Background
The General Department of Immigration (GDI) is the principal agency responsible for administering Cambodia’s border control, visa management and removal of non-citizens under the national immigration framework. Deportation via international border checkpoints is an operational mechanism used by Cambodia’s immigration authorities to remove non-citizens who are subject to removal procedures.
On 8 October 2026 the General Department of Immigration carried out the deportation of 193 Thai nationals identified as linked to online scams. The removals were processed at the Poipet international border police checkpoint in Banteay Meanchey province and included 73 women among those deported.
Key Developments
– Date of action: 8 October 2026.
– Number affected: 193 Thai nationals, including 73 women.
– Location of processing: Poipet international border police checkpoint, Banteay Meanchey province.
– Stated reason: individuals were identified as linked to online scams; the operation was carried out by GDI operational units following senior Interior Ministry direction.
Institutional Role
The operation was implemented by GDI operational divisions and processed through a national border police checkpoint, demonstrating the department’s role in coordinating border processing and removals. Cambodia’s Interior Ministry provides policy direction to immigration authorities for actions involving cross-border criminality and removal of foreign suspects.
Operational Implications
The use of Poipet as the processing point underscores the checkpoint’s continuing function as a primary international exit and entry control for large-scale removals. Publication of the action by GDI on its public channels provides an official record of the removal and the department’s enforcement posture on offenses linked to online fraud.
