Two Journalists Sued, Complainant Seeks $200,000 Compensation For Allegations of Corrupt Practices

A complaint against the publisher of Sunday TV Online and a reporter with Koh Santepheap Daily have been made to the Ministry of Information after they reported an alleged corruption involving a powerful individual in Takeo province.
On October 24, 2024, the two journalists received a complaint made by a person known as Sot Vuth, who was mentioned in the report for being allegedly involved in corrupt practices related to paddy rice transportation at the Vietnam border in Takeo.
In the complaint dated October 22, 2024, seen by CamboJA, Sot Vuth, who claimed to be the son of Hun Bunthoeun, a sister of Senate president Hun Sen, requested the Ministry of Information to take legal action against the individuals and publications, and have the media licenses revoked.
Sot Vuth accused both outlets of publishing false information, which harmed his honor and dignity, and demanded compensation of $200,000 from the individuals.
Tep Asnarith, spokesperson of the Ministry of Information, requested CamboJA to submit an official letter to obtain information.
On October 9, Koh Santepheap Daily published an article alleging corruption in the rice industry. The article was republished by Sunday TV Online on the same day.
According to the article, Sot Vuth, a supervisor at Canal12 Port, which oversees import and export activities between Cambodia and Vietnam in Bak Dai border gate in Kork Tlork commune, Angkor Borei district in Takeo, allegedly asked Vietnamese brokers to pay him 600,000 riel (about $150) per boat, which is an unofficial fee, to enter Cambodia to buy rice from local farmers.
The journalist said he reported the case after receiving information from farmers who had brought their paddy rice to sell at Canal 12 Port but there appeared to be issues with fee payments from buyers which was causing congestion at the gate.