Bangkok: The National Police Chief revealed that the Prime Minister was concerned about the helicopter crash and ordered a thorough investigation to punish if corruption in maintenance is found. The Prime Minister summoned the National Police Chief to report on the helicopter crash, asked about the need, stressed the importance of human lives, and explained that he would not ignore all opinions after finding a chat with the pilot saying “The helicopter is no longer ready for use.” He confirmed that he would thoroughly investigate and take action if corruption in maintenance was found. He explained that the budget for new purchases would be based on the necessity in the next 5-10 years.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol Gen Kittirat Panpetch, national police chief, revealed after meeting with Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra to report on the progress of the investigation into the Bell 212 police helicopter crash in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province that the prime minister was concerned about the case and called him and his team in to report information and inquire about the needs of the Royal Thai Police, asking them to consider and present them.
As for the case where the helicopter was found to be unfit for flight, Pol. Gen. Kittirat stated that the first thing he and the executives of the Royal Thai Police were aware of was the safety of the pilots. What happened was a huge loss. As for expressing opinions on social media, he saw that it was a right to express opinions, but things had to be investigated. Everything depended on the consideration of the facts that occurred. If it was found that anyone had misconducted, they would be severely prosecuted. This afternoon, he would go to a meeting at the Police Aviation Division to assure pilots of their confidence in the aircraft.
Regarding the disclosure of a message from one of the deceased pilots, who talked to his friend that ‘the plane is almost unflyable’ but had to fly for a test after inspection, the national police chief said that he had seen it and that it was information that he did not deny seeing. However, he had sent this opinion to the national police inspector to investigate as well. He confirmed that he would not ignore any opinion because what happened was a loss. We were severely damaged, and he had sent every opinion that he had received to the police inspector to look into these issues as well.
As for the request to purchase new aircraft, Pol. Gen. Kittirat stated that it is already in the management plan of the Royal Thai Police Office. However, we think that we cannot just want it. We have to look at the mission and necessity, including the budget that we will receive. Regarding the management from now on, he is thinking ahead to the next 10 years.
When asked how many new aircraft were needed, the national police chief said he would like to see how many there are, how many are waiting to be sold, and how many are in the repair cycle, in order to see how many aircraft we will need in the next 5 or 10 years.
When asked if the CSI LA page revealed information that the Police Aviation Division currently has 63 helicopters but only 9 are in use and there were observations about corruption in maintenance, Pol. Gen. Kittirat emphasized that there is information from many groups but fairness must be given to the management of the aviation division as well, that in reality how many helicopters are there, how many are in use and why are they not in use, and how many are in the maintenance cycle, which is the correct management. However, if it is found that after the flight hours are complete and no maintenance is done, is this considered neglect? This is an issue that needs to be looked into more.
“If any corruption is found, decisive action will be taken because this is a human life, the life of pilots and their co-workers. The Prime Minister has ordered a straightforward investigation because this is a human life matter,” the national police chief said.
Pol. Gen. Kittirat added that the aircraft procurement is not included in the 2026 budget. There is only a budget for maintenance, which is a request from the Royal Thai Police’s normal budget.