Latest news with #MinistryofInformation
The Star
9 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Cambodia's Information ministry appeals for public to cease social media attacks on foreign leaders
A fake Facebook profile which contained false information related to the border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand. - Photo: Anti-Cyber Crime Department PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Information has issued an urgent call for all content creators, social media users and members of the public to immediately cease any form of insult or defamation targeting foreign heads of state or leaders, even in the context of current border tensions. The request was issued Tuesday (July 29), following a noticeable rise in edited images, inflammatory content and inappropriate commentary circulating online. These actions have caused insults affecting the honour and dignity of individuals, including politicians and members of royalty. The ministry urged all social media users to conduct themselves with integrity, responsibility and respect, and to adhere to ethical standards of public discourse. It stressed that its goal is to maintain public order and uphold peaceful online environments, free from incitement, hate speech, racism or ethnically charged rhetoric. The statement advised the public to avoid sharing or producing unverified information that could lead to confusion, anger, violence, hatred or racial discrimination. It also called on journalists, content creators and the public to verify information with official sources — particularly on sensitive issues such as the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict — before sharing it. Additionally, it asked people to refrain from posting doctored images or false content that could be viewed as defamatory, especially toward royal institutions. The ministry concluded by praising responsible media professionals and users who have contributed positively to Cambodia's messaging, helping uphold accuracy and diplomacy in addressing the conflict. It commended their ethical behaviour, respect for others' rights and commitment to a peaceful, law-based resolution in line with international law. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
Barnama
4 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Cambodian Villages Abandoned, Rural Schools Shut As Border Tensions Mount
More rural people are likely to be displaced as there is no sign of the conflict ending. (Ministry of Information, Cambodia.) The Cambodian government is preparing temporary shelters for villagers fleeing their homes. (credit: Ministry of Information, Cambodia) Over 35,000 people have been internally displaced due to the Cambodia-Thai border crisis. (credit: Ministry of Information, Cambodia.) By Vijian Paramasivam PHNOM PENH, July 26 (Bernama) -- Ongoing military clashes along the Cambodian-Thai border have forced thousands of villagers in northern Cambodia to flee their homes since fighting broke out on Thursday morning. Rural communities are bearing the brunt of the renewed conflict, which has erupted between Cambodian and Thai forces in contested border areas. bootstrap slideshow The Ministry of National Defence spokesperson, Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, said about 35,800 people in Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Pursat and Banteay Meanchey provinces have been evacuated. She said five Cambodian soldiers and eight civilians have been killed, while 21 soldiers and 50 civilians have been injured since the clashes began on Thursday. Many villagers are taking refuge in monasteries or camps established by the Cambodian government in safe zones. In Pursat, bordering Thailand, about 350 families have been evacuated to safer areas with basic amenities, including water, food supplies and medical services. She said the Thai army is continuing its offensive operations into areas far beyond the original conflict zone on Saturday morning. 'Thailand's aggression has spread to various Cambodian provinces. Thai forces launched five artillery shells targeting multiple locations in the Thma Da commune area of Veal Veng district, Pursat province,' she said.
Bloomberg
6 days ago
- Politics
- Bloomberg
Somalia Accuses Semi-Autonomous State of Seizing Turkish Arms
Somalia accused the semi-autonomous Puntland region of hijacking a ship with military equipment destined for a training facility in the capital, Mogadishu, that's run by the Turkish government. 'In accordance with bilateral agreement between Somalia and Turkey, the cargo was legally authorized and fully compliant with both national and international laws,' Somalia's Ministry of Information said in a statement demanding the release of the vessel christened Sea World.
The Star
22-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Indonesian, Malaysian ambassadors throw weight behind Cambodia's online scam crackdown
PHNOM PENH: Indonesian ambassador Santo Darmosumarto has expressed his gratitude to the Cambodian government and its authorities for their cooperation in rescuing Indonesian citizens from scam operations and facilitating their return to their home country. His Malaysian counterpart has also shared his support for the Kingdom's efforts to rescue trafficking victims from online scam centres. The current operation to dismantle online scam networks in Cambodia is going ahead full steam, with approximately 3,000 people arrested. The latest bust saw over 160 individuals taken into custody in two provinces on July 21. Santo met with Chhay Sinarith, who leads the secretariat of the Ad Hoc Commission to Combat Online Scams, on the morning of July 21, according to the Ministry of Information. During the meeting, Sinarith noted that online scams are a widespread issue which affects many countries. He reiterated the government's strong commitment and determination to combat such crimes. He informed the ambassador of Cambodia's resolve to eliminate technology-based scams nationwide and stressed the importance of international cooperation in these joint efforts. Santo agreed that technology-based scams are a global issue, adding that the Indonesian embassy in Cambodia is always ready to provide support and cooperation to Cambodia's efforts. On the same day, Sinarith met with Shaharuddin bin Onn, Malaysian ambassador to Cambodia. Both parties discussed Cambodia's efforts to crack down on online scams. According to the information ministry, the ambassador 'expressed confidence in the Royal Government's commitment and efforts to eliminate technology-based scams and thanked the Cambodian government for rescuing Malaysian citizens in the past'. He also affirmed that the Malaysian embassy and government will provide support and cooperation for Cambodia's endeavours. The latest crackdowns occurred on July 21, when Siem Reap provincial authorities raided a rented villa and arrested 13 Nepalese nationals in Knar Village, Chreav Commune, Siem Reap City. On the same day, authorities in Mondulkiri province dismantled an online scam operation in Puchab village, Dak Dam commune, O'Raing district, detaining a total of 149 individuals of 13 different nationalities. Indonesian ambassador Santo Darmosumarto has expressed his gratitude to the Cambodian government and its authorities for their cooperation in rescuing Indonesian citizens from scam operations and facilitating their return to their home country. His Malaysian counterpart has also shared his support for the Kingdom's efforts to rescue trafficking victims from online scam centres. The current operation to dismantle online scam networks in Cambodia is going ahead full steam, with approximately 3,000 people arrested. The latest bust saw over 160 individuals taken into custody in two provinces on July 21. Santo met with Chhay Sinarith, who leads the secretariat of the Ad Hoc Commission to Combat Online Scams, on the morning of July 21, according to the Ministry of Information. During the meeting, Sinarith noted that online scams are a widespread issue which affects many countries. He reiterated the government's strong commitment and determination to combat such crimes. He informed the ambassador of Cambodia's resolve to eliminate technology-based scams nationwide and stressed the importance of international cooperation in these joint efforts. Santo agreed that technology-based scams are a global issue, adding that the Indonesian embassy in Cambodia is always ready to provide support and cooperation to Cambodia's efforts. On the same day, Sinarith met with Shaharuddin bin Onn, Malaysian ambassador to Cambodia. Both parties discussed Cambodia's efforts to crack down on online scams. According to the information ministry, the ambassador 'expressed confidence in the Royal Government's commitment and efforts to eliminate technology-based scams and thanked the Cambodian government for rescuing Malaysian citizens in the past'. He also affirmed that the Malaysian embassy and government will provide support and cooperation for Cambodia's endeavours. The latest crackdowns occurred on July 21, when Siem Reap provincial authorities raided a rented villa and arrested 13 Nepalese nationals in Knar Village, Chreav Commune, Siem Reap City. On the same day, authorities in Mondulkiri province dismantled an online scam operation in Puchab village, Dak Dam commune, O'Raing district, detaining a total of 149 individuals of 13 different nationalities. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
The Star
19-07-2025
- The Star
Analyst: Cambodian actions aimed at protecting social order, Thai actions aimed at provocation
Foreigners suspected of being involved in online scam operations were detained in Kampong Speu province on July 16, 2025. - Photo: Information ministry PHNOM PENH: Since June 27, almost 1,500 suspects linked to online scam operations have been apprehended by Cambodian authorities. As the campaign continues, one prominent analyst described the crackdown as being aimed at protecting social order, even as Thailand's actions appear to be intended to exploit and antagonize Cambodia. According to the secretariat of the Committee to Combat Online Scams, as of Friday (July 18), nationwide operations targeting online scam activities had resulted in the arrest of 1,371 suspects in Phnom Penh, Kandal, Preah Sihanouk, Kampong Speu, Banteay Meanchey, Kratie, Stung Treng and Pursat provinces. The latest raid took place today, with nine Chinese suspects apprehended in Stung Treng province, according to the Ministry of Information. In the course of their operations, authorities seized computers, laptops, mobile phones, narcotics, weapons and ammunition as evidence. The secretariat reported that after the raids, the crime scenes were sealed off to prevent access. Criminal ringleaders have been sent to court for legal proceedings, while most of the foreign nationals involved are in the process of being deported. Several international organisations have accused both Cambodia and neighbouring Thailand being the base for high levels of online scam activities, with Thailand singling out Cambodia as a major target, even as border tensions rise. Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, noted that although the government launched its latest campaign earlier this week, it has been tackling these crimes for years, although recent efforts were conducted on a larger scale. 'I have observed that Cambodia has been cracking down on these crimes for more than five years, not as a reaction to Thailand's accusations. Cambodia continues these efforts for security, safety and social order,' he said. Recently, Thai authorities announced a case allegedly involving Cambodian businessman and senator Kok An, issuing arrest warrants for him and three of his children. Peou believed this action, targeting Cambodian citizens, appeared to be an attempt to provoke Cambodia. 'I don't know how Thailand operates, but it seems they target cases with political implications, like the one involving Kok An. Unlike Cambodia, which conducts regular crackdowns for societal stability, Thailand's actions seem aimed at provocation or political manoeuvring against Cambodia,' he said. 'Thus, the difference is that Thailand acts with political motives, while Cambodia does so consistently, for social stability,' added Peou. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
