Prime Minister Hun Sen has instructed Minister of Information Khieu Kanharith to revoke the licences of any journalists who go live and insult others in public just to attract viewers.

He said that while the government champions freedom of expression, this does not include the right to use foul language during live broadcasts.

The instruction followed the case of San Buntheoun, a celebrity social media journalist who recently went live on Facebook behaving disrespectfully by smashing plates and shouting insulting words.

The video drew the ire of Hun Sen, who later ordered Buntheoun’s dismissal from the Prime Minister Bodyguard Unit within the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) framework. Afterwards, he recorded a second video, where he apologised and claimed it had been a “prank” designed to boost viewership of his social media channels.

“San Bunthoeun released a video saying that he did it because he wanted to get more views. If this kind of thing happens again in the future, especially by a member of the media, [Khieu] Kanharith should just shut them down,” he said, pointing to the information minister.

“Everyone has the right to speak out, but the right to swear is not included. Cancel their licence if they try that,” he said.

After the release of the video, which featured extensive swearing and the smashing of dishes, the premier ordered him to be sacked from the army, so it was clear that the abuse of authority by members of the bodyguard unit would not be tolerated.

Kanharith revoked Bunthoeun’s press licence on August 22, saying that he had acted immorally and undermined the dignity of professional journalists. His acts violated the ethics of journalism which the ministry is tasked with upholding, he added.

Phos Sovann, head of the ministry’s General Department of Information and Broadcasting, said on August 23 that the ministry has a committee tasked with monitoring and evaluating the implementation of journalistic ethics. The ministry also accepts complaints from the public.

He said media licences were issued to anyone who could demonstrate that they had good intentions, providing their organisation was also registered with the Ministry of Commerce to operate their business.

“We must adhere to the press law, implemented since 1995. Until the law is amended – if there is a request, we approve it,” he said in reference to the issuance of licence.

Pen Bona, president of the Club of Cambodian Journalists, supported the prime minister’s recommendation. He noted that this did not mean he wanted the information ministry to revoke the licences of journalists, but wanted all of them to respect their professional ethics.

He added that some – usually online – journalists misrepresented their profession by behaving inappropriately to attract more viewers and make a name for themselves.

“It affects the dignity of the profession, which means the public do not respect people who work in the industry. It also has a negative effect on society, as journalists should be role models, but some are setting bad examples for the youth,” he said.

Bona said the club often run training courses to teach professional ethics and help its members become positive role models in society.