BANGKOK, Thailand – Cambodia’s central bank has denied rumors circulating on social media claiming that it has frozen funds or revoked the licenses of certain banks, warning that the false reports could destabilize the country’s financial system.
The National Bank of Cambodia issued a statement on Tuesday, April 14, rejecting claims shared on platforms such as Facebook and Telegram that suggested some banks had been shut down and customer funds frozen.
According to the central bank, the posts appear to have been deliberately designed to create fear among the public and encourage people to rush to withdraw their savings.
“This information is false. It is intended to create panic, undermine confidence in the financial system, and could seriously threaten national stability,” the bank said.
The central bank added that it is working with relevant authorities to investigate the origin of the rumors and identify those responsible for spreading them. It warned that anyone found behind the misinformation could face legal action.
The statement stressed that the bank remains committed to preserving stability across Cambodia’s banking system.
The rumors surfaced after videos circulated online showing groups of people gathering outside the central bank in Phnom Penh, reportedly shouting “Give us back our money” and demanding the return of deposits linked to Huione Pay.
The protests followed the closure of Huione Pay after regulators revoked its license and ordered the liquidation of its assets over alleged links to money laundering and scam networks. Customers have reportedly been told that it may be difficult to recover all of their funds.
Recent problems involving banks and payment firms in Cambodia have heightened public anxiety. In recent months, several Cambodian banks have faced license revocations, service disruptions, and concerns over frozen deposits, leading to long lines of customers attempting to withdraw money.
