PM Hun Manet Honors Fallen Troops, Vows Economic and Defense Strengthening

PHNOM PENH, July 25, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet has paid tribute to members of the armed forces, National Police and Royal Gendarmerie killed while defending the country’s territory, marking one year since what Phnom Penh describes as a Thai military incursion. Speaking at a full Cabinet meeting Friday, Samdech Thipadei expressed gratitude to those who lost their lives and praised personnel currently deployed along the frontier for safeguarding Cambodia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and the security of its people. Referring to the period from July 24, 2025 to July 24, 2026, he urged Cambodians to use the anniversary as motivation to strengthen the nation in areas including the economy, defence and human resource development. Hun Manet also highlighted progress in Cambodia’s campaign against technology-enabled scam networks. He called on authorities to maintain pressure on online fraud operations, saying enforcement should continue without interruption. He described the campaign as “cleaning our own house”, stressing that dismantling scam networks at their source formed part of broader efforts to strengthen institutions and improve economic resilience. Border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand flared in mid-2025, prompting ASEAN mediation and a ceasefire agreement. Phnom Penh maintains Thai forces crossed into Cambodian territory, while Bangkok has offered a different account of the incident. The anniversary comes as ASEAN observers, including newly deployed Singaporean officers, continue monitoring the ceasefire along the frontier. Hun Manet’s remarks underscored Cambodia’s dual focus on defending sovereignty and tackling internal challenges seen as critical to long-term stability.