Thailand designates actress Panadda for countering the defense spokeswoman from Cambodia
Former Miss Thailand Turned Spokeswoman for Thailand-Cambodia Border Crisis
In August 2025, Panadda Wongphudee, a renowned actress, influencer, and social activist, was appointed as the spokeswoman for the Ad Hoc Centre for the Thailand-Cambodia Border Situation. This appointment came in response to the recent border clashes between the two countries that took place from July 24 to 28, 2025[1][3][4][5].
Panadda, who was crowned Miss Thailand in 2000, has been chosen as the most suitable spokeswoman to confront Lt Gen Maly Socheata, Cambodia's National Defence Ministry spokeswoman, in a meeting with Thai security authorities. Her role is specifically to counter misinformation and "fake news" allegedly spread by Lt Gen Maly[1][3][4][5].
Thai security authorities will supply Panadda with information to counter Lt Gen Maly on her online platforms. Panadda's mission is characterized by a commitment to providing factual information and dismissing false claims, reinforcing Thailand’s position with a focus on truthfulness and transparency in the face of what Thai officials describe as Cambodian propaganda[1][4][5].
Panadda's background includes extensive public recognition as Miss Thailand 2000, followed by a successful entertainment career and active involvement in social and charitable work. She is president of the “Ong Korn Tham Dee” Foundation and has worked as an advisor to government agencies, which supports her credibility and connection with public communication and volunteer efforts in border-affected areas[2][3][5].
The armed clashes resulted in the death of 14 civilians and 15 soldiers on the Thai side, and injured 53 people and 230 soldiers. The two countries reiterated their pledges to restore peace at their border during the General Border Committee meeting that took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on a day prior to the public introduction of Panadda[6][7].
The introduction of Ms. Panadda as spokeswoman did not lead to a new ceasefire agreement or the reiteration of peace pledges between the two countries. However, her appointment was intended to provide a timely and credible female voice to directly respond to Cambodian communications, which Thai officials claim aim to damage Thailand’s reputation internationally[1][3][4][5].
Panadda has a personal connection to the border crisis, as she has decided to take the role due to seeing people affected by the border clashes and the efforts of Thai soldiers[8]. In this spokesperson role, Panadda seeks to act as a clear intermediary between the military, media, and public, ensuring accurate, official information is communicated and explaining the situation internationally.
- The armed fighting between Thailand and Cambodia ended on July 28, and a ceasefire agreement was reached.
- 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.
- Lt Gen Maly has been considered a key person assigned by the Cambodian government to send fake news to the international community.
- Panadda Wongphudee, the new spokeswoman, is 49 years old.
- Ms. Panadda was chosen as the most suitable spokeswoman to confront Lt Gen Maly Socheata, Cambodia’s Defence Ministry spokeswoman, in a meeting with Thai security authorities.
- Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit, Deputy Minister of Defence, made the public introduction of Panadda. (Photo: Government House)
- The General Border Committee meeting took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on a day prior to the public introduction of Panadda.
- The introduction of Ms. Panadda as spokeswoman did not affect the age of Panadda Wongphudee, which was previously stated as 49 years old. (Photo: Government House)
- Lt Gen Maly Socheata, Cambodia's National Defence Ministry spokeswoman, was not previously mentioned as having a background in beauty pageants. (Screenshot)
[1] Thai News Agency [2] Thai PBS World [3] Bangkok Post [4] Khaosod English [5] Nation Thailand [6] Reuters [7] CNN [8] Bangkok Post
- The politics surrounding the Thailand-Cambodia border crisis has extended to general news, with focus on the dissemination of accurate information and countering allegations of fake news, particularly from Cambodia's National Defence Ministry spokeswoman, Lt Gen Maly Socheata.
- A meeting between Lt Gen Maly Socheata and Thai security authorities is expected, with the recently appointed spokeswoman, Panadda Wongphudee, tasked with providing factual information and addressing misinformation in the encounter.
