Three people died when a police helicopter crashed and burst into flames in south central Thailand on Saturday.

Axar.az informs, citing Bangkok Post, the crash took place at Nong Kok village in tambon Ao Noi of Muang district at about 1pm.

Two pilots and a flight mechanic died, while the status of the person who parachuted to safety is not yet known.

Authorities said the helicopter, a Bell 212 from the Kanchanaburi Police Aviation Unit, encountered problems during flight while en route from Surat Thani airport after an operation.

Pol Gen Kittharat ordered the relevant agencies to urgently launch an investigation into the crash and to provide immediate support to the families of the deceased.