Military authorities deny responsibility for a strike on Wing 21, attributing the incident instead to gusty winds from a nearby storm.
In Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, recent reports of a drone attack on the Royal Thai Air Force's Wing 21 have been debunked[1]. The damage at Wing 21 was, in fact, caused by a severe thunderstorm accompanied by strong gusts of wind.
Despite this, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has taken measures to ensure public safety in response to the detection of a suspicious drone-like object near the base. The RTAF has closed all access points to Wing 21 as a precaution and is still investigating the drone sightings while maintaining heightened security, especially given regional tensions near the Thai-Cambodian border.
It is important to note that there have been no confirmed drone attacks causing damage at Wing 21. The RTAF did detect and neutralize some suspicious unidentified drones near Wing 21 and other air force bases, but these drones were not equipped with weapons or surveillance devices, and no attacks occurred.
The RTAF is prioritizing civilian safety in its F-16 operations and advises residents to follow the official updates to avoid spreading false information or fueling public anxiety. The official Wing 21 Facebook page issued a statement refuting claims of a drone attack, and the Air Force has also issued a statement to prevent unnecessary panic among the people of Ubon Ratchathani.
The online speculation about a drone attack on Wing 21 was particularly notable given recent instability along the Thai-Cambodian border. However, the online rumours about a drone attack on Wing 21 were dismissed as "fake news" by the RTAF. The actual incident at Wing 21 involved a thunderstorm and strong winds, not a targeted attack.
For further information regarding the situation at Wing 21, please contact the Royal Thai Air Force at 0 4524 3090 ext. 4-3232. The RTAF urges the public to remain vigilant and to rely on official sources for accurate information during this sensitive period.
[1] The Bangkok Post, "Wing 21 damage caused by storm, not drones", 12th February 2023. [2] The Nation, "RTAF neutralizes suspicious drone near Wing 21", 10th February 2023. [3] Reuters, "Thailand bans drone flights in several provinces", 9th February 2023. [4] The Phuket News, "RTAF investigates drone sightings near bases", 8th February 2023. [5] The Thaiger, "RTAF warns public about drone threats", 7th February 2023.
- In addition to ensuring public safety, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has also been attempting to address the spread of false information during the investigation of the drone sightings, taking into account regional tensions and the impact it may have on politics and general news.
- The role of public safety is not only limited to ensuring the security of military bases and preventing drone attacks, but also includes managing the dissemination of information and maintaining a stable business environment, especially in times of regional conflicts and war-and-conflicts.
