Many: Kingdom’s prestige, honour must be protected
MINISTER of Civil Service Hun Many has announced his support for the government’s crackdown on crimes that may tarnish Cambodia’s reputation on the international stage. Preah Sihanouk provincial court recently charged and jailed two foreigners for posting misleading videos on social media regarding security concerns in the country.
Many denounced the two on social media on February 17, accusing them of fabricating scenarios that would defame Cambodia, a nation known for its peace.
“These acts gravely damage the Kingdom’s honour and image. We will not tolerate them. May this never occur again,” he said.
“I back the government’s tough stance on these crimes. By suppressing them, we send a clear message: no matter the perpetrator’s origin, such acts will not be abided,” he added.
He also urged citizens to help curb the spread of misinformation that
distorts reality and fuels possible misunderstandings.
Touch Sokhak, spokesman for the Ministry of Interior, praised Many’s calls, calling on authorities to step up efforts in identifying and cracking down on those with malicious intent who seek to harm the country’s
reputation.
He also praised the authorities’ ongoing work in implementing disinformation countermeasures.
“The minister has shared a valuable reminder to all social media users: refrain from sharing articles, videos or content that pollute, smear society or were fabricated for personal gain. Exercise caution and refrain from sharing unverified content, as it can harm our image,” he added.
The Preah Sihanouk Provincial Police stated that on February 13, they arrested two men from Taiwan for filming a fake kidnapping video and distributing it online. The individuals were named as Lu Tsu-hsien and his accomplice Chen Neng-chuan, known as “Goodnight Chicken” online, and a popular, albeit controversial content creator in Taiwan. Their videos have garnered over five million likes. Authorities cautioned that this fabricated episode posed a threat to both Cambodia’s reputation, and that of the coastal province.
The report said that the duo’s videos may have sparked fear and misunderstanding, particularly among potential future tourists from abroad and within Cambodia.
Police confiscated masks, replica firearms, military uniforms, phones and video production equipment from the suspects.
During a press conference, Preah Sihanouk governor Kuoch Chamroeun said the two suspects will face the full consequences of Cambodian law, and will be deported after serving their sentences.
“I want to reassure people, especially those visiting or planning to visit Cambodia, particularly Preah Sihanouk province, that there’s no need to worry about security, public order and safety. We maintain a tranquil environment for sightseeing, without any concerns,” he said.
He also urged journalists to partner with authorities in combating deliberate misinformation, as “fake news” damages the country’s reputation, security and public order. He further encouraged the promotion of tourist destinations to wider local and international audiences to bolster visitor numbers.
The provincial court sentenced the two men on February 15 to two years in prison and fined them four million riel ($1,000) each for “incitement to cause chaos to social security” in Preah Sihanouk province.