Bangkok: The deputy spokesman of the Royal Thai Army has explained the incident involving a helicopter that was forced to make an emergency landing due to a malfunction while on a mission to deliver supplies to an operational base in Ubon Ratchathani Province. The emergency landing occurred yesterday afternoon, with all eight personnel on board reported safe.
According to Thai News Agency, Colonel Richa Suksuwanon, deputy army spokesman, disclosed that the Suranaree Task Force of the 2nd Army Area reported the helicopter lost control and had to make an emergency landing. The helicopter was engaged in a mission to exchange personnel and deliver supplies to an operations base in Nam Yuen District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. While the personnel sustained minor injuries, they were quickly transported to a local hospital for treatment.
In the latest updates, reporters visited the site of the incident, confirming that all eight soldiers aboard suffered minor injuries. The injured personnel include Lt. Seri Satnako, Lt. Suradee Chantadee, Sgt. Ekarin Chitrit, Sgt. Wisanu Banthoengjai, Volunteer Defense Corpsman Yutthaphong Ruamtham, Volunteer Defense Corpsman Wiraphol Thamman, Volunteer Defense Corpsman Prapoj Phonsalee, and Volunteer Defense Corpsman Narongkrod Khamsaenrat. These individuals, consisting of pilots, mechanics, and rangers from the 23rd Ranger Regiment, experienced minor injuries such as chest tightness and leg pain due to the impact. They were taken to Saraphasit Prasong Camp Hospital in Warin Chamrap District for further evaluation and treatment.
Reliable sources have indicated that the helicopter, which was involved in the accident, had departed from the helicopter field of the 22nd Army Circle in Warin Chamrap District. Its intended flight path passed through Tambon Dom Pradit, Nam Yuen District, toward the Rueng Phueng checkpoint in Phu Khok Yai. The area is densely forested and lacks a direct route, which added complexity to the mission.
Local villagers near the Dom Pradit Subdistrict Administrative Organization’s helicopter landing area reported observing military vehicles transporting the injured personnel from the Rueng Phueng base to Nam Yuen Hospital. The full details of the incident became known to the public only after an army press conference was held in the evening, confirming the events.
Typically, helicopters make temporary stops at the Dom Pradit Subdistrict Administrative Organization before proceeding by car to Chong Bok or other destinations, especially when VIPs are visiting. This area serves as the nearest village headquarters to the conflict zone.