The original report referred to images circulating on social media that placed portraits of Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet on riel banknotes. In a reminder dated May 12, 2026, the National Bank of Cambodia said it had observed some social media users using images of riel banknotes in graphic design or digitally altering them, and warned that inappropriate use harmed national values. The reminder itself did not name either leader or any social media account.
The central bank warned that writing on, colouring or improperly handling riel banknotes showed disrespect for Cambodia and its people. In its explanation citing Article 53 of the Law on the Organization and Conduct of the National Bank of Cambodia, the reminder described banknotes as a form of property and said holders should preserve them properly for use in transactions. Altering their appearance or original characteristics could affect their value and use.
The reminder also cited Article 65 of the same law, concerning counterfeiting banknotes or coins that are legal tender in Cambodia or a foreign state, with imprisonment ranging from 20 years to life. It did not accuse any named person or account, or determine that a particular act of image editing constituted currency counterfeiting. The central bank urged the public to exercise caution and respect when using images of the national currency.
The original report also referred to the use of digital image-editing tools and artificial intelligence (AI) on social media.
ដោយ៖ ង៉ែត ពិសាន្ត
