The Club of Cambodian Journalists (CCJ) this afternoon issued a statement expressing its deep concern over the dissemination of false and misleading information regarding the ongoing border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand.
According to CCJ, inaccurate reporting not only distorts the truth but also poses a serious threat to bilateral relations, fuels public misunderstanding, and undermines ongoing efforts to preserve peace and stability along the border.
Responsible journalism must be rooted in verified facts, upheld professional ethics, and avoid inflaming tensions through unsubstantiated or biased narratives, it underlined.
Of particular concern is an article published on July 24, 2025, by The Nation Thailand, a well-known Thai media outlet, which falsely claimed: “Former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has boarded a private jet, departing from Phnom Penh, en route to China, following the Cambodian military’s attacks on Thailand…”
In response to this report, Samdech Techo Hun Sen clarified: “I would like to clarify that, at this moment, I am actively involved in commanding the troops via video systems and other means, together with the Prime Minister… in order to counter the invading Thai forces. I am not fleeing; I remain here. To all my compatriots: please do not worry.”
Again, on July 25, 2025, The Nation Thailand reported that “Thai forces have successfully seized Preah Vihear Temple and Wat Kaeo Sikha Khiri Svara,” which Cambodia claimed was “false”.
Such reporting by The Nation Thailand reflects a troubling lapse in journalistic responsibility and undermines the credibility of the press at this critical time, said CCJ.
The CCJ, meanwhile, calls on all media institutions—both Cambodian and Thai—to uphold the highest standards of journalism, rigorously verify sources, and report in a manner that fosters mutual understanding and constructive dialogue between our two countries.
The Club of Cambodian Journalists stands with journalists who are reporting responsibly from the field, and reaffirms its commitment to defending press freedom, professional ethics, and the fight against disinformation.
The CCJ is an independent organisation dedicated to promoting press freedom, ethical journalism, and professional standards among Cambodian journalists. It advocates for accurate, responsible, and unbiased reporting to serve the public interest.
