Amid escalating tensions at the Thai-Cambodian border, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet responded to external accusations of the country being a haven for online gambling, stating that these criticizing nations are "diverting attention."
Hun Manet, speaking at the closing ceremony of the Cambodian Scouts Congress in Phnom Penh, mentioned that there is a lot of negative information about Cambodia online, but accusers should reflect on their own country's issues first. "Some countries always push the blame to neighboring countries as if they themselves have no problems," said Hun Manet.
Recently, Thailand has taken several retaliatory measures against Cambodia due to border disputes, including cutting off electricity to the illegal gambling area at the Poipet border and banning Thai citizens from working in local casinos. Thai authorities claim that places like Poipet have long been breeding grounds for online fraud and illegal gambling.
Despite Hun Manet's denial of the Cambodian government's condoning such activities, data previously released by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) shows that Cambodia has become one of the global centers for online fraud, with Sihanoukville being particularly affected. Additionally, Thai police have accused relatives of Hun Manet of being involved with scam groups, a claim he strongly denies.
The dispute highlights the tension and mistrust between Cambodia and its neighbors over issues of cybercrime.
