The recent escalation in border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia has led to the spread of misinformation on social media, including a photograph falsely attributed to Israeli military involvement. The image, depicting Israeli soldiers, has been misrepresented as evidence of reinforcements sent to support Thailand’s military operations. In reality, the photograph was taken in Bangkok in March 2025 during humanitarian efforts following an earthquake.
The image in question gained traction on platforms such as TikTok, where it was shared on December 15, 2025, alongside Khmer-language claims stating that “thousands of Israeli soldiers have arrived to help Thailand in its operations to invade Cambodia.” This misleading narrative emerged shortly after renewed hostilities between the two nations, which resulted in dozens of casualties and displaced approximately one million people on both sides.
The fighting, rooted in a long-standing border dispute, saw a fragile ceasefire established on December 27, 2025. Despite this, accusations of ceasefire violations arose shortly thereafter. On January 6, 2026, Thailand alleged that Cambodian forces fired across the border, injuring one Thai soldier. In response, Cambodia claimed the incident was due to an accidental explosion of debris.
Clarification on the Misleading Image
Colonel Ritcha Suksuwanon, deputy spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, confirmed to AFP that there had been “no Israeli reinforcement” in the ongoing conflict. Furthermore, there are no credible reports indicating that soldiers from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have participated in the clashes.
A reverse image search revealed that the photograph had previously appeared in an article published by the Jewish News Syndicate on April 9, 2025. This article documented an Israeli delegation’s humanitarian mission in Thailand, where they assisted local authorities in locating individuals trapped after a significant earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025. The tremors from this earthquake were felt across the border in Thailand, causing the collapse of a high-rise building intended for the State Audit Office in Bangkok. The incident resulted in at least 95 fatalities, according to CNN.
The original photograph, credited to Lauren DeCicca for Getty Images, depicts IDF soldiers at the scene of the building collapse on March 31, 2025. DeCicca clarified to AFP that the image was indeed taken during the aftermath of the earthquake. The Getty Images website corroborates this, stating: “BANGKOK, THAILAND – MARCH 31: Soldiers from Israel arrive on site at the building collapse on March 31, 2025, in Bangkok.”
Impact of Misinformation
The dissemination of this misleading image highlights the challenges posed by misinformation during periods of conflict. False narratives can exacerbate tensions between nations, particularly in regions with historical disputes. As the situation at the Thai-Cambodia border remains precarious, it is crucial for both local and international communities to seek accurate information and verify sources before drawing conclusions.
The ongoing clashes have underscored the need for transparent communication to address misunderstandings and promote peace. As both countries navigate this complex landscape, the role of reliable news sources becomes increasingly vital to prevent the escalation of conflict fueled by misinformation.
As events continue to unfold, monitoring the situation with a critical eye will be essential in understanding the broader implications for regional stability and international relations.