Mae Phu Waterfall: Schoolboy Drowns After Suffering Cramp

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

A 14-year-old schoolboy has tragically drowned after reportedly suffering a cramp while swimming at the popular Mae Phu Waterfall in Laplae District, Uttaradit province. The incident occurred on the afternoon of 24 May, casting a shadow of grief over what began as a joyful day out with friends.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Nareerat Apithanaphimpimkul of Laplae Police Station received an emergency call at around 17:00 reporting a suspected drowning. Rescue divers from the Uttaradit Songkroh Foundation were immediately dispatched to the scene.

The incident took place at the main pool area beneath the waterfall, a common swimming spot for visitors. Upon arrival, rescue personnel found a group of anxious teenagers, both boys and girls, waiting at the water’s edge, visibly distraught.

Divers were deployed swiftly to the deep pool where the boy had last been seen. Within a short time, they recovered the body of a boy wearing only shorts. Despite immediate efforts to resuscitate him, the boy was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim was identified as “Ta,” a 14-year-old student (Mathayom 2) at a private school in Mueang District, Uttaradit. According to his friends, Ta had arrived at the waterfall with a group of more than ten classmates earlier in the day. The group began swimming around noon and paused for lunch at approximately 13:30. It was around this time that friends noticed Ta was missing.

They initially searched the surrounding area and the nearby motorcycle parking spot but found no sign of him. As concern grew, they contacted adults who then alerted emergency services.

Before rescue teams arrived, some friends attempted to dive and search for him but were hindered by the depth of the water. Upon retrieval of the body, it is believed that Ta may have suffered a sudden cramp while swimming, causing him to sink unnoticed as the group continued to play.

Authorities have issued a reminder for the public, especially young swimmers, to exercise caution when swimming in natural water sources, particularly during group outings where safety can be compromised by distraction.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-26.