Cambodia Defends Intelligence Operations, Cites 'Color Revolution' Prevention

By: Ngoeul Narath/ Translate by: Minea Son PHNOM PENH, Sept 8, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s Interior Ministry has defended the use of intelligence-gathering to monitor political activists, saying the measures do not suppress political rights but are intended to safeguard social stability. Ren Rattanak, spokesman for Interior Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Sar Sokha, said the operations were aimed at preventing activities authorities believe could destabilise the country, including attempts to stage what the government calls a “colour revolution.” His comments followed Sokha’s directive to law enforcement on Monday to strengthen intelligence capabilities against drug-trafficking networks. At a conference reviewing commune and sangkat councils, Sokha urged that methods used to monitor opposition activists also be applied to combating narcotics crime. In a statement posted on the ministry’s Facebook page Tuesday, Rattanak said the move reflected the need to improve monitoring and investigation of drug offences. He argued that intelligence tools had previously helped authorities respond to alleged efforts to create disorder, warning such activities could harm citizens, businesses and investors. Rattanak noted that intelligence agencies worldwide operate as state security services, tasked with tracking individuals or groups suspected of unlawful activity. The remarks come amid ongoing debate over the balance between national security and political freedoms in Cambodia. Authorities have long used the term “colour revolution” to describe alleged attempts to destabilise the government through mass mobilisation. Critics warn that surveillance of political opponents risks curbing freedom of expression and political activity. Rattanak’s statement did not outline legal safeguards governing intelligence operations or specify when activists may be monitored.