Thai F-16s could intercept Myanmar MiG-29s in 5 minutes: Air Force Chief

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

THAI F-16A/B FIGHTERS could practically intercept any Myanmar MiG-29 jets which might possibly intrude into Thai air space from inside the war-torn country in five minutes, said Thai Air Force Chief ACM Panpakdee Pattanakul today (Apr. 11).

The F-16A/B Fighting Falcon jets from Wing 4 in Takhli are currently on a 24/7 standby for a possible unwelcome incident in which any of the Myanmar air force’s MiG-29 Fulcrum jets might intrude into Thai air space over Mae Sot district of Tak across the shared border from Myawaddy township in Myanmar, according to the Thai air force chief.

The Thai air force’s F-16s have already been given official approval from Defence Minister Suthin Khlangsang to engage, intercept and fire at any of the Myanmar air force’s intruding fighter jets in case that they evidently decline to turn away from Thai air space over the border.

ACM Panpakdee confirmed the F-16s on a 24/7 standby at an air base in Thai territory could immediately scramble to fly and intercept any infringing fighter jets in five minutes.

The Thai Fighting Falcon jets have conducted regular air patrols in the Thai air space over Mae Sot’s border areas whilst the Myanmar Fulcrum jets have launched air-to-surface strikes on Karen rebel positions in Myawaddy, fueling concerns over the possibility that the MiG-29s might “stray” into Thai air space during their attack sorties.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin confirmed today the Thai air space over Mae Sot and elsewhere along the 2,400-km-long shared border can be by no means infringed upon by any foreign combat aircraft, either purposely or inadvertently.

Meanwhile, Srettha quoted Myanmar authorities as dismissing news reports that a besieged Tatmadaw infantry battalion in Myawaddy had already been seized by Karen National Liberation Army rebels or People Defense Force units.

The prime minister reassured that Thailand has prepared to receive as many as 100,000 cross-border refugees fleeing escalated fighting inside the war-torn Myanmar on an humanitarian basis.

CAPTIONS:

Top and Front Page: Thai air force F-16 fighter jets. Photo: Thai air force Facebook page

Insert: Thai Air Force Chief ACM Panpakdee Pattanakul. Photo: Thai Rath

Also read: Air base at Myanmar capital attacked again: Report

Myanmar junta troops flee as Karens, allies seize last base in Myawaddy

Thai F-16s conduct air patrols as Myanmar MiG-29s attack Karen fighters

Karens, allies mount attack on junta’s base in Myawaddy

Govt urged to apply comprehensive, diverse diplomacy toward Myanmar crisis

Karenni Army mounts fierce attack on town opposite Mae Hong Son

Myanmar junta used chartered plane to fly cash from Mae Sot to Yangon

400 Myanmar junta troops surrender in capture of Myawaddy

Myanmar military loses border town in another big defeat