Military Command Denies Helicopter Shooting Claims
A military commander denied allegations that someone was shot from a helicopter, stating patrols were conducted but no weapons were fired, while authorities seized over 2 million cigarette packs and millions of baht in a smuggling operation
On August 23, Region 4 Military Commander Lieutenant General Nrotip Poyaynok addressed allegations that someone had been shot from a helicopter, firmly denying the claims. He confirmed that helicopters and drones were indeed used for patrols along various routes during the period in question, but insisted there was no use of weapons or gunfire from helicopters whatsoever. The commander emphasized that if automatic weapons had actually been deployed from a helicopter, the vehicles or targets mentioned would have been completely destroyed, therefore stating that the reported events do not match the facts.
Poyaynok characterized the incidents as attempts to discredit state officials' work rather than direct threats to civilian or official lives. He noted that from late July through mid-August, officials conducted continuous encirclement, search, and suppression operations against insurgent groups across the three southern border provinces, deploying available forces across all areas.
The military also reported progress under the 90-Day Anti-Narcotics Campaign, which has resulted in large quantities of drug seizures and multiple arrests. Most recently in mid-August, officials seized an illegal cigarette smuggling operation in Yarang District, confiscating over 2 million cigarette packs and approximately 18 million baht in cash. The commander stated that this smuggling network is linked to drug trafficking organizations, with estimated illegal trade values reaching hundreds of millions of baht monthly, which may motivate affected groups to retaliate against officials.
"These are funding sources for the insurgency and extortion activities, so it is possible that those losing profits may try to create situations to retaliate against state officials," Poyaynok said. He reaffirmed that officials will not tolerate illegal activities, particularly illegal border trade and drug trafficking, and will continue strict enforcement without leniency.
Region 4 Internal Security Command said it will thoroughly investigate facts in all cases, ensure fairness to all parties, and continue security operations alongside law enforcement.
