Army denies MP's claim of helicopter shooting youths in Southern Thail

Thairath•Politics•3d ago

Reader Briefing

The Royal Thai Army denied claims made by a Member of Parliament that a helicopter shot youth in Narathiwat province.

•Major General Winthai Suwaree clarified that Army helicopters in the Southern Border Provinces are used only for patrol and surveillance.
•The claim originated from a Member of Parliament's Facebook page citing reports from residents in Chanae District, Narathiwat.
•The Army stated that weapon use against violent offenders is always a last resort and conducted under legal frameworks.
•The clarification was issued on August 23, 2026.

•On August 23, 2026, the Royal Thai Army addressed a social media post by a Member of Parliament regarding an incident in Chanae District, Narathiwat.
•Major General Winthai Suwaree stated that the claim of a helicopter shooting youth is inconsistent with operational and tactical facts.
•Major General Winthai Suwarees explained that Royal Thai Army aircraft in the Southern Border Provinces are designated for patrol and aerial surveillance only and are not armed for attacks.
•Major General Winthai Suwaree affirmed that the Royal Thai Army uses weapons only as a last resort for self-defense under legal and international frameworks.
•Major General Winthai Suwaree warned that presenting unverified, one-sided information can cause public panic and affect the morale of officials.
•The Royal Thai Army noted that such posts may be part of a communication strategy to steer social opinion and create negative attitudes toward state agencies.

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Royal Thai Army(กองทัพบก)ℹ️

The government military organization that denied the claims of helicopter attacks in the Southern Border Provinces.

Major General Winthai Suwaree(พลตรีวินธัย สุวารี)

The spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army who provided the clarification.

Chanae District(อำเภอจะแนะ)ℹ️

The district in Narathiwat province where the alleged incident occurred.

Narathiwat Province(จังหวัดนราธิวาส)ℹ️

The province where the Member of Parliament's report originated.

Southern Border Provinces(จังหวัดชายแดนภาคใต้)

The region where the Royal Thai Army operates patrol and surveillance aircraft.