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-coloured substance into the air. However, we found that the claim is misleading.
Social Media Posts
Multiple social media users shared a picture of an aircraft releasing a red-coloured 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, back in 2022.
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.
Allegations from Cambodia & Denials from Thailand Officials, with Lack of Verifiable Evidence
Cambodian Allegations: Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence and its spokesperson, Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, have repeatedly accused Thailand of launching gas attacks, accusing the Thai military aircraft of releasing “toxic smoke” or poison gas over disputed areas such as An Ses and Phnom Kmoach on and around July 27, 2025. Cambodian state media and official social media have circulated other images, such as this, allegedly showing Thai jets emitting white or grey fumes over Cambodian territory.
Thailand’s Denial: 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, pointing out that it does not develop, possess, or use chemical weapons under any circumstances, and that the claims are fabricated. (Source)
Thai officials describe the images and videos circulating (aircraft with smokey trails) as showing standard military manoeuvres, such as decoy flares, countermeasures, or condensation trails, not chemical munitions.
Visual clues also indicate that the emissions, such as smoke trails and flares, are consistent with standard aircraft operations and not with chemical weapon deployment. Furthermore, worldwide, no neutral military experts or international bodies have substantiated claims that standard trajectories, contrails, flare releases, or fuel dumps are evidence of clandestine chemical warfare.
The United Nations and international monitors have not confirmed any chemical warfare use, nor has there been credible on-the-ground evidence or casualty reports consistent with gas or chemical agent exposure as yet. (Source)
Hence, as of now, there have been no independently verified reports or publicly available evidence confirming the use of such poisonous gas substances by Thai forces. International news organisations have also not found any supporting documentation or footage that substantiates the claims regarding toxic “chemtrails.”
Ongoing Conflict
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. Both sides have reported civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. However, no credible sources have documented the use of chemical weapons or toxic gas during these engagements.
(Source: The Diplomat, Reuters)
Conclusion
Currently available evidence does not support the viral claim that Thai troops dropped poisonous gas into Cambodia. 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 evidence of any 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
