Cambodia Deports 36 Thai Nationals for Illegal Border Crossing and Fraudulent Entry

Cambodia has deported 36 Thai nationals, including 18 women, to Thailand. The individuals were apprehended for illegal border crossings and fraudulent entry, which reportedly included criminal activities within military facilities. The deportation was carried out through the Poipet International Border Crossing in Banteay Meanchey province. According to Colonel Ee Chamroeun, Chief of the Poipet International Border Gate Police Post, the operation took place on the afternoon of July 24, 2026. The deportation was a collaborative effort involving forces from the Siem Reap-based expulsion preparation unit, the Investigation and Procedure Enforcement Directorate-General of Immigration, led by Major General Yeum Man, Deputy Chief of the Investigation and Procedure Enforcement Directorate, and Lieutenant Colonel Chhay Chhoun, Chief of the Procedure Enforcement Office of the Udor Mean Chey Provincial Police Commissioner. Pan Kham Bunthon, Chief of the working group for local base support in Poipet City, and other relevant institutions also attended the handover and deportation process. Officials from the Thai side at the Klong Luek border checkpoint were present to receive the deported individuals according to bilateral procedures. Cambodian authorities have been intensifying efforts to crack down on Thai nationals who illegally cross the border to commit crimes in Cambodia, particularly online scams. This deportation is seen as part of these ongoing enforcement actions. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local