22-12-2024 (BANGKOK) An unidentified aircraft triggered a swift military response near the Thai-Myanmar border before mysteriously vanishing from radar detection, defence officials reported.
The incident began when Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) surveillance systems detected an unknown aircraft breaching Thai airspace over Phop Phra district at approximately 10:51 local time. The craft was observed cruising at an altitude between 4,000 and 5,000 feet.
In response to the potential security threat, military commanders scrambled two F-16 fighter jets from Wing 4, stationed at Takhli air base in Nakhon Sawan province. The interceptors were dispatched to assess and challenge the mystery aircraft, climbing to an operational altitude of 7,000 feet.
However, in an intriguing turn of events, the unidentified aircraft disappeared from radar screens before the F-16s could make visual contact. The fighters continued their assigned border patrol before returning to base at 12:14.
Air Marshal Prapas Sornjaidee, speaking on behalf of the RTAF, emphasised the incident’s significance in demonstrating Thailand’s air defence capabilities. “This rapid response underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting Thai sovereignty and ensuring the safety of our border communities,” he noted.
