Cambodia Roundup: Weapons retreat on border, US tariffs, cyber scam problem

Cambodia starts withdrawing heavy weapons from Thai border after peace deal

Cambodia has begun pulling back heavy weapons from its border with Thailand, marking the first phase of implementing the peace agreement signed in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday. Defence Ministry spokeswoman Lieutenant General Maly Socheata said the withdrawal began late on October 26, with ASEAN observers inspecting returning armoured vehicles in Siem Reap the following morning. The move follows the joint declaration signed by Prime Ministers Hun Manet and Anutin Charnvirakul, witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian leader Anwar Ibrahim.

General suspended for pistol-whipping woman in traffic dispute

Cambodia’s National Military Police have suspended Brigadier General Chhim Chhem and referred his case to the Phnom Penh Municipal Court after he pistol-whipped a woman during a traffic altercation. Chhem is charged with “intentional acts of violence” under Article 217 of the Criminal Code, which carries a sentence of six months to three years. Authorities said Chhem attacked 20-year-old Pen Sokna after she blocked his car and demanded $5 in compensation for damage to her motorcycle. He has admitted guilt and pledged to compensate the victim.

Cambodia to scrap all tariffs on US goods under landmark trade deal

Cambodia will remove all tariffs on US industrial and agricultural products under a new trade agreement announced by the White House, granting American exporters unprecedented market access. The deal, signed alongside the ASEAN Summit, commits Cambodia to eliminate duties on US food, machinery and manufactured goods, while Washington will maintain a 19% reciprocal tariff, except for certain products that will face none. Phnom Penh also pledged to cut non-tariff barriers, recognise US safety and agricultural standards, and bolster labour, environmental and intellectual property protections. President Trump hailed the pact as “a forward-looking and tough trade deal” benefiting American workers and farmers.

Four foreigners arrested in Siem Reap over online ‘love scam’

Cambodian authorities have arrested four foreign nationals in Siem Reap for allegedly running a cryptocurrency “love scam” targeting victims abroad. The joint operation, carried out on October 24 by provincial police and prosecutors, led to the arrest of three Chinese men — Xiao Song, Han Jiajia and Qin Cilong — and a Vietnamese woman, Luong Thi Que, at a rented villa in Sala Kanseng Village. Officers seized computers, phones and other evidence. The suspects admitted to posing as online romantics to defraud victims. Officials said the arrests form part of Cambodia’s wider crackdown on technology-based crime.

Cop killed in Kampong Thom drug raid

A police officer was killed and another seriously injured after a drug dealer opened fire with an AK-47 during a crackdown in Kampong Thom province on October 23. The shooting occurred in Bek Chan village, Taing Kork district, when suspect Thorn Dina, 29, and an accomplice opened fire on officers, killing Lieutenant Colonel Huon Saway and injuring Lieutenant Colonel Tim Channy. The suspects fled on a motorbike toward Kampong Cham province. Police have launched a manhunt.