Bangkok: My fellow police officers are proud to perform their duties until the very end. Classmates promise to take care of the family of Pol. Col. Prathan, the pilot who died in a plane crash, saying everyone is proud of his performance of duty until the last moment.
According to Thai News Agency, at 2:40 p.m. on April 26, at Wat Tri Thotsathep Worawihan in Bangkok, Pol. Col. Chirakrit Charunphat, Deputy Commander of the Traffic Police, spoke following the somber processional for six police officers from the Police Aviation Division who perished in a plane crash in Hua Hin the previous day. Pol. Col. Chirakrit, a close classmate of the late Pol. Col. Prathan Khiawkham, revealed that Prathan was a well-loved member of their cadet class at the Royal Thai Police Cadet Academy.
Pol. Col. Prathan was known for hosting dinners for his classmates to share work experiences, with their last gathering occurring during the Songkran Festival. On hearing of the plane crash, Pol. Col. Chirakrit expressed profound sorrow for his friend’s loss but took comfort in knowing that Prathan had heroically attempted to land the aircraft in an unpopulated area, demonstrating his commitment to his duty.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Pol. Col. Chirakrit and other classmates reached out to support Prathan’s family, which includes a son in high school and a daughter in middle school. The group has assured the family of their continued support, promising to look after them.
Pol. Col. Prathan had often spoken of his pride in missions such as patrolling the southern border provinces. On this occasion, his classmates paid tribute by leading the procession of his body, with Pol. Col. Chirakrit taking a moment to assure his fallen friend, “Don’t worry about the family. We’ll take care of it.”