US military flights in Krabi part of routine missions, Thai air force says

The Thai Air Force has urged residents in Krabi not to be alarmed by frequent take-offs and landings of US military aircraft at the local international airport, saying the operations are part of routine personnel rotation and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) missions.

Air Marshal Chakkrit Thammavichai, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Air Force, addressed public concerns on Wednesday following reports of various US military assets — including C-130 transport planes, MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft and H-60 Seahawk helicopters — operating at Krabi International Airport around the clock.

The sudden influx of flights led to speculation among locals about the possible establishment of a US military base on Thailand’s Andaman coast.

“These activities are entirely unrelated to current tensions or conflicts in the Middle East,” Chakkrit emphasised.

He added that the flights were routine missions by the US armed forces and part of long-standing security cooperation between Thailand and the United States.

According to the spokesperson, all relevant procedures and regulations were followed. The US side obtained diplomatic clearance through designated channels and received approval from the appropriate Thai authorities.

“We coordinated closely with local agencies in Krabi, security units and the airport to ensure the operations were orderly and did not affect public safety or services,” he said.