Thailand delays fighter jet induction after Cambodia accuses it of assassination plot
The Thai Air Force has delayed the induction ceremony for eight AT-6 Wolverine aircraft, originally scheduled for August 7, following the spread of fake news by Cambodian media accusing Thailand of planning to use the aircraft to assassinate Cambodian leaders.
The decision comes after Cambodia began closely monitoring the situation, and Cambodian media circulated disinformation accusing Thailand of planning to use the aircraft—allegedly armed with Korean-made bombs—in an assassination plot targeting former Prime Minister Hun Sen and his son, current Prime Minister Hun Manet.
The Khmer Times cited a “reliable official source” who claimed that a foreign intelligence unit had informed them of a Thai plan to use the aircraft, equipped with South Korean GPS-guided bombs, to carry out the assassination.
The report further alleged that, on July 29, Thailand received eight aircraft along with 200 missiles and four other types of aircraft, either repaired by or purchased from South Korea.
In response to these claims, the Thai Air Force is concerned that proceeding with the ceremony at this time could fuel further disinformation and escalate tensions.
The induction of the aircraft into Wing 41 in Chiang Mai province has been postponed until the situation returns to normal.