Cambodian National Assembly Passes Law Allowing Revocation of Nationality for Treason

The Cambodian National Assembly has officially passed a bill amending the Nationality Law, paving the way for the revocation of nationality for citizens convicted of treason or colluding with foreign powers to harm national interests. This is considered one of the most important legal changes in Cambodia in 2025.

Photo The Cambodian National

Key developments

July 11, 2025 – The Cambodian National Assembly with 125/125 MPs agreed to amend Article 33 of the Constitution, changing the provision from prohibiting the revocation of nationality to:

“The acquisition and loss of Cambodian nationality, including the revocation of nationality, shall be determined by law.”

July 14 – The Senate approved the amendment with 58/60 votes in favor, creating the basis for promulgating a specific law on nationality revocation.

21/7 – King Norodom Sihamoni issues a royal decree, officially announcing the amendment to the Constitution, legalizing the revocation of citizenship under the new law.

25/8/2025 – The National Assembly continues to pass a bill amending the Nationality Law, allowing the revocation of citizenship in cases of “collusion with foreign countries to sabotage the state”. The bill was passed with the support of 120 participating parliamentarians.

This document is currently submitted to the Senate and awaits the King's signature. However, due to the absolute dominance of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP), the above steps are considered to be only procedural.

Significance and concerns

The new regulation applies to all citizens, including those with dual nationality and naturalized. Those convicted of collusion with foreign countries may lose their citizenship.

Amnesty International and many human rights organizations warn that this law could be used as a tool for political repression, restricting freedom of speech and leading to the risk of statelessness, violating international human rights law (AP News, Amnesty International).

Important timeline

Date Event 11/7/2025 National Assembly amends the Constitution, paving the way for stripping citizenship 14/7/2025 Senate approves amendments 21/7/2025 King issues decree amending the Constitution 25/8/2025 National Assembly passes law amending the Nationality Law 

Although the law is about to come into effect, international observers are concerned that this new power could be abused for internal political purposes, rather than just protecting national security. 

Source: Amnesty International.

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China is deeply concerned about the Thai-Cambodian border

China “did not warn” Thailand, only expressed concern and promoted cooperation. In recent days, there has been information that China has “openly warned” Thailand for daring to get involved in criminal areas in Cambodia. However, according to official sources, there is no evidence to confirm that China has officially warned Thailand.

Photo China is deeply concerned about the Thai-Cambodian border

In fact, Beijing’s stance focuses on the Thai-Cambodian border conflict and cooperation in fighting cross-border crimes, instead of issuing a direct warning.

China is deeply concerned about the Thai-Cambodian border

On July 24-25, 2025, the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia expressed concern about the escalating tension. Beijing called on both sides to dialogue, exercise restraint and resolve disputes through consultation. Notably, China also emphasized that it would not provide new weapons to Cambodia amid the tension (Tuoi Tre Online, VOV).

Affirming not to provide military equipment to Cambodia

In the face of international doubts, Beijing affirmed: the military equipment Cambodia is using is only in old cooperation projects, not to "target Thailand".

Promoting the restoration of peace

In mid-August 2025, in a trilateral meeting between the foreign ministers of China, Thailand and Cambodia, Beijing continued to call for the restoration of peace as soon as possible, while maintaining the agreements reached.

Cooperation against cross-border crimes

In parallel with the border issue, China and Thailand have strengthened cooperation against cybercrime and cross-border fraud centers. The two sides agreed to establish a joint coordination center to share data and track down victims who were tricked into going to Cambodia, Myanmar and neighboring countries (Nation Thailand).

 Conclusion

There is no such thing as China warning Thailand about “interfering” in Cambodia’s criminal areas.

Beijing has only expressed concern about the border conflict, while affirming that it does not provide weapons to Cambodia.

In addition, China and Thailand are strengthening cooperation in fighting cross-border crimes, including online fraud and scam centers in Cambodia.

In other words, instead of “overtly warning,” China is playing the role of intermediary calling for dialogue and security partnership with Thailand.

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