5 Thai police officers killed as plane spirals into ocean during drill

By AFP April 24, 2025 | 11:05 pm PT

A small police plane is seen crashed into the sea, killing multiple people on board, in Prachuab Kiri Khan Province, west of Thailand, April 25, 2025. Photo courtesy of the Royal Thai Police via AP

Five Thai police officers were killed when a small plane plunged into the sea during a parachute training drill near a popular resort town on Friday, authorities said.

The crash occurred around 8:00 a.m. (0100GMT) off the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan province south of Bangkok.

Police spokesperson Archayon Kraithong said five of the six officers on board were killed, while the sixth is in hospital with serious injuries.

Authorities are examining the aircraft's black box data recorder to determine the cause of crash.

Local media reported the aircraft went down about 100 meters from the shore in Cha-am district, a popular weekend getaway around 130 km (80 miles) southwest of the capital.

Footage shared on social media showed the plane spiralling before plunging into the sea, with people wading through chest-deep water to reach the site.

Police chief Kitrat Phanphet pledged a full investigation.

"The Royal Thai Police express their deepest condolences to the brave officers who lost their lives," the statement said.