Even though Thailand and Cambodia agreed to a ceasefire after deadly border clashes, the digital battlefield is still burning hot. Hackers and internet users from both countries are continuing to launch cyberattacks and spread fake news.
Border Ceasefire Fails to Calm Online Chaos
The fighting at the border lasted five days and left more than 40 people dead. Over 300,000 people had to flee from their homes. But while the physical violence has stopped, the online war has not. Official websites are being hacked, flooded with spam, or taken down completely.
The Thai government said that it recorded over 500 million online attacks in just a few days. These attacks included flooding websites with too much traffic (called DDoS attacks) and sending large amounts of spam reports to various platforms. Government officials said attackers are using these cyberattacks as tools to mislead people and create fear and confusion.
Fake News and Spam Spread Fast
On social media, fake news and misinformation are spreading fast. Both parties are accusing one another of initiating the dispute. Photos and videos are being used in the wrong way to trick people.
Even some official accounts have posted misleading content. In one case, online users showed a rocket attack on a petrol station in Thailand as if it had happened in Cambodia. These false stories are making it hard for people to know what is true.
Social media platforms have also been filled with spam comments. Thousands of comments have flooded posts from leaders, many using the same messages over and over again. Experts believe fake or bot accounts created these to stir up emotions and divide people.
Experts say these spam attacks are not random. They are being used to make people angry and to create fights online. Some of these comments included emojis of snakes and crocodiles, mocking certain leaders or public figures. These tactics are part of a bigger plan to confuse the public and damage reputations.
Hackers Hit Government Sites
Hackers from both Thailand and Cambodia have been breaking into government-run websites. They have defaced pages, replaced headlines with offensive words, and made fun of political leaders. Hackers filled a Thai government-run news website with rude messages. In Cambodia, they changed the login page of an education website to show a funny photo of a past leader with an exaggerated hairstyle.
These actions may look like pranks, but they are serious attacks meant to embarrass and insult. In some cases, they target important institutions and public services.
Cyber experts say that these online battles are now a normal part of modern conflicts. Just like in other global clashes, such as in Ukraine, attackers use digital attacks to weaken opponents without using guns or bombs.
Media watchers say the current situation shows how easy it is to spread false stories online. They also say that itâs hard to stop because many people today believe what they see on social media without checking the facts.
As tensions remain high, Thai and Cambodian users continue the online war, showing how powerful and dangerous digital warfare remains â even after signing a peace deal.
