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

[RamblingOn]

7 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

 

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

 

 

Will be asking for fundme next week.

[Theforgotten1]

How are they going to blame foreigners for the dirty water 

[newbee2022]

7 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

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

Too late.

Mission accomplished 😂

[Dont confuse me]

No doubt he will feature in 'fund me' page as his insurance doesn't cover treatment for self inflicted diseases!

[Burma Bill]

8 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

questioning how someone could dare to swim in the notoriously polluted canal,

 

Perhaps he fancied a mud bath?

 

[QPRFC]

I always get sick whenever I swim in the local 5 star hotel pool, let alone in the BKK river network (rat highway).

[happydreamer]

What a disgusting turd

[Thumbs]

Ive Seen old lady noodle sellers sitting washing dishes and wooden chopsticks in the black klong water near the old British embassy many times so thai netizens might want to worry about their own bacterial intake before worrying about this fool 

[Jiggo]

Oh Dear, absolutely shocking will not be able to sleep tonight.

[Kwausie]

Quite a good back flip!

[thai006]

Should deport him. Thailand don't need people like that 

[spidermike007]

The fact that this went viral is testament to the fact that so many of these netizens do not have much of a life. It does not take much to get these folks going. 

[JemJem]

3 hours ago, brfsa2 said:

 

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.

Shoes are no big deal, unless it was a very expensive one, but sorry about the laptop. Was it totally rendered useless and so you got a new one? Anyway, good that you didn't get an infection from the incident. 

[dinsdale]

30 years ago no problem.

[ericbj]

When on a tour on a longtail boat from the Oriental Hotel (cost about 5 GBP/night; seemed kind of expensive) I recall seeing happy, healthy-looking children swimming in a khlong not far from there on the Thonburi side.

Must have been pretty bad for natural pollution, but without the industrial poisons of today.

A little over 57 years ago.

[SAFETY FIRST]

12 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Foreign Man Swimming in Bangkok’s Filthy Khlong Saen Saep 

Was that you Bob? 

 

[Celsius]

he was celebrating dodging the draft 

[Merrill]

What just dove straight into the water not knowing what was in there or the depth, could have been empaled on any old iron bar. Total lunacy 

[Cabradelmar]

Hope he's upto date on his HEP A, B and C vaccines 😂 

[black tabby12345]

8 hours ago, jaiyenyen said:

A bit late for that, I think. 😁

 

Even before his dive into dirty water...

[thecyclist]

This dead python I found years ago next to Khlong Saen Saeb. Probably injured by one of the boats, and managed to crawl out the canal  before it died. 

[Spamhead]

2 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

The fact that this went viral is testament to the fact that so many of these netizens do not have much of a life. It does not take much to get these folks going. 

Pot, kettle, black much !!

[soalbundy]

8 hours ago, jaiyenyen said:

A bit late for that, I think. 😁

but an eye infection is guaranteed.

[john donson]

khun ba?

[SiSePuede419]

Russian? 😄

[Bundooman]

8 hours ago, CallumWK said:

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

Except stupidity!

[Elkski]

One time in some lake near Udon Thanni where you order food and rent a floating thing with a cabin and deck I choose to break the 20' distance swimming and swam out and about for a mile lap.  Of course you get a bit of water in your mouth.  We left at 5 pm.  Went out to boys town and pizza.  Not sure if lake or pizza but from midnight to 8 am I was sick at both ends. Like food poisoning and felt like dying.   Made it to my midday flight and recovered.  I will never swim in Thailand's fresh waters again.  And no coastal sea water either. 

[sambum]

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

 

WHAT brain?

[sambum]

9 hours ago, brfsa2 said:

 

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.

 

"..........and my laptop also got fried..."

 

Just goes to show the quality of the water - must've been pretty greasy!

[NoDisplayName]

Must be French.....