A Thai police aircraft crashed into the sea near Cha-Am during a routine training exercise Friday morning, leaving five officers dead and one fighting for life in hospital. The twin-engine turboprop went down just 150 meters from shore shortly after takeoff from Hua Hin Airport at 8:08am.

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The doomed flight was conducting preparations for a parachute drill when witnesses reported seeing the plane spiral suddenly before impact. On board were six specialists – three pilots, two mechanics and an engineer – all experienced officers from the police aviation division.

Marine police and local fishermen rushed to the crash site, but strong currents complicated rescue efforts. Five victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while a sixth officer initially declared deceased shocked medical staff by showing vital signs upon arrival at hospital. Doctors are now battling to save the survivor in intensive care.

🇹🇭A Thai police plane crashed into the sea in Hua Hin, a popular tour destination near the capital Bangkok, on Friday (April 25), killing at least five people on board. pic.twitter.com/q3YUEjNvSC

— PhoenixTVHK (@PhoenixTVHK) April 25, 2025

National Police Chief Kittirat Phanphet has ordered full support for the bereaved families and vowed a thorough investigation. Recovery teams are working to retrieve the aircraft’s black box from the submerged wreckage as part of a multi-agency probe into the cause.

The tragedy marks one of the worst losses for Thailand’s police aviation unit in years, prompting the immediate grounding of similar aircraft. Tributes are pouring in for the fallen officers, described by colleagues as “dedicated professionals who served until their final moments.”

As divers continue combing the crash site for evidence, questions remain about what caused the experienced crew to lose control during what should have been a routine training flight. The sole survivor’s condition remains critical, with medical teams working around the clock.

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Authorities have promised transparency in the investigation, with findings expected to take several weeks. The crash has sent shockwaves through Thailand’s law enforcement community, where the victims were known as some of the force’s most skilled aviation specialists.

-Thailand News (TN)