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Asked: August 6, 2026In:

Cambodia’s Housing Market Begins to Regain Momentum Cambodia’s residential property market showed encouraging signs of improvement in May 2026 as home prices recorded their first meaningful monthly increase after several months of decline. According to the latest Residential ...Read more

Cambodia’s Housing Market Begins to Regain Momentum

Cambodia’s residential property market showed encouraging signs of improvement in May 2026 as home prices recorded their first meaningful monthly increase after several months of decline. According to the latest Residential Property Price Index released by the National Bank of Cambodia on July 31, residential property prices rose by 1.19 percent compared with April, suggesting that confidence is gradually returning to the market. Although prices remain below both their 2020 benchmark and the same period last year, the latest figures indicate that the market may be entering a period of greater stability after a prolonged slowdown.

Cambodia Housing Prices Rise

The recovery was largely driven by stronger demand in Phnom Penh, where residential property prices rebounded after consecutive monthly declines. While conditions remain mixed across different regions, improving buyer interest and growing transaction activity in the capital are helping support a gradual recovery. The data also reflects the banking sector’s continued efforts to monitor market conditions using internationally recognized methods, giving investors and industry stakeholders a clearer picture of the housing market’s direction.

Phnom Penh Leads the Recovery

The latest Residential Property Price Index increased to 99.32 using 2020 as the base year. The improvement was mainly supported by Phnom Penh, where the residential property index climbed 1.88 percent from the previous month to 99.92.

Despite the monthly increase, housing prices in the capital remained 1.93 percent lower than they were a year earlier. However, after months of declining prices, the latest rebound suggests that market activity is beginning to strengthen as more buyers return and confidence slowly improves.

Provincial Markets Present a Mixed Picture

While Phnom Penh experienced stronger growth, residential property prices outside the capital moved in the opposite direction during May. The provincial property index fell by 1.89 percent from April to 93.89.

Cambodia Housing Prices Show Signs of Recovery

However, the longer term picture was more encouraging. Compared with May 2025, residential property prices in the provinces were actually 1.95 percent higher, showing that regional markets continue to perform differently from Phnom Penh. This highlights the varying pace of recovery across Cambodia’s property sector.

Market Recovery Follows a Prolonged Slowdown

Cambodia’s residential property market has experienced a challenging period since reaching its peak during the middle of 2022. Since then, national housing prices have generally trended downward, with sharper declines recorded toward the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026.

January marked one of the weakest months during the recent downturn as the national property price index dropped by more than two percent. Against that backdrop, May’s positive growth is being viewed as an encouraging signal that market sentiment is gradually improving, especially in Phnom Penh where buying activity appears to be increasing.

National Bank Uses International Standards to Measure Prices

The National Bank of Cambodia calculates the Residential Property Price Index using the time dummy hedonic method, an internationally recognized approach that accounts for differences in property characteristics such as location, floor area, number of bedrooms, and the number of floors.

The methodology follows recommendations from the International Monetary Fund and relies on housing loan transaction data reported by banks and financial institutions. Statistical outliers are also removed to ensure the index accurately reflects broader market conditions rather than unusual individual transactions.

Readers who want to learn more about the methodology can visit the National Bank of Cambodia’s official website for additional information.

Experts Believe Buyer Confidence Is Returning

Speaking to Khmer Times, independent real estate consultant Mean Sovannarith said the latest figures provide encouraging signs that Cambodia’s property market is moving in a healthier direction.

“Although prices have not yet returned to their previous levels, it shows that buyer confidence is gradually returning,” he said, noting that data driven investors with a long term perspective are well positioned to seize opportunities before the market fully recovers.

He also emphasized the importance of cooperation among banks, developers, real estate professionals, and government authorities.

“For Cambodia, if banks, developers, real estate professionals, and the authorities work together to address cash-flow constraints, rebuild confidence, and better match products with actual market demand, the sector can recover more quickly and on a stronger foundation, he noted.

Sovannarith added that experienced investors and professionals with strong relationships in the banking sector can also help connect property owners, investors, and financial institutions to develop practical solutions that benefit everyone involved.

What Does This Mean for Cambodia’s Property Market?

Although Cambodia’s residential property prices remain below previous highs, the latest increase offers an encouraging sign that the market is slowly recovering. Stronger performance in Phnom Penh suggests that buyer confidence is returning, while stable lending practices and closer cooperation between financial institutions and developers could further support the recovery.

For investors, homebuyers, developers, and businesses connected to the real estate industry, the coming months will be important in determining whether this positive momentum continues across the country.

Conclusion

Cambodia’s residential property market is showing early signs of stabilization after a lengthy slowdown. While challenges remain and prices have yet to return to earlier levels, the May increase reflects improving market sentiment and renewed buyer confidence. If collaboration continues among financial institutions, developers, policymakers, and investors, the housing market could gradually regain stronger and more sustainable growth in the months ahead.

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Angkor Times
Angkor TimesExperienced
Asked: August 5, 2026

Online Shopping Grows as Cyber Fraud Risks Increase Online shopping has become part of everyday life for many people in Cambodia, offering greater convenience and access to a wide range of products. However, the growing popularity of digital ...Read more

Online Shopping Grows as Cyber Fraud Risks Increase

Online shopping has become part of everyday life for many people in Cambodia, offering greater convenience and access to a wide range of products. However, the growing popularity of digital shopping has also created more opportunities for scammers to target unsuspecting buyers through fake online stores and fraudulent business pages. To help reduce these risks, Cambodia’s Anti Cybercrime Department has issued a set of practical safety recommendations that consumers should follow before placing an order or transferring money.

Anti-Cybercrime Department issues online shopping safety tips to prevent fraud

The department recently released five important guidelines designed to help shoppers identify suspicious sellers, avoid fake online businesses, and protect themselves from financial losses. The advice encourages consumers to verify sellers carefully and make informed decisions before completing any online purchase.

1. Check the Seller’s Page Before Making a Purchase

One of the first steps recommended by the Anti Cybercrime Department is to examine the transparency of a seller’s social media page. Consumers should look at important details such as when the page was created, whether its information has changed over time, and where the page administrators are located.

Newly created pages with limited information or suspicious activity may indicate a higher risk of fraud. Taking a few minutes to review these details can help shoppers avoid dealing with fake businesses that exist only to deceive customers.

2. Read Customer Reviews Carefully

The department also advises shoppers to review customer ratings, comments, and feedback before placing an order. Genuine reviews from previous buyers can provide valuable insight into a seller’s reliability and product quality.

Consumers should remain cautious if comments have been disabled or if many reviews appear identical or repetitive. According to the department, such patterns may suggest that the comments were generated by automated accounts or bots rather than genuine customers.

3. Be Careful of Prices That Look Too Good to Be True

Price is another important warning sign. The Anti Cybercrime Department recommends comparing advertised prices with normal market rates before making a purchase.

Products being sold at discounts of around 50 to 70 percent below their usual market value should raise suspicion. While legitimate promotions do exist, unusually low prices are often used by scammers to attract buyers and encourage quick payments.

4. Choose Cash on Delivery Whenever Possible

To reduce financial risk, the department encourages shoppers to select cash on delivery whenever the option is available.

This payment method allows customers to inspect the product before handing over their money. It also reduces the likelihood of losing funds if a seller fails to deliver the promised goods or sends an incorrect item.

5. Verify Bank Account Details Before Sending Money

Before making any bank transfer, consumers should confirm that the account holder’s name matches the official business or company they are purchasing from.

The department warns against sending money to unrelated personal bank accounts, as this is a common tactic used by online fraudsters. Verifying payment details before completing a transaction adds another layer of protection against scams.

Why These Safety Tips Matter?

As online commerce continues to expand across Cambodia, digital fraud is becoming more sophisticated. Simple verification steps such as checking page history, reviewing customer feedback, comparing prices, choosing secure payment methods, and confirming bank account information can significantly reduce the chances of becoming a victim of online scams.

By following these recommendations, consumers can shop with greater confidence while helping create a safer online marketplace for everyone.

Conclusion

The Anti Cybercrime Department’s latest guidance serves as a timely reminder that convenience should never replace caution when shopping online. Spending a few extra minutes to verify a seller and payment details can prevent costly mistakes and protect consumers from fraud. As Cambodia’s digital economy continues to grow, informed and vigilant shoppers will play an important role in making online commerce safer for everyone.

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Angkor Times
Angkor TimesExperienced
Asked: August 5, 2026In:

Old Siem Reap International Airport to Become a New Multi Functional Development Zone The former Siem Reap International Airport is preparing for a major transformation after years of serving as one of Cambodia’s key aviation gateways. In early ...Read more

Old Siem Reap International Airport to Become a New Multi Functional Development Zone

The former Siem Reap International Airport is preparing for a major transformation after years of serving as one of Cambodia’s key aviation gateways. In early August 2026, Angkor International Airport Investment (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. (AIAI), the developer behind Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, announced plans to redevelop the former airport site into a modern multi functional development zone in Siem Reap Province. The project aims to give new life to the historic airport while creating fresh opportunities for tourism, business, entertainment, and economic growth.

Cambodia's Old Siem Reap Airport Set for a New Future

The announcement was made during a meeting between Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism, H.E. Huot Hak, and Mr. Lu Wei, Chairman of Angkor International Airport Investment (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. The discussion focused on strengthening tourism, expanding air connectivity, and encouraging more investment in Siem Reap, one of Cambodia’s most important tourism destinations. The redevelopment reflects a broader effort to maximize the value of the former airport after operations moved to the new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport.

A New Vision for the Former Airport Site

According to Mr. Lu Wei, the redevelopment project will convert the old airport into a vibrant mixed use destination that combines tourism services, commercial activities, entertainment facilities, and various economic projects. Instead of leaving the site unused, the company plans to transform it into a dynamic area that supports both visitors and local businesses while contributing to Siem Reap’s long term economic development.

Minister Huot Hak welcomed the proposal and expressed his support for the project. He encouraged the development team to conduct comprehensive studies and prepare a detailed master plan that prioritizes sustainability, inclusiveness, and long term benefits for the province. The goal is to ensure the redevelopment creates lasting value while complementing Siem Reap’s growing tourism industry.

Preserving the Legacy of a Historic Airport

The former Siem Reap International Airport has played an important role in Cambodia’s aviation history for decades. It first opened in 1932 during the French colonial period and underwent major improvements in 1955 during the Sangkum Reastr Niyum era. In 1970, airport operations were suspended because of the civil conflict in Cambodia before reopening again in 2006 to support the country’s growing tourism sector.

For many years, the airport welcomed millions of international travelers visiting the Angkor Archaeological Park and helped establish Siem Reap as one of Southeast Asia’s leading cultural tourism destinations. Its redevelopment marks the beginning of a new chapter while preserving the significance of its historic role.

Why the Airport Was Closed?

The former airport officially ceased operations on October 16, 2023, when all commercial flights were transferred to the new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport located in Sotr Nikum District. The relocation was designed to protect the ancient Angkor temples from aircraft vibrations while also allowing Cambodia to accommodate larger aircraft and increase international air traffic capacity.

Cambodia's Old Siem Reap Airport Set for a New Future

The new airport provides modern infrastructure and greater operational capacity, positioning Cambodia to welcome more international visitors and support future tourism growth. Meanwhile, the redevelopment of the former airport site ensures that the valuable land continues contributing to the province’s economy instead of remaining inactive.

For additional background on Cambodia’s aviation and tourism developments, readers can visit the Ministry of Tourism’s official website and the official website of Siem Reap Angkor International Airport.

What Does This Mean for Cambodia?

The redevelopment of the former Siem Reap International Airport represents more than a simple land conversion. It reflects Cambodia’s strategy of modernizing its infrastructure while creating new economic opportunities from existing assets. By turning the historic airport into a multi functional development zone, Siem Reap could attract more investment, generate new jobs, expand tourism services, and strengthen its position as one of the country’s leading economic and tourism hubs.

Conclusion

The transformation of the former Siem Reap International Airport into a multi functional development zone signals a new era for one of Cambodia’s most recognizable aviation landmarks. While the new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport continues to serve international travelers, the historic airport site is expected to find new purpose through tourism, commerce, entertainment, and investment. If implemented successfully, the project could become another major milestone in Siem Reap’s ongoing development and reinforce Cambodia’s vision for sustainable economic growth.

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Angkor Times
Angkor TimesExperienced
Asked: August 5, 2026In:

Telegram has returned to Apple’s App Store after being temporarily removed worldwide this week, creating concerns among businesses, governments and users who rely heavily on the messaging platform for daily communication. The brief suspension happened after Apple found content ...Read more

Telegram has returned to Apple’s App Store after being temporarily removed worldwide this week, creating concerns among businesses, governments and users who rely heavily on the messaging platform for daily communication. The brief suspension happened after Apple found content on Telegram that violated its policies related to child sexual abuse material (CSAM), but the app was restored within hours after Telegram removed the reported content and banned the responsible account.

Telegram Briefly Disappeared from Apple’s App Store. Now It’s Back Why Should Businesses in Cambodia Care

The incident has drawn attention in Cambodia, where Telegram has become an important digital communication tool for businesses, government institutions and communities. While existing users were still able to use the application during the suspension, the temporary removal highlighted a bigger concern: the risks businesses face when depending too heavily on one digital platform for customer communication, marketing and operations.

Why Apple Removed Telegram and Restored It Shortly After?

Apple removed Telegram from its iPhone and iPad App Stores after determining that the platform contained content that breached its App Store rules regarding child sexual abuse material. During the suspension period, new users could not download Telegram, although people who already had the app installed could continue using it.

Apple later allowed Telegram to return after the company took immediate action to remove the violating content and block the account involved. The quick restoration showed how platform providers and app developers must work closely to meet safety and compliance requirements in global digital ecosystems.

Telegram said the removal was linked to a single user who shared illegal content, which was “immediately banned.” The company also stated that it had removed more than 337,900 groups and channels connected to child sexual abuse material during 2026, arguing that it actively works to prevent illegal activities on its platform.

Telegram also appeared to question Apple’s decision, saying that enforcement standards should be applied equally across all applications available through the App Store.

Cambodia’s Businesses Depend Heavily on Telegram Communication

The temporary removal attracted strong interest in Cambodia because Telegram has become one of the country’s most widely used communication platforms for business and professional activities.

Unlike some countries where platforms such as WhatsApp dominate workplace communication, many Cambodian companies use Telegram for customer engagement, employee coordination, marketing campaigns, announcements, customer support and business networking.

Government agencies, financial institutions, business associations and private companies frequently use official Telegram channels to share updates and communicate with their audiences. Many businesses also depend on Telegram groups to coordinate teams, provide services and maintain direct relationships with customers.

The short disruption did not affect existing users, but it demonstrated how quickly access could become a challenge when digital platforms depend on approval and distribution through major technology companies such as Apple.

Businesses Need to Prepare for Digital Platform Risks

The Telegram incident serves as a reminder that businesses should not rely on only one communication channel to operate and connect with customers.

If Telegram or any major platform faces longer restrictions, legal issues, technical failures or policy conflicts, organisations that depend entirely on the service could experience difficulties reaching customers, attracting new users and maintaining daily operations.

Digital experts often recommend that businesses build communication strategies across multiple channels, including company websites, email marketing, SMS, LinkedIn, social media platforms and alternative messaging applications. A diversified approach can help companies reduce risks and maintain business continuity during unexpected disruptions.

For Cambodian businesses that use Telegram as a primary communication tool, the incident is a valuable reminder to develop backup communication systems while continuing to benefit from the platform’s convenience and reach.

Telegram Faces Increasing Global Regulatory Pressure

The App Store incident comes as Telegram faces growing scrutiny from regulators in different parts of the world.

Australia’s online safety regulator recently launched legal action against Telegram, claiming the company failed to remove extremist material, including violent terrorist content. Telegram has rejected the allegations and said it plans to challenge the claims.

Telegram founder and Chief Executive Pavel Durov has also faced renewed criticism in Russia after authorities accused the platform of allowing channels, bots and chats allegedly linked to Ukrainian intelligence services and extremist organisations. Telegram has denied responsibility for illegal activities carried out by individual users.

In France, Durov remains involved in criminal proceedings connected to separate allegations involving criminal activities conducted through Telegram. The company has repeatedly rejected accusations of wrongdoing, arguing that technology platforms should not be blamed for unlawful actions committed by users.

Despite these challenges, Telegram remains one of the world’s largest messaging platforms, with hundreds of millions of active users. In emerging markets such as Cambodia, the platform continues to play a major role in connecting businesses, organisations and communities.

Conclusion

Telegram’s brief removal from Apple’s App Store was resolved quickly, but the incident highlighted an important lesson for businesses in Cambodia and beyond. Digital platforms provide powerful opportunities for communication and growth, but depending too heavily on a single service can create operational risks.

As Cambodia’s digital economy continues to expand, businesses should continue using platforms like Telegram while also building stronger, more flexible communication strategies that ensure they can stay connected with customers and partners under any circumstances.

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Angkor Times
Angkor TimesExperienced
Asked: August 5, 2026In:

Cambodia is strengthening its efforts to attract more international visitors through a comprehensive global marketing strategy that targets travelers, tourism businesses, airlines, and government partners. The Cambodia Tourism Board has introduced this multi channel approach as part of its ...Read more

Cambodia is strengthening its efforts to attract more international visitors through a comprehensive global marketing strategy that targets travelers, tourism businesses, airlines, and government partners. The Cambodia Tourism Board has introduced this multi channel approach as part of its first and second quarter initiatives to increase international arrivals, build stronger industry partnerships, and reshape Cambodia’s image as a world class travel destination. By combining digital promotion, international cooperation, trade partnerships, and destination marketing, the Board aims to create sustainable growth for the country’s tourism sector in the months and years ahead.

Cambodia Unveils Four Tourism Strategies

The strategy reflects Cambodia’s long term vision of becoming a more competitive destination in the global tourism market. Instead of relying on a single promotional method, the Board is working across four key business channels to reach different audiences while encouraging new travel experiences, expanding tourism packages, and creating stronger international connections.

Four Marketing Channels Drive Cambodia’s Tourism Strategy

According to the Cambodia Tourism Board’s first and second quarter reports, the international marketing strategy is built around four core business channels. These include Business to Customer, Business to Business, Business to Business to Customer, and Business to Government. Each channel serves a different purpose while contributing to the common goal of increasing visitor arrivals and strengthening Cambodia’s tourism industry.

Kim Minea, Chief Executive Officer of Cambodia Tourism Board
Kim Minea, Chief Executive Officer of Cambodia Tourism Board

Together, these four approaches allow Cambodia to promote its attractions directly to travelers, work closely with travel businesses, develop joint marketing campaigns with airline partners, and expand international cooperation with governments and tourism organizations. This coordinated strategy is expected to strengthen Cambodia’s position in key tourism markets around the world.

Reaching Global Travelers Through Digital Promotion

The Business to Customer strategy focuses on promoting Cambodia directly to international travelers through global media coverage, digital marketing campaigns, influencer collaborations, and film tourism projects that showcase the country’s cultural heritage and natural attractions.

During the first half of the year, the Cambodia Tourism Board welcomed representatives from ten international media organizations, including Wanderlust, The Guardian UK, and the South China Morning Post. It also hosted twenty content creators from Australia and India who produced travel focused content to inspire international audiences to visit Cambodia. These efforts are designed to modernize global perceptions of the Kingdom and increase awareness across important tourism markets.

Strengthening Partnerships With Travel Industry Professionals

The Business to Business strategy is designed to build stronger relationships with international travel agents, tour operators, and tourism companies. The Board is achieving this through familiarization trips, participation in international tourism exhibitions, overseas sales missions, and industry networking events.

Since March 2026, 145 international travel agents have joined the Board’s ambitious 500 Agent FAM Trip Program. The initiative allows overseas travel professionals to experience Cambodia firsthand before developing and promoting new travel packages for their customers. More information about the program is available through the original report published by Cambodia Investment Review.

The Board has also represented Cambodia at seventeen international travel trade exhibitions while conducting six sales missions and roadshows across Austria, Spain, Vietnam, Singapore, the Philippines, India, China, and South Korea. These activities continue to strengthen business relationships and expand Cambodia’s presence in competitive tourism markets.

Airline Partnerships Aim to Increase Visitor Bookings

The Business to Business to Customer strategy focuses on turning promotional campaigns into actual visitor bookings by working directly with airlines and travel platforms. This collaborative approach helps increase Cambodia’s visibility while making travel planning easier for international visitors.

The Cambodia Tourism Board has established partnerships with major international airlines including Singapore Airlines, AirAsia, EVA Air, Etihad Airways, and Turkish Airlines. These partnerships support joint marketing campaigns that encourage more travelers to choose Cambodia as their next holiday destination while improving the country’s visibility across global travel networks.

International Cooperation Supports Long Term Tourism Growth

The Business to Government strategy strengthens cooperation between Cambodia and international tourism authorities as well as global tourism organizations. These partnerships focus on long term destination development, policy cooperation, and knowledge sharing that will help improve Cambodia’s tourism competitiveness.

To support these goals, the Cambodia Tourism Board has introduced three flagship initiatives. These include the 500 Agent FAM Trip Program, an Event Matching Grant that provides financial support for events capable of attracting overseas visitors, and a Film Location Scouting Program that encourages international film producers to choose Cambodia as a filming destination. These initiatives are expected to create long lasting benefits for the tourism sector by attracting visitors through multiple channels.

Tourism Growth Will Take Time to Build

The Cambodia Tourism Board acknowledged that the benefits of its international marketing strategy will not appear immediately. Most international travelers plan and book their holidays between three and nine months before departure. Likewise, travel agents participating in familiarization trips need additional time to design, market, and sell Cambodia travel packages before visitor numbers begin to increase.

Despite this gradual timeline, tourism industry stakeholders have welcomed the coordinated marketing strategy. Many believe the four channel approach represents an important step toward improving Cambodia’s international reputation while creating sustainable growth for the tourism industry over the long term.

Conclusion

Cambodia is taking a more strategic and collaborative approach to tourism promotion by investing in global marketing, international partnerships, airline cooperation, and government engagement. Through its four channel marketing strategy, the Cambodia Tourism Board is laying the foundation for stronger international visitor growth and a more competitive tourism industry. While the results may take time to become visible, the comprehensive approach demonstrates Cambodia’s commitment to building a sustainable and globally recognized tourism destination.

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