Cambodia's Hun Manet praises U.S.-sanctioned senator at school opening

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet publicly praised senator and businessman Ly Yong Phat during a school inauguration on 3 November 2026, highlighting the role of a business association led by a man designated under U.S. human-rights sanctions.

The ceremony took place in Kampong Thom province. Cambodia's Ministry of Information said five school buildings comprising 55 classrooms were inaugurated and that Hun Manet emphasised the role of private donors in supporting public education. He also said private philanthropy did not replace the state's responsibility to provide schooling.

Independent Cambodian newsroom CamboJA News reported on 3 November that the prime minister specifically thanked Ly Yong Phat, president of the Cambodian Oknha Association, and the association's members for supporting education and national development. The official account and the independent reporting establish the public acknowledgement, not a government payment to the senator or a breach of sanctions.

The U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control designated Ly Yong Phat, L.Y.P. Group and associated properties on 12 September 2024 under its Global Magnitsky sanctions authority. The Treasury said its action concerned serious human-rights abuses related to trafficked workers forced to work in online scam operations at O-Smach Resort. Those are the U.S. sanctions authority's findings and allegations, not a new criminal conviction established by this report.

Cambodia's Foreign Affairs Ministry disputed the U.S. designation when it was announced, calling it unjust and politically motivated, according to CamboJA's account of the government's response. That position is relevant to the dispute.

OFAC's published FAQ 1191 describes a general license authorizing certain dealings with non-listed entities owned by Ly or L.Y.P. Group while excluding designated properties. The school ceremony, without a documented U.S.-person transaction or prohibited dealing, is not itself evidence of a sanctions violation.

The prime minister's remarks were presented as support for public-private cooperation in education. The ministry said he stressed the need for effective teaching, learning and equitable access alongside the new buildings. The association's exact construction contracts, funding flows and counterparties have not been established in the records reviewed for this report.

The immediate verified facts are the 3 November public praise and the documented 2024 U.S. designation. Further original reporting would need project procurement records, the association's accounts and responses from relevant parties before drawing conclusions about any financial or legal relationship.