Thailand Plane Crash: 9 Feared Dead After Aircraft Goes Down Near Bangkok

A small plane carrying nine people, including five tourists from Hong Kong and four crew members, crashed 11 minutes after takeoff from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on Thursday. The Cessna Caravan C208B lost contact with air traffic control before plunging into a mangrove swamp in Chachoengsao province.

Rescue teams, battling high tides and challenging terrain, discovered wreckage and body parts, but no survivors have been found. Authorities have presumed all on board dead.

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The aircraft was en route from Bangkok to Trat province, a popular beach destination on the Gulf of Thailand, when it went down at approximately 3:10 pm (0810 GMT). Chachoengsao Governor Chonlatee Yangtrong expressed doubts about finding any survivors, saying, “We believe that they are all dead.”

Among the passengers were four Thais and five Chinese nationals, including two children aged 12 and 13. More than 300 military personnel and volunteers have been deployed in the search, which has been hampered by heavy rainfall.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, as search teams continue their efforts despite waterlogged conditions. “We are not planning to stop until we find them,” Chonlatee affirmed.

Key Points:

1. Crash Details: A small plane carrying nine people, including five tourists from Hong Kong and four crew members, crashed shortly after takeoff from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on Thursday.
2. Location: The Cessna Caravan C208B lost contact with air traffic control and crashed in a mangrove swamp in Chachoengsao province, southeast of Bangkok.
3. No Survivors Expected: Rescue teams found wreckage and body parts, but authorities believe all on board are dead.
4. Passenger Details: The plane was carrying four Thais and five Chinese nationals, including two children aged 12 and 13.
5. Search Efforts: Over 300 military personnel and volunteers are involved in the search, but efforts are hindered by difficult terrain and heavy rainfall.
6. Investigation Launched: Authorities have begun investigating the cause of the crash, though it remains unknown at this time.
7. Governor’s Statement: Chachoengsao Governor Chonlatee Yangtrong indicated that the search will continue despite challenging conditions.