Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Cancels Mission to Norlae Base Due to Adverse Weather Conditions.

Chiang Mai: 'Phumtham' was excited because the helicopter to the border military base shook while flying through low clouds and overcast skies, so he canceled the mission. He revealed that his goal was just to see the actual location to make sure there was no fighting as reported in the news. According to Thai News Agency, for the morning mission, Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, was scheduled to visit the Nolae Operations Base in Fang District, Chiang Mai Province. He was accompanied by Gen. Nattapol Nakphanit, Deputy Minister of Defense, and Gen. Sanitchanok Sangkhachan, Permanent Secretary of Defense. The delegation departed from the 7th Infantry Division Headquarters in Mae Rim District via Black Hawk and MI-17 helicopters. Adverse weather conditions, including thick fog and low clouds, hindered the helicopter's approach to the target area. Due to safety concerns, the pilot opted not to land and returned to the 7th Infantry Division immediately. Mr. Phumtham stat ed that despite not being able to inspect the military base as planned, there were no issues with the operations at No Lae base, as coordination was fully in place. His intention was to verify that there was no fighting in the area, contrary to recent news reports. He expressed disappointment that the weather prevented the visit. When questioned about his reaction to the helicopter's inability to land, Mr. Phumtham humorously indicated that the media might find excitement in the situation. He personally found the turbulence caused by passing clouds quite thrilling.