As reported by the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Thailand, on March 26, 2021, Russia completed the transfer to Thailand of three multi-purpose Mi-17V-5 helicopters, which were purchased under the state program of Thailand to assist the population during natural disasters. The helicopter transfer ceremony was held at the U-Tapao air base with the participation of the Russian Ambassador to Thailand E. Y. Tomikhin. Thus, the fleet of helicopters of this type in Thailand has increased to ten units.
Receipt of the next three Mi-17V-5 helicopters by the Thai army aviation from Russia. Utapao (Thailand), 26.03.2021 (c) Embassy of the Russian Federation in Thailand
Since 2011, Mi-17V-5 helicopters have been providing assistance to the Thai population in natural disasters, delivering food to flooded areas during floods, dropping tons of water when fighting forest fires, and rescuing people in emergency situations. In 2018, Mi-17B-5 took part in the rescue of children from a flooded cave in Chiang Rai Province in northern Thailand.
On the part of the bmpd, we note that the delivery of three of these helicopters brings the total number of Mi-17V-5 vehicles in the army aviation of the Thai Land Forces to ten. Earlier, the Thai army aviation received from Russia the first three Mi-17V-5 helicopters in March 2011 (under a 2008 contract), two such helicopters in November 2015 (under a contract worth about $ 40 million signed in July 2014), and two more in December 2018 (under a contract dated September 2017). Thai Mi-17V-5 have tail numbers from "6401" to "6410". According to known sources, all Mi-17V-5s are in service with the 41st Aviation Battalion (general purpose) of the Thai Army Aviation Center in Lopburi.
Receipt of the next three Mi-17V-5 helicopters by the Thai army aviation from Russia. Utapao (Thailand), 26.03.2021 (c) Embassy of the Russian Federation in Thailand
