Huione Pay: Customers Stage Violent Protest Over Blocked Accounts in Phnom Penh

On April 26, 2026, customers of Huione Pay, a Cambodian online payment platform, gathered outside the headquarters of the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) in Phnom Penh. They were protesting the blocking of their accounts and their inability to withdraw funds. What began as a peaceful demonstration escalated into clashes with law enforcement, resulting in several arrests.

Huione Pay is a popular digital payment platform in Cambodia, but it is not regulated by the NBC. Customers reported being unable to make withdrawals for several weeks, with no explanation from the company. The NBC issued a statement reminding the public that it does not license Huione Pay and that users are using the service at their own risk.

If you use Huione Pay or similar platforms (such as Wing, Pi Pay, or TrueMoney), this incident is a red flag. These services are not covered by the NBC's deposit guarantee. In case of bankruptcy or account blocking, you have no legal recourse to recover your money.

Many expats use these platforms for convenience: paying bills, transferring money, or even as a checking account. But unlike a licensed bank, your money is not protected. The protest demonstrates that even established platforms can suddenly block access to funds.

If you have funds locked in Huione Pay:

• Contact Huione Pay customer service in writing (email or chat) to create a record of your complaint.
• Report the issue to the National Bank of Cambodia via its website or complaints office. Although the NBC does not regulate Huione Pay, it can apply pressure.
• Consult a lawyer specializing in Cambodian law to explore possible remedies.
• Join support groups on Telegram or Facebook to share information and coordinate collective action.

To avoid this situation in the future, prioritize banks licensed by the NBC such as ACLEDA, Canadia Bank, or ABA Bank. For small payments, you can use services like Wing or TrueMoney, but don't keep large sums on these platforms.

Don't assume that because a platform is popular, it's safe. Huione Pay was widely used in Cambodia before this incident. Promises of high interest rates or reduced fees are often warning signs of risk.

Be wary of rumors: some claim the NBC will reimburse customers. The NBC has made clear it is not responsible. Don't rely on unofficial information.

Avoid transferring more money to Huione Pay hoping to unlock your funds. This is a common tactic used in scams.

The NBC may strengthen regulation of digital payment platforms following this incident. Expect new announcements regarding mandatory licensing of these services. If you use other platforms, monitor official communications.

The Cambodian government may also pass legislation to better protect consumers. In the meantime, caution is warranted. Keep only the minimum necessary on non-bank platforms.