Cambodia Files Complaint to France Over Alleged Bias in France 24 Border Report

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 9, 2025) — Cambodia has lodged a formal complaint with the French Embassy, accusing a France 24 journalist of publishing biased and misleading coverage of the ongoing border clashes with Thailand.

In a letter to French Ambassador Olivier Richard, the Cambodian Human Rights Committee said France 24 journalist Matt Hunt produced a report portraying Thai airstrikes as acts of “self defense,” a characterization Cambodia rejected as inaccurate and harmful.

The committee said the report ignored verified evidence that Thai forces initiated hostilities inside Cambodian territory, causing civilian deaths, displacement and damage to homes, temples, schools and infrastructure.

The CHRC warned that such reporting risks inflaming tensions and undermines the public’s right to balanced information, especially during an active conflict. It stressed that international media must uphold standards of fairness, impartiality and verification.

Noting that France 24 is a state owned broadcaster, the committee said its coverage carries global influence and could be perceived as reflecting the French government’s position. Cambodia urged France to engage with the network’s editors to correct the disputed report and ensure future coverage reflects both sides.

The CHRC reaffirmed that Cambodia provides verified, English language updates on the conflict and expects foreign media to adhere to responsible journalism principles to avoid escalating tensions.