Government officials and non-ruling political figures in Cambodia have voiced strong opposition to the use of the term “Scambodia,” calling it offensive and damaging to the country’s reputation.
The label has appeared in international media reports describing Cambodia as a hub for online scam operations, often linked to casino compounds that have drawn global attention in recent years. The phrase has circulated widely, prompting anger among Cambodians from different sectors of society.
The New Generation Party issued a statement condemning the use of the term by the Wall Street Journal, describing it as unprofessional and a serious insult to the dignity of the Cambodian nation. The party acknowledged that Cambodia faces challenges related to cybercrime, which it described as a global issue, but said no individual or media organisation has the right to distort the country’s official name.
The term was first popularised earlier this year by South Korea’s Chosun Daily in a report on Cambodia’s shifting security policies and efforts to crack down on cybercrime. That article also linked the issue to tensions along the Thai border and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Other international investigations have gone further, alleging connections between scam operations and individuals linked to political elites and business figures. A report published on April 1, 2026, by the US-based research group AICPA SOC described businessman Oknha Phu Kok An, who is known to have close ties to former leader Hun Sen, as a prominent figure in Cambodia’s casino sector.
The report also noted that authorities in the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Korea have intensified efforts to dismantle transnational scam networks, which are believed to have defrauded victims of around 60 billion dollars since 2020.
Despite their criticism of international media, the New Generation Party expressed full support for the Cambodian government’s efforts to enforce the law and eliminate online scam centres. It called for strict action against those involved, including officials accused of enabling such activities.
Cambodia’s Human Rights Committee also criticised the use of the term “Scambodia.” Its president, Keo Remy, said the label reflected a lack of journalistic ethics and could lead to discrimination and misunderstanding, harming the dignity of nearly 18 million Cambodians. He called on the Wall Street Journal to remove the term, issue a correction, and offer a formal apology.
The Wall Street Journal article, published on April 19, described how cybercrime has become a major industry in Cambodia, alleging that it has fuelled corruption and led to the proliferation of scam compounds across urban areas.
Meanwhile, official trade data presents a contrasting picture of the economy. Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce reported that exports to Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership countries reached nearly 3 billion dollars in the first quarter of 2026, while imports exceeded 8 billion dollars, bringing total trade to more than 11 billion dollars.
