Accident Dramatic Rescue as Man Falls into 13-Metre Abandoned Well in Trang

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Naewna.

 

Rescue workers in Trang launched a dramatic and time-sensitive operation on the morning of 27 July, to save a 51-year-old man who had fallen into an abandoned 13-metre-deep well while picking kratom leaves behind a neighbour’s house.

 

The victim, later identified as Mr Witit Mora, had been using a narrow concrete pipe ledge inside the well to support himself and avoid drowning in the water below, while calling for help. He was ultimately rescued in a joint operation between firefighters, local disaster prevention officials and the Kusolsathan Trang Rescue Foundation.

 

The incident occurred behind house number 45/5 on Rak Chan Road in Tab Tiang Subdistrict, Mueang Trang District. Emergency services were alerted just after 06;00 and quickly coordinated a response, led by Sub Lt. Songsak Songsing, Head of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation for Trang Municipality.

 

Upon arrival, rescue teams located the victim at the bottom of a narrow concrete pipe well, partially submerged in water. The well, located beneath a kratom tree, had a narrow mouth, only 1.2 metres wide and about 20 cm above ground level. Mr Witit had fallen while picking a few leaves for chewing before work, a daily routine of his.

 

Despite his exhaustion, the victim remained conscious and was able to communicate with rescuers. However, the well’s depth and lack of ventilation were causing him to experience increasing difficulty breathing.

 

Working against the clock, rescuers lowered a rope into the well and instructed Mr Witit to secure it around himself, but he was unable to o complete this. Sub Lt. Songsak was then lowered into the well, tied the rope around the victim and coordinated with the team above to slowly hoist him up through the opening, which was surrounded by overgrown vegetation. The rescue operation lasted approximately one hour and was met with relief from both emergency personnel and local residents.

 

Mr Witit was assessed at the scene before being transported to Trang Provincial Hospital for a full medical evaluation. Initial reports confirmed he sustained only minor abrasions to his left elbow.

 

Speaking after the incident, Mr Witit said:

 

“I live next door and went out just after 6 a.m. to pick a few kratom leaves as I usually do. I didn’t see the well opening and accidentally stepped into it. I was lucky that the concrete was just wide enough for me to brace myself and avoid going under.”

 

The property’s owner, Mr Panya Kraisut 48, said the well was disused and uncovered, as it was not located on a walking path. His wife, who was at home, heard the man’s cries for help and called him at work, prompting immediate assistance. Mr Panya added that he had been planning to remove the kratom tree and would now ensure the well is covered to prevent future incidents.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-07-28