Phnom Penh: The National Bank of Cambodia has reminded the public not to use riel banknotes to alter their original characteristics, as this has a significant negative impact on the national value.
Recently, the National Bank of Cambodia has noticed that some social media users have used images of riel banknotes, the national currency of Cambodia, in graphic design or to alter images for other purposes.
According to the National Bank of Cambodia’s reminder on May 12, 2026, “We would like to remind social media users as well as the general public that such activities have a significant negative impact on the national value. Through symbols and images on banknotes, the national currency reflects national unity, historical heritage, culture and national pride.”
The National Bank of Cambodia continued that altering images on riel banknotes, writing on them in color or storing them improperly is an insult to the country and the entire Cambodian nation. According to Article 53 of the Law on the Organization and Operation of the National Bank of Cambodia, banknotes are a form of property and the person holding them is obliged to take good care of them for use in transactions.
Damage to the shape or loss of the original characteristics of the paper may cause the paper to lose its value or be withdrawn from circulation. Furthermore, Article 65 states that anyone who counterfeits banknotes or coins that are legal tender in the territory of the Kingdom of Cambodia or in the territory of another state shall be punished with imprisonment from 20 years to life.
