Recently, a South Korean university student was lured to Cambodia and tragically killed after being tortured. The incident has sparked global attention again after a disturbing photo surfaced online, showing dozens of passports discarded in a trash bin in Cambodia, prompting widespread shock and speculation. Given Cambodia’s recent spate of kidnappings and scams targeting foreigners, many suspect these abandoned passports could be linked to a major criminal network.
According to Chosun Ilbo, the viral photo has circulated online under titles such as “ordinary trash bin in Cambodia.” The image shows dozens of brown passports mixed with regular garbage, creating an unsettling scene. Investigations reveal that most of the passports are expired Thai passports, first reported in Thai media in June of this year.
The photo is believed to have been taken in Poipet, a border city between Cambodia and Thailand, known for its casinos, call centers, and rampant online scams—making it a high-risk crime area. Thai media channel 7HD confirmed that the passports are genuine, mostly expired, and belonged to individuals aged 29 to 40. Thai immigration authorities are cooperating with Cambodian police to investigate why these passports were discarded in this manner.
The image has sparked major concern on South Korean social media, especially due to the recent surge in crimes against Korean citizens in Cambodia. Many are linking the passports to cases involving job scams, kidnappings, detention, and torture.
Data submitted by South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the National Assembly shows a shocking rise in abductions of Korean nationals: 4 cases in 2021, 1 in 2022, 17 in 2023, 220 in 2024, and 330 cases recorded by August 2025. This year’s numbers have already surpassed last year’s total, with incidents escalating in severity. In August 2025, a South Korean university student was reportedly tortured to death in Cambodia, leading to the arrest and prosecution of three Chinese nationals for murder.
These crimes often begin with offers of “high-paying jobs” or “lucrative investment opportunities” to lure victims to Cambodia. Once there, victims’ passports are typically confiscated, their movements restricted, and they are forced to participate in illegal activities such as online scams or gambling. Those who resist may face beatings, torture, or even threats to their lives. Authorities are warning the public to exercise extreme caution and verify any overseas job offers to avoid falling prey to criminal syndicates.
