Accident Tourists Survive Boat Tragedy, Guide Dies

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Amarin TV

 

A long-tail boat capsized in the Ratchaprapa Dam, Surat Thani, yesterday, claiming the life of a tour guide while 16 foreign tourists and the captain miraculously survived. The accident occurred around 11 a.m. amid strong waves, according to Provincial Tourist Police.

 

The ill-fated boat rescued five Belgians, 11 Dutch tourists, and the captain safely. Tragically, the female tour guide, Ms. Thasawan Phonlakhon, 44, drowned after hitting her head on the boat. Local residents claim this area, known as Chong Nam Khao, has a history of similar incidents, especially during rainy, windy conditions due to the small size of these boats.

 

Police Inspector Pol. Lt. Col. Phattharin Suthiphattham has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident. Residents warn that many tourists have previously drowned or gone missing here, highlighting ongoing safety concerns.

 

Ratchaprapa Dam, with its stunning scenery, draws over 70,000 visitors annually. Known as Thailand’s Guilin, the site features dramatic limestone landscapes reminiscent of the famous Chinese city, attracting tourists worldwide.

 

Emergency services responded quickly; however, the tragedy has once again highlighted the need for stringent safety measures at this popular tourist destination. The incident highlights the lifeguard and rescue team’s roles in ensuring visitors' safety despite challenging weather conditions.

 

Authorities are now urging tour operators to enforce stricter safety protocols in order to prevent future tragedies. This latest event underscores the unpredictable nature of water travel in the area and the importance of being vigilant at all times.

 

As investigations continue, the focus remains on enhancing safety to protect the vibrant tourist industry that thrives on Ratchaprapa Dam's natural beauty. The loss of Ms. Phonlakhon serves as a sorrowful reminder of the potential dangers faced on these picturesque waters.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-07-21

 

 

[newbee2022]

9 hours ago, webfact said:

underscores the unpredictable nature of water

Well, combined with greediness and stupidity.

[hotchilli]

9 hours ago, webfact said:

Local residents claim this area, known as Chong Nam Khao, has a history of similar incidents, especially during rainy, windy conditions due to the small size of these boats.

Livelihoods and profit must prevail... bugger the safety

[ronster]

Obviously none of these people running boat trips in various Asian countries has Facebook on their phones .

It's only been plastered all over it daily about storms , high winds and rough seas yet they go out and people die 😔

[BMW Overlander]

10 hours ago, webfact said:

Picture courtesy of Amarin TV

 

Quote

five Belgians, 11 Dutch tourists

 

16 foreigners, not a single one to help the unconscious Thai lady guide, and save her from drowning. Typical cowardly selfish Dutch. Srebrenica, and 8,000 dead come to mind. 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-07-21

 

 

 

[TopThai54]

bla bla bla until the next accidents and deaths...

[richard_smith237]

Bus down a ravine next...     repeat, repeat and repeat...    

 

... nothing is ever done.

[Suetape]

Bpai suu su-kha-ti Ms. Phonlakhon.   

[kiwikeith]

On 7/21/2025 at 3:48 AM, webfact said:

Picture courtesy of Amarin TV

 

A long-tail boat capsized in the Ratchaprapa Dam, Surat Thani, yesterday, claiming the life of a tour guide while 16 foreign tourists and the captain miraculously survived. The accident occurred around 11 a.m. amid strong waves, according to Provincial Tourist Police.

 

The ill-fated boat rescued five Belgians, 11 Dutch tourists, and the captain safely. Tragically, the female tour guide, Ms. Thasawan Phonlakhon, 44, drowned after hitting her head on the boat. Local residents claim this area, known as Chong Nam Khao, has a history of similar incidents, especially during rainy, windy conditions due to the small size of these boats.

 

Police Inspector Pol. Lt. Col. Phattharin Suthiphattham has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident. Residents warn that many tourists have previously drowned or gone missing here, highlighting ongoing safety concerns.

 

Ratchaprapa Dam, with its stunning scenery, draws over 70,000 visitors annually. Known as Thailand’s Guilin, the site features dramatic limestone landscapes reminiscent of the famous Chinese city, attracting tourists worldwide.

 

Emergency services responded quickly; however, the tragedy has once again highlighted the need for stringent safety measures at this popular tourist destination. The incident highlights the lifeguard and rescue team’s roles in ensuring visitors' safety despite challenging weather conditions.

 

Authorities are now urging tour operators to enforce stricter safety protocols in order to prevent future tragedies. This latest event underscores the unpredictable nature of water travel in the area and the importance of being vigilant at all times.

 

As investigations continue, the focus remains on enhancing safety to protect the vibrant tourist industry that thrives on Ratchaprapa Dam's natural beauty. The loss of Ms. Phonlakhon serves as a sorrowful reminder of the potential dangers faced on these picturesque waters.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-07-21

 

 

Overloading. Not mentioned 

 

 

 

[oustaristocrats]

On 7/21/2025 at 8:48 AM, BMW Overlander said:

 

 

Look who's talking, our BMW adventure specialist. He was there, knows all details, and judged the situation from his driver seat. So, what is your track record ? What did you accomplish so far in life with respect to rescuing people ? And what do you know about emergency operations ? 

 

[BMW Overlander]

17 hours ago, oustaristocrats said:

 

Look who's talking, our BMW adventure specialist. He was there, knows all details, and judged the situation from his driver seat. So, what is your track record ? What did you accomplish so far in life with respect to rescuing people ? And what do you know about emergency operations ? 

 

Relevance deprivation disorder is kicking in big time.

[actonion]

If there is a history of this happening  many times,  then why is nothing done about it, to stop it ever happening again

[Will B Good]

9 minutes ago, actonion said:

If there is a history of this happening  many times,  then why is nothing done about it, to stop it ever happening again

 

 

 

 

Life is cheap, no one cares, total lack of empathy, no deterrents to prevent repeat tragedies, no serious penalties for failures, no enforcement of any laws/codes of practise should they even exist, amulets protect you until they don't, zero political will to resolve the problems the little people face.....it goes on and on.