Man Drowns After Jumping from Ferry Off Koh Tao

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders.

 

A 52-year-old man struggling with alcohol addiction took his own life by jumping from a night ferry into the sea off Koh Tao. His body was recovered a day later near a seafood restaurant in Surat Thani.

 

The victim, Mr. Anucha Boonjit, a native of Nakhon Si Thammarat, was travelling on the Koh Charoen ferry from Koh Tao to Bang Bai Mai, Surat Thani. At approximately 04:50 on 2 February, while the ferry was still 5 kilometres from shore, he jumped overboard near Tha Lae Je So in Tha Thong Mai, Khanom District.

 

The ferry crew immediately alerted authorities, and police launched a search with marine rescue teams. However, no trace of him was found until 16:00 on 3 February, when his body was discovered floating near Bang Kung, Surat Thani.

 

According to Ms. Orawan, a friend of the deceased, Mr. Anucha had battled severe alcohol addiction for years. He had originally planned to quit drinking on Koh Tao but was unsuccessful. Determined to recover, he decided to return to his hometown for treatment. Ms. Orawan arranged for his journey back, and he boarded the ferry at 23:30 on 1 February, but he took his own life before reaching shore.

 

Authorities have confirmed the identity of the deceased and are conducting further investigations. The body has been sent for autopsy before being released to his family for funeral arrangements.

 

If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai) or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress or depression. Seek out help.

 

-- 2025-02-05

 

 

[Georgealbert]