Hun Manet: Foreign Visitors Surprised by the Real Cambodia Beyond Media Narratives
Hun Manet: Foreign Visitors Surprised by the Real Cambodia Beyond Media Narratives
SIEM REAP, June 16, 2026 — Prime Minister Hun Manet said many foreign visitors who travel to Cambodia for the first time are often surprised by the country’s modern development, peace and stability, noting that the reality they witness firsthand differs significantly from some portrayals in international media.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 39th World Conference of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) and the 42nd Annual Meeting of the Olave Baden-Powell Society (OB-PS) in Siem Reap on Tuesday, Hun Manet said Cambodia was honored to present its “new face” and true situation to the international community.
“We have the honor of showcasing the new face of Cambodia and the true reality of our country. I believe many foreign friends who have never visited Cambodia before are genuinely surprised because the Cambodia they see with their own eyes is very different from what they may have heard or read through some media outlets,” the Prime Minister said.
Hun Manet emphasized that international visitors arriving in Cambodia can directly experience the country’s peace, stability, security and rapid development, which have enabled it to successfully host major international events.
He noted that some delegates attending the conference had visited Siem Reap’s famous Pub Street on Sunday evening, giving them an opportunity to observe firsthand the vibrant atmosphere of the historic Angkor region.
The Prime Minister stressed that peace remains the foundation of all national achievements, saying that without peace, Cambodia would not have been able to advance education, development, women’s empowerment or youth opportunities.
“Peace is the foundation of everything. Without peace, we could not talk about education, development, women’s participation or the future of our young people,” he said.
Hun Manet added that peace has allowed Cambodia to rebuild infrastructure, create jobs, expand educational opportunities, improve social welfare and welcome international friends to share knowledge, experience and friendship with the Cambodian people.
The Prime Minister said Cambodia’s hosting of the WAGGGS World Conference and the OB-PS Annual Meeting demonstrates the confidence that the international community places in the country and provides an opportunity for Cambodia to contribute to global efforts promoting leadership, community service, responsibility and the future of girls and young women.
Referring to the conference theme, “We See, We Care, We Act,” Hun Manet described it as a simple but meaningful message that reflects the importance of awareness, compassion and collective action in addressing challenges facing societies around the world.
