F-16 night flight a drill, PM says amid Cambodia border concerns

The Thai prime minister today confirmed that an F-16 fighter jet was deployed last night, but insisted the operation was only a drill, amid reports that Thailand is maintaining a high level of readiness over possible border tensions with Cambodia.

Anutin Charnvirakul said the late-night flight was part of a routine training exercise and not a military buildup along the Thai-Cambodian border.

He was responding to reports circulating on social media that an F-16 had taken off during the night, prompting speculation among residents in border areas that Thailand was preparing for a possible escalation of tensions with Cambodia.

The Royal Thai Air Force later said the flight was part of its regular monthly training programme, which includes night operations. It said the aircraft flew along a training route in a border area, but remained within Thai airspace and did not violate the territory of any neighbouring country.

The air force operates F-16 fighter squadrons from Wing 1 in Nakhon Ratchasima and Wing 4 in Nakhon Sawan.

The air force said public vigilance is welcome, because it shows that people are aware of the military’s readiness, adding that night exercises are conducted regularly.

It also urged residents in border areas to understand that the sound of F-16 fighter jets represented Thailand’s independence and sovereignty.

In a Facebook post, the Royal Thai Air Force shared a photo of F-16 fighter jets with the message: “The sound of F-16s is the sound of Thailand’s independence and sovereignty.”

The latest flight followed a similar operation on June 5, when the Royal Thai Air Force deployed an F-16 MLU on a night mission to maintain combat readiness and closely monitor the border situation.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Lt. Gen. Adul Boonthamcharoen said operations along the Thai-Cambodian border must be handled with caution and in strict accordance with the rules of engagement.

He said reports that Cambodia had received a new batch of tanks from China were linked to an existing procurement arrangement, but added that there is no indication that they had been deployed near the border.

Adul also said commanders are closely supervising areas of concern, particularly those under the Suranaree Task Force, and that recent explosions reported in the area had not occurred on the Thai side of the border.

He said it was possible the sounds had come from newly arrived Cambodian troops unfamiliar with the area.

On reports that Cambodian forces had dug trenches, Adul said soldiers in any location would normally establish defensive positions for self-protection and did not describe the activity as unusual.

Asked about reports that Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Seiha was preparing to ask Thailand to return the Ban Nong Chan area in Sa Kaeo’s Khok Sung district, Adul said he has not received any contact on the matter and stressed that Thailand continues to adhere to the terms of the existing joint statement reached after previous clashes.

Meanwhile, Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree said the situation along the Thai-Cambodian border remains tense in some areas, with occasional verbal confrontations occurring when Cambodian troops object to activity near Thai barriers.

He said the incidents had not, however, escalated into violence and had been resolved through local coordination mechanisms.