Thai man apologises for viral clip dressed as Khmer Soldier

2026-03-01 - 05:03

BURIRAM — A man from a Thai-Cambodian border district has apologised after a viral video showed him dressed in a uniform resembling a Cambodian soldier and carrying a homemade crossbow, prompting confusion and safety concerns. The clip, widely shared on social media and reported by several media outlets, led some viewers to believe he was a real Cambodian soldier provoking Thai troops. On 27 February, Theerasak, known as “Ton”, from Lahan Sai district in Buriram province, came forward to clarify and apologise to the public. He said he works as a rubber tapper and takes general labour jobs. The uniform used in the clip included clothing once worn by his father, a former ranger, and a hat bought from Chong Chom market when the border crossing was open. He also made a wooden gun to resemble a real firearm. He filmed scenes in forest areas and a village bunker, editing in real audio from past incidents in which Cambodian soldiers were heard provoking Thai troops. The video gained more than one million views and was widely shared. Theerasak said he was concerned the clip could cause misunderstanding that he was an actual Cambodian soldier and feared for his safety when travelling. He said recent border clashes had forced him to evacuate twice from risk areas, disrupting his livelihood. With the rubber-tapping season currently closed and no steady income, he and friends began producing online content to earn money, starting just over a month ago. He insisted the clip was meant as satire, but was shocked when some social media users and media outlets portrayed him as a Cambodian soldier staging provocations. He apologised to the Thai public and said he would exercise greater caution in producing future content. An administrator of the page that shared the clip said it was intended as a simulated scenario for entertainment. However, the use of authentic audio from real border incidents may have led some viewers to believe it was genuine, creating confusion. The admin said the content creator had been advised to be more careful to prevent possible negative consequences.