Missing Singaporean woman found safe in Cambodia

Investigators established that she arrived at Techo International Airport on July 28 aboard Emirates flight EK-348.

She was picked up by a Cambodian university student, Duong Sothea, whom she had befriended through online gaming in 2024.

Authorities added that the pair later visited local attractions and purchased household necessities.

Why did Aisha say she came to Cambodia?
In interviews with investigators and in a public video statement released by Phnom Penh Municipal Police Chief Chuon Naron, Aisha said she travelled to Cambodia voluntarily.

She explained that she experienced stress living in Singapore and wanted to pursue a different path.

According to Aisha, she came to Cambodia intending to work as an English teacher.

She added that she deliberately left home without informing her parents because they were very strict and would not have permitted the trip.

Police added that she left a letter explaining her decision before her departure.

Did she deny being trafficked?
Yes.

In her video statement, Aisha stressed that her decision was entirely her own.

“I have not been forced to come here. I have not been scammed into coming here. It is entirely up to my own decisions,” she said.

She also rejected claims that she was involved in scam operations.

“To clarify once again, I have not been involved or been forced to partake in any scamming activities or any criminal activities,” she added.

The Ministry of Interior confirmed that Aisha is safe and receiving appropriate care from Cambodian authorities.

Officials said their investigation concluded that she travelled to Cambodia because of personal and family-related issues rather than criminal coercion.

The ministry reiterated that there was no evidence linking her case to human trafficking or online scam compounds.

The Singapore Police Force confirmed that Cambodian police found Aisha safe and thanked Cambodian authorities for their assistance.

Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its embassy in Phnom Penh are providing consular support to her family.

Following the discovery, Aisha’s brother thanked the Cambodian ambassador to Singapore, the Cambodian embassy, and Cambodian police for their response.

Why is the case significant?
The case drew attention because it unfolded against the backdrop of concern over online scam syndicates operating in Southeast Asia.

While the circumstances initially raised fears of trafficking, Cambodian investigators say the evidence points to a voluntary decision by Aisha to relocate to Cambodia due to personal and family reasons.

The case highlights how quickly missing-person reports linked to Cambodia can generate speculation about scam compounds before official investigations are completed.

Kin Phea, director-general of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia, said the individuals and media organisations who made allegations against Cambodia must issue formal apologies.

“Before the truth was revealed, some international media outlets and foreign individuals who held unfriendly and biased views towards Cambodia contributed significantly to tarnishing Cambodia’s image,” he said.

“Even after the facts were brought to light, those international media outlets and foreign individuals did not retract their statements; instead, they continued to further smear Cambodia.”

He urged Cambodia to put forth more efforts to combat online scams and restore its reputation.

“We have a wound, and that is why flies come to it. Therefore, let us work together to heal our wound – meaning we must address the problem from the top down,” Phea added.

“Those at the top must set an example, while those below must follow and implement accordingly. If the top is dirty, the bottom can never truly be clean. But if the top is clean and transparent, no one below will dare to act recklessly or improperly.”

• Tags: Cambodia, Singapore