RECOGNITION AND ENFORCEMENT OF FOREIGN JUDGMENTS IN CAMBODIA

By LY Sophana Ph.D. Student, Grade 2022, Southwest University of Political Science and Law

INTRODUCTION

Cambodia is a civil law nation that has witnessed significant advancements in its legal system and methods for resolving disputes in recent years. In December 2011, the Civil Code of Cambodia came into effect. Adopted in 2006, the Civil Procedure Code of Cambodia is a little bit older. The Civil Code and Civil Procedure Code together establish the fundamental legal foundation for civil disputes in Cambodia as well as the procedures for bringing them before Cambodian courts.

In addition to these laws, Cambodia’s legal system is also undergoing development. To expand the court’s capacity and enable the establishment of more specialized courts, like courts for business disputes and regional appellate courts–there is currently only one appellate court situated in the capital, Phnom Penh a fresh group of judges and prosecutors were sworn in in 2015.

In 2013, Vietnam and Cambodia signed the first pact pertaining to the execution and recognition of foreign judicial awards. Under Cambodian law, a bilateral treaty guaranteeing reciprocity between signed party was essential before Cambodian courts could consider enforcing decisions made by Vietnamese courts.

Cambodia will handle any attempt by a party seeking recognition and execution of a foreign decision connected to a civil or commercial dispute in Cambodia considering recent legislative changes and the appointment of new judges to the judiciary. We anticipate more advancements in this field and a greater knowledge of how Cambodian courts will respond to efforts to recognize and enforce foreign judgments pertaining to civil and business disputes in Cambodia in the upcoming years.

To cite this article: LY Sophana, Recognition and Enforcement of foreign judgments in Cambodia, Sala Traju Law Bulletin, Issue 9, June 2026. PDF