Phnom Penh (FN), Oct. 9 – The Ministry of Tourism would like to inform the public that, on 7 October 2024, The Nation Thailand published on their Facebook page with the original content in English stating: "(...) the reasons for the cancellation were that no officials from the host showed up to welcome the contestants upon arrival, the absence of the minister of tourism at the press conference as promised, (...)".

“The aforementioned statement by The Nation Thailand claimed that one of the reasons for the cancellation of the Miss Grand International 2024 in Cambodia was due to the absence of the minister of Tourism at the press conference, as promised,” according to the press release seen by Fresh News on Wednesday (Oct. 9).

“As per the above accusation, the Ministry of Tourism would like to clarify to the public as follows:

1. The Ministry of Tourism firmly rejects and denies the above allegation, which is entirely false and has severely damaged the reputation of the Ministry of Tourism of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

2. On Sunday morning, 6 October 2024, the minister of Tourism kindly received and held a meeting with the event organisers, including representatives from HK7 Co., Ltd (the company with the exclusive rights to organise the Miss Grand International 2024 in Cambodia), representatives of the Miss Grand International, and contestants from 75 countries participating in Miss Grand International 2024 at the Ministry of Tourism's headquarters. On that occasion, the minister extended a warm welcome to the organisers and contestants of the Miss Grand International 2024 to the Kingdom of Cambodia; and expressed contentment regarding the Miss Grand International 2024's participation in promoting Cambodia's culture, tourism, and linking tourism with peace. Additionally, the Ministry of Tourism facilitated and provided support in cooperation with various related ministries and institutions on the matter concerning entry and exit procedures into the Kingdom of Cambodia and visits to tourist attractions. The minister of Tourism never promised to participate in any press conference or any other events beyond the meeting on 6 October 2024 with the Miss Grand International 2024 organizers and contestants, at the Ministry of Tourism's headquarters.

3. The Ministry of Tourism requests that The Nation Thailand correct and cease to spread the false information above and properly adhere to the ethical standards of journalism.”
=FRESH NEWS