationals involved. Both sides emphasized peaceful resolution mechanisms for regional security.
(National Police · link)
Immigration Deports Over 1,000 Foreign Nationals
The General Department of Immigration deported 1,089 foreign nationals (including 57 women) between February 14-16, 2026. The individuals were involved in illegal border crossing, online scams, online gambling, and working without permits. Deportations were conducted via Phnom Penh International Airport and the Prek Chak border checkpoint.
(Immigration · link)
Institutional Reform and Compliance
Civil Servant Census Preparation Underway
The Ministry of Civil Service and the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI) held a workshop to prepare for the census of civil servants. This is part of a broader reform to update the structure and actual count of personnel across nine ministries within the executive branch to improve public administration efficiency.
(Civil Service · link)
World Bank "B-READY" Project Assessment
The MLMUPC held a meeting to review questionnaires for the World Bank's "Business Ready (B-READY)" project. The initiative aims to assess and improve the business and investment climate in Cambodia, specifically focusing on land management, urban planning, and construction sectors.
(MLMUPC · link)
Training on Digital Financial Reporting for SMEs
The Accounting and Auditing Regulator (ACAR) announced a training session on the "Digital Financial Reporting Platform" for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Not-for-Profit Organizations. The training is scheduled for March 13, 2026, aiming to enhance compliance with financial reporting standards.
(ACAR · link)
Digital Systems Introduced for Labor Inspection
The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) conducted training for labor inspectors on using digital systems for inspection. The initiative involves 283 inspectors and aims to modernize labor compliance monitoring, strengthening enforcement capabilities across factories and enterprises.
(MLVT · link)
Speed Limit Guidelines Issued for Expressway
The MPWT issued a public advisory on speed limits for the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway. Minimum speed is set at 60km/h. Maximum speeds are 120km/h for light vehicles, 100km/h for heavy vehicles without trailers, and 80km/h for vehicles with trailers. Drivers must adhere to specific signage and reduce speed to 40km/h at interchanges.
(MPWT · link)
Health and Environment
National Action Plan on Climate Change for Public Health
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the ADB, is updating the "National Action Plan on Climate Change Response for Public Health 2026-2030." The plan focuses on strengthening institutional capacity, disease surveillance, and infrastructure resilience to manage health risks associated with climate change.
(Health · link)
Procurement of Smokeless Medical Waste Incinerators
The Ministry of Environment confirmed the procurement of smokeless incinerators for medical and plastic waste following a site visit to a manufacturing facility. This procurement aims to reduce air pollution and improve hazardous waste management in Cambodia.
(Environment · link)
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