Thai Forest Ranger Pictured with Slingshot at Reforestation Event, Not Border as Cambodian Said

Brickinfo News Agency – The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has issued a clarification regarding a widely circulated image, stating that the individual shown is a forest ranger and not a Thai soldier involved in any cross-border activities. The DNP’s statement addresses online claims suggesting the person in the photo was a soldier using a slingshot to incite unrest in Cambodia.

According to the DNP, the person in the photograph is a forest ranger from Thap Lan National Park, wearing a standard camouflage uniform as part of his regular duties. The image was taken on June 18, 2025, during the 4th Sky Reforestation Festival held at Pha Keb Tawan, in Wang Nam Khiao District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The event was a collaborative effort by various agencies focused on environmental conservation and had no connection to military operations.

The closest point in Nakhon Ratchasima Province to the Thai-Cambodian border is approximately 40 kilometers away. This distance makes it impossible for a standard slingshot to launch a stone or any object far enough to cause incitement as had been claimed by the Cambodian netizen.