Cambodia & Thailand: The insidious information war in the border conflict

While long-standing territorial disputes between Thailand and Cambodia, centred on the sacred temple of Preah Vihear, persist, a new battleground has emerged with growing intensity: that of communication and disinformation.

Local and foreign journalists visit the village of Prey Chan, where Thai soldiers have erected barbed wire fences. AKP

The aggressive communication strategy deployed by certain Thai actors, combined with an inflammatory response to border incidents, is fuelling tensions and complicating the search for peaceful solutions, in the face of an increasingly structured Cambodian response.

The voice of Bangkok

Official Thai communications regarding border incidents are often characterised by a speed and firmness that border on verbal escalation. At the slightest reported incident – whether it be a patrol perceived as intrusive, sporadic exchanges of fire (such as the one that occurred in late December 2024 near Preah Vihear), or construction work – strong statements are quickly issued by the military high command, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or nationalist political figures.

Terms such as ‘violation’, “aggression”, ‘deliberate encroachment’ or ‘provocation’ are frequently used, often before a thorough investigation can establish the objective facts or the exact context (e.g. whether the incident occurred in a disputed area or clearly under Cambodian sovereignty according to recognised maps).

The narrative systematically emphasises the defence of Thai ‘territorial integrity’, presenting Cambodian actions as unprovoked aggression. This victimisation strategy aims to mobilise national public opinion and legitimise a firm military response.

Some Thai media outlets, particularly those with nationalist leanings (such as Thai Rath and certain television channels), instantly repeat and amplify these official statements, sometimes without critical analysis, adding inflammatory editorial comments and images selected for their emotional impact. This media loop creates a sense of urgency and threat.

Arsenal of disinformation and documented techniques

Beyond aggressive official rhetoric, less identifiable actors (nationalist groups, anonymous online accounts) deploy sophisticated disinformation techniques aimed at discrediting Cambodia and shaping the international narrative:

Old, out-of-context or manipulated photos and videos (geolocation changes, misleading captions) are shared widely to ‘prove’ Cambodian encroachments or illegal military constructions. Images of past conflicts are sometimes recycled as recent.

The creation and dissemination of falsified maps redrawing borders in Thailand's favour, or denying the validity of the 1962 International Court of Justice ruling awarding Preah Vihear to Cambodia, are recurring tactics. These maps are widely circulated on social media and certain forums.

Networks of fake accounts (sockpuppets) and bots are used to massively amplify pro-Thai messages and accusatory hashtags (#ThaiLandProtect, #StopCambodiaInvasion), flooding online discussion spaces and creating an illusion of consensus and widespread outrage.

These accounts also systematically attack Cambodian sources and personalities.

Elaborate narratives are constructed portraying Thai communities along the border as living under constant and unjust threat from Cambodian forces, often obscuring complex local dynamics and similar perceptions on the Cambodian side.

Phnom Penh, communication strategy

Faced with this information offensive, Cambodia has gradually refined its communication strategy, combining official responses, online actions and recourse to international mechanisms:

Official calm and targeted refutations

The government and the Ministry of Defence generally favour a more measured tone in their official statements, calling for calm and fact-checking. However, refutations of Thai claims are swift and well-documented, often accompanied by photos, videos and official maps (those annexed to the 1962 ICJ ruling or produced by the Joint Boundary Commission).

Pro-government figures who are very active on social media, such as State Councillor Phay Siphan, and dynamic online media outlets (Fresh News, Cambodia News, Bayon TV) play a crucial role.

They systematically dismantle false information, publish contradictory visual evidence, and mobilise the Cambodian public with hashtags such as #ProtectCambodiaBorder and #FakeNewsThai. The Ministry of Information has strengthened its unit responsible for monitoring and responding to fake news.

Recourse to the international community

Phnom Penh does not hesitate to recall the legal history of the dispute (the 1962 ruling) and regularly threatens or initiates legal proceedings against Thai media outlets or individuals for defamation or spreading fake news, as frequently reported by the Kampuchea Press Agency. The country is also seeking to internationalise the debate by seeking diplomatic support.

The official Cambodian line also highlights development efforts in the border areas (roads, schools, medical posts) and constantly reaffirms its commitment to peaceful resolution through bilateral mechanisms (Joint Border Commission) and ASEAN.

Mapping disinformation

The intervention of Michael B. Alfaro, apparently a disinformation analyst, shed significant light on the situation. On an observation mission (?) in the border region, Alfaro documented the flow of disinformation and its impact. According to sources close to his work, his preliminary analyses confirm the existence of coordinated campaigns aimed at exacerbating tensions.

Social media

Social media platforms, particularly Facebook and Twitter, have become the epicentre of this information war. Every incident, real or perceived, immediately triggers waves of antagonistic posts:

Online communities become radicalised, exchanges turn into nationalist invective, making any constructive dialogue almost impossible in this space.

False information and manipulated content designed to provoke an emotional reaction spread much faster and more widely than corrections and nuances.

Users on both sides face online harassment and intimidation campaigns aimed at silencing them.

A conflict amplified by digital technology

The border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia remains deeply rooted in history and unresolved territorial claims.

However, the digital age has added a dangerous dimension: official Thai communications, often prone to verbal escalation, coupled with sophisticated disinformation campaigns, are fuelling mistrust and anger.

In response, Cambodia is deploying an increasingly organised strategy of counter-narratives and legal defence, while benefiting from discreet diplomatic support from countries such as France.

As tensions continue to rise online, turning social media into digital battlefields, the path to a peaceful resolution of the real conflict seems more than ever dependent on the ability of both sides, and the international community, to defuse this dangerous information war that threatens regional stability. Peace on the borders now also depends on combating the disinformation that poisons it.