The Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Front confirmed it did not fire weapons from a helicopter during a surveillance patrol in Chanae District, Narathiwat Province. The search for the burned vehicle has been called off after the vehicle was found.
At 08:49 on 23 August 2026, reporters reported that the Facebook page of the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Front issued a statement regarding social media reports suggesting that youths were injured by gunfire from a helicopter while returning from camping in Baan Kumung, Chang Phueak Subdistrict, Chanae District, Narathiwat Province.
The Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Front (ISOC Region 4 Front) has investigated the facts with the Narathiwat Task Force and found that during the incident, a helicopter was indeed conducting operations in the area. However, the mission was an aerial patrol to monitor and track the situation to support ground forces, with no weapons fired from the helicopter towards the ground.
Therefore, linking the youths’ injuries to gunfire from the helicopter does not align with the facts verified by the relevant agencies. Meanwhile, the details and causes of the injuries are still under comprehensive investigation to establish clear facts.
ISOC Region 4 Front urges the public and media to verify information with relevant agencies before dissemination, especially in ongoing investigations, to prevent misinformation that could cause misunderstandings and affect local residents. For the injured individuals, authorities are thoroughly examining the incident and its causes and will promptly communicate confirmed facts to the public.
They reaffirm that officers’ actions are in line with assigned missions and protocols, prioritizing public safety. They will conduct transparent fact-finding and provide accurate information to the public. Citizens who witness relevant information or have leads about incidents in the area can report via hotline 1341 or the nearest task force for investigation and appropriate action.
Later at 10:11,the ISOC Region 4 Front Facebook pageposted images and a message stating that at 10:00 on 23 August 2026, following reports about a suspected vehicle burned and under investigation in the area, authorities have now confirmed the vehicle was burned and the information verified. Therefore, the search for this case is officially concluded. The public is advised to follow updates from credible sources and relevant agencies to avoid confusion and misinformation.