Cambodian warns of foreign-led disinformation, urges national unity

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct.02, 2025) — The Cambodian government has warned of a surge in foreign-led disinformation and psychological warfare aimed at destabilizing the country, accusing hostile groups of using coordinated online and media campaigns to undermine national unity.

In a public statement, Pen Bona, Minister and government spokesperson, said the spread of false and misleading information is part of a broader strategy by foreign-based actors and opposition-aligned figures to sow division among Cambodians.
“Nothing can overcome the wisdom and the powerful national unity of the Khmer people,” Bona said.

He cited tactics such as the creation of fake Facebook accounts using Khmer names and language, allegedly operated by non-Cambodians, and the manipulation of news platforms to spread inflammatory or fabricated content. Bona also accused overseas opposition figures of amplifying anti-government narratives to discredit national institutions.

Bona said Cambodian citizens, both at home and abroad, have rejected these efforts and responded with what he described as “appropriate and timely” pushback. “The actions taken by our fellow citizens are a concrete example of genuine patriotism,” he said. “They serve as a source of national pride for all Cambodians.”

He urged the public to maintain trust in the Royal Government, the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, and other national institutions, especially during what he called a sensitive period for the country.

“True Khmer patriots do not take part in dividing their own people,” Bona said. “They stand with the government and armed forces in defending peace and the nation’s territorial integrity.”

The government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding national unity and called on all Cambodians to remain vigilant and united against any effort to undermine the country’s stability.