Prachuap Khiri Khan: A Royal Thai Police helicopter crashed in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, resulting in a fatality. The helicopter is currently under investigation. Initial reports indicate that some parachuted from the helicopter.
According to Thai News Agency, at approximately 1:00 p.m., reporters received confirmation from Pol. Col. Nakarin Sukonthavit, Commander of Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Police, that a Royal Thai Police helicopter had indeed crashed in the vicinity of Wat Nong Phang Pua, Tambon Koh Lak, Amphoe Mueang, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.
Initially, a total of three passengers and pilots were found. It was possible to verify that Pol. Lt. Pratuang Chuleut (Inspector 2), Aviation Group, Royal Thai Police, was the pilot, along with Pol. Lt. Songphon Boonchai, and Pol. Lt. Tinkrit Suwannoi, who was the mechanic.
For this flying mission, the Police Aviation Division is investigating whether it was a helicopter that took off from Tha Raeng to a different province or whether it was a helicopter stationed in the area and performing a mission.
The latest images show some fatalities and reports that some people have parachuted out of the helicopter, but details cannot be confirmed as the incident only happened this afternoon and everything is still under investigation. Pol. Maj. Gen. Nakarin Sukonthavit, Commander of Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Police, is currently traveling to the scene.
Initial information found that it was a Bell 212 helicopter belonging to the Royal Thai Police, taking off from Camp Aphakornkiatwong, Chumphon Province, and heading for Camp Naresuan, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. It is still unclear which unit the aircraft belonged to.