Cambodian Rights Body Urges WSJ to Retract ‘Scambodia’ Label

PHNOM PENH, April 22, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s Human Rights Committee has called on the Wall Street Journal to retract and correct its use of the term “Scambodia” in a recent article, saying the label is derogatory and risks inciting discrimination against the country’s people.

In a letter addressed to Editor in Chief Emma Tucker, committee president Keo Remy said the wording distorted reality, reduced a sovereign state to a source of criminal activity, and undermined the dignity of its citizens.

He stressed that such language violated principles of fairness and responsibility in journalism, particularly on sensitive issues like transnational crime.

The committee argued that the term ignored Cambodia’s ongoing efforts to combat cyber scams, including strengthened law enforcement, dismantling of scam operations, international cooperation and the enactment of a new law on online fraud.

Ministry of Information spokesman Tep Asnarith also condemned the use of “Scambodia,” saying the slur unfairly linked the country to cybercrime and risked damaging Cambodia’s reputation.

He urged international media to avoid inflammatory language and to acknowledge the government’s measures against online fraud.

Remy urged the newspaper to issue a correction, apology and revised headline, while pledging openness to constructive engagement.

He said global media must uphold accountability and avoid sensational labels that stigmatize entire populations.