Originally Posted by
The Ancient Geek
There is no evidence that the transponder or ACARS were switched off. It is far more likely that they were simply out of VHF range or damaged.
You understand VHF from an altitude of ~38,000 feet has a "range" of 300nm or more don't you?
Also you understand there is uninterrupted VHF coverage across the entire region in question (Gulf of Thailand/Malaysia etc) and every other aircraft except this one managed to be "in range" and tracked.