South Korea-Cambodia Relations: A Model of Constructive Partnership Against Scamming

Senate president Hun Sen received a courtesy call from South Korean ambassador to Cambodia Kim Changyong at the Senate’s Solidarity Palace on January 29. SHS

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In an era where transnational cybercrime, particularly online scamming, has emerged as a global menace, international cooperation often falters into mutual blame and finger-pointing. However, the relationship between South Korea and Cambodia stands out as a beacon of proactive collaboration, technical assistance and mutual respect.

Far from merely criticising Cambodia as a hub for scam operations, South Korea has chosen a path of genuine partnership — offering technical expertise, funding support and sustained engagement. This approach not only addresses the immediate threats but also builds long-term capacity, making the South Korea-Cambodia model one that other nations should emulate.

Cambodia has faced significant international scrutiny due to the proliferation of online scam centres, often involving forced labour and sophisticated fraud schemes targeting victims worldwide.

Rather than isolating Cambodia, South Korea recognised the complexity of the issue: many scam operations are run by transnational criminal networks that exploit weak enforcement in multiple jurisdictions. Instead of issuing blanket condemnations, Seoul has invested in solutions.

High-level delegations, including those led by vice-foreign ministers and national security advisors, have visited Phnom Penh to coordinate responses. These efforts have yielded tangible results, such as joint investigations that uncovered multiple scam centres and facilitated the repatriation of South Korean nationals involved — sometimes as victims, sometimes as suspects.

A cornerstone of this cooperation is the establishment of dedicated mechanisms for action. Cambodia has demonstrated full commitment by allowing South Korea to maintain operational presence and liaison offices to tackle scamming directly. This includes joint task forces focused on intelligence sharing, raids on compounds and disrupting financial flows.

Cambodian authorities, under Prime Minister Hun Manet’s leadership, have repeatedly affirmed their dedication to eradicating these networks through enforcement, education and international partnerships. Successful operations have been praised by both sides, showcasing a level of trust and reciprocity rare in such sensitive matters.

South Korea’s support extends beyond immediate law enforcement. Technical assistance has been crucial — sharing expertise in cyber forensics, financial tracking and victim identification. Funding and capacity-building initiatives help Cambodian institutions strengthen their capabilities, from training police units to improving border controls. This “honest support” reflects a mature diplomatic philosophy: problems are solved through empowerment, not isolation.

By addressing root causes like poverty and weak digital governance that enable scams to thrive, South Korea contributes to Cambodia’s broader development, fostering stability that benefits the entire region.

Economic ties further illustrate the depth of this relationship. South Korea is a major investor and partner for Cambodia, with significant projects in infrastructure, manufacturing and trade.

Notably, the presence of tens of thousands of Cambodian workers in South Korea provides vital employment opportunities. As of mid-2025, approximately 46,800 Cambodians were working in Korea, primarily in agriculture, construction, and manufacturing sectors.

These jobs offer substantially higher wages than those available domestically, enabling remittances that support families and contribute to Cambodia’s economy. Cambodian workers are valued for their diligence, and programmes like the Employment Permit System (EPS) facilitate legal, structured migration. This labour mobility underscores South Korea’s role not as an exploiter but as a partner in human development.

In stark contrast, other international actors have leaned more heavily on accusations without equivalent constructive engagement. The US, while active in imposing sanctions on key figures and networks linked to scams in Cambodia, could enhance its approach by mirroring South Korea’s model. Increased technical and funding support — beyond sanctions and indictments — would empower Cambodian institutions more effectively.

Blame alone risks alienating partners; sustained capacity-building, joint training and economic incentives could yield better long-term results in dismantling criminal enterprises. The US has the resources and global influence to scale up such assistance, potentially transforming its relationship with Cambodia into a more collaborative one focused on shared security and prosperity.

Thailand’s stance also invites reflection. While Thailand has accused Cambodia of harbouring scam operations and even taken military actions against border compounds it identifies as scam centres, critics note that Thailand itself serves as a significant transit hub for trafficking victims into these networks. Reports highlight issues with corrupt officials facilitating cross-border movement and Thailand’s own citizens falling victim to scams at scale.

Accusations without parallel self-reflection and cooperative frameworks can escalate tensions rather than resolve problems. South Korea-Cambodia relations prove that joint task forces and liaison mechanisms achieve more than unilateral blame.

The success of South Korea-Cambodia ties lies in its balance of firmness and friendship. Both nations acknowledge the severity of the scam threat — South Korea has suffered direct losses, with millions defrauded and citizens trapped — but they channel this into action rather than animosity. Regular high-level dialogues, pledges to intensify anti-cybercrime efforts and commitments to broader economic cooperation create a virtuous cycle. Cambodia benefits from expertise and investment; South Korea protects its citizens and promotes regional stability.

This model offers valuable lessons for the international community. Scamming is a borderless crime requiring borderless solutions. Countries affected by these operations should prioritise:

Practical Support: Technical aid, funding for law enforcement and intelligence sharing.
Institutional Presence: Allowing partner nations operational support within legal frameworks.
Economic Integration: Labour mobility and investment that reduce vulnerabilities to crime.
Balanced Diplomacy: Combining pressure with partnership to encourage genuine reform.
As cyber threats evolve with advancing technology, relationships built on trust will prove most resilient. South Korea and Cambodia exemplify how two nations with different economic levels can forge a partnership that tackles shared challenges while advancing mutual interests. Their cooperation not only combats scamming effectively but also sets a standard for dignity and pragmatism in international relations.

In conclusion, the South Korea-Cambodia alliance demonstrates that true friendship in diplomacy means rolling up sleeves together rather than pointing fingers from afar. As other countries grapple with similar issues, they would do well to study and adopt this exemplary approach. By investing in cooperation today, the region — and the world — can build a safer digital future tomorrow.

Seun Sam is a policy analyst at the Royal Academy of Cambodia. The views and opinions expressed are his own.

-Phnom Penh Post-