Doctored Hun Sen image triggers diplomatic cringe between neighbours

2026-03-17 - 06:04

BANGKOK — Cambodian authorities have raised concerns with Thailand over a doctored image depicting Hun Sen, the former prime minister of Cambodia, embedded in tree roots, as both sides agreed to step up cooperation to curb misinformation and reduce tensions, a Thai military spokesperson said. Air Chief Marshal Prapas Sornjaidee, assistant air force commander and director of the Thailand–Cambodia Joint Information Center (JIC), said on 17 March that Cambodia had directly coordinated with Thai counterparts over the viral image, which was widely shared on social media and criticised as inappropriate. The image digitally altered Hun Sen’s face into tree roots shaped to resemble female genitalia, prompting strong dissatisfaction from Cambodian authorities, who viewed it as offensive and disrespectful. Prapas said the coordination follows mechanisms established under a joint statement signed after the 3rd Special General Border Committee (GBC) meeting between Thailand and Cambodia on 27 December 2025, aimed at easing bilateral tensions. Under Article 16 of the agreement, both sides maintain direct and regular communication between official media teams to manage disinformation, ensure transparency and accuracy, and build mutual trust. Thailand has appointed Group Captain Patha Kantubtim, Thai air attaché in Phnom Penh, as its focal point under the JIC mechanism, while Cambodia designated Brig Gen Phan Yinyoura, deputy chief of the International Relations Department at its Defence Ministry, under its Command Post Information (CPI) unit. Both sides expressed concern over provocative, mocking or defamatory content circulating online, warning such material could affect public sentiment and undermine bilateral cooperation. They reaffirmed commitment to Article 8 of the joint statement, which calls for refraining from disseminating false or misleading information to reduce tensions and foster a more constructive environment for dialogue. Authorities from both countries will coordinate fact-checking of online content, exchange information through direct channels, and promote accurate reporting to prevent public misunderstanding. The JIC also urged media and the public in both countries to exercise caution when sharing potentially misleading or provocative content, and to rely on official sources. The latest incident follows online controversy involving images linked to a Cambodian temple, which sparked criticism among Thai social media users and led to further manipulated content targeting Hun Sen.