Amid rising tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, a viral claim has circulated on social media alleging that Thai military forces deployed poisonous gas over Cambodian territory. The claim is often accompanied by an image showing an aircraft releasing a red-colored substance into the air. However, found that the claim is misleading.
Social Media Posts
Multiple social media users shared a picture of an aircraft releasing a red-colored substance with the caption “Thai troop uses poison gas to kill Cambodian civilians” accompanied by a Thai flag in the viral image.
Fact Check
Image Analysis
We began the investigation by conducting a reverse image search of the viral photo. The results revealed that the photograph actually shows a firefighting aircraft dropping red fire retardant during a wildfire operation in New Mexico, United States. This image has been published in U.S. media outlets in connection with wildfire coverage and is not related to any military conflict. The aircraft featured in the photo is a model commonly used for aerial firefighting, and the red substance being released is a chemical fire suppressant, not a toxic or harmful gas. There is no indication that the image was taken in or near Thailand or Cambodia.
Official Responses and Lack of Verifiable Evidence
Thai authorities have responded to the accusations by firmly denying the use of chemical or poisonous gas in any military operations. The Royal Thai Armed Forces and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have both reiterated Thailand’s commitment to international law, including the Chemical Weapons Convention, which prohibits the use of chemical weapons (Source).
As of now, there have been no independently verified reports or publicly available evidence confirming the use of such substances by Thai forces. International news organizations have also not found supporting documentation or footage to substantiate the claim.
Ongoing Conflict Involves Conventional Weapons
While the claim has gained attention online, available reporting indicates that the military conflict along the Thai-Cambodian border primarily involves conventional weapons. Thailand has confirmed the use of F-16 fighter jets in targeted airstrikes against Cambodian military positions.
In addition to aerial attacks, the fighting includes the use of artillery, mortars, and small arms. Civilian casualties and infrastructure damage have been reported on both sides. However, no credible sources have documented the use of chemical weapons or toxic gas during these engagements.
(Source: The Diplomat, Reuters)
Conclusion
The viral claim that Thai troops dropped poisonous gas into Cambodia is not supported by currently available evidence. The image used to illustrate the claim is unrelated to the conflict and originates from a firefighting operation in the United States. As of now, the available data suggests that the conflict involves conventional military action, without verified instances of chemical or gas-based attacks.
Title:Does the Viral Image Show Thai Forces Using Poisonous Gas in Cambodia?
Fact Check By: Pranpreeya PResult: False
Amid rising tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, a viral claim has circulated on social media alleging that Thai military forces deployed poisonous gas over Cambodian territory. The claim is often accompanied by an image showing an aircraft releasing a red-colored substance into the air. However, found that the claim is misleading.
Social Media Posts
Multiple social media users shared a picture of an aircraft releasing a red-colored substance with the caption “Thai troop uses poison gas to kill Cambodian civilians” accompanied by a Thai flag in the viral image.
Fact Check
Image Analysis
We began the investigation by conducting a reverse image search of the viral photo. The results revealed that the photograph actually shows a firefighting aircraft dropping red fire retardant during a wildfire operation in New Mexico, United States. This image has been published in U.S. media outlets in connection with wildfire coverage and is not related to any military conflict. The aircraft featured in the photo is a model commonly used for aerial firefighting, and the red substance being released is a chemical fire suppressant, not a toxic or harmful gas. There is no indication that the image was taken in or near Thailand or Cambodia.
Official Responses and Lack of Verifiable Evidence
Thai authorities have responded to the accusations by firmly denying the use of chemical or poisonous gas in any military operations. The Royal Thai Armed Forces and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have both reiterated Thailand’s commitment to international law, including the Chemical Weapons Convention, which prohibits the use of chemical weapons (Source).
As of now, there have been no independently verified reports or publicly available evidence confirming the use of such substances by Thai forces. International news organizations have also not found supporting documentation or footage to substantiate the claim.
Ongoing Conflict Involves Conventional Weapons
While the claim has gained attention online, available reporting indicates that the military conflict along the Thai-Cambodian border primarily involves conventional weapons. Thailand has confirmed the use of F-16 fighter jets in targeted airstrikes against Cambodian military positions.
In addition to aerial attacks, the fighting includes the use of artillery, mortars, and small arms. Civilian casualties and infrastructure damage have been reported on both sides. However, no credible sources have documented the use of chemical weapons or toxic gas during these engagements.
(Source: The Diplomat, Reuters)
Conclusion
The viral claim that Thai troops dropped poisonous gas into Cambodia is not supported by currently available evidence. The image used to illustrate the claim is unrelated to the conflict and originates from a firefighting operation in the United States. As of now, the available data suggests that the conflict involves conventional military action, without verified instances of chemical or gas-based attacks.
Title:Does the Viral Image Show Thai Forces Using Poisonous Gas in Cambodia?
Fact Check By: Pranpreeya PResult: Misleading
