Thai airforce pilots took F-16s on a combat patrol in the Phop Phra district of Tak Province after they spotted a military plane flying over the border.
On June 30, 11:16 am, the spokesman of the Royal Thai Airforce, Pol. Gen. Prapas Sonjaidee revealed that at headquarters, the air force agency reported a sighting of aircraft; flying over the border of the Phop Phra district into Thailand, attacking minority troops near the border. After that, the target disappeared from the Air Force surveillance radar system.
Helicopters were also detected operating outside the border, about 5 nautical miles of the area, but did not cross the border in any way to Thailand.
The airforce has ordered two Type 19 or F-16 fighter jets to conduct air combat patrols immediately in the border area of Phop Phra District and ordered the Air Attache of the Royal Thai Embassy in Yangon to coordinate with relevant agencies of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, to alert and try to prevent such incidents happen again in the future.
The airforce will continue to closely monitor the situation, including the area along the border, 24 hours a day, keeping an eye out for all incidents and potential impacts; it must be protecting the sovereignty and security of the Thai people.
