Hun Sen Says Cambodia Now Talks in Billions, Not Millions
Hun Sen Says Cambodia Now Talks in Billions, Not Millions
PHNOM PENH, June 2, 2026 — Cambodian Senate President and Acting Head of State Hun Sen on Tuesday dismissed claims that Cambodia is facing financial difficulties, saying the country’s tax revenue has already exceeded 53 percent of its annual target during the first five months of 2026.
Speaking during a visit to the new headquarters of the General Department of Taxation in Phnom Penh, Hun Sen said Cambodia’s fiscal position remains strong despite speculation from critics who linked the issuance of commemorative banknotes to alleged financial problems.
“Some people saw Cambodia print banknotes for commemorative occasions and immediately claimed the country was running out of money,” Hun Sen said. “Cambodia is not out of money.”
He explained that the recently issued commemorative currency amounted to only 5 billion riels, equivalent to slightly more than US$1 million, and was intended for special national events rather than as a response to fiscal pressures.
According to Hun Sen, tax revenue collected during the first five months of the year has already reached more than 53 percent of the government’s annual target. He added that tax revenue alone has exceeded US$2 billion, while combined customs and tax collections have surpassed US$3.5 billion.
“Cambodia today is no longer talking about tens or hundreds of millions. We are talking about billions,” Hun Sen said, arguing that the country’s revenue performance demonstrates the government’s financial stability.
He also stressed that current expenditures remain fully funded and that the government has sufficient resources to meet its operational obligations.
The remarks come amid ongoing discussions on Cambodia’s economic performance and public finances, with the government highlighting continued revenue growth and fiscal management as indicators of economic resilience.
Hun Sen said revenue figures cited during the visit reflected only fiscal revenues and did not include additional non-tax sources of state income, suggesting total government revenue is even higher.
The General Department of Taxation and the General Department of Customs and Excise remain among the government’s principal sources of domestic revenue, contributing significantly to Cambodia’s public finances and development spending.
