Property News Roundup 06th April 2026

We’re delighted to share the weekly news highlights below.

1. UK blacklists entities linked to alleged scam empire Prince Group

The UK has sanctioned individuals and companies linked to Cambodia’s Prince Group as part of a wider crackdown on Southeast Asia–based online scam networks. The UK alleges these entities helped support scam operations in Cambodia that rely on trafficked and forced labor. This move is part of coordinated UK–US efforts to cut off overseas assets and financial access for groups accused of large‑scale fraud and human rights abuses, increasing pressure on Cambodia to address scam compounds and related crimes.

30 March 2026 | Source: Khmer Times | Link: https://tinyurl.com/5bnawnrp

2. Former Phnom Penh International Airport all set to be cultural landmark, despite challenges

The redevelopment of Pochentong Airport into a cultural and public landmark reflects Cambodia’s effort to preserve a historically significant site while addressing Phnom Penh’s need for green space and civic areas. Despite challenges such as funding, long‑term management, and balancing heritage conservation with urban development, the government has reaffirmed that the land will remain state‑owned and serve the public interest. The project signals a shift away from commercial privatization toward using landmark sites for cultural identity, environmental resilience, and community benefit.

30 March 2026 | Source: Khmer Times | Link: https://tinyurl.com/2dpa66dz

3. Cambodia Reduces Import Tax on Electric Vehicles to 0%

Cambodia has reduced the import tax on electric vehicles (EVs) to 0%, effective April 1, 2026, under a new sub-decree aimed at accelerating EV adoption and reducing dependence on imported fuel. The policy removes import duties on fully electric passenger and cargo vehicles, while plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) now face a reduced tax rate of 7%, down from 35%. Import taxes on key EV-related equipment—such as lithium batteries, motors, charging equipment, and solar-powered devices—have also been cut to zero.

31 March 2026 | Source: Kiri Post | Link: https://tinyurl.com/2hst9fyc

4. Govt rebuts claim Cambodia has world’s 2nd-worst air pollution

The Cambodian government has rejected reports claiming Cambodia has the world’s second‑worst air pollution, saying the ranking was based on short‑term IQAir data and does not reflect overall national air quality. The Ministry of Environment stated that pollution levels have not reached dangerous thresholds under Cambodia’s standards and are being closely monitored nationwide. Officials attributed the temporary spike to seasonal weather, agricultural burning, traffic emissions, and cross‑border haze, urging the public not to panic and to rely on official data.

31 March 2026 | Source: Khmer Times | Link: https://tinyurl.com/32ud6b6y

5. New fees, fewer flights: Higher fuel prices pinch consumer budgets beyond the gas pump

Rising oil prices caused by the U.S.–Iran war are starting to affect consumers well beyond the gas pump. Crude prices jumped nearly 50–55% in March, driven partly by supply concerns linked to disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. As companies adjust to what they expect could be a prolonged period of expensive fuel, higher costs are being passed on to households through everyday services.

31 March 2026 | Source: CNBC | Link: https://tinyurl.com/kj68trnk

6. Cambodia’s debt exceeded $62B last year, CBC reports

Cambodia’s total outstanding credit reached about $62.2 billion in 2025, according to Credit Bureau Cambodia (CBC). Borrowing was mainly concentrated in Phnom Penh, Kandal, and Kampong Speu, which together accounted for 61% of total loans. Despite rising debt levels, CBC reported relatively stable repayment performance, indicating that most borrowers are managing their debt responsibly. Women made up 52% of borrowers nationwide.

1 April 2026 | Source: Khmer Times | Link: https://tinyurl.com/4hksnmax

7. Cambodia Urged to Boost Women-Led Businesses to Drive Gender Equality

Cambodia has been urged to strengthen support for women-led businesses as a way to advance gender equality and inclusive economic growth. Government officials and development partners highlighted that although women play a major role in the economy, women‑owned enterprises still face barriers such as limited access to finance, markets, and leadership opportunities. Expanding investment, improving gender‑responsive policies, and encouraging private‑sector participation were identified as key steps to help women entrepreneurs grow and contribute more effectively to national development.

1 April 2026 | Source: Kiri Post | Link: https://tinyurl.com/4f5jcarz

8. National Road 7 Expansion Project Nears Completion as Vital Economic Link Reaches 90% Finish

Cambodia’s National Road 7 expansion project—a key route linking Skun to Kampong Cham—has reached around 90% completion as of March 2026, according to official updates. The 45.5‑kilometer project is upgrading the road into a four‑lane highway to improve traffic flow, safety, and transport efficiency. Funded by a $117 million concessional loan from China, the project is expected to significantly boost regional trade, agriculture transport, and socio‑economic development, with completion targeted later this year and possibly ahead of schedule.

2 April 2026 | Source: Construction-Property | Link: https://tinyurl.com/yuf6hpkm

9. Angkor ticket sales down one-third in Q1 as conflicts hit tourism

Ticket sales at Angkor Archaeological Park fell by about one‑third in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting a sharp slowdown in Cambodia’s tourism sector. From January to March, 270,911 international tourists purchased tickets, a 32% drop year‑on‑year, while revenue declined 30% to $13.1 million. Officials attributed the fall to global and regional conflicts, rising airfares, economic uncertainty, and border tensions, which have discouraged long‑haul travel to Cambodia.

2 April 2026 | Source: Phnom Penh Post | Link: https://tinyurl.com/yuu8kj34

10. An estimated $442 billion is lost globally each year due to online scams

An estimated $442 billion is lost globally each year due to online scams, highlighting the growing scale of cybercrime worldwide. The figure was cited during discussions on Cambodia’s draft Law on Combating Cybercrime, where officials warned that online fraud—including phishing, investment scams, and digital deception—is causing significant financial harm to individuals and economies. The losses are believed to be underreported, as many victims do not report incidents, underscoring the urgent need for stronger cybercrime laws, international cooperation, and public awareness to combat online scams.

3 April 2026 | Source: Khmer Times | Link: https://tinyurl.com/mss3dkxu