Cambodian Information Ministry Officials Complete 'War Journalism' Training in Turkey

Two officials from Cambodia's Ministry of Information have successfully completed the 30th 'War Journalism' training course in Ankara, Turkey. This training marks a significant step in enhancing the capabilities and safety of Cambodian information ministry officials and journalists on the international stage. The specialized training was organized in cooperation between Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency (AA) and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA). It saw the participation of journalists and media experts from various countries in the Southeast Asian and Asia-Pacific regions, including Cambodia. During the two-week training, held from September 14 to 25, 2026, the 25 participants underwent rigorous theoretical and practical field training. This included first aid, self-defense against chemical weapons, smoke bombs, high-pressure water jets, the use of protective equipment, group swimming under challenging conditions, night mountain climbing, self-defense during gunfire, adaptation to difficult and cold environments, including sleeping outdoors in groups during rain, hostage survival techniques, natural disaster preparedness (such as earthquakes), and overcoming acrophobia through wall climbing and helicopter rides. They also trained in self-protection in areas with unexploded ordnance and mines. A representative journalist from Cambodia's news agency (AKP), who participated in the training, stated, "This is an invaluable and irreplaceable experience. As journalists, we not only need to report news promptly and accurately, but most importantly, we must know how to protect our own lives and those of our team in conflict zones or any emergency situation to continue our mission of bringing the light of truth to the public." The certificate awarding ceremony took place after all journalists skillfully passed capability tests and practical exercises within battlefield scenarios. The success of these Cambodian journalists is expected to significantly contribute to sharing this knowledge and best practices with their domestic colleagues, thereby further enhancing the standards of safety and professionalism in journalism within Cambodia, especially in the current context of border issues faced by the country due to territorial incursions from Thailand. The two Ministry of Information officials selected for this important training course are Mr. Ya Chinthakanty from the Cambodian News Agency (AKP) and Mr. Him Korona from the National Television of Cambodia (TVK).