WRITER: WASSANA NANUAM
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has dismissed criticism on social media of the Swedish-made Gripen jet fighter following the deadly Children's Day air crash, saying the aircraft is good and the air force won't be banning the shows.
Sqn Ldr Dilokrit Pattavee, 34, a pilot from Surat Thani-based Wing 7, was killed when a Swedish-made Gripen JAS 39C crashed and exploded in front of children and parents near a runway during an air show on Saturday as part of Children's Day activities at Wing 56 in Hat Yai in Songkhla province.
In his response to the criticism that went viral, air force commander ACM Johm Rungswang said "the information circulated on social media about the Gripen was a complete lie".
Those who are curious about the Gripen's performance are encouraged to find out details of the jet fighter so as to understand why the air force has procured the Gripen aircraft, he said.
He said the Gripen is a strong, reliable aircraft, and Sqn Ldr Dilokrit was a highly experienced pilot with many flight hours under his belt.
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