Thailand's Fourth Army Region denies helicopter firing allegations

Lieutenant General Norathip Phoynok, Commander of the Fourth Army Region and Director of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4, has denied allegations that military helicopters fired upon individuals in Southern Thailand. He clarified that while helicopters and drones were utilized for reconnaissance patrols during the period in question, no weapons were discharged from the aircraft.

General Norathip suggested that these claims are attempts to discredit state officials. He noted that if automatic weapons had been used from a helicopter, the targets would not have escaped unscathed. He attributed the recent unrest to groups seeking to protect illegal interests following intensified law enforcement operations.

In recent weeks, authorities have conducted continuous searches and pressure tactics against insurgent groups in the three southern border provinces. Additionally, under a 90-day anti-drug operation, officials recently dismantled a smuggling ring in Yarang District, seizing over 2,000,000 sticks of illegal cigarettes and approximately 18 million baht in cash. The military believes these illegal trade networks, which generate hundreds of millions of baht monthly, serve as funding sources for insurgent activities.