On May 30, Police General Thatchai Pitaneelabutr, Inspector General of the Royal Thai Police, visited the Police Aviation Division to oversee the investigation into the recent crash of a Bell 212 helicopter in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. The crash claimed the lives of three personnel—pilots and engineers.
Attending the briefing were Deputy Inspector General Pol. Lt. Gen. Itthiphon Atchariyapradit, Police Aviation Division Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Amnat Detbunluang, and aviation technicians. The helicopter wreckage has been transported to the division for forensic examination.
Pol. Gen. Thatchai stated that the preliminary investigation, conducted under orders from Police Chief Gen. Kitirat Phanphet, revealed that the crash was caused by the detachment of two bolts securing the tail rotor, leading to rotor imbalance and severance of the tail assembly. This rendered the aircraft uncontrollable and caused the crash.
The investigation will determine whether the bolt failure resulted from wear or faulty maintenance. Notably, the parts were still within their operational life—over 600 hours remaining. Maintenance is typically handled by Thai Airways under contract, though minor repairs may be done in-house. Investigators will examine if substandard parts were used and whether quality standards were upheld.
Gen. Thatchai emphasized that the investigation will follow evidence rigorously, and accountability—both criminal and civil—will be enforced. He urged restraint against prematurely blaming any party.
Aviation Division Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Amnat added that pilot safety is paramount and described the crash as a major incident, especially as it marks the second such accident in 30 days. All potential causes—material failure, maintenance, or human error—are being carefully investigated.
Regarding the Police Chief’s planned trip to Kanchanaburi on May 31, the division will use a Eurocopter instead of the Bell 212 model involved in the crash, purely as a precaution despite all helicopters being certified for use.