Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

A Cambodian media outlet is under fire for allegedly producing fake news, claiming to have taken a "White House journalist" to inspect border barbed wire and tyres.

 

The individual in question, Michael Alfaro, was presented as a journalist and intelligence expert from the White House. However, he is merely a lobbyist with no ties to the U.S. government, according to the Drama-addict Facebook page.

 

The report sparked reactions after it accused Thailand of wrongdoings at the Nong Jan border crossing in Sakaeo, opposite Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey.

 

The news created by the Cambodian outlet was streamed live on social media, presenting a narrative aimed at gaining an upper hand in the information domain. The Thai page Drama-addict debunked this, revealing Alfaro's true identity.

 

 

Alfaro founded Capitol Hill & Friends, a lobbying firm with no connection to the White House. Photos showing Alfaro with U.S. President Donald Trump were explained as mere results of his role as a campaign fundraiser in Illinois, rather than White House duties. Testimonials from the Royal Thai Army's social media confirm Alfaro's status as a lobbyist for personal gain, reported Daily News.

 

The incident highlights the risks of misusing media to report unverified stories. This unfolded into a diplomatic issue between neighbours, sparking corrections and clarifications. As both sides respond, the importance of fact-checking remains central, ensuring accurate reporting in international borders.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Daily News 2025-08-16

 

"Lobbyist promoting private interests"...It would be interesting to learn who.

1 hour ago, ErichR said:

"Lobbyist promoting private interests"...It would be interesting to learn who.

The Hun ?

7 hours ago, JoePai said:

The Hun ?

More like China

Would they admit it if he was " intelligence expert from the White House"

1 minute ago, GreasyFingers said:

Would they admit it if he was " intelligence expert from the White House"

 

 

I watched his video on Thai TV last night.......I can personally vouch for the fact that if he is an intelligence expert......he shouldn't be.

11 hours ago, ErichR said:

"Lobbyist promoting private interests"...It would be interesting to learn who.

Whoever has the money to pay him. That's the way it works. 

🤣🤣🤣One more Trumpist Bigmouth🤣🤣🤣

18 hours ago, webfact said:

was presented as a journalist and intelligence expert from the White House.

 

18 hours ago, webfact said:

"White House journalist"

 

18 hours ago, webfact said:

with no ties to the U.S. government

 

A "WHite house correspondent" is NOT a government employee.  Tis a journalist assigned to report on the WHite house.

 

Both sides propaganda truly sucks.

 

The Cambodian video can be found on Youtube titled "White House Correspondent Visits Cambodia to Cover Thai–Cambodian Conflict & Development Progress"

 

The report in the Nation.....well, you can check the claims against the website.   https://www.capitolhillandfriends.com/contact-us

4 hours ago, Will B Good said:

 

 

I watched his video on Thai TV last night.......I can personally vouch for the fact that if he is an intelligence expert......he shouldn't be.

He's a terrible actor too. Awful video, what a 🔔🔚

He came across on the report from the border as an unbalanced muppet. I hope Cambodia didn't pay him a lot of money because every last $ was wasted.

Welcome the age of misinformation, as if we were not yet introduced.