Latest news with #Bell212
The Star
28-05-2025
- The Star
Two police pilots told friend of possible helicopter crash night before tragedy
BANGKOK: Two police pilots warned a friend of possible crash risk with ageing Bell 212 helicopter night before fatal Royal Thai Police crash. A friend of the two Royal Thai Police pilots killed in a Bell 212 helicopter crash revealed that the pilots had discussed the high risk of a crash the night before the fatal incident. Police Captain Sithit Amthanom, 37, posted on Facebook that the two pilots had told him on Friday (May 23) night the Bell 212 helicopter was not fit for flying. The aircraft, part of the Royal Thai Police's Aviation Division since 1973, has served for nearly five decades but is now considered aged and unsafe. The tragic crash in Prachuap Khiri Khan on Saturday claimed the lives of three officers: Police Major Pratheung Chulert (pilot), Police Captain Songphol Boonchai (pilot), and Police Lieutenant Thinnakrit Suwannoi (mechanic). Sithit said he met the two pilots the night before the crash, and they admitted to risking their lives every time they flew the Bell 212 helicopter due to its poor condition—not due to pilot error. 'Less than 24 hours after they confided in me, both friends were gone because of the danger they always feared,' Sithit wrote. He expressed anger over the situation and praised their courage for flying despite the risks. Sithit criticised the RTP's policy of having new pilots train on old helicopters while experienced pilots flew newer aircraft. 'There is a joke among us that old pilots use new aircraft and new pilots use old ones,' he said. He also shared a message from Pratheung confirming the helicopter was old and not ready to fly, adding that police pilots allowed to use new helicopters did not have to endure the same risks. - The Nation/ANN
The Sun
26-05-2025
- The Sun
Three Royal Thai police officers perish in devastating helicopter crash
THE Royal Thai Police is in mourning following a devastating helicopter accident that claimed the lives of three dedicated officers on Saturday afternoon. According to Thai news website Khaosod, the tragic incident unfolded in the skies above Prachuap Khiri Khan province, casting a shadow over the law enforcement community. The Bell 212 helicopter, operated by the Kanchanaburi Police Aviation Unit, was returning from a routine police operation at Surat Thani airport when disaster struck around 1pm. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft engulfed in flames before it plummeted to the ground near a local airbase in Mueang district. The victims have been identified as three devoted members of the Royal Thai Police who died serving their country: Police Lieutenant Colonel Pratueng Chulert, who served as the aircraft's pilot, Police Sub-Lieutenant Songpol Boonchai, the co-pilot, and Police Sub-Lieutenant Thinkrit Suwannanoi, the onboard mechanic. All three officers were pronounced dead at the scene, their lives cut tragically short while carrying out their professional duties. In what authorities describe as a remarkable turn of events amid the catastrophe, one officer aboard the helicopter managed to deploy his parachute and escape the doomed aircraft. Emergency responders are working to determine his current condition, though details remain limited as rescue operations continue. The swift response of emergency services and firefighters to the crash site underscored the gravity of the situation, though their efforts could not save the three officers who remained trapped in the burning wreckage. National Police Chief Police General Kitrat Panphet has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash. The probe will examine all possible factors that may have contributed to the aircraft's mechanical failure and subsequent destruction. 'We have lost three brave officers who dedicated their lives to protecting and serving our nation,' the police chief reportedly stated in his official response. 'Our hearts go out to their families during this incredibly difficult time, and we are committed to uncovering the truth behind this tragedy.' The investigation will focus on determining what caused the in-flight emergency that led to the helicopter's catastrophic failure, with experts examining both mechanical and operational factors. This latest tragedy adds to the risks faced daily by members of the Royal Thai Police's aviation units, who regularly undertake dangerous missions across the country's diverse terrain. The loss of these three officers serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement personnel in the line of duty. The police force has pledged to provide full support to the families of the deceased officers as they navigate this profound loss, while the broader law enforcement community honors the memory of their fallen colleagues.
The Sun
26-05-2025
- The Sun
Royal Thai Police Helicopter Crash Kills 3 Officers
THE Royal Thai Police is in mourning following a devastating helicopter accident that claimed the lives of three dedicated officers on Saturday afternoon. According to Thai news website Khaosod, the tragic incident unfolded in the skies above Prachuap Khiri Khan province, casting a shadow over the law enforcement community. The Bell 212 helicopter, operated by the Kanchanaburi Police Aviation Unit, was returning from a routine police operation at Surat Thani airport when disaster struck around 1pm. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft engulfed in flames before it plummeted to the ground near a local airbase in Mueang district. The victims have been identified as three devoted members of the Royal Thai Police who died serving their country: Police Lieutenant Colonel Pratueng Chulert, who served as the aircraft's pilot, Police Sub-Lieutenant Songpol Boonchai, the co-pilot, and Police Sub-Lieutenant Thinkrit Suwannanoi, the onboard mechanic. All three officers were pronounced dead at the scene, their lives cut tragically short while carrying out their professional duties. In what authorities describe as a remarkable turn of events amid the catastrophe, one officer aboard the helicopter managed to deploy his parachute and escape the doomed aircraft. Emergency responders are working to determine his current condition, though details remain limited as rescue operations continue. The swift response of emergency services and firefighters to the crash site underscored the gravity of the situation, though their efforts could not save the three officers who remained trapped in the burning wreckage. National Police Chief Police General Kitrat Panphet has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash. The probe will examine all possible factors that may have contributed to the aircraft's mechanical failure and subsequent destruction. 'We have lost three brave officers who dedicated their lives to protecting and serving our nation,' the police chief reportedly stated in his official response. 'Our hearts go out to their families during this incredibly difficult time, and we are committed to uncovering the truth behind this tragedy.' The investigation will focus on determining what caused the in-flight emergency that led to the helicopter's catastrophic failure, with experts examining both mechanical and operational factors. This latest tragedy adds to the risks faced daily by members of the Royal Thai Police's aviation units, who regularly undertake dangerous missions across the country's diverse terrain. The loss of these three officers serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement personnel in the line of duty. The police force has pledged to provide full support to the families of the deceased officers as they navigate this profound loss, while the broader law enforcement community honors the memory of their fallen colleagues.
See - Sada Elbalad
24-05-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
3 Dead After Police Helicopter Crashes in Thailand
Israa Farhan Three people have died following the crash of a Thai police helicopter on Saturday in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, with one survivor managing to escape by parachute, according to local authorities. The Bangkok Post reported that the Bell 212 helicopter was on a routine training mission when it went down near Wing 5 Airbase around 1 p.m. local time. Emergency services, including fire and rescue teams, were immediately dispatched to the crash site to contain the fire and assist with recovery efforts. Authorities confirmed that the deceased include two pilots and one flight technician. The condition of the sole survivor, who parachuted to safety, remains unknown at this time. Thai fire and rescue services shared updates through their official Facebook page, noting that an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fatal crash. Officials from the Royal Thai Police and aviation safety units are expected to lead the probe. The Bell 212 is a twin-engine utility helicopter commonly used in both military and police operations. While considered reliable, incidents involving this model have occurred in various countries, often during training or challenging flight conditions. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
Straits Times
24-05-2025
- Straits Times
Three killed in Thai police helicopter crash
The Bell 212 aircraft belonging to the Kanchanaburi Police Aviation Unit came down near a village in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. PHOTO: EPA-EFE BANGKOK - Three people died when a police helicopter crashed and burst into flames in south central Thailand on May 24, according to officials. The Bell 212 aircraft belonging to the Kanchanaburi Police Aviation Unit came down near a village in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Two pilots and a mechanic on board died, according to a statement by the Royal Thai Police. Rescue workers told AFP that firefighters had extinguished the fire, but the cause of the crash is unknown. In the statement the police expressed condolences and said police chief Kitrat Panphet had ordered an immediate investigation and compensation to the families. AFP Rescue workers told AFP that firefighters had extinguished the fire, but the cause of the crash is unknown. PHOTO: EPA-EFE Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
