A photograph of Israeli soldiers has been misattributed on social media, incorrectly linking them to the ongoing border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. The image, which has circulated widely since December 15, 2025, actually depicts Israeli officers engaged in search and rescue operations following a devastating earthquake in Bangkok in March 2025.
The misleading post, shared on TikTok, includes Khmer-language text that claims, “Thousands of Israeli soldiers have arrived to help Thailand in its operations to invade Cambodia.” The image has been reshared over 2,800 times, coinciding with a resurgence of violence in the region that resulted in numerous casualties and displacement.
Background of the Conflict
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia escalated in December 2025, leading to clashes that reportedly killed dozens and displaced around one million people from their homes. The fighting is rooted in a long-standing border dispute. A fragile ceasefire was established on December 27, 2025, following the latest outbreak of violence.
On January 6, 2026, the Thai government accused Cambodia of violating this ceasefire. Thailand reported that cross-border mortar fire injured one of its soldiers, while Cambodian officials claimed an explosion caused by garbage injured two of their troops. Colonel Ritcha Suksuwanon, deputy spokesperson of the Royal Thai Army, confirmed that there were “no Israeli reinforcements” involved in the conflict, emphasizing that the claims circulating online were unfounded.
Clarifying the Misattributed Image
The photograph in question was verified through a reverse image search conducted by reputable sources. It first appeared in an article detailing a humanitarian mission by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Thailand, published by the Jewish News Syndicate on April 9, 2025. This article highlighted the assistance provided by an Israeli delegation in the aftermath of a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, causing significant damage in Thailand, including the collapse of a high-rise building in Bangkok.
According to reports, the earthquake resulted in at least 95 fatalities, as noted by CNN. The photo is captioned: “IDF soldiers arrive on site at the building collapse on March 31, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand.” The image is credited to Lauren DeCicca for Getty Images. DeCicca confirmed to AFP on January 6, 2026, that the photo was taken during the aftermath of the March 2025 earthquake, further debunking the erroneous claims linking Israeli soldiers to the current conflict.
The same image has also appeared in posts on various social media platforms, including Facebook and Threads, contributing to the spread of misinformation. As the situation in Thailand and Cambodia continues to develop, authorities and credible news outlets like AFP are working diligently to counter misinformation and clarify the realities of the ongoing border tensions.
In an age where misinformation can spread rapidly, it is essential for the public to verify claims and rely on credible sources for accurate information regarding international conflicts.
