BANGKOK – Thai officials have withdrawn an invitation and denied entry to American Michael B. Alfaro after he falsely claimed to be a White House correspondent. The move came in response to a video posted on YouTube where he accused Thai soldiers of stopping Cambodians from accessing parts of the border. The footage was later restricted.
Alfaro, describing himself as a journalist and intelligence specialist working from the White House, attracted attention last week with a livestream from the Cambodia-Thai border.
In the broadcast, he accused Thai forces of blocking Cambodian villagers, which sparked tension during ongoing border talks. Thai authorities initially considered letting Alfaro visit to observe the situation, but later changed their decision after checking his background.
Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, who speaks for the Ad Hoc Centre on Thailand–Cambodia Border Situation, confirmed that Alfaro is not on record as a White House correspondent and is not attached to any well-known media group.
“Investigations showed Michael B. Alfaro lacks recognised journalist status. His statements have no credibility and could mislead the public,” Kongsiri said, underlining Thailand’s efforts to combat false information.
Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub had first offered American Michael Alfaro a chance to visit, thinking he was an accredited journalist. He later admitted this was a mistake. “Now we know he is not genuine media; his invitation is off the table.
He will not be allowed to enter Thailand,” Houngsub said.
Further checks showed Alfaro leads Capitol Hill & Friends, a public relations company in Washington he set up earlier this year, but the firm is not linked to any media outlets. Chayika Wongnapachant, adviser to the foreign minister, also called out Alfaro’s claims as unproven and accused him of spreading falsehoods.
The Thai government repeated that it seeks peaceful relations with Cambodia and firmly denied any breach of Cambodian sovereignty. “Thailand has not crossed into a foreign land.
International observers should trust verified facts,” Kongsiri added, cautioning that those spreading falsehoods about national security could face legal proceedings.
Posts on X backed the Thai government’s findings, with users pointing out the American’s role as a lobbyist, not a reporter. Some suggested he might be acting in support of Cambodian interests.
This episode highlights the trouble caused by false claims online, especially during tense border disputes. Thai officials urged both the public and media to check sources before sharing news, to avoid adding fuel to sensitive situations.
As events continue, Thailand says it remains committed to talks with Cambodia on border matters while protecting its standing against any unverified allegations.
