A striking image of foreign passports spilling out of a trash can in Cambodia has recently gone viral on the internet, sparking public concern. This incident has come under scrutiny as reports of kidnappings and forced confinement targeting Koreans in Cambodia have increased. Many people are now questioning whether there is a connection between these discarded passports and criminal activities.
The photo, which was shared online with titles such as “A Common Trash Can in Cambodia” and “A Frightening Photo Once Understood,” shows dozens of passports scattered among household waste. Most of the passports appear to be expired Thai ones, which had previously been reported by Thai media in June. The image has generated significant online discussion, especially given the recent cases involving employment scams, kidnappings, and even torture of Koreans in Cambodia.
Comments from netizens reflect a mix of fear and curiosity. Some users wrote, “Travelers wouldn’t throw away their passports—this is terrifying,” while others asked, “How bad is the problem of foreigner kidnappings?” These reactions highlight the growing concern over the safety of foreigners in the region.
The photo first gained traction in Thailand in June. Although the original poster remains anonymous, it quickly spread across Cambodia, with claims that it was taken in Poipet, a border town between Cambodia and Thailand. It was later covered by major Thai media outlets. At the time, Thai internet users speculated that the passports might have been seized by scam syndicates to prevent victims from escaping. Others suggested that the passports could belong to individuals who pawned them as collateral for gambling debts.
Poipet, located in the Cambodia-Thailand border area, is known for its high crime rates due to the presence of casinos, call centers, and online fraud operations. It was also the site of a notorious case where a Korean citizen was confined and severely beaten for 100 days after being lured by promises of high-paying jobs. The victim was eventually rescued with the help of Park Chan-dae, a member of South Korea’s Democratic Party.
According to a report by Thailand’s Channel 7HD, the passports in the image were confirmed to be genuine Thai passports, mostly expired. After working with Cambodian police, Thailand’s Immigration Bureau found that the passport holders were aged between 29 and 40, with expiration dates ranging from 2019 to 2022. At the time, the bureau stated, “We are re-verifying the recovered documents and will investigate the holders to determine why they were discarded in this manner.”
This incident has drawn increased attention in South Korea, especially amid reports of a sharp rise in kidnapping and confinement cases involving Koreans in Cambodia. According to data submitted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Park Chan-dae’s office, the number of kidnapping reports in Cambodia has surged dramatically. From 4 cases in 2021, 1 in 2022, and 17 in 2023, the number jumped to 220 cases last year. As of August this year, the total has already reached 330 cases, surpassing the previous year’s count.
In August, a tragic incident occurred when a Korean university student was tortured to death in Cambodia. According to Cambodia’s state-run AKP news agency, the Kampot Provincial Prosecutor’s Office arrested and charged three Chinese nationals in their 30s and 40s for the student’s murder on the 10th.
