Cambodia is safe, and open as usual

Katrine Solhaug, owner of Babel Hotels in Cambodia was interviewed on National Radio in Norway about the actual situation for most people of Cambodia right now.

The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has escalated again. Reports are emerging of shootings, killings, unrest, and people being forced to evacuate.

You, Katrine Solhaug, are currently in Nesat, Cambodia, but you normally live in Siem Reap, which is relatively close to the Thai border and home to Angkor Wat, one of the world’s seven wonders.

How have things been since the situation intensified again?

In Siem Reap, life continues as normal. Everything is operating as usual, and tourist attractions remain open. It is not dangerous in Siem Reap. The city is several hours’ drive from the border, so it is actually not that close. Tourists visiting Siem Reap do not notice anything out of the ordinary.

Is it being talked about a lot?

Yes, of course. The locals are very frightened. Cambodians tend to believe everything they see on social media, where the situation is often exaggerated. The proliferation of frightening AI-generated videos does not help. It is understandable that people are evacuating, but much of the fear is unnecessarily amplified by social media, which is creating widespread and undue anxiety.

What is it that artificial intelligence and social media are showing that frightens them so much?

There are many horrific videos circulating that appear to show, for example, Thailand shooting at Khmer civilians or large military trucks entering Cambodia. A significant portion of this content is generated by AI. These videos depict the situation as far worse than it actually is. They are coming out constantly, people see them and believe them, and it is incredibly harmful.

According to reports today in Nettavisen, 500,000 people in the border areas are being evacuated, and many of those fleeing are coming to Siem Reap, where you live. What is behind this?

When the conflict escalated earlier this year, the exact same thing happened. People here have lived through war before, and they simply want peace. They scare easily when something happens, and they prefer to stay on the safe side. Sadly, these are the same people who are now being forced to leave their homes yet again.

What is actually happening?

It is difficult to know the exact facts, because authorities in both Cambodia and Thailand control what is published in the media. Press freedom is quite limited here, so it is hard for us to know what is truly going on.

There are many temples located along the border, and Thailand claims ownership of them. These temples lie on Cambodian territory, yet Thailand believes they belong to them.

Thailand is attacking Cambodia. Some media outlets claim that Cambodia is attacking Thailand, but that is not the case at all. It is simple logic—Cambodia knows it would lose a war against Thailand. Thailand has a much larger military, far greater financial resources, and is a bigger country. What would Cambodia gain from starting a war with them?

Cambodia wants peace.

People are even decorating their cars with stickers that say “Cambodia needs peace” and “Cambodia wants peace.” They are trying to resolve the conflict peacefully, but they must defend themselves when they are attacked. This is what is happening.

It was France, during the colonial era in 1864, that drew these borders. But the countIt was France, during the colonial era in 1864, that drew these borders. But the countries have never truly agreed on them, and the conflict resurfaces again and again.

You are not a foreign correspondent, but what do you think will happen? Will things calm down again?

We certainly hope so. Everyone working in tourism hopes so. Both Thailand and Cambodia depend heavily on tourism. None of us benefit from losing tourist. We are already noticing a decline in tourism—this year has been worse than last year—and we are fairly sure this is due to the unrest. Tourism in Thailand is also declining. This situation helps no one.

So of course we hope things will improve.

Good luck with the situation Katrine Solhaug, live with us from Cambodia.

Thank you very much!