Landslide Destroys 3 Houses in Surat Thani: Father Mourns 16-Year-Old Son’s Death

Picture from responders.

A heavy overnight downpour triggered a landslide early morning on December 16, in Surat Thani, collapsing onto three homes and killing a 16-year-old boy in his bedroom.

The incident occurred at 04:40 in Moo 2, Wat Pradu Subdistrict, Mueang District, at a row of single-story houses in Surat Villa Village. Rescue workers and local officials responded to reports of a landslide burying a house at 65/53, leaving one person trapped and one injured.

Mr. Duangphitak Singkaew, 47, was rescued from the debris, but his 16-year-old son, Mr. Worakit Singkaew, was tragically found dead in the rubble of their bedroom. Rescue workers discovered his body crushed under debris on the bed. He was taken to Surat Thani Hospital for autopsy as his grief-stricken father and neighbours looked on.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the landslide destroyed three houses. These houses were located at the base of a slope where a luxury housing project is under construction. The collapse of retaining walls, concrete slabs, and trees caused the debris to inundate bedrooms, rooftops, and kitchens. Mud and water continued to flow down intermittently, prompting local officials to declare the area a danger zone and evacuate nearby residents.

Eyewitnesses reported that the slope was originally covered with rubber plantations and forested areas, which helped stabilize the soil. However, ongoing construction to clear the land for new housing has led to repeated landslides. Even without rain, water sometimes flows down from the slope like a small waterfall.

On December 14, heavy rains triggered a previous landslide in the same village, damaging houses in Soi 5 and causing injuries. Residents had already reported concerns to the local authorities, urging them to halt construction and address the instability of the slope. Despite these warnings, construction continues.

Residents are now calling for a thorough investigation into the construction activities and demanding compensation for the damages. They also insist on stronger action to prevent further tragedies.

Meanwhile, heavy rains across Surat Thani continue to cause widespread flooding, displacing residents and inundating homes. Authorities are working urgently to provide assistance and relocate affected residents.

-- 2024-12-17