Questions Mount Over Thai Police Helicopter Crash Amid Allegations of Corruption and Neglect
Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand — A deadly helicopter crash that killed three police officers in Prachuap Khiri Khan province has sparked public scrutiny and growing concerns over aircraft maintenance, systemic corruption, and aviation safety within the Royal Thai Police force.
The Bell 212 helicopter, approximately 40 years old, went down in Muang district on May 24, killing pilots Pol Maj Pratuang Chulert and Pol Capt Songpol Boonchai, along with mechanic Pol Lt Thinakrit Suwannoi.
Following the tragedy, national police chief Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch ordered all police aircraft grounded for comprehensive safety inspections. The incident marked the second fatal police aircraft crash in just under a month. On April 25, a DHC6-400 Twin Otter plane crash in nearby Phetchaburi province claimed six lives.
“This is not normal,” said Pol Gen Kittharath, acknowledging the disturbing pattern and vowing thorough investigations.
Fueling public outrage, popular investigative Facebook page CSI LA (1.4 million followers) published a post titled, “Exposed: Plane crashes are not accidents, they are results of corruption.” Accompanying photos allegedly showed the same Bell 212 and referenced a prior mechanical failure in November 2024 in Udon Thani, where the aircraft suffered pedal and throttle malfunctions, forcing an emergency landing. The post accused authorities of neglecting to carry out proper maintenance since that event.
Another image circulating online showed a chat claiming only nine out of 63 helicopters in the Thai Police Aviation Division were actually operational. The rest, it alleged, had only undergone superficial repairs aimed at justifying budget requests.
In an emotional Facebook post, Anuwat Raksayot, a friend of one of the deceased pilots, shared a screenshot of an Instagram conversation with Pol Maj Pratuang (nicknamed Job), in which the officer said the helicopter was not ready for flight. The exchange reportedly occurred less than a day before the fatal crash.
“I’m not a pilot. I’m a friend. And I don’t want anyone to lose their lives to a cause that could have been prevented,” Anuwat wrote.
In response, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra summoned the police chief for an update and instructed the Police Aviation Division to conduct a full audit of all aircraft — active, under maintenance, and pending retirement. She emphasized the need for a strategic budget plan and acquisition of newer, safer aircraft.
Pol Gen Kittharath confirmed that the ongoing investigations will include technical evidence, personnel records, and even online messages.
As the probe continues, the tragedy has ignited broader demands for transparency and reform within Thailand’s police aviation operations.
