File picture for reference only.

 

One month after a fatal helicopter crash in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province claimed the lives of three police personnel, authorities have yet to provide an official explanation for the incident. The crash, which involved a Bell 212 helicopter operated by the Royal Thai Police, occurred on 24 May 2025.

 

Police General Thatchai Pitanilabut, Inspector General of the Royal Thai Police, addressed the media on the 26 June and confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing. He stated that while the inquiry is still in the fact-finding stage, a preliminary determination of the cause is expected by July.

 

At this time, no criminal charges have been filed against any individuals, as investigators are awaiting the completion of official reports and the gathering of all relevant evidence.

 

According to police sources, General Thatchai had previously inspected the wreckage of the Bell 212, which is currently stored at the Police Aviation Division. Initial findings suggest that the helicopter’s main tail rotor blade detached due to the failure of two critical fastening bolts. This caused the rotor to destabilise and collide with the aircraft’s tail structure, the section responsible for directional control, resulting in a complete loss of control.

 

These preliminary findings have been submitted to the national police chief. However, authorities emphasise that they cannot yet confirm whether this mechanical failure definitively caused the crash.

 

To ensure accuracy and transparency, aviation experts from the manufacturer of the Bell 212 helicopter were invited to assist with the investigation. Their participation aims to verify the technical details of the incident.

 

Officials stress that the investigation will proceed with thoroughness and caution to establish the exact circumstances before any further legal or administrative actions are taken.

 

Related article:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1361652-helicopter-crash-in-prachuap-khiri-khan/

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-06-27

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

34 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

claimed the lives of three police personnel, authorities have yet to provide an official explanation for the incident

I'd say poor maintenance, same story regarding the recent police plane crashes.

 

It's due to the scum bags in charge not following manufacturers maintenance procedures. 

 

 

Don't some of these aviation investigations take many months / years to investigate tho?