He however ended up flying in the plane because his friend, Sub Lt. Chen Srithanom, mine operator, was there.
Master Sgt. Boonyong wanted to work close to his friend and asked to be transferred to the plane which after four days search is still missing.
This was disclosed
yesterday by MSgt Boonyong's family.MSgt Boonyong, who is single, had attended two air radio courses in the United States.
His last flight before the accident was in January this year to Japan where his plane had to be repaired.
The RTN on Thursday announced the diaappearance of the plane which was in an aircraft fleet joining in an anti-submarine exercise with the submarine USS Sabalo in the area of Smui-Pa-ngan Islands.
When the exercise was over, the announcement said, a S-2F anti-submarine plane left for U-Tapao Airbase where it was scheduled to arrive at 5:30 PM.
The last contact made between the plane and the base was at 4:30 PM.
The RTN immediately mounted a search by air and sea.
Crew members in the lost plane were identified as Senior Lt. Wathana Charuwan, the pilot, Sub Lt. Chen Srithanom, Master Sergaent Boonyong Onlamoon, and Lt. Commander John P. Potenti of the American Navy Advisory Group attached to USMAC-THAI/JUSMAGTHAI.
The USS Sabalo berths at Klong Toey Harbour yesterday after taking part in the Royal Thai Navy Antisubmarine exercise in the South. Postpix by Siripongse
[Article submitted by Ernest "Larry" Hall]