By Grant Newman
Tucked away within a government compound in northern Bangkok, the Royal Thai Police Aviation Division (RTPAD) serves as the aviation branch of the Royal Thai Police. Located at a secluded heliport, the site is not readily accessible to the public. Scattered around the facility are several historic airframes that once formed a public museum, though this is no longer the case. To date, no comprehensive history of the RTPAD has been published in English, despite the unit’s diverse aircraft fleet over the years. For now, these aircraft—some well-preserved, others deteriorating—offer the only tangible glimpse into the division’s past.
While the number of historic aircraft on-site is limited, the variety is remarkable, including both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft. The facility was once marked by a Douglas DC-3 mounted on a concrete plinth at its entrance, though today only the plinth remains. Entry is controlled by a security checkpoint, but on the day of my visit, I was waved through without question. Despite obtaining official permission to explore the site—under the strict condition that I not photograph the active flight line—I soon found myself approached by several armed officers. Fortunately, once they confirmed my authorization, I was left to wander freely, one officer even sending me off with a cheerful, “Good luck!”
The condition of the aircraft varies significantly. Some, like the Pilatus PC-6, are well maintained, while others, such as the Cessna 310, have suffered from neglect. Over time, the aircraft have been moved around, and a few previously recorded on-site are no longer visible. A cluster of derelict UH-1 Huey airframes can be seen in the airside area, but given my photography restrictions, I dared not document them. Despite these limitations, my visit provided a fascinating opportunity to observe aircraft that have received little public exposure over the years.
Aircraft on Display
AESL Airtourer
The RTPAD operated only one AESL Airtourer, acquired in 1972. Originally designed in Australia by Henry Millicer of the Government Aircraft Factories, the Airtourer was produced by Victa before manufacturing rights were sold to Aero Engine Services Ltd (AESL) in New Zealand. AESL built a total of 80 airframes.
Beagle Husky
This Beagle Husky, registered as 1409, was the RTPAD’s sole example of the type, purchased in 1967 and used by the Border Patrol Police. Since at least 2004, it has been displayed atop the entrance overhang of the main office building. The D5/180 Husky, originally developed as the Auster J/1Y, was later produced by Beagle Aircraft at its Rearsby, Leicestershire facility.
Bell 206 Jet Ranger
One of 14 Bell 206B Jet Ranger IIs operated by the RTPAD, this particular aircraft, Buzz Number 2312, was among the first delivered in December 1975. A few Jet Rangers remain in service. After undergoing refurbishment for display, this example was placed outside the main office block in December 2021 and remains in excellent condition.
Cessna 310
One of only two Cessna 310Fs purchased by the RTPAD in 1961, this aircraft is the sole survivor—the other was lost in a crash in 1980. While displayed outdoors at the RTPAD, it suffered damage during a severe storm in May 2014. This may explain its current state, particularly its missing main undercarriage legs.
Hiller UH-12
The Hiller UH-12 was the first helicopter type acquired by the RTPAD, with a total of 23 in service, beginning with a Hiller 360 in 1949. These helicopters were used for surveillance, training, and general utility roles, with the last examples retired in 1978. The aircraft on-site, a UH-12E purchased in 1964, is in need of restoration.
Kawasaki KH-4
The RTPAD operated 20 Kawasaki KH-4 helicopters, a Japanese license-built version of the Bell 47 Sioux, with the first arriving in 1965. While most were retired by the late 1980s, one remained in service until 1997. The aircraft on display, marked as 1119 but actually 1116, is a rare surviving example of the type.
Pilatus PC-6
The RTPAD operated ten Pilatus PC-6 aircraft, the first arriving in May 1969. These versatile aircraft saw extensive service, with the final example retired in October 2018. The aircraft on display, Registration 1609, was placed on exhibit in April 2019 and remains in excellent condition.
Sikorsky S-55
This Sikorsky S-55, Registration 600, was one of four acquired in 1956 for search and rescue duties. While its three siblings were military H-19 variants, all were later sold following their retirement. The S-55 itself was purchased from the covert airline Air America, while the three H-19s were resold to the Laotian Air Force in the early 1960s after a brief service life with the RTPAD.
Sikorsky S-62
Delivered in 1962, this Sikorsky S-62A is the only survivor of two operated by the RTPAD. The fate of the second aircraft remains unknown. These helicopters replaced the aging S-55 fleet and continued to serve in search and rescue operations.
Acknowledgments
The author would like to thank Steve Ozel’s excellent website Thai Aviation and Michael Fader’s Thai Aviation pages on Wings Aviation for detailed information on RTPAD aircraft.
