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Bangkok, Thailand – august 11, 2025 – In a move drawing international attention, the Thai Defense Ministry has appointed former Miss Thailand Panada Wongpudi, 49, as spokesperson for the Thai-Cambodian border dispute, citing a need for a swift and effective response to Cambodian government statements. The appointment comes amid escalating tensions following armed clashes last month near the Preah vihear Temple.
The decision, announced August 8th by the thai Defense Department, was explicitly linked to countering the rhetoric of Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesperson Major General Srey Doek. According to Thai officials, srey Doek has been accused of disseminating what they consider to be misinformation and inflammatory statements designed to rally domestic support within Cambodia. A Thai official,speaking on background,stated,”We felt we needed a voice that could effectively address these claims and present Thailand’s position with clarity and strength.”
The border conflict, which began July 26th, centers around disputed territory near the 11th-century Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Both nations claim ownership of the land surrounding the temple, leading to intermittent clashes over the years. The recent fighting, primarily concentrated in the Phu Sing and Phum Roeng areas of Si Sa Ket province in Thailand and the Choam Ksant district of Preah Vihear province in Cambodia, has resulted in notable casualties.
A Thai Defense Ministry statement also included a candid assessment of the appointment, noting, “We are confident that we have at least one advantage over Cambodia: our spokesperson is more attractive than Major General Srey Doek.” this comment has sparked debate regarding the role of public image in international diplomacy.
Panada Wongpudi, who won the Miss Thailand title in 2000, has since built a career as an actress, singer, and television host. She holds a Bachelor of Business Management degree from an American university and a doctorate in International Business Administration from an Australian institution. Prior to her appointment, Wongpudi was actively involved in charitable work, including recent relief efforts following severe flooding in Thailand’s northeastern provinces, specifically in Ubon Ratchathani and Yasothon.
wongpudi stated she accepted the position to honor the Thai soldiers defending the nation’s territory and to support the communities impacted by the conflict. “I will do my best to represent Thailand with dignity and to ensure that the voices of those affected are heard,” she said in a press conference following her appointment.
Official figures released by the Thai military indicate 15 Thai soldiers and 14 civilians were killed during the July conflict, with 230 soldiers and 53 civilians wounded. Cambodian authorities report similar casualty numbers, though self-reliant verification remains challenging. Negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia, mediated by ASEAN representatives, are scheduled to resume in Jakarta on
