Unidentified Flying Objects Reports

FORCES, officials, or units by air. It is not likely, therefore, that they would riks valuable aircraft and crews to support Thai insurgent, when resupply, infiltration, and movement by other means is cheaper, safer, and less obvious. It is interesting to note that such unknown returns have been reported since 1965 and yet no unidentified aircraft has ever crashed or been physically observed so it could be identified. Friendly suppression forces have never shot down or hit these unknown intruders, whereas U.S. helicopters and aircraft in VIETNAM and LAOS have suffered many hits and losses, and as indicated in Part I, friendly aircraft in area could not observe, even with aid of lights, any other aircraft. In past, when Royal Thai Government offered 200,000 Baht reward for shooting down of unknown aircraft and helicopters, only aircraft ever it were BPP or RTA choppers and USAF aircraft on legitimate missions. As result, Thai Government has since withdrawn reward offer since no hostile aircraft or "unknowns" were ever downed. It is also interesting to note that in 1967 unidentified aircraft activity, purportedly in support of communist insurgents, seemed to preoccupy Thai officials until U.S. resources provided hawk anti-aircraft missiles. Then in speech of acceptance and thanks, General HRAPHAT, Deputy Prime Minister, said helicopter threat from outside THAILAND ended or come under control. Part V. This headquarters is highly interested in such sightings and reports, and will continue to monitor such activity for signs of hostile intent. However, there is no evidence at present time to indicate rash of recent "Bogies" reported near NKP RTAFD involves hostile or unfriendly activity. Unquote.

The following is quoted from a COMUSMACTHAI message dated 17 December 1968. The message was to CINCPAC with information to 7/13AF and referenced the message quoted above. Quote. "This headquarters considers the message and excellent assessment of unidentified helicopter reports in THAILAND. This valuation parallels our own assessments." Unquote.

The most recent reported sightings occurred in South LAOS. On the nights of 14, 16 and 18 December 1968, an unidentified high wing single engine aircraft was observed over Ban Thateng (1526N-10622E), LAOS. On two occasions it as reported circling at low altitude (400 feet). On the third occasion, it as observed at 6000 feet heading west. Estimated speed 100 knots. It has not been determined if the aircraft was an unreported friendly or enemy.

OMMENTS: AIRA concurs with the comments and assessments made and with the conclusion which are drawn. It seems highly unlikely the enemy would take the risks involved to infiltrate personnel or supplies when, as is pointed out, other methods are cheaper, safer and less obvious. Some of the "unknowns" have been reported far enough into THAILAND that large helicopters would have to be used or refuelings made by small helicopters. In order to reach some of these locations, long flights would have to be made over friendly territory, both in LAOS and THAILAND. Again this seems rather unlikely and has not been confirmed by any sightings. There are no known enemy hold staging areas or bases in LAOS from which such flights could operate within reasonable range, safety and security and yet remain such a well kept secret for such a long period of time. If any of these flights are, in fact, occurring it appears much more reasonable that they might be unreported friendly activities.