VIENTIANE: The governments of Laos and Cambodia have agreed to strengthen cooperation in efforts to combat online scam operations and other cross-border crimes, during talks held in the Cambodian capital last week.
Lao Minister of Public Security, Lieutenant General Vanthong Kongmany, met Cambodian Minister of Interior, Sar Sokha, on May 14 to review their collaboration to date and sign a cooperation memorandum for 2026, according to a report in the Phnom Penh Post.
The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to tackling transnational crime including online scams, drug trafficking, human trafficking and arms smuggling.
They also agreed to strengthen information-sharing and cooperation between law enforcement agencies to improve efforts to prevent and suppress criminal activities along their shared border.
The ministers praised the close friendship and long-standing cooperation between Laos and Cambodia, saying regular high-level exchanges had strengthened mutual trust and cooperation in several sectors.
They also highlighted the strong coordination between security forces and border provinces, saying joint efforts had helped maintain security, public order and safety in border areas, while supporting the development of trade, transport and tourism between the two countries.
The cooperation memorandum for 2026 has two priorities. The first is to strengthen cooperation between border provinces and law enforcement agencies through information-sharing and support for legal cross-border travel, trade and tourism.
The second is to continue developing border infrastructure and international checkpoints to improve connectivity and facilitate the movement of people and goods between the two countries.
Online scam operations remain a growing threat across the region, prompting stronger cooperation among neighbouring countries to tackle organised criminal networks.
In Laos, authorities recently launched crackdowns on scam operations in Bokeo and Savannakhet provinces. In April and May, security forces arrested 1,347 suspects during sweeping operations targeting online scam networks and other cross-border crimes.
During the meeting in Phnom Penh, the Cambodian side also briefed Laos on the situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border.
Sar Sokha said unrest in the area had caused loss of life and extensive property damage, while about 30,000 Cambodian citizens were unable to return home.
He reaffirmed Cambodia’s position on resolving border issues peacefully and rejected attempts to change border lines through military force.
The Cambodian side thanked Laos for sending observers to join the Asean Observer Team monitoring the situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border.
Both sides agreed that closer cooperation was important to respond to changing security and socio-economic conditions in the region. - Vientiane Times/ANN
