Ankara: In a swift response to potential aerial threats, Thailand deployed two fighter jets along its border with Myanmar following the detection of unidentified air activity. The Royal Thai Air Force acted promptly by sending two F-16 jets from Nakhon Sawan province to intercept an unidentified aircraft near the border area in Kanchanaburi province, as reported by Thai PBS.

According to Anadolu Agency, Air Chief Marshal Prapass Sonjai confirmed the incident, which took place around 12:45 pm local time (0545GMT). Radar systems had picked up the presence of an unidentified aircraft flying close to the Thai-Myanmar border, prompting the immediate military response.

This development occurs in the context of increasing conflict in northern Myanmar, where ethnic armed groups have been engaged in hostilities with the ruling military junta. The ongoing violence has led to significant displacement of civilians and heightened concerns about the potential for the conflict to extend into Thai territory.

Additionally, the backdrop of this aerial activity includes the aftermath of the March 28 earthquake in Myanmar. The magnitude-7.7 quake resulted in nearly 3,800 fatalities and left tens of thousands without homes. Following the disaster, the military junta, which took control in a 2021 coup, declared a temporary ceasefire starting April 2. However, this truce came to an end at midnight on April 30, potentially contributing to the current tensions in the region.