Ministry of Information Halts Broadcast of Thai Films on TVs

Ministry of Information Halts Broadcast of Thai Films on TVs

AKP Phnom Penh, June 13, 2025 -The Ministry of Information has instructed all local television stations to cease broadcasting Thai films, effective from midnight on June 12, 2025.

“The Ministry of Information would like to inform the owners of all television stations that, starting from midnight on June 12, 2025, all TV stations in Cambodia must cease broadcasting all types of Thai films on their channels,” announced the ministry in an official statement.

The directive follows a suggestion by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Hun Sen, President of the Senate.

On June 12, Samdech Techo Hun Sen publicly called on the Royal Government of Cambodia to consider suspending the broadcast of Thai films in light of rising tensions between the two countries.

The proposal comes amid growing concerns over threats from extremist groups in Thailand to cut off electricity and internet services to Cambodia.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen mentioned that Thai extremist groups, supported by pro-war military factions, have threatened Cambodia with power and internet cutoffs. “But what power are they referring to when Cambodia doesn’t even rely on Thai electricity? And what internet, when Cambodia already has sufficient access?” he questioned.  

Samdech Techo Hun Sen added that he has consistently urged that military tensions in one area should not spill over into others or into different sectors. However, it is now clear that the issue has already escalated—examples include unilateral border closures, reduced length of stay for visitors, and threats to cut electricity and internet access, as well as unauthorised incursions at certain border checkpoints driven by arbitrary decisions. 

By Heng Panha