Angelina Jolie, the renowned Hollywood actress and humanitarian, has stirred debate with her statements about the ongoing humanitarian crisis at the Thailand-Cambodia border. In a heartfelt Instagram post dated July 24, she called for global attention to the plight of those affected by the conflict that erupted a year ago. Jolie expressed her deep connection to Cambodia, emphasizing that it holds a special place in her heart, particularly as it is the homeland of her adopted son, Maddox.

In her post, Jolie stated, "One year ago, conflict erupted along the Cambodia border, taking away the peace and stability of many homes. To this day, nearly 30,000 people are forced to live in separation in their homeland, unable to return." She has been actively involved in local conservation and community development projects for over 20 years and has established the Maddox Foundation in the border region where the conflict reignited last year.

Jolie's connection to Cambodia goes back to her iconic role in the film "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider," which was filmed at the Angkor Wat temple complex. She recalled the painful experience of having to evacuate her team and their families when the gunfire began, stating, "This painful silence reminds us how quickly war can come. I love this country and its resilient people. While I am grateful that my foundation can continue its work in nature conservation and community support, my heart remains with those who are still waiting to return home." She concluded her post with a message in Khmer, expressing her love for Cambodia and empathy for those longing to return home.

Her post received over 234,000 likes and more than 6,000 comments by July 27. Jolie has maintained a strong bond with Cambodia since 2001 and was granted Cambodian citizenship in recognition of her significant contributions to humanitarian efforts and environmental conservation, as reported by Khmer Times.

However, her comments have not been without backlash. Thai news outlet Thaiger published a response to Jolie's message, suggesting that both sides have suffered and that Thailand's losses should also be acknowledged. They stated, "Remembering those who lost their homes on this side of the border does not mean forgetting those who have fallen on the other side." This sentiment reflects the ongoing tensions between the two nations, particularly in light of the recent violent clashes.

General Prapas Sonjaidee, Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force, emphasized that Thailand respects humanitarian principles and understands international concerns regarding those affected by the conflict. He cautioned against using global celebrities for propaganda, implying that such actions could lead to a skewed perception of the situation. He stated, "Using the influence of global figures to draw attention based on one-sided information will lead to an incomplete understanding of the overall context and inadvertently make them tools in media campaigns."

Comments under Jolie's Instagram post included both support and criticism, with some urging her to consider a more balanced perspective. One commenter remarked, "Dear Angelina Jolie, you have told the world that 30,000 Cambodians are displaced because of Thailand! I think you have been 'brainwashed' by Cambodia!" Another echoed the sentiment, stressing the importance of verifying facts before making public statements, especially given her association with the United Nations.

The conflict at the long-disputed border has escalated significantly since July 2025, resulting in at least 43 deaths and over 300,000 civilians displaced. Although a peace agreement was signed in Malaysia in October 2025, tensions remain high as both sides continue to accuse each other of violating commitments.