A heated online dispute has erupted in Pattaya after a child nearly drowned at a pool villa, prompting accusations over the property’s design and a strong rebuttal from the villa owner. The incident, which occurred on 11 May, has divided opinion on social media, with many users blaming parental negligence rather than the layout of the property.
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The controversy began after the child’s mother posted CCTV footage showing her son struggling in the swimming pool before the boy’s father jumped in to rescue him. In her post, the mother said the family had just checked into the villa and allowed the children to swim before planning a trip to Jomtien Beach, around four kilometres away.
She explained that all family members had exited the pool, but there was confusion over who was supervising the child. The boy later walked back towards the pool area alone without wearing a life jacket and fell into the water. The mother claimed she could not see the child because a large inflatable duck obscured her view and criticised the villa’s design, saying the swimming pool was positioned behind the house rather than directly visible from the living room.
Picture courtesy of Amarin
The mother also claimed on social media, that the child was underwater for almost 30 minutes before being rescued, though the villa owner strongly disputed this claim. CCTV footage released by the owner allegedly showed the child in the water for only 10 to 20 seconds before his father rescued him.
Villa owner Wutthiphon Boonna, 34, said the family had requested CCTV footage after the incident, claiming they wanted to use it as a lesson for their son. He said he provided the footage willingly before discovering it had later been posted online alongside criticism of the property and allegations that the house was unsafe.
According to the owner, the villa provided free life jackets beside the pool and the child had been wearing one earlier in the day before it was removed by the parents. He also insisted the pool was clearly visible from inside the property through four large sliding glass doors located about three metres from the water.
The owner further claimed the family later threatened staff by telephone and boasted of having influential connections. He said he is consulting lawyers and preparing legal action over alleged reputational damage and threats made towards employees. Several customers have reportedly cancelled bookings following the online backlash.
Amarin reported that social media reaction remains sharply divided, although many commenters argued that the incident highlighted the importance of close supervision of young children near swimming pools. Others said the case should serve as a warning to parents staying at pool villas or similar accommodation with water hazards.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 16 May 2026
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