Thailand designates actress Panadda for countering Cambodia's defense spokeswoman's role
Thailand Appoints Former Miss Thailand as Spokeswoman for Border Situation
In a move aimed at countering misinformation and "fake news" from Cambodia, Thailand has appointed Panadda Wongphudee as a spokeswoman for the Ad Hoc Centre for the Thailand-Cambodia Border Situation. The former Miss Thailand 2000, actress, and social activist will take on this role voluntarily, leveraging her public profile, communication skills, and direct experience in border-affected provinces [1][3][4].
The appointment was officially announced by Deputy Defence Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit, who emphasized the need for a female spokesperson capable of promptly responding to Cambodia’s statements in the media and internationally. Panadda’s main role will be to counteract the narratives of Cambodia’s National Defence Ministry spokeswoman, Lt Gen Maly Socheata, amid ongoing tensions following border clashes in late July 2025 [1][2][5].
In addition to contesting Cambodian narratives, Panadda’s role includes acting as an intermediary between the public, media, military officials, and the international community, ensuring accurate communication about the situation and explaining the stance of Thailand’s authorities. She has shown commitment to factual reporting based on her experience in the conflict zones, aiming to build trust domestically and abroad [2][5].
Panadda, who is 49 years old, has a rich background as a beauty queen, actress, and social activist, alongside her involvement with charitable foundations and government advisory roles. This background is seen as enhancing her capacity to serve as an effective spokesperson in this sensitive diplomatic and information campaign context [1].
The border clashes resulted in the death of 14 civilians and 15 soldiers on the Thai side, and injured 53 people and 230 soldiers. The armed fighting between Thailand and Cambodia ended on July 28, and a ceasefire agreement was reached. However, the General Border Committee meeting, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on a day prior to the public introduction of Panadda Wongphudee, reiterated pledges by both countries to restore peace at their border [3].
Lt Gen Maly Socheata, Cambodia’s National Defence Ministry spokeswoman, has been a source of frustration for Thai officials due to her alleged dissemination of fake news. It has been reported that Lt Gen Maly has been considered a key person by the Cambodian government for sending false information to the international community, aiming to gain support for Cambodia and harm Thailand's reputation [4].
This strategy reflects Thailand’s approach to diplomacy blended with public relations to manage the complex information environment following the July 2025 border clashes between the two nations [1][3][4][5].
Background - Former Miss Thailand 2000 - Actress - Social Activist - Charity Leader
Role - Spokeswoman for Thailand-Cambodia Border Situation, volunteer position
Mandate - Counteract Cambodia’s defence spokesman’s statements - Combat misinformation/fake news
Tasks - Public communication - Media engagement - International information dissemination - Local liaison
Impact - Strengthens Thailand’s narrative - Supports military and government messaging - Counters Cambodian claims post-border clashes
In response to ongoing tensions and misinformation following border clashes, Thailand's appointment of Panadda Wongphudee, a former Miss Thailand, actress, and social activist, as a spokeswoman for the Thailand-Cambodia Border Situation is a strategic move to counter the narratives of Cambodia's National Defence Ministry spokeswoman amid political conflicts. Furthermore, Panadda's role includes dealing with war-and-conflicts-related general-news, engaging with the media, the international community, and local areas, to ensure accurate communication and combat misinformation.
