Cambodia–Thailand: The war of narratives and the forgotten at the border

The complaint by the Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC) against the journalist Matt Hunt of France 24 — together with alarming displacement figures released by the Defense Ministry — highlights a moment of acute tension at the border. This situation reveals a double challenge: the battle over media narratives and the humanitarian reality of a conflict far beyond diplomatic grids.

Keo Remy, President of Cambodian Human Rights Committee

A border conflict under high tension

According to the CHRC, the recent escalation between Cambodia and Thailand — marked by military exchanges and air strikes — caused human losses, destruction of infrastructure, and massive population displacement in border zones. The letter claims that Thai units repeatedly initiated hostilities on Cambodian territory, leading Phnom Penh to respond in what it frames as self‑defense. In this already explosive context, every word used by international media becomes a factor that can either calm or escalate the crisis.

The target: a France 24 report

The core of the CHRC complaint centers on a France 24 report by Matt Hunt, accused of carrying a “biased and sensationalist narrative.” The CHRC criticizes, in particular, a caption describing Cambodian strikes as “legitimate defense” during border clashes — a formulation they consider built on “fabricated pretexts,” ignoring evidence suggesting Thai forces triggered the confrontations and overlooking the consequences for Cambodian civilians.

Accusation of disinformation with serious consequences

The CHRC argues that such reporting “misinforms the international public” and could fuel further regional tensions rather than contributing to de‑escalation. They see a unilateral narrative that downplays the suffering of border communities as a manipulation of public opinion, at a time of crisis. They consider that this approach violates basic journalistic standards — the right to accurate, balanced, and verifiable information — and breaches international commitments of France regarding human rights.

Humanitarian dimension: displaced civilians and destroyed infrastructure

Alongside media controversies, defense‑ministry data from Cambodia show another side of the conflict: civilians trapped in the crossfire. The number of Cambodians displaced by the fighting is reported to exceed 50,000, forced to abandon their homes and lands to find temporary shelters or safer zones inland. Accounts collected describe destroyed homes, damaged roads and infrastructure, and a pervasive climate of fear — devastating rural communities that heavily rely on agriculture and small trade for their livelihoods.

Call for media and diplomatic responsibility

Aware of France 24’s influence as a major international media outlet, the CHRC demands that the French ambassador intervene with the channel so that misleading or unfounded elements in the report be revised or corrected. They ask for future coverage to seriously consider official and independent Cambodian sources — to avoid one-sided narratives that reinforce a sense of injustice. The CHRC also calls for journalistic practices that respect fact‑checking, especially regarding humanitarian impact and the responsibilities of all parties involved.

Between diplomacy, image — and human suffering

More than a mere editorial dispute, this case illustrates how the battle over narrative merges with the battle on the ground. For Phnom Penh, the issue is dual: to defend its version of events internationally, and to obtain recognition for the suffering of its citizens — particularly the tens of thousands of displaced people living in uncertainty. The complaint against France 24 becomes thus a signal to the international media: in conflict zones, words — like bombs — can leave lasting scars