PHETCHABURI, 22 July 2011 (NNT) – All nine passengers, including pilots of the missing army Black Hawk helicopter are confirmed dead after the chopper crashed on the Thai-Myanmar border.

It was reported that the wreckage of the chopper was found near the area where a Huey helicopter of the army crashed earlier on Saturday in the Kaeng Krachan National Park in the western province of Phetchaburi. The bodies of all passengers on board were found near the scene.

The nine include Surasi 9th Infantry Commander Major General Tawan Ruangsi, Captain Jate Sutjai, Captain Chakkraphan Bamrungpeut, Lance Corporal Itthisak Hinasut, first pilot Major Praphan Chiamsoongnern, second pilot Major Chuphan Phonlawan, technicians Master Sergeant First Class Somkid Wongtoksaeng and Sergeant Aram Wongsing as well as TV5 camera operator Sornwichai Khongtannukul.

Today, at 11.25 hrs, the survey team travelling on foot to search for the chopper which had gone missing since 19 July 2011 finally reached the wreckage site. Bodies of all victims were discovered later on at about 12.30 hrs.

National News Bureau Of Thailand