Thailand Revokes Invitation to Self-Proclaimed ‘White House Journalist’ Michael B. Alfaro
Thai government cancels planned visit after confirming Alfaro lacks accreditation and misrepresented his credentials
The Thai government has formally rescinded an invitation extended to American national Michael B.
Alfaro after verifying that he is not an accredited White House correspondent as he claimed.
Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub, speaking in his role with the Ad Hoc Centre for the Thailand–Cambodia Border Situation (AHC), confirmed the reversal.
Authorities had initially intended to bring Mr Alfaro to Surin this week to observe areas damaged by Cambodian artillery shelling, including hospitals, schools and civilian zones.
The itinerary also included visits to mine-clearance operations led by the Thailand Mine Action Centre (TMAC) aimed at preparing for international media coverage of the border situation.
Mr Alfaro, however, had livestreamed from the Thailand–Cambodia border the previous week, alleging that Thai forces were blocking crossings and presenting himself as a White House correspondent using strong language against Thailand.
Once the government determined he was not accredited and had falsely invoked the name of the US president, the invitation was withdrawn and "the matter is closed," Mr Jirayu stated.
He confirmed that Mr Alfaro is now barred from entering Thailand.
Chayika Wongnapachant, adviser to the foreign affairs minister, clarified that Mr Alfaro holds no verified media affiliation or press credentials and that his Washington-based PR firm, Capitol Hill & Friends, was only established in 2025.
She indicated that his video lacked substantiated evidence and carried the risk of distorting international perceptions.
The AHC emphasised that Thai forces have not violated Cambodian sovereignty and urged media and the international community to rely on verified information.
Rear-Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, also an AHC spokesman, reiterated Thailand’s commitment to peace and vigilance against misinformation that could threaten national security.
“Thailand values peaceful coexistence with Cambodia,” he said, adding that fabricated narratives would not be permitted to undermine the country’s dignity or security, and that any recurrence would prompt a firm response under national and international law.
Separately, a Cambodian media outlet had earlier referred to Mr Alfaro as a “White House journalist,” presenting him as an intelligence expert.
This portrayal was challenged by critics who described him as a lobbyist with no official ties to the US government, citing his role running a newly formed PR firm and previous activity as a campaign fundraiser—not as a credentialed reporter.
Alfaro after verifying that he is not an accredited White House correspondent as he claimed.
Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub, speaking in his role with the Ad Hoc Centre for the Thailand–Cambodia Border Situation (AHC), confirmed the reversal.
Authorities had initially intended to bring Mr Alfaro to Surin this week to observe areas damaged by Cambodian artillery shelling, including hospitals, schools and civilian zones.
The itinerary also included visits to mine-clearance operations led by the Thailand Mine Action Centre (TMAC) aimed at preparing for international media coverage of the border situation.
Mr Alfaro, however, had livestreamed from the Thailand–Cambodia border the previous week, alleging that Thai forces were blocking crossings and presenting himself as a White House correspondent using strong language against Thailand.
Once the government determined he was not accredited and had falsely invoked the name of the US president, the invitation was withdrawn and "the matter is closed," Mr Jirayu stated.
He confirmed that Mr Alfaro is now barred from entering Thailand.
Chayika Wongnapachant, adviser to the foreign affairs minister, clarified that Mr Alfaro holds no verified media affiliation or press credentials and that his Washington-based PR firm, Capitol Hill & Friends, was only established in 2025.
She indicated that his video lacked substantiated evidence and carried the risk of distorting international perceptions.
The AHC emphasised that Thai forces have not violated Cambodian sovereignty and urged media and the international community to rely on verified information.
Rear-Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, also an AHC spokesman, reiterated Thailand’s commitment to peace and vigilance against misinformation that could threaten national security.
“Thailand values peaceful coexistence with Cambodia,” he said, adding that fabricated narratives would not be permitted to undermine the country’s dignity or security, and that any recurrence would prompt a firm response under national and international law.
Separately, a Cambodian media outlet had earlier referred to Mr Alfaro as a “White House journalist,” presenting him as an intelligence expert.
This portrayal was challenged by critics who described him as a lobbyist with no official ties to the US government, citing his role running a newly formed PR firm and previous activity as a campaign fundraiser—not as a credentialed reporter.
