Cambodia Passes Law Allowing Revocation of Citizenship

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2 days ago

Above: Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet arrives at the National Assembly building in Phnom Penh on Aug. 25, 2025. Image copyright: Tang Chhin Sothy/AFP/Getty Images

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The Spin

Pro-government narrative

This law safeguards Cambodia's sovereignty during a critical period when the nation faces significant threats from foreign interference, particularly from Thailand. The legislation includes strict safeguards and only targets actual traitors who conspire against Cambodia, including a small handful of turncoat citizens who have been working with foreign powers against their own country's interests.

Khmer Times

Government-critical narrative

The vaguely worded law will silence legitimate criticism and activism by threatening Cambodians with statelessness for expressing dissent. Stripping citizenship removes fundamental rights, including land ownership, healthcare access, education and political participation, creating a chilling effect on free speech. This represents a dangerous step backward for human rights and democracy in Cambodia.

Equitablecambodia

Metaculus Prediction

There's a 35% chance that there will be another deadly clash between Thailand and Cambodia, resulting in three or more fatalities, before 2026, according to the Metaculus prediction community.