Bangkok: The Royal Thai Air Force is mourning the loss of Flight Sergeant Major Sukkasem Prompanchai, who died during a drug suppression mission in the Mekong River area. Air Chief Marshal Prabhas Sonjaidee announced that the incident occurred while the officer was supporting operations in border areas as part of a special task force established by the Center for the Promotion of Prevention and Resolution of Threats Affecting Security in Border Areas with Neighboring Countries (CPAC).
According to Thai News Agency, the tragic event unfolded on June 10, 2025, at around 6:00 p.m. in the Ban Bung Khi Lek area of Na Waeng Subdistrict, Khemmarat District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. Officers discovered a suspicious bag on an island in the Mekong River and dispatched a team to investigate by boat. During the operation, the boat struck a rock and capsized, resulting in Flight Sergeant Sukkasem Phromphanchai going missing. A search operation was carried out, and his body was found on June 11, 2025, at approximately 11:00 p.m., about 100 meters from the accident site.
Air Chief Marshal Panpakdee Pattanakul, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, extended his sympathies and ordered immediate assistance for the family of the deceased officer. He also emphasized that a military ceremony with full honors would be conducted to recognize the sacrifice of Flight Sergeant Sukkasem Phromphanchai. The Air Force expressed its deepest condolences, honoring him as a brave and selfless officer who died in the line of duty, affirming, "We will not abandon the brave."