Overview
- The 437th Border Patrol Police unit posted the altered image on November 27 depicting armed officers delivering aid in Hat Yai’s Zone 8.
- AFP identified a visible Gemini watermark and reported SynthID detected with high confidence that the photo was created using Google’s AI tools.
- The unit removed the post, issued an apology, and shared the original photo showing unarmed officers in orange life vests transporting supplies.
- An officer told AFP the image was generated to show readiness, said flood relief personnel did not carry firearms, and confirmed no one has been punished.
- The episode unfolded as severe flooding displaced tens of thousands and left at least 145 dead, with reports of gunfire temporarily hindering rescues and Thailand’s anti-fake news center warning against misleading AI imagery.