Background
The General Department of Immigration (GDI) executes immigration control measures that include processing and removal of foreign nationals through designated international border posts and police checkpoints. On 9 September 2026 the department directed the removal of 65 Thai nationals, including 28 women, who were identified as linked to online scams and other criminal offenses; departures were processed through the Poipet international border police post in Banteay Meanchey province.
Senior-level guidance from Interior Ministry leadership informed the operational decision and the investigative division of GDI implemented established removal procedures for the group. The department communicated the action through its official social channels and referenced procedural coordination with border police at Poipet.
Key Developments
On the stated date, GDI carried out coordinated removals after internal investigation and inter-agency recommendations; the ministry-level guidance preceded the operational order to the investigative division. GDI identified the group as being associated with online scam activity and other offenses before initiating removal procedures at the border post.
Institutional Role
The General Department of Immigration serves as Cambodia’s operational authority for implementing removals and managing cross-border departures when foreign nationals are subject to immigration action. In this case, GDI used the international police post at Poipet to execute the departures in coordination with border police in Banteay Meanchey province.
Operational Implications
The use of an international border police post for these removals highlights procedural reliance on designated exit checkpoints for implementing departures of foreign nationals. GDI publicised the action through its online platforms and provided links to its social channels and the official immigration website for further updates.
