Army Denies Helicopter Shooting Allegations in Chanae

Khaosod•Politics•3d ago

Reader Briefing

The Royal Thai Army spokesperson denied allegations that military helicopters shot teenagers in Chanae District, stating aircraft are used only for patrolling.

•Army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree addressed claims made by an MP regarding helicopter gunfire in Chanae District.
•Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree stated that Army aircraft in the Southern Border Provinces are used strictly for aerial patrol and surveillance.
•The Army spokesperson asserted that armed helicopters have never been used to attack targets in the area.
•The denial was issued on August 23, 2026.

Overview

•On August 23, 2026, Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree provided a statement regarding allegations of helicopter gunfire.
•An unnamed MP posted observations on a Facebook page citing local reports that youths in Chanae District were injured by gunfire from a helicopter.
•Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree stated that the information is inconsistent with operational and tactical facts.
•Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree affirmed that Royal Thai Army aircraft in the Southern Border Provinces are used only for patrol and aerial surveillance.
•Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree claimed that presenting one-sided information creates negative attitudes toward state officials and causes public panic.
•Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree stated that officials use weapons as a last resort for self-defense within legal and international frameworks.
•Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree urged the public and media consumers to be cautious of unverified information that may be a communication strategy to mislead society.

Full article content is available on the original source.

Read on Khaosod (Thai Version)

Source: Khaosod (Original)

View Original Article

Key Entities

Person

Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree(พล.ต.วินธัย สุวารี)

The spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army.

Organization

Royal Thai Army(กองทัพบก)ℹ️

The military organization whose aircraft are used for patrolling in the Southern Border Provinces.

Place

Chanae District(อ.จะแนะ)ℹ️

The location where youths were allegedly shot by a helicopter.

Southern Border Provinces(จังหวัดชายแดนภาคใต้)

The region where the Royal Thai Army conducts aerial patrols and surveillance.