Bangkok: Thai media professional organizations have issued a call to the Cambodian Media Association, urging them to address the growing issue of fake news within their country. The statement from the Thai media professionals highlights concerns over distorted news and calls for serious investigation into the matter.
According to Thai News Agency, the statement was issued by several Thai media organizations, including the Thai Journalists Association, the Online News Producers Association, and the Thai Media Workers’ Union. The organizations have expressed their rejection of information that defames Thai media, showing dissatisfaction with the Club of Cambodian Journalists (CCJ). The CCJ had accused the Thai media of unethical reporting on the Thai-Cambodian border situation, which the Thai organizations consider an unacceptable insult.
The statement detailed several demands to the CCJ. Firstly, it calls on the CCJ to refrain from interfering in Thailand’s media affairs and to focus on scrutinizing the ethics of their own media with independence. Secondly, it urges the CCJ to engage in concrete actions to combat the spread of fake news and disinformation online originating from Cambodia. This includes claims of Thai F-16 aircraft dropping chemicals on Cambodia and other misinformation that has led to misunderstandings between the two nations.
Furthermore, the Thai media organizations reaffirmed their commitment to ethical reporting. They emphasized the existence of a robust self-regulatory system within Thai media, which respects people’s rights and freedoms and does not incite hatred. Their commitment remains towards impartial, comprehensive news reporting to maintain peace in the border regions.
The statement also criticized CCJ’s actions, suggesting they act more as a government mouthpiece than an independent professional body. Consequently, the Thai Journalists Association decided to temporarily suspend its relationship with the CCJ, despite having a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at fostering good relations and understanding between the two countries.
Signed by the Thai Journalists Association, the Online News Producers Association, and the Thai Media Workers’ Union, the statement was published on July 31, 2025.