Thai media outlets, citing Thai authorities, have reported that Thailand has sent an official letter of protest to Myanmar regarding a military drone crash in Thai territory. The incident occurred on July 22 in a forest area near Ban Khun Mae Wah village in Tak province, close to the Thai-Myanmar border. Following the crash, Thailand issued a formal protest through the Thai-Myanmar Border Committee (TBC), expressing serious concerns about the violation of Thai airspace by the Myanmar military drone.
The crashed Myanmar military drone was found to contain a gas cylinder and explosive materials. However, no injuries were reported when it crashed in Thai territory. The Thai military secured the drone and conducted necessary safety procedures. Officials at the crash site have documented and collected evidence for further investigation. The Thai authorities have emphasized that this incident represents a serious breach of territorial sovereignty and have demanded explanations from the Myanmar military council.
According to preliminary investigations by Thai authorities, the crashed drone appears to be similar to those typically used by the Myanmar military in their operations against Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) positions. Thai military officials assess that the drone likely lost control while being deployed for an attack on Karen National Union camps and subsequently crashed across the border into Thai territory. Thai authorities have expressed concern that continued military tensions in the border region could affect regional stability and peace, emphasizing the need for careful handling of the situation. The incident has prompted increased surveillance and security measures along the Thai-Myanmar border to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
