Law
Military Denies Helicopter Shooting Allegations in Narathiwat
The Narathiwat Task Force has denied claims that soldiers fired on teenagers from a helicopter, prompting calls for an independent investigation.
On August 22, 2026, an incident in the Chanae District of Narathiwat province has sparked a dispute between local military authorities and residents. According to Khaosod Online, the Narathiwat Task Force has categorically denied allegations that soldiers used M16 rifles to fire upon a group of teenagers from a helicopter.
The military stated that the helicopter was conducting a routine aerial patrol and surveillance mission in response to recent unrest across the province. Officials emphasized that the four-person crew—consisting of pilots, a flight engineer, and an operations officer—carried no weapons for offensive use and were only coordinating with ground forces.
Conversely, local reports indicate that injured individuals claim they were fired upon from the aircraft. Romadon Panjor, a list MP from the People's Party, has highlighted the conflicting narratives and formally requested that the Prime Minister establish an independent fact-finding committee. He expressed concern that without a transparent investigation, the discrepancy between official statements and civilian accounts could exacerbate local tensions and mistrust.
For residents and travelers in the deep south, this situation underscores the ongoing volatility in the region. While the military maintains its innocence, the call for an official inquiry suggests that the truth of the event remains unverified. Observers are advised to monitor local news for updates regarding the potential formation of an investigative committee and any further developments in this case.