A well-known female influencer in Cambodia is facing legal charges after posting information about the Thai-Cambodian border situation, which was viewed as fake news causing public alarm and affecting military security.
On 16 Dec 2025 GMT+7, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court accepted the charges against Thy Sovantha, a social media influencer and public figure, for Facebook posts alleged to threaten national security amid clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border.
Sovantha posted that several frontline soldiers suffered serious health problems such as hypertension, diabetes, and liver and kidney diseases, attributing these to alcohol consumption. Prime Minister Hun Sen responded that the country has no time to discipline undisciplined officials while urgent national matters demand attention, adding that Sovantha repeatedly posted inappropriate messages.
Cambodian media reported that Sovantha was summoned by internal security police on 10 and 11 Dec 2025 GMT+7 for questioning, then detained for legal proceedings after posting content about border disputes and military clashes. Government agencies stated the information was false, causing chaos, disturbing public order, and undermining national security.
Lieutenant General Choun Narin, commander of Phnom Penh metropolitan police, said the case is handled by specialized officials but details cannot be disclosed as it falls under the prosecutor's authority. The case is closely watched as it highlights control of information and social media’s role amid escalating Thai-Cambodian border tensions.
Previously, Thy Sovantha served as deputy governor of Areyksat city in Kandal province but was dismissed and expelled from the Cambodian People's Party on 3 Aug by order of Prime Minister Hun Sen after posting criticism of the Cambodian military’s border operations.
Source: Khmer Times
Image: Facebook/ Thy Sovantha