Thai - Cambodia Conflict Ex-Miss Thailand to Counter Cambodian ‘Fake News’

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Dr Panadda Wongphudee️ Facebook

 

Thailand has selected former Miss Thailand, Panadda Wongphudee, to serve as the spokeswoman for the Ad Hoc Centre addressing the Thailand-Cambodia border situation. Her task? Counteract what Thailand sees as "fake news" from neighbouring Cambodia.

 

Deputy Defence Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit announced the appointment of Ms. Panadda, emphasising her role in challenging Cambodia's National Defence Ministry spokesperson, Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata. Tensions have been high since the border clashes that began on July 24; although a ceasefire was brokered on July 28, verbal sparring persists.

 

The choice of Ms Panadda, known for her beauty and intelligence, seems to be a strategic move in response to Lt Gen Maly’s influence in communicating Cambodia's narrative.

 

Nattaphon commented, “At least I am confident that we hold one advantage over Cambodia: she is more beautiful,” referring to Ms Panadda’s credentials as a former Miss Thailand.

 

Ms Panadda, a renowned actress and social activist, has committed to disseminating accurate information on behalf of Thailand, reported the Bangkok Post.

 

She expressed her readiness to inform the public and the global community about the situation, considering the impact of the clashes, which led to casualties and injuries on both sides.

 

Lt Gen Maly Socheata, spokeswoman for Cambodia’s National Defence Ministry. (Screenshot)
 

She affirmed, “The armed forces agreed in a meeting that I was the most suitable spokeswoman who can confront the representative from Cambodia. So, I took the offer.” WWith military backing and reliable information, she aims to challenge and counter any misleading narratives.

 

The border conflict has resulted in 14 civilian deaths and 15 soldier deaths on the Thai side, along with numerous injuries. Despite the current ceasefire, the information battle underscores the ongoing tensions between the two nations.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-08-09

 

[ikke1959]

Beauty has nothing to do with knowledge and wisdom....maybe the not so beauty Cambodian spokeswoman is better educated or capable of doing the job

[fredwiggy]

They both need to step back, along with everyone else, and realize there is a lot of anger on both sides, warranted, which needs to be addressed. Fake news arises from this prejudiced behavior, and should be taken with a grain of salt, fully realizing there will be those who want conflict and a want to take revenge. Cambodia and Thailand's people need each other, and if left to them, there wouldn't be this kind of problem. Negotiating land and the sharing of a temple is a rational approach, instead of seeing innocents or soldiers killed by neighbors who are better off trading with and working together. Anyone who is there to help both sides is ones that should be heard. Anyone who puts blame on the other side is only trying to escalate instead of negotiating a peaceful solution that will benefit both countries. 

[sammieuk1]

She will end up taking one' for Thailand one way or another 🤔

[Artisi]

38 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

They both need to step back, along with everyone else, and realize there is a lot of anger on both sides, warranted, which needs to be addressed. Fake news arises from this prejudiced behavior, and should be taken with a grain of salt, fully realizing there will be those who want conflict and a want to take revenge. Cambodia and Thailand's people need each other, and if left to them, there wouldn't be this kind of problem. Negotiating land and the sharing of a temple is a rational approach, instead of seeing innocents or soldiers killed by neighbors who are better off trading with and working together. Anyone who is there to help both sides is ones that should be heard. Anyone who puts blame on the other side is only trying to escalate instead of negotiating a peaceful solution that will benefit both countries. 

Negotiation and sharing the land and temple in this disputed area is the only sensible approach, however, the operative word of course is sensible - something severely lacking at the moment from the idiots in charge.