AKP Phnom Penh, December 19, 2025 --

Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, has called on journalists to uphold professional ethics, responsibility, and national unity while reporting on the ongoing Cambodia-Thailand border conflict, stressing that accurate and responsible media coverage is crucial during times of heightened tension.

In a message sent to the 22nd Editors’ Forum, held under the theme “The Role of Journalists During Border Conflicts,” the Premier congratulated the Club of Cambodian Journalists for organising the forum and praised media leaders and journalists for creating a platform to exchange views, share experiences, and discuss challenges and solutions to improve journalistic standards in Cambodia.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet emphasised that the ongoing border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand are not limited to armed clashes but also involve political, diplomatic, legal, and information arenas. He warned that in the digital era – marked by rapid information flows, social media, and artificial intelligence – media and online platforms can be exploited to spread disinformation, distort facts, and inflame public sentiment.

The Prime Minister commended Cambodian media institutions and journalists for their professionalism in providing timely, factual, and balanced reporting to both domestic and international audiences, helping the world better understand Cambodia’s position and the realities on the ground. He also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Information for coordinating media access, guiding journalists, and facilitating on-site reporting to ensure transparency and credibility.

Samdech Thipadei underlined that one of the government’s immediate priorities following Thailand’s attacks on Cambodian forces, civilians, and infrastructure is to protect the lives of citizens and safeguard Cambodia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. In this context, he urged journalists to work in unity with state institutions and the public, underlining that national solidarity remains a key pillar in defending peace and stability.

Reaffirming Cambodia’s foreign policy stance, the Prime Minister reiterated the country’s unwavering commitment to the ceasefire agreement reached on July 28, 2025, in Putrajaya, Malaysia, as well as the Joint Declaration signed in Kuala Lumpur on Oct. 26, 2025. These agreements, witnessed by the leaders of the United States and Malaysia, reflect Cambodia’s determination to resolve the border dispute peacefully through dialogue and in accordance with international law.

He further stressed that Cambodia seeks peace, friendship, and cooperation with all countries and remains dedicated to regional and global peace in order to protect lives, ensure social stability, and advance national development toward the Cambodia Vision 2050.

At the same time, he cautioned journalists against spreading unverified information, fabricated reports, or content that could incite ethnic hostility, create public confusion, undermine trust in state institutions, or negatively affect frontline military operations. He specifically urged the media to avoid publishing sensitive information related to troop movements, military positions, or security operations that could endanger national security.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed the Royal Government’s strong commitment to press freedom within the framework of Cambodia’s Constitution, laws, and democratic principles, highlighting the media’s role as an indispensable partner in promoting transparency, peace, political stability, and sustainable development.

He concluded his message by expressing confidence that the 22nd Editors’ Forum would yield constructive outcomes to further strengthen Cambodia’s media landscape and encouraged journalists to continue upholding ethical standards, professionalism, and responsibility in service of the nation.

By C. Nika