Cambodia’s Central Bank Warns Against Editing Khmer Riel Images on Social Media

National Bank of Cambodia has issued a public warning urging people not to alter, redesign, or misuse images of Cambodian riel banknotes on social media platforms, saying such actions damage national values and disrespect Cambodia’s cultural identity and historical heritage.

The warning was released on May 12 after officials noticed an increase in digitally edited images of Khmer riel banknotes being shared online.

Fake and Altered Banknote Images Raise Concerns

According to the central bank, some users have been modifying Cambodian currency images for graphic design projects, entertainment content, advertising, and AI-generated social media posts.

The warning comes after fake images of Cambodian banknotes circulated online showing portraits of:

Hun Sen
Hun Manet

displayed on unofficial and digitally altered currency designs.

The National Bank stressed that the Cambodian riel is more than just a payment tool.

“National currency reflects national unity, historical heritage, culture, and national pride through the symbols and images displayed on banknotes,” the statement said.

Central Bank Says Misuse Harms National Identity

The bank emphasized that writing on, coloring, deforming, or improperly using images of Khmer riel banknotes can be viewed as disrespectful to Cambodia and its people.

Officials warned that careless or inappropriate treatment of banknotes may negatively affect the image and value of the national currency.

The announcement also highlighted growing concerns over the rise of AI image-editing tools and digital manipulation technologies, which are increasingly being used to create fake or altered currency-related content online.

Cambodian Law on Currency Protection

The National Bank cited Article 53 of Cambodia’s Law on the Organization and Conduct of the National Bank of Cambodia, which states that banknotes are a form of national property and must be properly protected and preserved for circulation.

Authorities warned that damaged or heavily altered banknotes may lose their legal value or be removed from circulation entirely.

The bank also referenced Article 65 of the same law, which states that counterfeiting banknotes or coins used as legal currency in Cambodia or other countries can result in prison sentences ranging from 20 years to life imprisonment.

Public Urged to Respect National Currency

Although the central bank did not name any individuals or social media accounts, it called on the public to use currency images responsibly and respectfully online.

The Cambodian riel has long been promoted by the government as a symbol of:

Economic sovereignty
National identity
Financial independence

Authorities continue encouraging wider use of the riel in daily transactions as part of efforts to strengthen Cambodia’s national economy.

Growing Impact of AI and Digital Editing

Experts say the rapid growth of AI-generated images and digital graphic tools has made it easier for fake or manipulated currency images to spread across social media platforms.

Officials are now urging content creators, designers, and online users to remain careful when using national symbols in digital content.

CambodiaDailyAboutNews

google Ads