Caretaker Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang had an unnerving experience today when an Air Force plane in which he was travelling to Phrae province, to inspect flood situation with several other officials, developed a mechanical problem after take-off from Don Mueang airport.
The aircraft was airborne for about half an hour when the pilot reported that the air pressurisation system was not functioning properly, but that the problem could be fixed.
Sutin, however, ordered the plane to return to Don Mueang airport for the safety of all the passengers and crew on board.
He cancelled his inspection trip to Phrae and instructed the provincial governor and the commander of the Third Army Region to act on his behalf in the distribution of relief supplies to flood victims.
Floodwater in Phrae is receding, as excess water in the Yom River is flowing into Sukhothai province, which is now bearing the brunt of the runoffs after embankments have collapsed in several places.
