Prime Minister Hun Manet has clarified that Cambodia’s newly issued 50,000 riel and 100,000 riel banknotes are intended primarily to replace ageing and damaged notes and strengthen security features against counterfeiting, rather than address any shortage of cash.
The clarification came in response to rumours circulating on social media claiming that the government had run out of money and was printing new banknotes to address a cash shortage. Some rumours reportedly even encouraged people to withdraw their money from banks.
Speaking at the inauguration of National Road No. 10 connecting Battambang, Pursat and Koh Kong provinces on October 1, Hun Manet said the issuance of the new banknotes is part of the National Bank of Cambodia’s regular currency management process.
New Banknotes Aim to Strengthen Security
Hun Manet said the new banknotes are being introduced partly to strengthen protection against counterfeiting.
He explained that larger-denomination banknotes can be more vulnerable to counterfeiting than smaller denominations, making enhanced security features an important consideration when updating the notes.
The new 50,000 riel and 100,000 riel notes retain their existing designs and imagery, while incorporating additional security and aesthetic features.
According to the source, the two denominations have already been in circulation for around 10 years, making replacement of older notes necessary as part of normal currency management.
Replacing Old and Damaged Banknotes
The Prime Minister also explained that the National Bank of Cambodia regularly collects damaged and torn banknotes from circulation and destroys them.
The process involves introducing replacement notes while withdrawing old or damaged notes from circulation.
This means the printing of new banknotes and the removal of worn-out notes are part of an ongoing currency replacement cycle rather than an emergency response to a shortage of cash.
How the Replacement Process Works
| Process | Purpose |
|---|---|
| New banknotes issued | Replace ageing notes and introduce improved security features |
| Old and damaged notes collected | Remove worn currency from circulation |
| Damaged notes destroyed | Prevent unusable or withdrawn notes from returning to circulation |
| New notes circulate alongside old notes | Maintain continuity of cash circulation |
Government Says There Is No Cash Shortage
Hun Manet also rejected claims that the government was facing a shortage of cash.
As an example, he pointed to the government's decision to provide civil servants with a combined salary payment during the Pchum Ben period together with the festival allowance.
He also cited Phnom Penh's deployment of 600 buses to provide free transportation for people travelling to their hometowns during the festival period.
The Prime Minister used these measures to argue that the government's actions do not indicate a lack of available cash.
New Notes Approved for Circulation Alongside Existing Notes
On September 25, 2026, the government authorised the National Bank of Cambodia to issue the new 50,000 riel and 100,000 riel banknotes.
The new notes were approved to circulate alongside the existing versions rather than immediately replacing them.
The designs and main imagery remain unchanged, while additional security and aesthetic elements have been incorporated into the updated banknotes.
This approach allows the currency replacement process to take place gradually while existing notes remain valid for circulation.
What the New Banknotes Mean for the Public?
For businesses and consumers, the introduction of the new notes does not mean that existing 50,000 riel and 100,000 riel banknotes suddenly become invalid.
Instead, the new notes form part of the normal replacement cycle. Older and damaged notes can progressively be withdrawn as new notes enter circulation.
The clarification is also relevant for businesses handling large volumes of cash, including retailers, banks, restaurants, tourism operators and other enterprises, as the coexistence of old and new versions allows transactions to continue without disruption.
Angkor Times Analysis
The explanation highlights an important distinction between printing new banknotes and creating additional money because of a government cash shortage.
Banknote replacement is a routine function of currency management. Physical notes wear out through circulation and must periodically be replaced. Updating security features can also help strengthen the integrity of the currency and reduce the risk of counterfeiting.
The fact that the new 50,000 riel and 100,000 riel notes will circulate alongside existing notes also indicates that the change is being implemented as a replacement and security upgrade rather than an immediate withdrawal of the current notes.
For the public, the key point is that the issuance of the new notes does not, according to the Prime Minister's explanation, mean that Cambodia is running out of cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the new 50,000 and 100,000 riel notes replacing the old notes?
Yes. The new notes are being introduced as part of the process of replacing older and damaged banknotes. The new and existing versions will circulate alongside each other.
Why are the new banknotes being issued?
According to Prime Minister Hun Manet, the reasons include replacing old notes and strengthening security features to reduce the risk of counterfeiting.
Are the old 50,000 and 100,000 riel notes still usable?
The supplied source states that the new notes will circulate alongside the existing banknotes.
Does the issuance mean Cambodia is running out of cash?
No. Hun Manet explicitly rejected rumours that the government is short of cash and described the new banknotes as part of the National Bank of Cambodia's ongoing currency management process.
When were the new banknotes authorised?
The government authorised the National Bank of Cambodia to issue the new 50,000 riel and 100,000 riel banknotes on September 25, 2026.