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Cambodia ‘hires US lobbyists’

FOOTBALL: The Defence Ministry has confirmed reports that Cambodia has hired a US-based lobbying firm to wage what it described as an “information war” aimed at swaying international opinion against Thailand amid the ongoing border dispute.

politicsmilitary
By Bangkok Post

Wednesday 17 December 2025 01:22 PM


Thai soldiers capture the GAM-102LR missile system and other weapons during operations to secure Hill 500 on Sunday. Photo: Army Military Force Facebook

Thai soldiers capture the GAM-102LR missile system and other weapons during operations to secure Hill 500 on Sunday. Photo: Army Military Force Facebook

Ministry spokesman RAdm Surasant Kongsiri said yesterday (Dec 16) that the confirmation followed the disclosure by the STRONG Anti-Corruption Club Thailand of a confidential document showing Cambodia had engaged National Consulting Services, Inc. to provide government relations and public relations services in the United States, reports the Bangkok Post.

The use of lobbyists was evident from the appearance of foreign nationals calling for international intervention, as shown in images and video clips filmed at various locations in Cambodia, RAdm Surasant said.

These activities appeared designed to create an atmosphere of sympathy for Cambodia on the global stage, he said.

RAdm Surasant stressed that Thailand’s military operations were formulated and conducted without any intention of harming civilians, and accused Cambodia of attempting to portray itself as a victim through emotional appeals unsupported by verifiable evidence.

“There are claims of civilian suffering, but no images or concrete proof to substantiate them,” he said, adding that this raised questions over why so many foreign figures were making public accusations without presenting factual documentation.

He added that Thailand would continue to manage what he described as “three battlefields” - military, diplomatic, and information - with the shared goal of restoring lasting peace along the border.

Maratee Nalita Andamo, deputy Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, said Thailand would respond to any information campaign with facts, not rhetoric. The ministry has submitted documentation to international organisations outlining verified developments on the ground, she said, noting that while propaganda might yield short-term effects, it lacked long-term credibility.