Nakhon Ratchasima: Man Drowns While Foraging for Lotus Stems, Leg Entangled Underwater

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

A 49-year-old man has drowned in a rural pond in Nakhon Ratchasima province after his leg became entangled in lotus stems, preventing him from resurfacing. The body was discovered hours later by a specialist underwater rescue team.

On the afternoon of 14 July, Mr. Anan, known locally as “Kaew”, from Ban Lueam subdistrict in Ban Lueam district, entered a pond in the rice fields of Ban Ton village to collect lotus stems to use in cooking. According to local witnesses, he was last seen around 13:30 wading into the water alone.

When villagers returned later, they noticed his sandals left by the water’s edge, but there was no sign of him. Repeated calls went unanswered, prompting concerns that he had drowned. The village headman was informed, who then contacted local police and emergency rescue services.

Volunteer rescue teams from Hook 31 Rescue Unit, based in Nakhon Ratchasima, were dispatched to the scene. Given the potential complexity of the search, divers from the unit’s specialist underwater team were also called in from nearby sub-districts, including Bua Yai and Non Sung.

By approximately 18:00, divers entered the pond and began a coordinated underwater search, focusing on an area about 10 metres from the shore, where a dense patch of lotus plants was visible. There, they discovered the body of Mr. Anan submerged and entangled in underwater lotus stems, which had tightly wrapped around his leg.

Rescue personnel carefully retrieved the body and brought it to shore, where grieving family members had gathered.

Initial forensic examination at the scene suggested Mr. Anan likely became entangled while diving to harvest the stems, struggled to free himself and ultimately drowning.

Police at Ban Lueam Police Station confirmed that the family did not suspect foul play and the body was transferred to Ban Lueam Hospital for formal autopsy. Relatives were asked to provide additional statements before the body could be released for religious rites.