The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has sought to calm public concern over frequent landings by US military aircrafts at Krabi International Airport, saying the flights are routine and have no connection to the Middle East conflict.
The clarification came after residents raised suspicions over multiple take-offs and landings by US aircrafts, including C-130 transport planes, MV-22 Osprey tiltrotors and H-60 Seahawk helicopters, taking place daily both day and night.
Some residents had speculated that the US was surveying potential sites for a military base on Thailand’s Andaman coast or the establishment of a rest location for troops returning from operations in the Middle East.
Air Marshal Chakkrit Thammavichai, an RTAF spokesman, said on Wednesday the activity was not unusual and had only drawn attention because it was the first time such aircraft had passed through Krabi airport.
Such operations previously took place at U‑tapao and Phuket airports. The RTAF had already issued an official clarification over the matter, he said.
Routine missions, not military expansion
AM Chakkrit explained that the flights were part of US military operations involving troop rotation and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), including the transfer of personnel requiring treatment from vessels at sea to hospitals on land.
He assured the missions formed part of long-standing security cooperation between Thailand and the United States and have no connection to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
The spokesman said all requests had followed established procedures, including the granting of diplomatic clearance through the appropriate channels, with no special provisions.
Krabi airport was selected by US officials this time due to congestion at other airports more commonly used for such operations.
“The landing of foreign aircraft in Thailand goes through the Foreign Ministry’s process in every case, with suitability carefully considered. There has been no violation of any regulations or agreements. Everything was done according to procedure,” AM Chakkrit said.
“It is just that this is the first time the aircraft have landed at Krabi airport, so local people were startled,” he added.
Public urged not to panic
In an official statement, the RTAF reiterated that permission for US military aircraft was granted under the same conditions applied to all countries. It said the operations were unrelated to regional conflicts and would not lead to Thailand’s involvement in any dispute.
“The Royal Thai Air Force asks the public to be assured that every step has been carried out under the close supervision of Thai authorities, with national sovereignty, security and the interests of the people being the top priorities,” the statement said.
