Thai PBS Verify confirmed this to be fake news, with characteristics of distortion and deliberate misinformation. The false claim came from a Facebook page using the name Embassy of the Kingdom of Cambodia in the Republic of Bulgaria, which shared an unrelated image along with false claims that Thailand used chemical weapons against Cambodians. The verified fact is that the image was from a major wildfire suppression operation in the United States and had nothing to do with the clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border.
Thai PBS Verify found the source of the fake news from: Facebook
On July 28, 2025, in a statement by Lieutenant General Mali Socheata, spokesperson for the Cambodian Ministry of Defense, it was alleged that the Thai military had violated Cambodian territory and used chemical weapons during a military operation. At the same time, a Facebook page titled Embassy of the Kingdom of Cambodia in the Republic of Bulgaria posted an image showing an aircraft dispersing an unidentified pink substance, claiming that Thailand used poisonous gas to kill Cambodian civilians. As of now, there is no concrete evidence confirming that chemical substances were used in the operation as claimed by Cambodia, nor is there scientific proof supporting or refuting Thailand’s denial. The only official statement so far has come from Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, affirming that no chemical weapons were used and that Thailand fully complies with its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
Additionally, Dr. Pich Chanmony, wife of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, also shared a post containing similar claims. (link)
The real event behind the image: U.S. wildfire response
Reuters reported on January 12, 2025, that the image actually shows an aircraft releasing pink fire retardant during efforts to contain a massive wildfire in the United States. (link)
Thai PBS Verify used Google Lens to analyze the image and confirmed that it originated from Reuters and depicts a wildfire suppression mission in the U.S., unrelated to any Thai-Cambodian border incident. (link)
Verification log using Google Lens found that the image matched a wildfire report, as referenced from the Reuters news website.
A comparison image shows the post from the Embassy of the Kingdom of Cambodia in the Republic of Bulgaria alongside the original news image from the Reuters website.
Thailand affirms it has not used chemical weapons, in accordance with the CWC
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand has denied news reports alleging that Thai forces used chemical weapons, stating:
“In response to reports accusing Thai forces of using chemical weapons, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarifies that Thailand firmly denies these allegations, which lack concrete evidence.” (link)
Thailand reaffirms its commitment to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and maintains its strong stance in condemning the use of chemical weapons—wherever, by whomever, and under any circumstances. Furthermore, Thailand upholds all international instruments on disarmament and the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Since becoming a State Party to the CWC in 2003, Thailand has demonstrated its firm commitment through concrete actions and close cooperation with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) as well as with other States Parties to the Convention
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the dissemination of distorted information aimed at damaging Thailand’s credibility, particularly at a time when both sides are preparing for talks. The Ministry stated that the allegations are entirely baseless and reflect a pattern of systematic disinformation intended to distort the reality on the ground and undermine Thailand’s credibility and standing in the international community.
Meanwhile, the Royal Thai Armed Forces issued statements in both Thai and English responding to accusations made by the spokesperson of the Cambodian Ministry of Defense, who claimed that the Thai military used chemical weapons during operations along the border. The Thai military strongly rejected the allegations, calling them completely unfounded, and described them as a serious and unethical distortion of facts. (link)
The statement added:
An image showing the official statement issued by the Royal Thai Armed Forces
Thailand has never adopted a policy to develop, produce, possess, or use chemical weapons under any circumstances. The country strictly adheres to its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and conducts all military operations within the framework of international humanitarian law, with a primary focus on protecting innocent civilians.
Furthermore, the image used by Cambodia to support its accusations was found, upon investigation, to originate from a foreign wildfire suppression operation. The image had been manipulated and disseminated in a distorted context — a deliberate act of producing fake news and disinformation, which violates international ethical standards and poses a threat to regional security.
The Royal Thai Armed Forces call on the international community and global organizations to jointly verify the facts and condemn Cambodia’s use of false information to justify its actions. Such behavior not only undermines its own credibility but also obstructs the peace process and stability within the ASEAN region.
The public worldwide is urged to help report this fake news across all social media platforms to prevent such disinformation from escalating into global incitement.
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Royal Thai Armed Forces Condemn Cambodia’s Disinformation Campaign Over False Chemical Weapons Allegation
The Royal Thai Armed Forces strongly condemn the recent false accusation made by the Spokesperson of Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense, claiming that Thailand deployed chemical weapons during military operations along the border. This baseless allegation constitutes a severe and unethical distortion of facts.
Thailand has never developed, produced, possessed, or used chemical weapons under any circumstances. We strictly adhere to the obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and conducts all military operations in full compliance with international humanitarian law, with the protection of innocent civilians as a fundamental principle.
Furthermore, the image used by Cambodia to support its claim has been verified as a photo originally taken from a foreign wildfire smoke deployment—intentionally manipulated and disseminated in a misleading context. This constitutes a clear case of fake news and disinformation, violating global ethical standards and posing a threat to regional security.
The Royal Thai Armed Forces urge the international community and relevant international organizations to jointly verify the facts and condemn the use of disinformation by Cambodia as a means of legitimizing its actions. Such behavior not only damages Cambodia’s own credibility but also hinders peace efforts and regional stability within ASEAN.
We call on people around the world to report the dissemination of this fake news across all social media platforms, to prevent such deliberate distortion from escalating into broader international provocation.
