Country Risk Report
Cambodia
Phnom Penh
Khmer (official); English and French used
Cambodian riel (KHR); US dollar widely used
Executive Summary
Cambodia is classified as a MEDIUM risk destination, combining a serious scam-compound and trafficking crisis, a recent border conflict with Thailand, and a landmine legacy, alongside ordinary tourist crime. The country has become a centre for industrial-scale cyber-fraud compounds in which large numbers of people, including foreigners lured by fake job offers, have been trafficked and held against their will, an estimated 150,000 people in total. A six-month border conflict with Thailand, which began in late 2025 partly over cross-border scam compounds, saw Thai airstrikes on compounds in December 2025, displaced hundreds of thousands on both sides, and ended in a fragile December ceasefire, with tension and unexploded ordnance persisting near the border into 2026. A mass exodus from scam compounds from January 2026 created a humanitarian crisis. Cambodia remains one of the world's most landmine-affected countries, with contamination concentrated in border and rural areas, and the CPP government under Prime Minister Hun Manet maintains tight political control. Tourists face theft, bag-snatching, scams and drink-spiking, particularly in nightlife areas, while Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and the main tourist sites function normally. Cover for Cambodia is available on a specialist basis, with the Thai border areas typically excluded.
Risk Matrix
| Category | Risk Rating | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Armed Conflict | Moderate | A recent border conflict with Thailand ended in a fragile ceasefire with residual tension. |
| Terrorism | Low | No significant terrorism threat. |
| Kidnapping | Moderate | Trafficking into scam compounds effectively holds foreigners against their will. |
| Crime | Moderate-High | Theft, bag-snatching, scams and organised cyber-fraud are prevalent. |
| Civil Unrest | Low-Moderate | Occasional unrest; the state tightly controls dissent. |
| Health & Medical | Moderate | Limited care outside Phnom Penh; serious cases need evacuation. |
| Internal Travel | Moderate | Border tension, landmines and poor roads affect travel. |
| Digital / Cyber | Moderate | Industrial-scale cyber-fraud; monitoring and scams occur. |
Essential Precautions
Security Situation
Cambodia's risk combines the scam-compound and trafficking crisis, the aftermath of a border conflict with Thailand, and a landmine legacy, alongside ordinary tourist crime. Main tourist areas function normally, while border regions and compound-linked recruitment carry particular risk.
Phnom Penh and the Centre
Siem Reap and the Tourist North-west
The Thai Border (Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear)
The Coast and Sihanoukville
Detailed Risk Assessment
Armed Conflict
A six-month border conflict with Thailand in late 2025, partly linked to cross-border scam compounds, ended in a fragile December ceasefire that many border residents expect to be short-lived. Tension and displacement persist near the border.
Terrorism
There is no significant terrorism threat in Cambodia. Security risks stem from organised crime, the border situation and landmines rather than terrorism.
Kidnapping and Trafficking
The defining abduction-type risk is trafficking into scam compounds, where an estimated 150,000 people, including foreigners lured by fake job offers, have been held against their will and forced to work.
Crime and Lawlessness
Theft, bag-snatching, particularly by motorbike, scams and drink-spiking affect tourists, and organised cyber-fraud is pervasive. Policing is weak and corruption is common.
Internal Travel
Border tension, landmine contamination in border and rural areas, and poor road safety complicate travel. Air and main-road links to tourist sites are functional.
Health and Disease
Healthcare is limited outside Phnom Penh, and serious cases require evacuation, often to Bangkok. Malaria and dengue are present in rural areas.
Cultural and Religious Sensitivities
Cambodia is predominantly Buddhist with strong temple etiquette. Modest dress at temples and sensitivity around politics and the Khmer Rouge legacy are advisable.
LGBT Travellers
Cambodia is relatively tolerant by regional standards, with no criminalisation of same-sex relationships, though limited legal protections and conservative attitudes exist in rural areas.
Landmines and Unexploded Ordnance
Cambodia remains one of the world's most landmine-affected countries, with contamination concentrated in border and rural areas, compounded by unexploded ordnance from the recent border conflict.
Diplomatic and Government Situation
The CPP government under Prime Minister Hun Manet, with Hun Sen retaining influence, maintains tight political control and has suppressed opposition, while managing the border dispute and international pressure over scam compounds.
Digital and Cyber Threats
Cambodia hosts industrial-scale cyber-fraud operations, and travellers should be alert to online scams, recruitment traps and monitoring.
Vaccinations & Health Hazards
Strongly Recommended
- Hepatitis A and Typhoid
Recommended due to contaminated food and water.
- Hepatitis B and Tetanus
Recommended for many travellers.
- Japanese Encephalitis
Consider for rural or long stays.
- Rabies
Consider for rural or long stays.
Other Health Hazards
- Malaria and dengue: Present in rural and forested areas; take bite-avoidance measures.
- Food and water hygiene: Practise strict hygiene; waterborne illness is common.
- Drink-spiking: A risk in nightlife areas; watch your drinks.
- Medical evacuation: Serious cases require evacuation, often to Bangkok; hold cover.
Choosing the Right Insurance
Cover for Cambodia is available on a specialist basis, with the Thai border areas typically excluded. The main tourist areas are manageable with normal precautions, while border regions require particular caution, and cover should include medical and evacuation provisions.
Annex A — Key Risk Dynamics
Checkpoints and Detention Triggers
Police checkpoints occur, with corruption common; cooperate calmly. Thai border crossings may be disrupted and sensitive. Carry ID and a clear travel purpose. Avoid photographing military and border sites.Kidnapping and Detention Dynamics
Fake job offers traffic foreigners into scam compounds. Be sceptical of lucrative offers requiring travel or documents. Border areas carry additional risk. Risk rises in nightlife areas and on isolated routes.High-Risk Travellers
Job-seekers and remote workers face compound-recruitment risk. Border-area travellers face conflict and landmine risk. Nightlife visitors face theft and drink-spiking risk. Independent rural travellers face landmine risk.Annex B — Key Preparation & Checklists
Essential Preparation and Medical
Vet all offers and never accept unverified job or travel offers. Avoid the Thai border and favour Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and the coast. Hold medical and evacuation cover. Take malaria precautions in rural areas.Digital Security and Checkpoints
Be alert to online scams and recruitment traps. Keep devices secure against theft. Guard financial information. Limit public location sharing.Movement and Operational Security
Avoid the border and stay on established routes in rural areas. Never leave marked paths in mined areas. Use reputable transport and agree fares. Take particular care in nightlife areas.Conduct and Legal Compliance
Dress modestly and respect Buddhist sites. Avoid political activity and sensitive topics. Avoid photographing military and border sites.This report is provided for information only and does not constitute travel or security advice. Ratings are indicative and subject to change without notice. Confirm current conditions with Hotspot Cover before any deployment.
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