Picture from responders.

 

A 33-year-old man drowned in the Suvarnabhumi irrigation canal in Bang Phli district while attempting to swim across to help his uncle remove water hyacinth tangled in a fishing net.

 

At around 18:00 on 4 May, Phra Nakhon radio centre received a report of a missing person believed to have drowned in the Suvarnabhumi Water Delivery Canal, near the entrance to Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Samut Prakan campus, in Bang Pla subdistrict. Police officers from Bang Phli Police Station, divers, and volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation were dispatched to the scene.

 

The canal, part of the Chonharaphichit irrigation project, is approximately 80 metres wide and 5 metres deep. Five divers from the foundation entered the water and, after about 30 minutes of searching, recovered the body to the grief of the victim’s family, particularly his mother.

 

According to Ms. Mayuree, the victim’s aunt, the family had travelled from Chachoengsao province to fish for food during the public holiday. She explained that the group had initially stayed on one side of the canal but moved to the opposite bank later in the afternoon. As her husband began setting a net, Mr. Thawatchai, the victim, attempted to swim across to help remove water hyacinth tangled in the equipment. Sadly, he grew exhausted midway and disappeared beneath the water. She affirmed that no alcohol or intoxicants were involved.

 

Ms. Pathat, the victim’s 59-year-old mother, tearfully recounted how she, her son, and other relatives had come to fish together. When her son saw his uncle struggling with tangled weeds on the far bank, he tried to help but lost his strength and drowned in full view of the family.

 

The police have recorded the incident and invited the family to provide additional testimony at Bang Phli Police Station. The body has been sent to Ramathibodi Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute for autopsy.

 

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from NBT 2025-05-06.

 

 

 

Such a heartbreaking tragedy. He was just trying to help his family, and it ended in such a devastating way. My deepest condolences to his loved ones.