Verified: Cambodia accuses Thailand of using fighter jets to release toxic smoke — actually an AI-generated image

Thai PBS Verify confirmed that this is false information and a distortion of the truth. The verified fact is that there was unrest along the Thai-Cambodian border, during which Thailand deployed F-16 fighter jets to stop the conflict initiated by Cambodia. The false claim involved deliberately fabricated content — both the text and the image. 

Thai PBS Verify found the source of the fake news from Facebook 

An image from the Facebook account Meas Soksensan shows a fighter jet releasing smoke, with a caption claiming that a Thai fighter jet released toxic smoke over Cambodia.

Today (July 29, 2025), Thai PBS Verify found that the Facebook account Meas Soksensan Deputy Secretary‑General, Ministry of Economy and Finance and Deputy Secretary‑General, Public Financial Management Reform Secretariat, Cambodia shared an image of a fighter jet flying over a forest, releasing smoke. The post received 3,100 reactions, 17 comments, and was shared over ten thousand times. The post included a caption and description stating that: “It’s a CRIME! Shame on you! From now on you are part of the dark history! Your action will be judged!”  “Thai aircraft released toxic smoke in the disputed area on July 27 according to the Cambodia’s Ministry of Nation Defense.”

This can be interpreted as: 

“This act is a crime. It will be recorded in the dark pages of history and must be brought to justice. Thai aircraft released toxic smoke in the disputed area on July 27, according to the Cambodian Ministry of Defense.” 

Image verification using AI detection tool 

Upon checking the image with Wasitai, an AI image verification tool, it was found that the image was created using AI. 

An AI image verification tool detected that the image was created using artificial intelligence.

Royal Thai Air Force confirms it does not operate this aircraft model. 

Additionally, Thai PBS Verify contacted a source within the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), who confirmed that the aircraft shown in the post is not part of Thailand’s air fleet. The RTAF emphasized that Thai fighter jets are not capable of releasing toxic smoke and have never conducted missions involving chemical weapons. 

At present, the Royal Thai Air Force has deployed only two types of fighter aircraft in operations over the Cambodian area: the F-16 and the Gripen 

An image of a Gripen fighter jet from the Royal Thai Air Force.

An image of an F-16 fighter jet from the Royal Thai Air Force.

Impact of This False Information 

1. Creates misunderstanding and panic 

People who see the post may believe that Thailand released toxic smoke from its aircraft, leading to confusion, anxiety, or public alarm. 

     2. Damages reputation and credibility 

Such accusations can harm the image of Thailand and the Royal Thai Air Force both domestically and internationally. 

     3. Fuels conflict and hatred 

If the false information spreads widely and is believed, it may lead to public outrage, condemnation, or even escalate tensions between groups or nations.  

An image showing the comments from users who believe that the post is real.

An image showing the comments from users who believe that the post is real.