Accident Man Saves One Girl as Another Drowns in Front of Him

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A family seaside outing turned to tragedy yesterday when two young girls were swept out to sea at Thung Wua Laen Beach in Chumphon province. Despite a heroic rescue attempt by a newlywed holidaymaker, only one child could be saved.

 

The incident occurred at approximately 17:00 on 3 May. Police Lieutenant Worut Somsong, an investigator with Pathio Police Station, received reports of two children drowning at the popular beach in Saphli subdistrict. Emergency rescue teams from the Salachon Rescue Unit and Chumphon Charity Foundation rushed to the scene.

 

Upon arrival, rescuers found one of the girls, 12-year-old Napaporn from Ranong province, semi-conscious after being pulled from the water. She was immediately taken to Chumphon Khet Udomsak Hospital for urgent treatment.

 

The second girl, identified as 12-year-old Suchada from Kamphaeng Phet, could not be revived despite prolonged CPR efforts and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her body has been recovered approximately 200 metres from shore.

 

The would-be rescuer, 29-year-old Phongsakorn Sriphet, had been holidaying at the beach with his wife, brother-in-law, and nephew, celebrating his recent wedding. He described how he saw the two girls playing in the water nearby before noticing that one had vanished. Moments later, the second girl also disappeared beneath the surface, prompting screams for help.

 

Without hesitation, Phongsakorn dashed into the sea to reach them.

 

“I didn’t think about anything else, I just knew I had to try to save them,” he said. “I was only able to reach one in time. The other girl drifted away and went under right before my eyes. It’s something I’ll never forget.”

 

His wife, a nurse at Lamphun Hospital, administered first aid to Napaporn with the help of other tourists trained in emergency response until professional rescuers arrived.

 

Eyewitnesses expressed concern over the lack of safety measures at the beach. Kachonsak Panyakham, 53, a fellow tourist, said: “Thung Wua Laen is known for its beauty, but it’s worrying that there is no clear system for monitoring or safeguarding swimmers, especially during school holidays when children come to play.”

 

Initial investigations revealed that the two girls had travelled with relatives from Ranong to enjoy a holiday at the beach. While their family members remained onshore, the girls entered the water unaware of the depth. Neither of them could swim well. Suchada, the girl who died, had reportedly tried to push her friend toward the shore before succumbing to exhaustion.

 

Local officials are being urged to review safety protocols at the province’s beaches to prevent further tragedies.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-05.

 

 

 

[Gottfrid]

2 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Eyewitnesses expressed concern over the lack of safety measures at the beach.

I think we have the answer as well as the culprits in the information below. 12 years old are still children that needs to be told and supervised,
 

2 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Initial investigations revealed that the two girls had travelled with relatives from Ranong to enjoy a holiday at the beach. While their family members remained onshore, the girls entered the water unaware of the depth. Neither of them could swim well.