Hua Hin –
A major accident occurred off the coast of Hua Hin in the Prachuap Khiri Khan connected area with Cha-am in Phetchaburi on Friday morning (April 25th) when a small aircraft belonging to the Royal Thai Police crashed into the sea, resulting in the deaths of six officers. The incident took place at approximately 8:15 A.M., about 100 meters from the shoreline near a resort in Cha-am.
The Phetchaburi Public Relations told TPN media that authorities reported that a twin-engine Twin Auto aircraft was conducting a routine weather assessment flight before a scheduled parachute training exercise for Border Patrol Police at Naresuan Camp. Shortly after taking off at 8:07 A.M. from Bo Fai Airport in Hua Hin, the aircraft experienced technical difficulties, leading to a loss of control and its crash into the ocean at 8:08 A.M.
Eyewitnesses near the scene described hearing an unusual loud noise, resembling an explosion, moments before the aircraft went down. Several good Samaritans rushed to help, pulling survivors and victims from the wreckage and onto the shore. Emergency responders soon arrived to assist.
Authorities confirmed the identities of those who perished as of yesterday evening:
- Pilot: Pol. Lt. Col. Panthep Maniwatchirangkul
- Co-pilot: Pol. Col. Prathan Khiewkham
- Engineer: Pol. Lt. Thanawat Mekprasertsuk
- Aircraft Technician: Pol. Sgt. Maj. Prawit Phonhongsa
- Aircraft Mechanic: Pol. Lance Corporal Jirawat Maksakha
- Pol. Capt. Jaturong Watthanapraisarn, suffered critical injuries and was rushed to Hua Hin Hospital for emergency medical care where he was later sadly pronounced dead.
Initial reports indicate that the aircraft had undergone maintenance just days before the crash. Investigators are now examining whether mechanical failure contributed to the tragedy. The Royal Thai Police Aviation Control Tower in Bo Fai confirmed that the aircraft had sent a takeoff request moments before losing communication.
National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittipong Suksompak has been briefed on the situation and was scheduled to visit Hua Hin to oversee the investigation and provide updates on further actions.
Local officials, including Hua Hin District Chief Prasoot Hombanthoeng, expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased and assured the public that a full inquiry is underway to determine the cause of the accident.
Forensic aviation experts and law enforcement agencies are expected to conduct thorough assessments of the wreckage. Authorities will also review the aircraft’s recent repair history, flight conditions, and communications with ground control to piece together the final moments before the crash.
More updates are expected as the investigation unfolds.
