Phnom penh: The Ministry of Information has issued a mandatory media protocol for journalists, content creators, and the general public concerning the coverage, publication, and sharing of information related to border issues and military strongholds.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the protocol, released on August 1, aims to safeguard national security, ensure the safety of media personnel, promote a unified voice between the government and the public, and guarantee the dissemination of accurate and verified information.
The guidelines require all individuals involved in media or content creation to notify and obtain permission from the Ministry of Information and the relevant authorities before approaching military strongholds for reporting or filming purposes. The ministry has emphasized that any violation of this protocol will result in legal action.
The Royal Government of Cambodia, under the leadership of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, is actively defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity amidst armed aggression by the Thai military. A ceasefire agreement is currently being implemented between the two nations.
The ministry believes that the new protocol will play a crucial role in protecting confidential information, reinforcing national security, fostering unity among citizens, boosting military morale, and strengthening diplomatic relations with neighboring countries.
While encouraging journalists and content creators to report on national realities for both domestic and international audiences, the ministry strongly advises them to fact-check all information with official sources, including the designated units of the Royal Government of Cambodia, the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Information, and other relevant institutions.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to supporting responsible journalism and emphasized the importance of aligning media coverage with the country's strategic interests and journalism ethics.