Politics Thai F-16 Jets Scramble to Intercept Myanmar Warplane Near Border

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) deployed two F-16 fighter jets to intercept a Myanmar military aircraft that flew close to the Thai border in Kanchanaburi province, officials confirmed on 6 May. The aircraft, identified as a K-8 light attack jet, approached to within approximately two nautical miles of Thai airspace, triggering a rapid response from Thai defence forces.

 

Air Force spokesman Air Vice Marshal Praphas Sornchaidee said the aerial intrusion, detected around 12:45 by radar systems of the Air Defence Command, prompted immediate action. The two F-16 jets, dispatched from Wing 4 in Nakhon Sawan, were ordered to identify and deter the unidentified aircraft as part of standard air patrol and sovereignty protection procedures.

 

“The aircraft did not violate Thai airspace, but we considered the proximity a matter of concern and acted in accordance with professional interception protocols,” AVM Praphas said. “The mission was successful, and no hostile intent or incursion was detected.”

 

Thai jets continued air combat patrols over Muang and Sai Yok districts throughout the afternoon to monitor the situation. The RTAF also issued a formal warning to Myanmar authorities to exercise caution in air operations near the shared border.

 

The Myanmar K-8 jet had reportedly been involved in airstrikes earlier that day across the border in the Dawei region, specifically targeting a rebel position in Ban Thiki, Myitta Township. Explosions were reportedly observed near the Thai frontier at Ban Phu Nam Ron in Ban Kao subdistrict, Muang district, Kanchanaburi. A video showing the Myanmar aircraft releasing ordnance was circulated on social media, prompting concern among local residents.

 

Kanchanaburi Governor Mr. Atisak Intratra confirmed that local authorities are monitoring the situation closely. “We are evaluating the situation continuously in coordination with security agencies,” he said. “No cross-border movements of displaced persons have been allowed, but humanitarian support in the form of food and supplies has been provided.”

 

The incident has reignited public concerns in western Thailand about regional instability and the spillover effects of Myanmar’s ongoing internal conflict. However, officials reassured the public that Thai airspace remained uncompromised and that all necessary measures to protect national sovereignty had been effectively enforced.

 

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-07.

 

 

 

 

[ozz1]

I thought that Thailand and Myanmar were best friends probably a bit trigger happy

[spidermike007]

I would love to see them shoot down as many Burmese Air Force jets as possible, and utterly punish that sadistic and twisted, and completely morally bankrupt army of theirs. 

[hotchilli]

6 hours ago, ozz1 said:

I thought that Thailand and Myanmar were best friends probably a bit trigger happy

GPS issues again?

[klauskunkel]

8 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

GPS issues again?

...or brake failure (was it raining?) 

[Aussie999]

So explain this Myanmar jet in Myanmar airspace... thailand scrambled aircraft, why, what's the problem.

Does this mean Myanmar should scramble aircraft to warn the Thais. Seems and over reaction from Thailand, it's not as if there's a Thai/Myanmar skirmish 

[Srikcir]

13 minutes ago, Aussie999 said:

So explain this Myanmar jet in Myanmar airspace... thailand scrambled aircraft, why, what's the problem.

Does this mean Myanmar should scramble aircraft to warn the Thais. Seems and over reaction from Thailand, it's not as if there's a Thai/Myanmar skirmish 

Several times over the past year or two Myanmar jets have flown into Thai airspace as they conducted combat actions against Myanmar rebels near the Thai border. In response Thai air force has belatedly responded after Thai border incursions.

Finally, the Thai air force has begun monitoring flight vectors of Myanmar fighters into Thailand to proactively (and responsibly) intercept intended Mynanar incursion into Thai airspace. 

Thailand answer with two F-16s is the best response.

[SOTIRIOS]

...The Old 'Enemy Without'....Distraction....(?)

[thesetat]

This Op failed to add the time they got to the place where the Myanmar planes were supposed to be. I mention this because the last time it took the Thai AF 30 minutes to get there and by then the planes were gone. That was also labeled a successful mission the same as this one. 

[sikishrory]

It's a strange relationship.

On one hand we have Myanmar turning Thai Navy boats into into swiss cheese with machine guns and flying attack jets around the border. 

On the other hand we have Thailand inviting the Generals over for dinner in Bangkok and saying mai pen rai.