Police aviation commander and 3 subordinates axed after two fatal aircraft related incidents

The commander of the Police Aviation Division and three other officers were transferred to inactive posts at the Royal Thai Police office with immediate effect, in an order signed by the police commissioner-general, Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet on Friday.

The four officers are Pol Maj-Gen Amnart Detboonluang (Commander), Pol Col Danchai Pimsarn (Deputy), Pol Col Pichaisak Panyoporn and Pol Lt-Col Suthep Wongkuan, both senior mechanics.

Pol Col Narong Iamsom, another deputy commander, was appointed acting commander in the same order, which also explained that some police officers are suspected of failing to perform their duties efficiently, so it would be improper for them to remain in their positions, which may affect the investigations and cause further damage to the police force.

The transfers of the officers follows two fatal accidents involving police aircraft within a month. On April 25th, a fixed-wing plane crashed into the sea in Prachuap Khiri Khan, killing all six officers on board. On May 24th, a police helicopter also crashed in Prachuap Khiri Khan, killing all three on board.



Investigations of the two accidents are ongoing.