Prachuap Khiri Khan: The family of Pol. Lt. Pratuang Chuleut is mourning his tragic death following a helicopter crash.
According to Thai News Agency, the accident occurred while the Bell 212 helicopter was on an air mission in the southern region, traveling from Chumphon Province to the Police Aviation Unit in Kanchanaburi Province. The helicopter was scheduled for a fuel stop when it crashed, resulting in the deaths of three individuals: two pilots, Pol. Lt. Pratuang Chuleut, Pol. Lt. Songphon Boonchai, and a mechanic, Pol. Lt. Tinkrit Suwannoi. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
The news team visited the family of Pol. Lt. Pratuang, where they found his mother, Ms. Boonsom Chuleut, 59, overwhelmed with grief. Support came from relatives, neighbors, and community figures such as Mr. Prathet Boon-yong, former mayor of Thong Pha Phum sub-district, and Pol. Lt. Sombun Charoenphon, the uncle of Pol. Lt. Pratuang, who offered comfort and encouragement.
Additionally, the late officer's father, Mr. Sa-at Chu-leut, aged 60, was bedridden and received the news with deep sorrow. The family, who runs a drugstore in Tha Khanun Subdistrict, is devastated by the loss of their only son.
Pol. Lt. Sombun Charoenphon expressed his shock upon learning about the crash, having initially hoped the news was incorrect. Pol. Lt. Pratuang, who was recently promoted to Police Lieutenant Colonel, had been on official business in Surat Thani Province before the accident. His untimely death has left his family and relatives in profound sadness.
Pol. Lt. Pratuang Chuleut, 33, was a pilot with the Aviation Group, Royal Thai Police, and was on duty with the Kanchanaburi Police Aviation Unit. His family and community remember him with great affection.