We Didn’t Put PM’s Name Up in Lights: Officials
This combined photo shows Prime Minister Hun Manet on the billboard at Time Square and Hun Manet speaking at General Assembly. Photo: PM Hun Manet's Facebook
- By Romdoul Chetra
- September 26, 2023 4:10 PM
PHNOM PENH – The government has denied an accusation that it spent public money to put Prime Minister Hun Manet on the Times Square Billboard in New York.
The image of the Prime Minister was put on the billboard when he attended the UN General Assembly from Sept. 21 to 25 and sparked criticism from opposition groups..
“The poster arrangement was coordinated by Cambodians living in the US and Canada, with facilitation from the billboard company for free,” the Prime Minister’s Spokesperson Unit said on Sept. 25.
“The accusation is baseless and in contrast to the truth, with a political purpose and incitement of public opinion.”
Hun Manet said on Facebook that Soth David, who is working with the billboard posting company, had coordinated the welcome posters for free in some areas of New York, including the Times Square area.
“This is such a heartful message for me and for the Cambodian government. Also, I would like to thank the billboard posting company for the free welcoming poster,” the PM said.
The cost of advertising on the Times Square billboard depends on many factors, and ranges from $5,000 to $25,000 for one to three days.
Originally written in Khmer for ThmeyThmey, this story was translated by Meng Seavmey for Cambodianess.
