AKP Phnom Penh, March 06, 2026 -- Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has stressed that efforts to combat crimes such as online scams, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and money laundering must go beyond routine enforcement and require collective responsibility.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the annual meeting of the National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD) held at Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel this afternoon, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said these crimes are interconnected and pose serious threats to Cambodia’s youth, economy, and society.

“Suppressing and taking legal measures against these crimes is a commitment for the future of our nation, not something done merely to complete a checklist,” he underlined.

The Prime Minister also noted that the current global situation remains fragile and complex, with a weakening international order that creates opportunities for criminal networks to develop both traditional and non-traditional tactics.

“In such circumstances, we must strengthen our efforts to eliminate weaknesses and reinforce what is strong,” he said.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet further explained that economic activities can be broadly divided into three categories: the black economy, the grey economy, and the white economy.

The black economy, he said, involves foreign criminal groups using Cambodia as a base to extract illicit profits from abroad. The grey economy refers to individuals who benefit locally from such activities, including property owners renting houses and certain workers. Meanwhile, the white economy represents legitimate sectors such as agriculture, tourism, industry, and services.

“We must not allow the black and grey economies to undermine the white economy where our citizens earn their livelihoods sustainably,” the Prime Minister stressed.

By Heng Panha