Amidst rising tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, the Royal Thai Air Force has publicly dismissed viral claims that its F-16 fighter jets were shot down by Cambodian military forces. In a statement released via Facebook, the air force labelled the circulating footage and reports as “fake news”, warning the public against spreading misinformation during a time of heightened military conflict.
Viral Videos Debunked as Misinformation
The denial comes after two videos made rounds on social media platforms, appearing to show F-16 jets being hit and crashing. However, closer scrutiny revealed the clips were not recent, nor were they related to the Thai-Cambodian conflict. One video was previously used in the context of India-Pakistan hostilities, while the other allegedly originated from the Iran-Israel skirmish.
Despite the dramatic visuals, the Royal Thai Air Force clarified that none of its aircraft had been lost in action. Officials emphasised that all six F-16 jets deployed in the morning of July 24 returned safely after carrying out bombing runs on Cambodian military targets.
Cross-Border Clashes Escalate
The controversy unfolded after Cambodian artillery allegedly shelled Thai territory earlier that day, including a petrol station in Si Sa Ket province, where four civilians were killed, and several others injured. Two of the injured later succumbed to their wounds en route to hospital, including a 12-year-old boy.
Thai military sources claim the Cambodian military targeted a Thai base in Surin before launching rockets into civilian zones. One shell also reportedly landed just outside Phanom Dong Rak Hospital, which had fortunately been evacuated earlier.
In retaliation, the Royal Thai Air Force launched airstrikes using F-16 jets, targeting two military sites in Cambodia. According to Colonel Ritcha Suksuwanon, a deputy spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, these strikes were necessary to neutralise threats near the border.
Cambodia Condemns “Brutal Aggression”
Cambodia has condemned the Thai airstrikes, describing them as a violation of sovereignty and “reckless military aggression.” According to ABC News, the Cambodian defence ministry stated that Thai bombs struck a road inside their territory, calling it an unprovoked attack.
Both sides continue to trade blame for initiating the border clashes. While Thailand asserts that Cambodia opened fire first after Thai troops detected suspicious movement near a disputed zone, Cambodia maintains that Thai troops crossed into their land, prompting a defensive response.
Tensions remain high, with reports of active fighting in multiple sectors along the disputed border. Thai authorities have begun preparations to evacuate civilians from four provinces near the front lines.
As conflicting narratives flood social media and national news outlets, the threat of disinformation grows more dangerous. Military analysts are urging both governments to verify claims before public dissemination to prevent panic and further escalation in what is rapidly becoming one of Southeast Asia’s most volatile flashpoints in years.
Image: The Thai Nation Facebook