Viral Clip Shows Foreign Man Swimming in Bangkok’s Filthy Khlong Saen Saep

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture captured from video.

 

A video of a foreign man diving into the murky waters of Bangkok’s infamous Khlong Saen Saep has gone viral, leaving Thai netizens in shock and sparking heated debates online about water safety and health risks.

 

The clip, shared on November 30, by the account @RedSkullxxx on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), shows the man fearlessly jumping into the canal and swimming with apparent ease. The video has since amassed widespread attention, with many viewers expressing disbelief and concern over his actions.

 

Thai social media users quickly flooded the post with comments questioning how someone could dare to swim in the notoriously polluted canal, which has long been known for its poor water quality and dangerous boat traffic.

 

The primary concerns voiced by commenters revolved around the canal’s extreme pollution and the potential health hazards. One user wrote:

 

“If he inhales even a little water, bacteria will eat away at his brain for sure.”

 

Another warned of physical dangers, adding:

 

“The water is dirty, but more than that, aren’t you afraid of the express boats? If one hits you, you’re gone. Worst case, you get sliced by a boat propeller.”

 

The canal, a vital yet heavily polluted waterway, serves as a transit route for commuter boats in Bangkok. Locals pointed out the risk of sudden boat collisions, especially as the man appeared to be swimming without paying attention to oncoming traffic.

 

For years, Khlong Saen Saep has been a subject of public health warnings due to its toxic mix of industrial waste, household garbage, and untreated sewage. Descriptions of its water include oil slicks, floating debris, and a strong stench. Despite cleanup efforts by authorities, the canal remains one of the city’s most polluted waterways.

 

A commenter shared their past observations, stating:

 

“Back when I was a student near Asok, kids would jump into the canal for fun, but the surface of the water was covered in oil and trash. It was disgusting!”

 

Another added:

 

“During the Loy Krathong festival, people still get into the water, even though it’s not safe. I shudder just thinking about it.”

 

While many criticized the man’s actions as reckless and hazardous, a smaller portion of commenters defended his choice, arguing that personal freedom should be respected as long as it doesn’t harm others.

 

One user remarked:

 

“Where someone chooses to swim is their business. Just don’t inconvenience others.”

 

 

The viral video has reignited discussions about the state of Bangkok’s waterways and the persistent environmental challenges they face. Many netizens are calling for stronger public awareness campaigns and stricter measures to address water pollution and safety.

 

As the debate rages on, one thing remains clear: the video has highlighted not only the shocking daring of the foreign man but also the dire state of Khlong Saen Saep, which many Thais hope will one day see significant improvement.

 

-- 2024-12-02

 

 

[JoePai]

Having his morning bath

[lordgrinz]

Reminds me of the Seinfeld episode where Kramar was swimming in the east river 🤣

[jaiyenyen]

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

bacteria will eat away at his brain for sure.”

A bit late for that, I think. 😁

[khunpin]

“If he inhales even a little water, bacteria will eat away at his brain for sure.”

 

Not much brain left. 🤷🏼‍♂️ 

Obviously he swam there before ... 🤦🏼‍♂️

[Crossy]

Anyone want to start a sweepstake on which disease or combination of diseases he will catch??

 

[CallumWK]

If he survives, he'll probably be immune to every disease known by mankind

[Snig27]

Kids swim in it all the time. And yes, they are likely killing themselves. 
That khlong could be one of the city's great treasures. 

[MalcolmB]

4 hours ago, JoePai said:

Having his morning bath

A Frenchman having his weekly wash.

[Oliver Holzerfilled]

Is there anything that doesn't "shock Thai netizens?"

[Andrew65]

Brings to mind people bathing in the Ganges river in India, and even drinking the water, horrifying!

[lordgrinz]

5 minutes ago, Oliver Holzerfilled said:

Is there anything that doesn't "shock Thai netizens?"

 

The death toll on the roads, that seems to mean nothing to them.

[Woke to Sounds of Horking]

These khlongs are a great filthy reminder why I'm grateful every time I go back to America and can actually swim in the water and breathe clean air.

 

What happened to the days when BKK was the Venice of the East and there was pride in the waterways here? What a joke!

 

As for the farang he's stoned off his nut.

[Taboo2]

Will they blame weed on this More Run?

[Andrew65]

6 minutes ago, Woke to Sounds of Horking said:

These khlongs are a great filthy reminder why I'm grateful every time I go back to America and can actually swim in the water and breathe clean air.

 

What happened to the days when BKK was the Venice of the East and there was pride in the waterways here? What a joke!

 

As for the farang he's stoned off his nut.

Back when Bangkok was known as The Venice of the East did it actually have a proper sewage system? Although I suppose the population would've been massively smaller in those days.

[hotchilli]

6 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Thai netizens in shock and sparking heated debates online about water safety and health risks.

Both zero here in the land of smiles....

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, JoePai said:

Having his morning bath

 

[neeray]

I see that he is an experienced diver and swimmer but was he somehow aware of what might have lurked below the surface, ie laundry machines, stoves, cars, sunken boats, various steel structures? Boat traffic is not a fair measure as they only require a couple feet of water.

[mokwit]

There was/is a constant fish kill in Khlong Saen Saeb - my guess from fish swimming in an area where toxin was released and then drifting downstream. I also saw a dead 9ft (including tail) crocodile floating by one day. Big enough to take a young child or dog.

[mokwit]

1 minute ago, neeray said:

I see that he is an experienced diver and swimmer but was he somehow aware of what might have lurked below the surface, ie laundry machines, stoves, cars, sunken boats, various steel structures? Boat traffic is not a fair measure as they only require a couple feet of water.

Exactly.

[Liverpool Lou]

2 minutes ago, neeray said:

I see that he is an experienced diver and swimmer but was he somehow aware of what might have lurked below the surface, ie laundry machines, stoves, cars, sunken boats, various steel structures?

That's probably why he didn't go in head first.

[neeray]

Just now, Liverpool Lou said:

That's probably why he went in head first.

Actually, he went in feet first, as per the video.

[Captain Flack]

A troll post breaking forum rules has been removed.

 

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[oslooskar]

I'll stick to swimming laps in our fifty-meter community pool, which I have all to myself 90 percent of the time after 5:30 P.M.

[Liverpool Lou]

4 minutes ago, neeray said:

7 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

That's probably why he went in head first.

Actually, he went in feet first, as per the video.

I know.  Re-read my mistyped post that was edited before you posted.

"That's probably why he didn't go in head first.

Edited 3 minutes ago by Liverpool Lou"

[brfsa2]

 

I felt into that Klong once while getting off the boat at the Wittayu stop, lost one of my shoes and luckily managed to keep my head off the water. climbed up with my backpack and my laptop also got fried...

was walking home bare foot and fully soaked in black water 😄

 

That water is a very high risk to contract either a GI infection, like rotavirus. I got rotavirus once, it's so bad. with that water you can even get a urinary infection.

 

The water in many canals in Thailand do have a lot of ecoli and rotavirus, because it gets a lot of sewage released from overflow in most households. The houses around the canal discharge sewage straight into the canals.

[bbbbooboo]

umm… stupid is what stupid does?

[neeray]

Just now, Liverpool Lou said:

I know.  Re-read my mistyped post that was edited before you posted.

"That's probably why he didn't go in head first.

Edited 3 minutes ago by Liverpool Lou"

Hmm. I posted that after watching the video two more times to make sure of what I was seeing, AND I posted it before you corrected your errant post. It's okay, mistakes happen.

[UK Martin]

7 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

bacteria will eat away at his brain

Hahaha, if it can find it, 🤣 lol

[Baba Naba]

Another Darwin Award contestant! 🤪🙄