A devastating incident occurred in southern Thailand on Saturday, May 24, when a Royal Thai Police helicopter crashed and exploded in mid-air, resulting in the deaths of three police officers on board. The accident happened near an airbase in Prachuap Khiri Khan’s Mueang district.
According to reports, the helicopter, a Bell 212, was en route from Surat Thani airport after a police operation when it experienced in-flight issues. One officer managed to parachute out in time, but his current condition remains unknown.
The three officers who remained on board, two pilots and one mechanic, died instantly in the fiery wreckage. The victims have been identified as:
- Pol. Lt. Col. Pratueng Chulert (pilot)
- Pol. Sub. Lt. Songpol Boonchai (co-pilot)
- Pol. Sub. Lt. Thinkrit Suwannanoi (mechanic)
National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kitrat Panphet expressed his deepest condolences to the officers’ families and has ordered a full investigation into the cause of the crash.
Second Deadly Police Aircraft Crash in One Month
This tragedy comes just 30 days after a Royal Thai Police aircraft crashed during a flight test in Hua Hin district, also in Prachuap Khiri Khan. That incident, which occurred on April 25, resulted in the deaths of all six personnel on board.
The two air tragedies in a month have raised concerns over the safety of police aviation operations, even during routine training and transport missions. The Royal Thai Police is expected to face intensified scrutiny as investigations into both crashes get underway.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the crash is still unknown, but an investigation is currently underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Royal Thai Police has promised to provide support to the families of the victims and to ensure that measures are taken to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
The incident serves as a reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by law enforcement officers in the line of duty. The thoughts and condolences of the public are with the families of the victims during this difficult time.