(Phnom Penh): ASEAN journalists and their counterparts from China will visit Cambodian border communities this week as part of a regional workshop on “Safety and Risk Management in Conflict Reporting,” held in Siem Reap City, Siem Reap province.

The three-day workshop (28–30 August) brings together journalists from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, and China. It aims to enhance professional capacity in reporting on sensitive security issues while upholding safety protocols, ethical standards, and journalistic accuracy.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Has Sam Ath, Under Secretary of State of the Ministry of Information, alongside Under Secretary of State and Ministry Spokesperson Tep Asnarith, Under Secretary Sles Alfin, and other senior officials.

Officials said the workshop also provides an opportunity for journalists to understand Cambodia’s perspective on past border tensions with Thailand, which they have described as having been accompanied by “disinformation attacks” from some foreign media outlets.

During the programme, participants will tour key sites affected by previous conflicts. In Preah Vihear, they will visit the Por 5000 Pagoda Displaced Shelter and other areas impacted by past clashes.

In Oddar Meanchey, journalists will inspect locations affected by cluster munitions in P’Orng Village, Kon Kreal Commune, and sites impacted by MK-84 bombs in Thmor Doun Village, Kukmorn Commune, Banteay Ompel District.

They will also visit Ta Moan Sen Chey Health Center, a damaged gas station, Ta Moan Sen Chey Pagoda, Ta Moan Sen Chey Primary School, and the Thmor Kombor Pagoda Displaced Shelter.

In Banteay Meanchey, participants will tour Ou Beichoan Commune, including Prey Chan and Chok Chey villages, where Thai forces have installed barbed wire near several Cambodian homes.

Cambodia highlighted that Thailand has historically used what it described as “disinformation strategies” during disputes, aiming to influence both domestic and international opinion.
=FRESH NEWS