Bangkok, Thailand – Thailand has vehemently denied accusations from Cambodia, including those circulated by Pich Chanmony, the wife of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, alleging the use of chemical weapons in recent border skirmishes. These claims, which Thai authorities have labeled as "baseless" and "fake news," come amidst escalating tensions and renewed fighting along the disputed border.
The Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters issued a strong rebuttal, stating, "Thailand has never adopted a policy to develop, produce, possess, or use chemical weapons under any circumstances." They affirmed their commitment to obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and international humanitarian law. The Thai military described the Cambodian allegations as "disinformation in an attempt to fabricate legitimacy in the eyes of the international community."
The accusations gained traction on social media, with Pich Chanmony and other influential Cambodian accounts reportedly sharing a picture of an American plane extinguishing a wildfire in California, falsely presenting it as evidence of chemical weapon deployment by Thailand. This incident highlights a growing concern over the spread of misinformation during regional conflicts.
The recent flare-up in hostilities, which saw both sides exchanging heavy artillery fire, has resulted in casualties and displacement on both sides of the border. The long-standing dispute between Cambodia and Thailand primarily centers around contested areas near ancient temples, leading to periodic confrontations.
Analysts suggest that such misinformation campaigns can exacerbate tensions and complicate de-escalation efforts. The use of fabricated imagery and unsubstantiated claims by prominent figures risks inflaming public sentiment and hindering diplomatic resolutions to the border conflict. Thailand has pledged to continue providing accurate information to counter what it describes as Cambodian leadership's "misconduct, distortion of facts, and violations of humanitarian law."