Army Denies Chopper Shooting Claim in Chanae District

On August 23, 2026, Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, addressed a post made by a Member of Parliament on a Facebook page, which cited reports from residents in Chanae district claiming that a group of youths were injured by gunfire originating from a helicopter.

Maj. Gen. Winthai stated that this information contradicts actual facts in both tactical and operational dimensions. He explained that the deployment of army aircraft in the southern border provinces is exclusively for aerial reconnaissance and surveillance, and armed helicopters have never been used to attack targets.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

Regarding the use of force against violent insurgents in the region, the army spokesperson clarified that armed action is always treated as a last resort. For instance, in law enforcement operations against suspects under arrest warrants, weapons are never employed unless the suspects actively fight back or attack officials, ensuring that force is strictly used for self-defense within legal boundaries.

"Presenting such information, apart from creating unverified news trends and presenting only a one-sided view, raises the question of why there was no coordination or direct inquiry through official channels with responsible agencies."

Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree

The army also expressed concern that presenting unverified data could cause public panic and negatively impact the morale and operations of officers during critical periods. The public and media consumers were urged to exercise caution, noting that such communication tactics risk steering societal attitudes negatively against state agencies.

Source: Khaosod Politics