Property News Roundup 05th January 2026
We’re delighted to share the weekly news highlights below.
1. Cambodia Accelerates Coastal Economic Transformation with $8 Billion Investment Boost
Royal Government of Cambodia has accelerated economic revitalization in Preah Sihanouk province by granting special investment incentives to 412 projects worth nearly $7.97 billion, surpassing its 2025 target by 133%. These initiatives, spanning real estate, manufacturing, tourism, and education, aim to create about 52,000 jobs and include measures such as tax relief and legal facilitation. Currently, 33% of projects are completed, 39% are under construction, and 28% are pending, positioning the province as a prime destination for domestic and international investment.
30 December, 2025 | Source: Construction & Property | Link: https://tinyurl.com/3svjcsuu
2. Imports from Thailand Drop 35% Amid Border Tensions from June-Nov 2025
Cambodia’s imports from Thailand dropped 34.5% year-on-year to $1.25 billion between June and November 2025, down from $1.77 billion, due to border tensions and checkpoint closures that also caused deadly clashes. Exports to Thailand fell to $283.75 million from $388.42 million in the same period last year. The decline began in June and persisted through November, marking significant disruptions in bilateral trade, which in 2024 totaled $4.28 billion, making Thailand Cambodia’s second-largest ASEAN trading partner after Vietnam.
30 December, 2025 | Source: Kiri Post | Link: https://tinyurl.com/2xcax7fw
3. Silver futures log worst day since 2021, retreating sharply from record
Silver futures staged a historic reversal Monday, plunging 8.7% to $70.46 an ounce after briefly topping $80 overnight—their first time ever—marking the worst day since February 2021. The intraday swing hit 15%, despite silver still being up over 140% year-to-date, outperforming gold’s 60% gain. Analysts cite profit-taking and year-end tax-loss harvesting for the drop, but strong industrial demand and supply constraints could push silver to $90–$100 in 2026, alongside continued bullish momentum for both silver and gold.
30 December, 2025 | Source: CNBC | Link: https://tinyurl.com/4jzaz23y
4. China remains a key driver for the global economy, the primary contributor to global peace: Cambodian scholar
China remains a key driver of global growth and a major contributor to peace and development, shifting from its role as the “world’s factory” to a leader in advanced technology and green energy, said Cambodian scholar Joseph Matthews. He highlighted China’s dominance in sectors like AI, EVs, and solar energy, its strong UN peacekeeping role, and global initiatives such as the Belt and Road, which have transformed infrastructure in countries like Cambodia. Looking ahead, China’s influence on trade, innovation, and security will continue to shape the global landscape despite rising uncertainties.
31 December, 2025 | Source: Khmer Times | Link: https://tinyurl.com/bdhvuyws
5. Progress Inspection for Wastewater Treatment System Development in Takhmao City
HE Ros Vanna, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, led an inspection of Takhmao City’s wastewater treatment project funded by Korea’s EDCF, emphasizing its importance for urban pollution control and public health. The visit reviewed construction challenges and urged timely completion, safety, and quality standards. While progress details were not disclosed, the project—using advanced technologies—aims to benefit thousands of residents and aligns with Cambodia’s sustainable development goals, marking a key step in modern urban infrastructure.
31 December, 2025 | Source: Construction & Property | Link: https://tinyurl.com/ycykdcnc
6. Refugees Weigh Return Between Hope and Hesitation After 72 Hours Ceasefire Passes
A renewed ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand has held for 72 hours after 21 days of deadly border clashes that killed soldiers and displaced nearly one million people. While 14,963 refugees have begun returning home, nearly 597,000 remain displaced amid fears of renewed violence and unexploded ordnance. Despite diplomatic talks and plans to release 18 captured soldiers, tensions persist as Thailand accuses Cambodia of breaching the truce with drone incursions—claims Cambodia denies.
31 December, 2025 | Source: Kiri Post | Link: https://tinyurl.com/45f4n5zd
7. Cambodia faces slow growth, but core economic strength persists
Cambodia’s economy is expected to slow in 2025–2026, with growth revised down to around 4–5 percent as external shocks including geopolitical tensions, weaker tourism, falling remittances from returning migrant workers, and a prolonged property-sector slump. While exports, domestic consumption, low inflation and industrial investment show resilience, vulnerabilities remain due to Cambodia’s narrow export base and financial-sector stress linked to real estate. Institutions recommend targeted fiscal support, stronger revenue mobilisation and financial reforms to preserve stability, noting that despite near-term pressures, Cambodia’s young workforce, low public debt and ongoing investment provide a solid foundation for medium- to long-term growth.
01 January, 2026 | Source: Khmer Times | Link: https://tinyurl.com/srcjxdb4
8. Cambodia Establishes Specialized Task Force to Rebuild Border Infrastructure and Restore Livelihoods
The Cambodian government has established a special working group to oversee the restoration of infrastructure and livelihoods along the Cambodia–Thailand border following recent military clashes. Formed under a December 30, 2025 decision signed by Prime Minister Hun Manet, the task forcewill assess damage, repair homes, schools and public infrastructure, and coordinate inter-ministerial recovery efforts. Beyond reconstruction, it will also develop strategies to restore local livelihoods, essential services and cross-border economic activity, aiming to help affected border communities return to normal as quickly and efficiently as possible.
04 January, 2026 | Source: Construction & Property | Link: https://tinyurl.com/5dvervmb
9. Thai Tourism to Cambodia Drops 47% Amid Border Tensions
Cambodia’s tourism sector has been significantly reshaped by border tensions with Thailand, with Thai arrivals plunging 47 percent in the first 11 months of 2025 and dropping as much as 90 percent year-on-year in November alone. As a result, Vietnam and China have become Cambodia’s top two source markets, while the Thai market continues to weaken amid ongoing conflict and mutual public sentiment. Tourism leaders warn recovery will take time and require government-level commitment, though authorities stress that major destinations remain safe, fully operational and welcoming visitors despite the geopolitical challenges.
01 January, 2026 | Source: Kiripost | Link: https://tinyurl.com/msm75mkk
10. National Bank Urges Debt Relief Priority for Frontline Soldiers
The National Bank of Cambodia has urged banks and financial institutions to prioritise debt relief for soldiers and veterans after the Cambodia–Thai border conflict, following a sharp rise in credit restructuring requests from military personnel. In a January 1, 2026 statement, the NBC cited processing delays and logistical bottlenecks, prompting intervention to prevent financial hardship among frontline troops. The move comes after a soldier alleged on social media that a bank employee in Siem Reap threatened to seize his property over unpaid loans.
01 January, 2026 | Source: Kiripost | Link: https://tinyurl.com/2xf7mfrj