Phnom Penh, February 19, 2024: Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized the importance of protecting Cambodia's national interests during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Chak Angre Krom-Prek Pra Bridge today. His comments follow the recent arrest and sentencing of two Taiwanese nationals accused of producing videos that harmed the country's reputation.

"We will resolutely defend our national interests," the Prime Minister declared. He linked his statement to the arrest of the two individuals in Sihanoukville, who were subsequently sentenced to two years in prison.

Prime Minister Hun Manet acknowledged pleas for intervention in the case, citing the defendants' ill mothers. However, he maintained a firm stance. "If their mothers are unwell," he stated, "they should have remained home to care for them, not flown here to damage their chosen homeland."

He issued a direct warning to others contemplating similar actions. "Those who exploit Cambodia for online content to gain views at the expense of our national reputation will face strict legal consequences," he declared. "This includes imprisonment, expulsion, and a lifetime ban from re-entering Cambodia."