On July 17, 2025, Hua Hin Airport in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province hosted a full-scale emergency exercise simulating an aircraft accident involving a crash into the sea. The drill, titled “HUAHIN EMEX 2025,” was designed to test the airport’s readiness and coordination with provincial and nearby agencies in managing large-scale aviation emergencies.
The simulation scenario involved a chartered Airbus A320 operated by ROBIN AIRLINE, flight R411, carrying 94 passengers and 6 crew members. The aircraft, en route from Charlie Airport to Hotel Airport, experienced dual engine failure after a bird strike during final approach to Runway 16. Unable to regain power through the auxiliary power unit, the pilot attempted an emergency landing. The aircraft overran the runway, collided with a guard rail, and came to rest in the sea approximately 140 meters from the runway end and 60 meters offshore. The impact caused the fuselage to partially submerge, with some passengers injured, missing, or deceased due to the crash and submersion.
The emergency drill followed a tabletop exercise conducted on July 15, which included briefings on international airport emergency standards and aircraft access in rescue operations. Key scenarios tested during the live exercise included aircraft firefighting, maritime rescue operations using inflatable boats, and medical evacuation of casualties to local hospitals.
Hua Hin Airport organized the drill in accordance with Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) Regulation No. 17, which mandates full-scale exercises at least once every two years to ensure airport emergency plans are actionable and effective. The aim is to ensure that all relevant stakeholders can respond rapidly and cohesively in real-life crisis situations.
According to Deputy Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Prateep Boriboonrat, who presided over the opening, the exercise underscores the importance of unified disaster response. He emphasized that preparedness and clear coordination between local agencies are essential to safeguarding lives and property. Also present at the exercise were Hua Hin Airport Director Ratthaphon Charoenphon, acting head of the Provincial Disaster Prevention Office Thanawat Ruangdet, and representatives from various emergency and aviation agencies.
