AKP Phnom Penh, September 18, 2026 --

A regional forum dedicated to combating fake news serves as a vital platform for citizens across the region, Cambodian Minister of Information H.E. Neth Pheaktra has stated.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday afternoon following the Zero Fake News Media Forum and Award Contest 2026, H.E. Neth Pheaktra emphasised that sub-regional nations – including Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and China – are actively working together to counter disinformation.

"Fake news knows no borders, and it is not an issue exclusive to Cambodia," H.E. Neth Pheaktra said.

"Disinformation affects everyone – it impacts emotions, thinking, and decision-making, while creating various social challenges. Therefore, the Royal Government of Cambodia, through the Ministry of Information and relevant institutions, is striving to disseminate accurate information to empower citizens to join hands in prevention."

The Minister highlighted that cross-border cooperation enables countries to build robust networks among journalists and government officials, allowing for real-time information sharing and early detection of false narratives.

"Some actors exploit fake news for political purposes to disrupt international relations or economic stability," he noted. "Our approach is proactive. Once fake news is identified, we act immediately – first by flagging and labelling it as false, and then by jointly issuing official clarifications to inform the public and prevent further sharing."

During the forum, the Chinese Embassy pointed out numerous instances of fake news aimed at undermining Cambodia-China relations. H.E. Neth Pheaktra reiterated that such false claims require immediate response, as "information warfare has become an increasingly intense challenge in the modern era."

To combat this, Cambodia has launched a comprehensive anti-fake news campaign aimed at boosting public media literacy. The initiative educates citizens on verifying sources, checking the accuracy of reports, and cross-referencing published data to protect themselves from misinformation.

Addressing recent trends, the Minister noted a surge in fake news linked to regional developments, including external groups generating false reports surrounding Cambodia-Thailand border issues to manipulate public perception.

In response, H.E. Neth Pheaktra urged citizens to rely strictly on verified government platforms. "The Royal Government continues to broadcast through official channels to ensure the public receives accurate, factual information. Unverified sources should not be trusted until confirmed by official authorities," he said.

By K. Rithy Reak