Bangkok: Four air force commanders, deputy commanders, and aircraft technicians have been reassigned in the wake of helicopter crashes that have drawn significant public attention. The National Police Chief has directed these personnel to new roles at the Royal Thai Police Operations Center, effectively removing them from their original positions. This move is connected to two police aircraft crashes that occurred within a short span.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Gen. Kittirat Panphet, the national police chief, has issued a formal order under the National Police Office Order No. 308/2568. This order pertains to the reassignment of officers to support official duties following the crashes on April 25, 2025, and May 24, 2025. These incidents resulted in the deaths of several police officers and have prompted the Royal Thai Police to initiate an investigation to assess compliance with maintenance regulations.
The Inspector General of the Royal Thai Police has been tasked with investigating the aircraft maintenance protocols to identify any potential lapses. A fact-finding committee was appointed via Order No. 89/2025 on April 30, 2025, and is currently examining the situation. The case has garnered widespread public interest, particularly on social media, impacting the image of the Royal Thai Police.
Suspicions have arisen regarding possible misconduct or inefficiency among certain officers, which may have contributed to the crashes. To avoid further potential damage and to ensure a transparent and fair investigation, the reassignments were made under the Royal Thai Police Act B.E. 2565 and related regulations. The officers affected include Pol. Maj. Gen. Amnat Dechabunlueang, Pol. Col. Danchai Phimsan, Pol. Col. Pichaisak Phanyophon, and Pol. Lt. Col. Suthep Wongwan.
Furthermore, Pol. Col. Narong Aimsom has been appointed to act as the Commander of the Police Aviation Division, ensuring leadership continuity during this critical period.