Viral Videos of Alleged Thai Jets Shot Down by Cambodia are Misleading

Social media posts claim that video footage shows Thai fighter jets being shot down by the Cambodian military during recent border tensions. Analysis of the videos indicates they are not related to the current conflict. The first video appears to be from Ukraine, while the second shows a helicopter accident during training exercises in Thailand.

Footage 1: Misattributed Video from Ukraine

Claim:

A clip circulating online shows what some users claim is a Thai jet being taken down by Cambodian force.

Source | Archive

Fact Check:

Analysis reveals this video was not captured in Thailand or Cambodia. The footage first appeared on April 30, 2025 on a Russian-language YouTube channel called “Breaking bad s”. The original 45-second video shows what appears to be a Geran-2 drone being intercepted over Kharkiv, Ukraine.

The accompanying Russian caption reads:

“Kharkov – Ukrainian Wehrmacht #2025 #Kharkov objects are being worked on when one of the ‘Geraniums’ arrives.”

Additionally, a UK media outlet also reported on this incident, confirming the video shows a “Geranium” drone during an attack on Ukrainian military targets in Kharkiv. (Source)

This indicates that the video footage originates from a different location and time period than the current Thai-Cambodian border situation.

Footage 2: Helicopter Crash During Police Training in Thailand

Claim:

A second video allegedly shows another Thai aircraft shot down by Cambodia on July 24, 2025.

Source | Archive

Fact Check:

This footage depicts a helicopter crash incident during a training exercise in Prachuap Khiri Khan, a province in central Thailand located approximately 400 kilometers from the Cambodian border.

Records indicate that on May 24, 2025, at approximately 1 PM, a helicopter crashed near a junction in Prachuap. The incident resulted in one fatality, according to reports from local authorities and media outlets (see here).

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19CiRaU37u

According to military observers, neither Thailand’s military nor Ministry of Defense has issued official statements confirming any aircraft losses during the current conflict. Thailand has reportedly utilized F-16 jets in military operations along the border region, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Border Conflict Between Thailand and Cambodia

As of July 24, 2025, tensions have increased along the disputed 800-km border between Thailand and Cambodia, with significant activity reported near Ta Muen Thom temple and surrounding provinces. Both countries have engaged in military operations involving artillery, rockets, and air support. Thailand has deployed F-16 fighter jets, and reports indicate casualties and damage to infrastructure on both sides. The diplomatic situation continues to develop. (Source)

Conclusion

Our investigation shows no verified evidence that Thai aircraft have been shot down by Cambodian forces. The videos circulating on social media claiming to show these incidents are actually from completely different events.

Though genuine military conflict exists between Thailand and Cambodia, claims of Thai jets being shot down are misleading. The first video actually originates from the Ukraine-Russia conflict, showing a drone interception in Kharkiv, while the second video depicts a helicopter crash during Thai police training exercises that occurred months earlier, approximately 400 kilometers from the Thai-Cambodian border.