Picture: Thai Rath

 

Tragedy struck in Nam Om sub-district of Roi-Et province in Thailand's north east yesterday afternoon when four eleven year olds drowned in a two meter deep body of water called Phon Lom Com.

 

They were all friends who attended the same school called Ban Nam Om School. They were all in P5 (the fifth year of Thai primary education).

 

Kasetwisai police found no signs of foul play.

 

A large crowd of villagers had gathered. Two of the children were dead at the scene. Another two had been taken to hospital by members of the public.

 

All four died. Three were named as Natthamon, Panthita and Suphawadee. A fourth child was not named. 

 

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A relative of one of the victims told Thai Rath that their child had asked to go and play in the village with friends and they didn't know the children planned to go swimming.

 

The depth of the water had swelled to 2 meters in recent rains.

 

The relative implored parents to look after their precious children and not let such a tragedy happen to you.

 

A tragedy from which there was no turning back. 

 

Thai Rath's report contained no further details as to precisely how the tragedy occurred, notes ASEAN NOW.

 

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No words can do this tragedy justice, why oh why is swimming lessons not part of the schools curriculum given the number of children who drown each year - Really sad

I live alongside the Nan River in a farming community in Phitsanulok province and am constantly amazed at the kids playing in the river that can't swim. I have even met a few older fisherman that come by our place to sell their catch. Surprisingly, a few can't swim. 

Better to have swimming lessons for the kids than military BS.