Accident Helicopter Crash in Prachuap Khiri Khan

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders.

 

Emergency services have rushed to the scene of a helicopter crash that occurred early afternoon on 24 May, in Ban Nong Kok, located in Ao Noi subdistrict, Mueang district of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.

 

Initial reports indicate that a helicopter went down under unknown circumstances, prompting an immediate response from local authorities, rescue teams and military personnel. The exact details of the crash are unconfirmed, but responders report that it is possibly a police helicopter and a least 3 bodies have been recovered from the wreckage.

 

 

Witnesses in the area described hearing a loud noise followed by smoke rising from a remote location near Ban Nong Kok village, prompting villagers to alert emergency services.

 

Provincial officials and police are currently on site, working to secure the crash area.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now 2025-05-24.

 

 

 

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Police Helicopter Crashes in Prachuap Khiri Khan – Three Confirmed Dead

 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon.

 

A police helicopter has crashed during a training mission near Prachuap Junction in the area of Wing 5, located in Mueang District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. The incident occurred at approximately 13:00.

 

Initial reports confirm that three individuals have  lost their lives. One other person reportedly managed to parachute to safety, but this has not yet been confirmed by authorities .

Emergency response teams, including local municipal fire engines, are still on the scene attempting to extinguish the fire from the wreckage.

 

The helicopter involved in the crash has been identified as a BELL 212, and was on a scheduled training flight at the time of the incident.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-24.

 

 

 

 

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Three Police Officers Killed in Helicopter Crash in Prachuap Khiri Khan

 

Picture from responders.

 

Royal Thai Police confirm a Bell 212 helicopter belonging to the Royal Thai Police crashed near Wat Nong Phang Phuai in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. The incident occurred around 13:10 and resulted in the immediate deaths of all three officers on board.

 

The Royal Thai Police officially confirmed the crash via their Facebook page this afternoon, stating: “Urgent! Helicopter Bell 212 #2215 from the Kanchanaburi Police Aviation Unit has crashed in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Initial reports confirm that two pilots and one mechanic have died. Further updates to follow.”

 

The deceased have been named as:

 

Police Lieutenant Colonel Prathueang Chulet, Pilot

Police Sub-Lieutenant Songphon Boonchai, Co-Pilot

Police Sub-Lieutenant Thinkrit Suwannanoi, Flight Mechanic

 

Earlier reports of a person parachuting out before the crash have been dismissed.

 

Initial reports indicate that the helicopter was part of a flight departing from Apakorn Kiatwong Camp in Chumphon province, heading towards Naresuan Camp in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Two helicopters were reportedly flying together, one from the Hua Hin Police Aviation Unit and one from the Kanchanaburi Police Aviation Unit. It remains unconfirmed which aircraft was involved in the crash.

 

Emergency responders arrived at the crash site promptly but found no survivors. The cause of the crash is under investigation by aviation safety authorities and police officials.

 

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-24.

 

 

 

 

 

.

[KhunLA]

Whoa, that's my neighborhood.   Went to the park early this morning, before noon, or we probably would have seen the smoke plume.

 

That sucks ... R I P

[JoePai]

Another one    😟

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Specs and Legacy of the Bell 212 Helicopter: Over 52 Years in Thai Police Service

 

Picture of the helicopter involved courtesy of Amarin.

 

In the wake of the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of three police officers in Prachuap Khiri Khan, attention has turned to the Bell 212 helicopter, an aircraft that has served the Royal Thai Police Aviation Division for over half a century.

 

The crash, which occurred in the Ao Noi subdistrict of Mueang district, involved a Bell 212 with tail number 2215. On board were Pol. Lt. Col. Prathueang Chulert (pilot), Pol. Sub. Lt. Songphon Boonchai (co-pilot), and Pol. Sgt. Maj. Thinkrit Suwannanoi (flight engineer), all of whom were pronounced dead at the scene.

 

The three officers who died.

 

This sombre event has prompted a reflection on the long-standing role of the Bell 212 within Thailand’s police aviation fleet. First introduced in 1973, the Royal Thai Police acquired 16 units of the Bell 212, registered sequentially from 2209 to 2224. The aircraft type is officially designated as “Aircraft Type 22” by the Royal Thai Police.

 

Powered by twin PT6T-3B engines, the Bell 212 features a dual-blade main rotor and boasts a combined transmission output of 1,800 horsepower. The aircraft is capable of carrying up to 13 passengers, with a maximum takeoff weight of 11,200 pounds. Its twin-engine design significantly enhances operational safety, if one engine fails, the other is capable of sustaining flight to ensure a safe landing, a factor that has made the Bell 212 a trusted workhorse in both military and civilian operations globally.

The helicopter’s primary missions are transport and search-and-rescue (SAR) operations, with a notable history of service in national emergencies. The Bell 212 played critical roles during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami relief efforts and in the widespread flooding that affected Thailand in 2011. Its capacity to reach remote or inaccessible areas quickly makes it an essential asset during natural disasters.

 

Currently, Bell 212 helicopters remain in service with various regional police aviation units. They support a wide array of duties including aerial surveillance, medical evacuations and logistical transport. The aircraft are also a vital component in the operations of the Border Patrol Police Bureau, aiding in tactical deployments and humanitarian support.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-24.

 

 

 

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Helicopter Crash Claims Lives of Three Police Officers – One Recently Married

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Following the fatal crash of a Royal Thai Police helicopter, which claimed the lives of all three crew members onboard. Among the deceased was Flight Lieutenant Pratuang Chuleurt, known affectionately as “Captain Job,” who had only recently married in February.

Deputy Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan, Mr. Kittiphong Sukphakun and local officials, including Mr. Suwit Yueryai, President of the Koh Lak Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, arrived at the crash site during the afternoon. The area has been cordoned off pending further investigation.

The bodies of the three officers were recovered from the wreckage and transported by road to Hua Hin Hospital under police escort for forensic examination.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-24.