PM Anutin Addresses Allegations of Helicopter Shooting in Narathiwat

On August 27, 2026, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul addressed calls from southern border province MPs to establish a committee to investigate claims that individuals were fired upon from a helicopter in the Chanae District of Narathiwat.

Anutin explained that he cannot unilaterally form such a committee because the area is currently under martial law. Under these regulations, the Fourth Army Area Commander, Lieutenant General Norathip Poynok, holds supreme authority as the incident commander. According to Anutin, the Fourth Army has already denied that any such shooting occurred. However, he noted that the military command intends to facilitate a fact-finding process, and the public must await those results.

Anutin further clarified that the legal framework during martial law and states of emergency grants the military primary jurisdiction, limiting the Prime Minister's direct intervention. He drew a historical parallel to the 2014 period, noting that similar legal constraints existed at that time.

For residents and travelers in the southern border provinces, this situation highlights the ongoing sensitivity of security operations in the region. While the military has denied the allegations, the situation remains unconfirmed pending the outcome of the military's internal fact-finding process. Visitors to the deep south are advised to stay informed through official channels and remain aware of the heightened security presence in the area.