Social media platforms have circulated a photograph of Israeli soldiers purportedly arriving to support Thai military operations amid border clashes with Cambodia. This image, shared widely on December 15, 2025, is misleading. In reality, it depicts Israeli officers engaged in humanitarian efforts in Bangkok following a devastating earthquake in March 2025.
The image features text in Khmer claiming, “Thousands of Israeli soldiers have arrived to help Thailand in its operations to invade Cambodia.” This claim gained traction after renewed hostilities between Thailand and Cambodia resulted in dozens of casualties and approximately one million people displaced. The conflict, rooted in a long-standing border dispute, saw a fragile truce established on December 27, 2025.
However, tensions flared again when Thailand accused Cambodia of violating the ceasefire on January 6, 2026. The Thai military reported that cross-border mortar fire injured one of its soldiers. In response, Cambodian officials claimed the injuries resulted from the explosion of a “pile of garbage.” Colonel Ritcha Suksuwanon, deputy spokesperson of the Royal Thai Army, clarified to the media that there had been “no Israeli reinforcement” in the region, dismissing the circulating claims.
A reverse image search confirmed the photograph’s origin. It had previously appeared in an article by the Jewish News Syndicate on April 9, 2025. This report highlighted an Israeli delegation’s humanitarian mission following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, with tremors felt in Thailand. The earthquake caused significant destruction, including the collapse of a building in Bangkok where rescue efforts were underway.
According to CNN, the earthquake resulted in at least 95 fatalities. The photo in question was taken on March 31, 2025, and is attributed to Lauren DeCicca for Getty Images. DeCicca confirmed to AFP that the image was captured during the aftermath of the earthquake.
The misleading claims surrounding the Israeli soldiers have been consistently debunked by fact-checking organizations, including AFP, which emphasizes the need for accurate information during such volatile periods. As the situation between Thailand and Cambodia continues to evolve, it remains crucial for individuals to verify the authenticity of images and reports circulating on social media.
