US Warns Cambodia Is Winning Information War in Border Dispute With Thailand
American officials voiced concern that Cambodian narratives are dominating international perceptions, while Thailand seeks ASEAN-led monitoring to counter disinformation.
US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asian Security Affairs, Dr Andrew Byers, met Royal Thai Army Chief of Staff General Thongchai Rodyoi in Bangkok on August fourteen and fifteen to review the ongoing Thai–Cambodian border conflict.
Discussions focused on military tensions, disinformation campaigns and regional monitoring mechanisms.
The Thai Army raised concerns over Cambodia’s continued laying of landmines along contested border areas and repeated use of unmanned aerial vehicles that cross into Thai airspace.
These developments have complicated ceasefire enforcement and will be addressed at upcoming bilateral General Border Committee and Regional Border Committee meetings.
Thai officials also highlighted the impact of Cambodian disinformation campaigns, stating that false narratives have fuelled hostility between communities and impeded government communication efforts.
The Royal Thai Army has established an Interim Observer Team to verify incidents, while the Thai government has proposed the creation of an ASEAN Observer Team to provide regional oversight.
US officials observed that Cambodia currently holds the advantage in the “information war,” with its messaging shaping international understanding of the conflict.
Washington emphasised the importance of reports from both the Interim and ASEAN observer teams in countering false claims and ensuring accurate accounts of events reach the global community.
The situation along the border remains volatile.
Since early August, multiple landmine explosions have injured Thai soldiers, including cases of severe injury.
Thailand has accused Cambodia of violating the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel mines, while Phnom Penh maintains that the mines are remnants of earlier conflicts.
Clashes intensified in July before a Malaysia-brokered ceasefire under ASEAN mediation brought temporary stability.
However, both sides continue to reinforce positions, and the information environment has emerged as a central battleground alongside physical skirmishes.
The United States reiterated support for ASEAN’s role in monitoring and mediating the conflict, prioritising regional mechanisms over UN-led involvement.
Discussions focused on military tensions, disinformation campaigns and regional monitoring mechanisms.
The Thai Army raised concerns over Cambodia’s continued laying of landmines along contested border areas and repeated use of unmanned aerial vehicles that cross into Thai airspace.
These developments have complicated ceasefire enforcement and will be addressed at upcoming bilateral General Border Committee and Regional Border Committee meetings.
Thai officials also highlighted the impact of Cambodian disinformation campaigns, stating that false narratives have fuelled hostility between communities and impeded government communication efforts.
The Royal Thai Army has established an Interim Observer Team to verify incidents, while the Thai government has proposed the creation of an ASEAN Observer Team to provide regional oversight.
US officials observed that Cambodia currently holds the advantage in the “information war,” with its messaging shaping international understanding of the conflict.
Washington emphasised the importance of reports from both the Interim and ASEAN observer teams in countering false claims and ensuring accurate accounts of events reach the global community.
The situation along the border remains volatile.
Since early August, multiple landmine explosions have injured Thai soldiers, including cases of severe injury.
Thailand has accused Cambodia of violating the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel mines, while Phnom Penh maintains that the mines are remnants of earlier conflicts.
Clashes intensified in July before a Malaysia-brokered ceasefire under ASEAN mediation brought temporary stability.
However, both sides continue to reinforce positions, and the information environment has emerged as a central battleground alongside physical skirmishes.
The United States reiterated support for ASEAN’s role in monitoring and mediating the conflict, prioritising regional mechanisms over UN-led involvement.
