Cambodia accuses ABC Australia of biased border reporting, says coverage echoes Thai military narrative

PHNOM PENH, July 1, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s Ministry of Information has accused Australia’s ABC News of producing a biased report on an alleged online scam compound near the Cambodia–Thailand border, saying the broadcaster relied solely on access arranged by the Thai military and failed to present Cambodia’s position.

Spokesperson Tep Asnarith said the report, filmed at O Smach after Thai military personnel escorted ABC journalists to the site, was “staged” to defame Cambodia and escalate tensions. He argued the coverage lacked balance and transparency, noting that ABC did not seek comment from Cambodian authorities or local residents.

“Receiving information only from the Thai military without giving Cambodia an opportunity to express its views resulted in a one‑sided report that failed to reflect the actual situation,” he said.

Asnarith added that such reporting fell short of professional standards and risked turning ABC into “a propaganda tool for another country.” He said ethical media should avoid coverage that could provoke conflict or undermine regional stability.

Veteran journalist Puy Kea, president of the Club of Cambodian Journalists, echoed the criticism, saying ABC failed to explain that O Smach lies in a disputed border area claimed by Cambodia. “The issue is not the story itself, but the significance of the location,” he said.

ABC’s report, presented by Asia Editor Karishma Vyas, documented alleged evidence of cyber scam operations. Cambodian analysts argued Thailand has used such allegations to justify military activities in territory Cambodia considers sovereign, warning that foreign military observers in disputed areas undermine sovereignty and international law.

Officials and commentators renewed calls for balanced reporting and adequate territorial context when covering sensitive border issues.