By Dirk Grothe
On the second Saturday of January each year, Thailand celebrates National Children’s Day by opening its air force bases to the public. Families gather on the aprons, enjoying live music, competitions, and street food while getting a rare up-close look at the Royal Thai Air Force’s (RTAF) aircraft. This annual event is also a highlight for aviation enthusiasts, who share the excitement with the children. Among the many airbases participating, Wing 46 in Phitsanulok—home to the 461 Squadron “Vampire” and its fleet of Basler BT-67s—offered a particularly special showcase. While Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport hosts the largest static and flying displays, Phitsanulok provided a unique opportunity to witness these modernized Douglas C-47 derivatives in action.
Basler BT-67 Takes Flight
As part of the flying program, two Basler BT-67s registered 46155 (L2K-05/42) and 46156 (L2K-06/42), performed two flight demonstrations—one at 9:30 a.m. and another at 1:00 p.m. Each sortie included two flybys, showcasing the aircraft’s versatility. Originally built as C-47s between 1943 and 1945, these aircraft were later converted to BT-67s by Basler Turbo Conversions in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, between 1998 and 2004. The extensive transformation—taking approximately 50,000 labor hours over six months—cost upwards of $12 million per aircraft, depending on the configuration. Key modifications include A fuselage extension of approximately one meter, Reprofiled wingtips for improved aerodynamics, Replacement of the original radial engines with Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprops, Five-blade Hartzell propellers, and A modern glass cockpit. These upgrades significantly enhance the BT-67’s performance, making it a valuable asset for the RTAF’s specialized missions.
Versatility in Action
As the roar of an F-16 faded into the distance—part of its scheduled flyover at multiple bases—attention turned to the BT-67s as they taxied past the crowd. The pilots waved from the cockpit before taking off to demonstrate their unique roles: 46155 serves as a rainmaker for cloud seeding, an essential tool in combating drought across Thailand. 46156 operates as a firefighter, capable of dropping 3,000 liters of water to suppress wildfires. Under clear blue skies, the audience enjoyed six thrilling BT-67 flybys, including takeoff and landing. After their final approach, the aircraft rolled past the crowd once more, pausing briefly as the crews waved farewell.
Static Displays and Historic Relics
Beyond the flight demonstrations, additional BT-67s were featured on static display: 46154 (L2K-04/41) on the main exhibition ramp, 46152 (L2K-02/41) displayed at B46 Restaurant, alongside retired GAF Nomads—having been withdrawn from use after an accident in Korat in 2006. Adding to the historical significance, Wing 46 also houses a retired RTAF AC-47D “Spooky” (44-77152, s/n 33484, built in 1945), painted in camouflage and decommissioned in 1984. For aviation enthusiasts, Thailand’s National Children’s Day is a must-see event, offering unparalleled access to the RTAF’s aircraft in both static and flying displays. Make a note for next year—January 10, 2026—and add this unique airshow experience to your bucket list!
