Woman Clings to Wooden Beam After Home Collapses Into Chao Phraya River

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

A 68-year-old woman narrowly escaped death after her wooden riverside home collapsed into the Chao Phraya River early morning on 4 June, reportedly due to strong waves generated by passing boats.

Mrs. Somsong Praphaimanee was found clinging to a wooden pillar from her collapsed home, awaiting rescue while partially submerged in the river. Rescue volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation arrived on the scene by boat and managed to safely extract the injured woman.

She sustained a torn tendon in her left shoulder and bruising to her left hip. Mrs. Somsong was taken to hospital for treatment and is now recovering at a relative’s home.

The incident occurred at house number 127, Moo 9, Soi Pibulsongkram 1, Intersection 3, in Suan Yai subdistrict, Mueang district, Nonthaburi province. Local disaster prevention officials are now working to dismantle and stabilise the remaining structure to prevent further collapse.

The section of the house that fell into the river was Mrs. Somsong’s bedroom, measuring approximately 6 by 3 metres. Wooden beams showed signs of structural damage and personal belongings, including furniture and appliances, were swept into the water.

Her nephew, Mr. Methee Praphaimanee, 37, said that the house was shared by Mrs. Somsong and her older brother. He believes the collapse was caused by repeated strong waves created by large electric express boats passing nearby, which have replaced older, smaller vessels. These waves have frequently caused shaking in the house, he noted and residents have had to signal to boat operators with red flags to reduce speed, not always with success.

“She usually sleeps alone in that room. This morning I was told by neighbours that the house had collapsed. Thankfully, rescue workers arrived in time,” Mr. Methee said. He also added that Mrs. Somsong was now staying with relatives in the same neighbourhood for her safety.

Her brother, Mr. Rangsarn Praphaimanee 70, recalled hearing a loud crash and seeing his sister partially submerged under the collapsed roof. “She couldn’t move one side of her body. Luckily, no bones were broken, and her head was not injured,” he said.

Speaking from recovery, Mrs. Somsong described the moment the house gave way: “It was around 05:00. I was folding clothes after bringing them in from the line, worried it might rain. Then I heard a loud creaking sound, and the house collapsed. I fell with it into the water and held onto a large wooden beam.”

She said furniture, including the television, wardrobe, and table, all fell into the river. Neighbours heard her cries for help and alerted her brother, who quickly called responders.

The Nonthaburi municipality is currently dismantling remaining parts of the house to prevent further structural collapse. Officials are also assessing the eligibility for compensation or reconstruction assistance.

Local riverside residents continue to express concern over damage from large boat wakes, particularly during the rainy season when water levels are high.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-05