Lampang: Relatives are mourning as they receive the bodies of two police officers who died tragically in a small plane crash into the sea near Cha-am. Funeral rites are being conducted in their home provinces of Lampang and Ratchaburi, enveloped in deep sorrow from their families. The father of Pol. Lt. Chaturong shared a poignant moment before the crash when his son unexpectedly decided to stay overnight at his house, leaving him shocked upon hearing the devastating news.

According to Thai News Agency, the body of Pol. Lt. Col. Panathep Maniwachirangkun was brought to Lampang Airport at 2:00 p.m. today. It was transported via a Royal Thai Police plane, where Pol. Maj. Gen. Phimphanya Nawatrakulphisut, Commander of Lampang Provincial Police, along with an honor guard, received it with full honors. A monk accompanied the relatives to collect the body, which was then taken to Wat Ban Ta, Tambon Chomphu, for religious ceremonies, including the chanting of the Abhidhamma, scheduled to continue until May 3, 2025.

In Ratchaburi Province, at Wat Sattanat Pariwat Worawihan, a guard of honor received the body of Pol. Lt. Chaturong Wattanapraisan before it was brought to the pavilion. The atmosphere was filled with sadness and grief from the family. Among the condolences, officials presented wreaths from Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister, and Mr. Settha Thavisin, the former Prime Minister.

Pol. Lt. Col. Jarin Wattanapraisarn, father of Pol. Lt. Chaturong, recounted an omen he felt before the crash. His son had asked to stay over and mentioned his flight practice plans. The news of the crash came while his son’s wife, who is two months pregnant, was taking him to Siriraj Hospital for a checkup. The father expressed his deep sadness, highlighting that his son was the best among his three children, two of whom are police officers.

The ongoing chanting ceremony will culminate in a royal cremation ceremony on May 3 at 4:00 p.m.