AKP Phnom Penh, July 21, 2025 -- Cambodia's Minister of Information, H.E. Neth Pheaktra, has observed that certain Thai media outlets have "distorted and exaggerated information beyond the facts" to appeal to nationalist sentiment within their home audience.

Speaking to reporters this afternoon after opening a pre-summit workshop for the 20th Asia Media Summit in Siem Reap city, H.E. Neth Pheaktra expressed concern that sensational and inaccurate reporting has contributed to confusion and misunderstanding between the Cambodian and Thai publics.

H.E. Minister cited reports from June 8, 2025, concerning the coordination and repositioning of troops by both nations in Mom Bei Area. He highlighted that one Thai news outlet incorrectly reported a withdrawal of Cambodian forces, which he described as a misrepresentation that fueled public misunderstanding.

"Beyond this incident, we have also observed repeated cases where certain Thai media outlets have fabricated or twisted facts, creating issues and confusion that do not reflect the reality of events," the Minister emphasised.

H.E. Neth Pheaktra urged Thai media outlets to adhere to professional journalism ethics, stressing the importance of accuracy and objectivity in their reporting and cautioning against injecting political agendas into news coverage.

"I am not here to lecture Thai journalists, but it is clear that distortion, exaggeration, and misleading phrasing have frequently been used to shape narratives that align with domestic sentiments," he stated. "However, Cambodia has consistently sought to provide accurate and truthful information through our own media channels."

The Minister further noted that discrepancies between narratives promoted by certain Thai media and information shared by international media are easily discernible, underscoring the critical need for professionalism and responsibility in reporting.

By K. Rithy Reak