2215 Thai Police Bell 212 Aviation Accident 2025-05-24
FATAL ACCIDENT (3) - Private, Robinson R44 Raven II, N1195P, about 7.5 miles NW of Miami, Texas, May 23, 2025.
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Accident Information
| Approx. Accident Location | Aircraft Fat. | Aircraft Inj. | Ground Fat. | Ground Inj. | ASN Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11°50'47.34"N, 99°45'54.79"E | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Aviation Safety Network |
Aircraft Information
| Type | Operator | Registration | Serial Number | Manufacture Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bell 212 | Royal Thai Police | 2215 | 31232 | 1981 |
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Social Media
Royal Thai Police Bell 212 fatal accident thaivisa.fr/un-helicopte...
[image or embed]— Aerossurance (@aerossurance.bsky.social) May 24, 2025 at 8:22 AM
3 killed in Thai police helicopter crash #FMTNews #FMTWorld https://t.co/aYbO6XJsNE
— Free Malaysia Today (@fmtoday) May 24, 2025
🚨 #BREAKING: Royal Thai Police Bell 212 helicopter crashes near Nong Kok village, Prachuap Khiri Khan on May 24, 2025, killing 3 crew: Maj. Pratuang Chuleut, Capt. Songpol Boonchai, Lt. Thinakrit Suwannoi. One parachuted out, condition unknown. Second RTP crash in a month. Fleet… pic.twitter.com/d9a5jsg3cm
— Laszlo Varga (@LaszloRealtor) May 24, 2025
Videos
ASX Accident Report
On May 24, 2025, a Bell 212 helicopter operated by the Royal Thai Police Aviation Division crashed in a field near Wat Nong Phang Phuay in Ko Lak Subdistrict, Muang District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. The aircraft was part of the Kanchanaburi Police Aviation Unit and bore serial number 2215. It had been returning from an operational mission, with conflicting reports about whether it originated from Chumphon or Surat Thani, and was either en route to Naresuan Camp or returning to its base at Kanchanaburi. The helicopter crashed at approximately 1:00 PM local time. One crew member parachuted to safety, while the remaining three onboard were found deceased at the scene.
The personnel who died in the crash were identified as Pol Maj Pratheung Chulert and Pol Capt Songphol Boonchai, both pilots, and Pol Lt Thinnakrit Suwannoi, the onboard mechanic. According to reports from both the Bangkok Post and Royal Thai Police updates, all three individuals succumbed at the crash site, where their bodies were recovered from the wreckage. Emergency response teams and firefighters arrived shortly after the incident to control the fire and secure the area. A fourth occupant reportedly survived by deploying a parachute before the helicopter impacted the ground.
The crash occurred during what appears to have been a routine interprovincial mission. Although official confirmation is pending, some reports indicate the aircraft may have departed from Tha Raeng Subdistrict in Bangkok, suggesting it was operating in support of broader provincial operations rather than local assignments. The Bell 212 platform has been in service with the Royal Thai Police since 1973. It is known for its twin-engine configuration and multipurpose capability, commonly employed in both tactical and transport roles. The unit to which the aircraft was assigned operates a small fleet within serial range 2209 to 2224.
Investigations have been initiated to determine the cause of the incident. As of the latest briefings, there is no confirmed technical malfunction or environmental factor cited, though age-related factors and mechanical fatigue have been raised as contributing possibilities by public commentators. Witnesses observed one crew member exiting the helicopter with a parachute moments before the crash. The aircraft reportedly caught fire upon impact. Authorities have emphasized the importance of a full review of flight logs, maintenance records, and operational authorizations to establish causation.
This incident marks the second fatal police aircraft crash in the province this year, following an April 25, 2025, crash involving a Royal Thai Police Aviation Division Viking DHC-6-400 Twin Otter near Hua Hin Airport that resulted in six fatalities. In response to the helicopter accident, National Police Chief Kittharat Panpet ordered a comprehensive inquiry and directed support to the victims’ families. Until a formal investigation is concluded, the Bell 212 fleet may undergo precautionary maintenance review or operational reassessment. No additional injuries were reported from the crash site.
This page will be updated as more information becomes available.
Tracking and Social Media
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Sources and References
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