Culture
Thai Army Denies Helicopter Attack Allegations in Chanae District
The Royal Thai Army has officially denied reports that a military helicopter fired upon teenagers in the Chanae district of Narathiwat province.
On August 23, 2026, Major General Winthai Suvaree, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, addressed allegations circulating on social media regarding an incident in the Chanae district. A member of parliament had previously suggested, based on local reports, that teenagers in the area were injured by gunfire originating from a military helicopter.
Major General Winthai dismissed these claims as inconsistent with military operational facts. He stated that army aircraft deployed in the Southern Border Provinces are used exclusively for aerial reconnaissance and surveillance, and that no armed helicopters are utilized for offensive operations in the region. The spokesperson emphasized that the use of force by authorities is strictly a last resort, governed by legal frameworks and international standards, and is only employed in self-defense when suspects resist arrest or initiate violence.
For residents and travelers in the Southern Border Provinces, this incident highlights the importance of verifying information through official channels, as the military warns that unverified reports can cause unnecessary public alarm. The army criticized the dissemination of one-sided information, noting that such claims can negatively impact the morale of personnel and public trust. As of now, the military maintains that the allegations are unfounded, and no independent investigation results have been released to corroborate the initial claims made by local sources.