Elderly Fisherman Falls into Pattaya Car Park Shaft; Injuries Serious

An automatic car park elevator shaft at Laem Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya | Photo via Pattaya News

An unfortunate incident unfolded in Pattaya yesterday morning when an elderly fisherman, 66-year-old Worapong Taengtong, fell into an elevator shaft at Bali Hai Pier's automatic car park. The mishap, which resulted in serious injuries, occurred around 7.06 am.

Worapong, who recently underwent cataract surgery, cited his impaired vision as the reason for missing the shaft's opening. He was trying to navigate through the car park to reach the beach when he inadvertently stumbled into the shaft, plummeting about five metres below ground.

Emergency responders from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Unit arrived swiftly on the scene. They found Worapong with a severe fracture in his right leg and a deep cut above his right eyebrow. Rescue workers provided immediate first aid and carefully extracted him from the shaft before transporting him to a nearby hospital for further treatment.

Alongside Worapong, a fishing rod was also found, indicating his intention to head to the beach for fishing. While he was able to call for help after the fall, his condition remains a concern due to the severity of his injuries.

The immediate response from the rescue team undoubtedly provided crucial assistance, but the incident has raised questions about safety protocols at the facility. Authorities are now investigating to identify potential improvements and ensure the prevention of similar incidents in the future. This includes evaluating visibility warnings and physical barriers at the car park.

Residents and frequent visitors to the area are encouraged to be vigilant, especially when navigating through unfamiliar environments. Meanwhile, Worapong's recovery is being closely monitored, with medical staff providing the necessary care.

The incident underscores the importance of robust safety measures in public spaces, particularly those with high foot traffic. As more details emerge, local officials are expected to announce any new safety measures. Updates on Worapong's condition and the investigation will likely follow in the coming days.

For now, the focus remains on ensuring the well-being of Worapong and reinforcing safety norms to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-07