Debunked, Thai police apologise for AI-edited flood relief image
Thai border police have apologised for publishing an AI-generated image that depicted flood relief officers in combat gear and carrying automatic weapons, prompting backlash as southern Thailand endures deadly flooding that has killed at least 145 people.
The 437th Border Patrol Police unit posted the image on Facebook earlier this week, showing armed officers apparently preparing to deploy into Hat Yai, one of the worst-hit areas.
The caption read: “Border patrol ready to enter zone 8 today,” accompanied by a laughing emoji. The post was shared more than 12,000 times before it was taken down.
AFP fact-checkers later confirmed the picture had been digitally altered.
Using Google’s SynthID tool, they detected built-in watermarks commonly embedded in AI-generated images, including a visible star-shaped “Gemini” symbol in one corner.
Following criticism, the police unit issued an apology on Thursday and uploaded the original photograph. It showed unarmed officers on a rescue boat wearing orange life jackets, without helmets, tactical gear or guns. Rescue supplies are visible in both versions.
“This is a real image before it was made into an AI image,” the unit said in its statement. “We apologise for any misunderstanding.”
An officer told AFP the picture was created “to show the public our readiness to enter the area,” adding that none of the personnel deployed for flood operations carried firearms. No disciplinary action has been taken.
The doctored post appeared despite a prior warning from Thailand’s state-run Anti-Fake News Centre, which urged the public not to create or share AI images that could hinder relief efforts.
Widespread flooding has inundated parts of southern Thailand in recent days, with government agencies racing to reach isolated communities and warning that further heavy rain is expected. Rescue teams continue to evacuate residents from submerged neighbourhoods and distribute essential supplies.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
