Phnom Penh — As Cambodia prepares to welcome the heads of Francophone nations later this year, a new publication titled The Smile of the Cambodia People is being crafted to capture the nation’s essence — its warmth, elegance, and enduring spirit.
The project, a collaboration between the Ministry of Information, the Thmey Thmey online news team and Wonders of Cambodia, with support from the Many Foundation, aims to introduce Cambodia to the Francophone world through stories that reveal its cultural soul.
H.E. Neth Pheaktra, Minister of Information, who chairs the summit’s Information and Public Relations Committee, has voiced strong support for the book, calling it “a celebration of Cambodian identity and a bridge to the Francophone world.” During a meeting with key stakeholders on February 10, he noted that the publication is set to be showcased to both delegates and members of the international press attending the summit.
More than a simple cultural guide, The Smile of the Cambodian People will explore the nation’s traditions, cuisine, economy, diplomacy, architecture, and history — tracing its evolution from the French protectorate (1863–1953) to modern times. The book also pays tribute to the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk, one of the founding figures of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), underlining Cambodia’s historical ties to the Francophone movement.
For Pascal Medeville, founder of the translation company Simili and leader of the Wonders of Cambodia team, the book is both a cultural mission and a heartfelt gesture. After sixteen years of living in Cambodia, he has come to see it as “a land of beauty, kindness, and culinary genius that remains overlooked by much of the world.” He hopes the publication will help dispel lingering misconceptions that still associate the country only with its dark chapters.
“I continue to learn something new about Cambodia every day — its deep-rooted culture, heritage, and the generosity of its people,” Medeville reflected.
The initiative also excites Ky Soklim, veteran journalist and co-founder of ThmeyThmey. With over three decades of experience, he believes the book will meaningfully enhance understanding among the 300 million people across Francophone nations. “This publication will reveal the true uniqueness of Cambodia — its people, its culture, and its smile,” he said.
Since its inception in 1986, the Sommet de la Francophonie has gathered heads of state and government from across the French-speaking world to exchange ideas on global politics, economics, culture, and cooperation. This year, as Cambodia welcomes the world, it will do so not only with hospitality — but with a smile immortalized on every page of The Smile of the Cambodia People.
(This article is based on Thmey Thmey Facebook publication; all photos by Thmey Thmey)
