PHNOM PENH: In a high-stakes closing ceremony for the Ministry of Interior’s annual meeting on February 5, 2026, Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet delivered a directive focused on “cleaning house” and modernizing Cambodia’s internal security. The Premier combined high praise for the Ministry’s 2025 achievements with a stern warning of “surgery without exception” for corrupt officials.
The “Surgical” Crackdown on Crime
The cornerstone of Samdech Thipadei’s address was a zero-tolerance stance against social crimes that threaten the Kingdom’s integrity and international reputation. He specifically called for intensified operations against:
- Online Scams & Cyber-Fraud: Elevating this to a top-tier national security priority following massive 2026 raids.
- Narcotics & Gang Violence: Demanding the complete eradication of drug-related offenses and juvenile delinquency.
- Human Trafficking: Reinforcing Cambodia’s commitment to international human rights standards.
The Prime Minister issued a direct warning to civil servants and police: any official found complicit in these crimes, especially cyber-fraud, will be removed and prosecuted.
“We must be united in our commitment to clean our house by expelling all evil acts from the country completely, in order to bring back good things for our nation and people,” the Premier stated.
Roadmap for 2026: Digitalization and Local Safety
While enforcement was the dominant theme, the Prime Minister also provided a policy roadmap for the Ministry’s 2026 work agenda, focusing on the Pentagonal Strategy – Phase 1:
- Digital Transformation: Accelerating institutional modernization and human resource development in line with the “Digital Technology Strategic Plan 2023-2027.”
- Public Service Excellence: Improving the delivery of civil registration and identification services to make them more accessible to rural populations.
- Safe Village-Commune Policy: Strengthening the implementation of local-level security to prevent domestic violence, theft, and illegal gambling.
- Assistance to Displaced Citizens: Continuing to support the nearly 100,000 citizens affected by border-related displacements.
A Call for National Unity
Samdech Thipadei concluded by commending the leadership of H.E. Abhisantibindit Sar Sokha, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, for a 17% decrease in overall criminal offenses in 2025. He urged all officials—from provincial governors to commune chiefs—to remain vigilant and transparent in their service to the Cambodian people.
FAQ: The Ministry of Interior’s 2026 Agenda
It is a grassroots security initiative aimed at eliminating drugs, theft, gambling, and domestic violence at the local level. In 2026, the focus has expanded to include suppressing predatory lending and online scam centers hidden in local communities.
Following a series of large-scale operations in January 2026, the government is moving to dismantle these networks permanently to protect Cambodia’s digital economy and restore its international standing as a safe investment hub.
Citizens are encouraged to use the Ministry of Interior’s official digital channels and hotlines. The Prime Minister has guaranteed that reports of official involvement in cybercrime will be handled with “zero exceptions.”