Pictures courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A family holiday in Thailand ended in tragedy on the early evening of 7 August, when a 10-year-old Canadian girl drowned at Kata Beach in Phuket.

 

The young girl, identified as Joanna, was on holiday with her family of six, who had travelled from Malaysia and arrived in Phuket just a day earlier. On the afternoon, the entire family went swimming in the sea when they were suddenly caught in strong waves.

 

Despite the efforts of lifeguards who managed to rescue five members of the family, Joanna was swept out to sea and could not be saved. A search operation was immediately launched, involving lifeguards and rescue teams.

 

After more than three hours of desperate searching, Joanna’s lifeless body was recovered from the water. The scene was described as heartbreaking, with family members visibly distraught as officials brought her ashore.

 

Karon Police confirmed the details of the incident and extended their condolences to the grieving family. Authorities have since urged all beachgoers to take extreme caution, particularly during the rainy season when sea conditions can change rapidly and become dangerous.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-08-08

 

 

 

 

 

Sorry for the little girl, but people don't listen and think they know better, out there in the Ocean it's wild, tourist need to pay attention, the infrastructure is inadequate it's being stretched to much, more and more condo's and hotels going up results in more dead bodies, I think there is an incident somewhere everyday along the west coast of Phuket on the beaches, The lifeguards cannot cope with the ever expanding visitors, I remember years ago when we didn't have lifeguards in the low season, 

1 hour ago, ChipButty said:

Sorry for the little girl, but people don't listen and think they know better, out there in the Ocean it's wild, tourist need to pay attention, the infrastructure is inadequate it's being stretched to much, more and more condo's and hotels going up results in more dead bodies, I think there is an incident somewhere everyday along the west coast of Phuket on the beaches, The lifeguards cannot cope with the ever expanding visitors, I remember years ago when we didn't have lifeguards in the low season, 

The family has responsibiliy for the safety of a 10 years old child.

 

3 minutes ago, bogozy said:

The family has responsibiliy for the safety of a 10 years old child.

 

Yes they do, as the daily drownings here countrywide can attest. It's also the lifeguards duty to keep people close to the beach shores, especially when tides are turning. Very sad a vacation has to be ruined and this happens a lot.

Tragic....

It's terrible, I can't believe so many people are drowned in Phuket this year..., way more than usual..., they need to do something about it ...! RIP little girl... 😥

14 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Tragic....

What More can one say ??

10 minutes ago, Agusts said:

It's terrible, I can't believe so many people are drowned in Phuket this year..., way more than usual..., they need to do something about it ...! RIP little girl... 😥

Red Flags are out, and most resorts have warnings, along with warning signs at the surf.   What more can you do ?

 

100s of thousands of other tourist use common sense.  Yes, very sad, and very avoidable.

 

R I P

 

Live, now, Kata Beach cam, red flags flying and people in the surf.

You can't fix stupid ...

 

9 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Red Flags are out, and most resorts have warnings, along with warning signs at the surf.   What more can you do ?

 

100s of thousands of other tourist use common sense.  Yes, very sad, and very avoidable.

 

R I P

 

Live, now, Kata Beach cam, red flags flying and people in the surf.

You can't fix stupid ...

 

 

The beaches are not managed well, from lifeguards, to jetski operators, and parasailing and everything in between...! 

 

Just look at the photo you sent, it seems a nice day, not much waves, so why red flags, it means they just stick them all day, everyday and everywhere, so nobody takes notice of them...! 

 

Mainly because 3 of them can't manage 2km of beach, and can't get people out when really dangerous waters... 

 

A beach like Kata needs a lot more experienced lifeguards who actually seat all hours on high seats and watch everybody like a hawk - in choppy sea..., that would be like what they do properly in western countries...

12 minutes ago, Agusts said:

 

The beaches are not managed well, from lifeguards, to jetski operators, and parasailing and everything in between...! 

 

Just look at the photo you sent, it seems a nice day, not much waves, so why red flags, it means they just stick them all day, everyday and everywhere, so nobody takes notice of them...! 

 

Mainly because 3 of them can't manage 2km of beach, and can't get people out when really dangerous waters... 

 

A beach like Kata needs a lot more experienced lifeguards who actually seat all hours on high seats and watch everybody like a hawk - in choppy sea..., that would be like what they do properly in western countries...

... "so why red flags" ... seriously ?  The red flags are out for people, just like you, who apparently haven't a clue.   RIPS ... RIPS .. RIPS, this time of year, as you just read, ARE DEADLY.

 

Amazing you even asked that, and explains exactly why they are out, and why people drown.  Ignorance is bliss, until it isn't.   Don't mess with Mother Nature, you will lose, every time.

 

Give the lifeguards credit where credit is definitely due, as they risk their life everyday, pulling idiots out of the surf .... every day.   Foreigners drowning make the news.   People being saved, usually does not.

 

... " that would be like what they do properly in western countries..." ... If you can't follow the simple rules, made for your safety, then stay in the western countries.   People drown in the surf there also.

RIP Little One - irregardless of what others are saying here - it was not your fault, you were just having fun as all 10 year olds do.  In loving memory, I remain heart broken for you and your family who are assuredly in mourning ove their loss. 

31 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Red Flags are out, and most resorts have warnings, along with warning signs at the surf.   What more can you do ?

 

100s of thousands of other tourist use common sense.  Yes, very sad, and very avoidable.

 

R I P

 

Live, now, Kata Beach cam, red flags flying and people in the surf.

You can't fix stupid ...

 

It would be the same on Nai Harn beach early morning, 

Parents are to blame

@Agusts  You really need to watch this, as it's the calm looking spot, non wave part, that is probably where the strongest rip is ... 

 

 

from higher point, you can see, as the surf, not so easy...

 

 

People make good and poor decisions every day….Nature always bats last 

34 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

... "so why red flags" ... seriously ?  The red flags are out for people, just like you, who apparently haven't a clue.   RIPS ... RIPS .. RIPS, this time of year, as you just read, ARE DEADLY.

 

Amazing you even asked that, and explains exactly why they are out, and why people drown.  Ignorance is bliss, until it isn't.   Don't mess with Mother Nature, you will lose, every time.

 

Give the lifeguards credit where credit is definitely due, as they risk their life everyday, pulling idiots out of the surf .... every day.   Foreigners drowning make the news.   People being saved, usually does not.

 

... " that would be like what they do properly in western countries..." ... If you can't follow the simple rules, made for your safety, then stay in the western countries.   People drown in the surf there also.

 

This is always the excuse, stay home, don't come, don't like it go back... blah blah...! 

 

If Thailand and other 3rd world countries want to improve, they need to take criticism and better themselves..., that's the only way to improve..., they don't want to do that...!? 

 

Come on... , people drown in western countries..., compare the numbers.., it's almost weekly in Phuket this year, surely you can't deny the beaches are safer for swimmers there..., moto; learn and improve, don't ignore .....! 

 

Thai lifeguards heros..., just hang out on the beach and watch them playing with their phone, smoking dope and going through bottles of Chang..., give me a break, I'm on the beaches everyday and see them "work"...! 

 

20 minutes ago, Agusts said:

 

This is always the excuse, stay home, don't come, don't like it go back... blah blah...! 

 

If Thailand and other 3rd world countries want to improve, they need to take criticism and better themselves..., that's the only way to improve..., they don't want to do that...!? 

 

Come on... , people drown in western countries..., compare the numbers.., it's almost weekly in Phuket this year, surely you can't deny the beaches are safer for swimmers there..., moto; learn and improve, don't ignore .....! 

 

Thai lifeguards heros..., just hang out on the beach and watch them playing with their phone, smoking dope and going through bottles of Chang..., give me a break, I'm on the beaches everyday and see them "work"...! 

Live with your choices.  You're coming to a 3rd world country ... why ... because it's cheaper to holiday here.   You get what you pay for.   You want a staffed lifeguard shack on the beach, every 20 meters, go to California.

 

Going to ignore the Red Flag, then live with that choice, the rest of you life, on you daughter's birthday, she's not there to celebrate.   You're parents, here to protect your kids, not be idiots.

 

Yep, people drown everyday, most avoidable.  Rules for a reason.   Why should other people risk their lives because of your stupidity.   I pulled two gals out of Kate Beach surf.  Just ignorant youngins.   Now, not so ignorant, but their parents should have raised them better.  5 more minutes, and they would have drowned, as they were spent, treading water.   At least teach your kids how to float, and give them a fighting chance.

 

You can repeat as much as you want, "it's a 3rd world, and they need to do better", but until then, parents need to be responsible for themselves and children.

 

You going to a 3rd world country on the cheap, then research the dangers.  Too much info available, not to know what to expect when you arrive.    Amazing how people are smart enough, to earn enough money, to take the family on an international tropical beach holiday, but don't have the common sense to keep their kid safe, or themselves, as they all got swept out.   All ignoring the red flags.

 

Go figure, and that surprises people, and it's Thailand's fault 🙄

I lived over 50 years in SAarasota,Florida, a wealthy seaside city...and yet we had drownings. this cannot be blamed on a nation having the status of a 3rd world. Just stop with that BS. My heart breaks for the family. The entire episode is about NOT being educated about beaches and waves and knowing how to swim for 15-30 minutes, and what to do when caught in a rip. Sadly, people who DO get caught in a rip, have no idea they were ever in jeopardy.

4 hours ago, Agusts said:

 

This is always the excuse, stay home, don't come, don't like it go back... blah blah...! 

 

If Thailand and other 3rd world countries want to improve, they need to take criticism and better themselves..., that's the only way to improve..., they don't want to do that...!? 

 

Come on... , people drown in western countries..., compare the numbers.., it's almost weekly in Phuket this year, surely you can't deny the beaches are safer for swimmers there..., moto; learn and improve, don't ignore .....! 

 

Thai lifeguards heros..., just hang out on the beach and watch them playing with their phone, smoking dope and going through bottles of Chang..., give me a break, I'm on the beaches everyday and see them "work"...! 

 

Australian 2024, 323 drownings.

All about not knowing about the sea.

Holidays, beach, all looking like pleasure.

They did not know about the sea.

I remember in Crete, small beach, swimming while the sea was coming to shore in a sequence of high waves.

Group of friends going for a swim and coming back to sit on the beach.

One girl went swimming, and after a while I could see her being thrown around within 2 meters from the shore. One hand was waving out of the water alternatively, and then it no longer looked ok to me.

I rushed to the shore, waited form the fifth wave to break at shore, and then went to grab her and bring her back to safety. 

Then she said 'why did it take so long to see that I was in danger of drowning? I was drowning she said...

I replied that we did not know, that we played in that water, and saw not threat from the waves.

Then I realized that she did not understand the sea at that beach.

I explained that we knew that the waves come in sequences of five strong tumultuous waves, followed by a short calm period of 10 seconds or so. Just swim to shore in that period, and the sea will allow you to just walk out calmly.

And I said that I thought that everybody knew, as we had observed the sea while sitting in the sand, and understood how the sea goes from threatening to welcoming...

 

Not knowing about the sea has scarred the heart of this whole family.. For the rest of their life...

How sad....

 

Of course they don't know about the sea, they are tourists, guests in this country, they can't know everything like expats, hence should be looked after more... 

 

I think one of the reasons for increased drowning is that despite complains about a quiet low season we actually have more tourists now, but not big spenders, so higher volumes but lower monatery value, going to the beach and swim is free, so increased numbers, authorities not realising more people need more lifeguards...! But in high season when the sea is like swimming pool, even one is more than enough... 

 

I'm in the opinion that lifeguards on Phuket beaches, specially at this dangerous season is totally inadequate and not of reasonable standards..., a lot more room for improvement... , if you think it's perfectly okay, then so be it...! 

 

 

P. S. Thai total drowning 3956 per year (5.49 per 100k population, Australia 0.66 per 100k - Ausi lifeguards are best in the world, a bit unfair to compare ...! ), list here:

 

https://www.worldlifeexpectancy.com/cause-of-death/drownings/by-country/

A lot is cultural too, I can guarantee immigrants of certain ethnic groups are disproportionately overrepresented in beach drownings in Australia. Often at isolated beaches with no flags. 

They just have no idea how treacherous the ocean can be 🌊

On 8/8/2025 at 2:14 PM, KhunLA said:

... "so why red flags" ... seriously ?  The red flags are out for people, just like you, who apparently haven't a clue.   RIPS ... RIPS .. RIPS, this time of year, as you just read, ARE DEADLY.

 

Amazing you even asked that, and explains exactly why they are out, and why people drown.  Ignorance is bliss, until it isn't.   Don't mess with Mother Nature, you will lose, every time.

 

Give the lifeguards credit where credit is definitely due, as they risk their life everyday, pulling idiots out of the surf .... every day.   Foreigners drowning make the news.   People being saved, usually does not.

 

... " that would be like what they do properly in western countries..." ... If you can't follow the simple rules, made for your safety, then stay in the western countries.   People drown in the surf there also.

Why are people allowed in the sea when there are red flag warnings and lifeguards in attendance ? Many tourists come to Thailand for the beautiful beaches with no regards to safety . E.G. Europeans will have been used to the mostly safe  Mediterranean swimming and have no knowledge of the Thai seas dangers , I.e. rip tides ,  jelly fish etc . 

Unbelievable but I have read somewhere that Thai beach vendors have been known to lower red flags because of their loss of customers .

5 minutes ago, superal said:

Why are people allowed in the sea when there are red flag warnings and lifeguards in attendance ? Many tourists come to Thailand for the beautiful beaches with no regards to safety . E.G. Europeans will have been used to the mostly safe  Mediterranean swimming and have no knowledge of the Thai seas dangers , I.e. rip tides ,  jelly fish etc . 

That is on them. They check about mosquitoes and ants and sunburn, check about the sea, especially during monsoon. 

 

6 minutes ago, superal said:

Unbelievable but I have read somewhere that Thai beach vendors have been known to lower red flags because of their loss of customers .

What a bunch of crap, never heard that and have been here living and enjoying the last 37 years. 

On 8/8/2025 at 3:34 PM, KhunLA said:

Live with your choices.  You're coming to a 3rd world country ... why ... because it's cheaper to holiday here.   You get what you pay for.   You want a staffed lifeguard shack on the beach, every 20 meters, go to California.

 

Going to ignore the Red Flag, then live with that choice, the rest of you life, on you daughter's birthday, she's not there to celebrate.   You're parents, here to protect your kids, not be idiots.

 

Yep, people drown everyday, most avoidable.  Rules for a reason.   Why should other people risk their lives because of your stupidity.   I pulled two gals out of Kate Beach surf.  Just ignorant youngins.   Now, not so ignorant, but their parents should have raised them better.  5 more minutes, and they would have drowned, as they were spent, treading water.   At least teach your kids how to float, and give them a fighting chance.

 

You can repeat as much as you want, "it's a 3rd world, and they need to do better", but until then, parents need to be responsible for themselves and children.

 

You going to a 3rd world country on the cheap, then research the dangers.  Too much info available, not to know what to expect when you arrive.    Amazing how people are smart enough, to earn enough money, to take the family on an international tropical beach holiday, but don't have the common sense to keep their kid safe, or themselves, as they all got swept out.   All ignoring the red flags.

 

Go figure, and that surprises people, and it's Thailand's fault 🙄

Thailand isn't a third world country but a developing one. people like to call it that because it's far behind in many ways, but third world means not aligned with Nato.

 

Lifeguards here aren't as well trained as in the west, and there is a high incidence of drowning countrywide because few teach their kids how to swim. Many adults drown here yearly because of this.

 

The main thing besides actually teaching children how to swim is teaching them to swim along with the current instead of fighting it. Eventually you'll be brought close enough to the beach to stand. Good swimmers have a hard time fighting the currents or rips. It's the parents fault first for not teaching swimming basics to their children, the lifeguards responsibility to be aware and efficient enough to watch for people struggling and get out there asap to save them. 

9 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

Thailand isn't a third world country but a developing one. people like to call it that because it's far behind in many ways, but third world means not aligned with Nato.

 

Lifeguards here aren't as well trained as in the west, and there is a high incidence of drowning countrywide because few teach their kids how to swim. Many adults drown here yearly because of this.

 

The main thing besides actually teaching children how to swim is teaching them to swim along with the current instead of fighting it. Eventually you'll be brought close enough to the beach to stand. Good swimmers have a hard time fighting the currents or rips. It's the parents fault first for not teaching swimming basics to their children, the lifeguards responsibility to be aware and efficient enough to watch for people struggling and get out there asap to save them. 

Tell that to people that don't have running water or electric at their house.   Our that don't have 'red' chanote for land & house they've lived and farmed at for generations.   Or need to deal with corrupt officials and pay 'tea money' to have  basic municipal services provided.

 

It's a 3rd world country, with many modern things.

2 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Tell that to people that don't have running water or electric at their house.   Our that don't have 'red' chanote for land & house they've lived and farmed at for generations.   Or need to deal with corrupt officials and pay 'tea money' to have  basic municipal services provided.

 

It's a 3rd world country, with many modern things.

Developing country where people are kept suppressed. Everyone has a cell phone but most don't wear helmets, It starts at home, and basic things about self preservation have been around for a century, yet aren't practiced. The rich can keep people quiet by threats and free health care for the most part isn't enough. When there's more middle class a nation is developing faster. If you care about your citizens you do what it takes to protect them. 

5 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

Developing country where people are kept suppressed. Everyone has a cell phone but most don't wear helmets, It starts at home, and basic things about self preservation have been around for a century, yet aren't practiced. The rich can keep people quiet by threats and free health care for the most part isn't enough. When there's more middle class a nation is developing faster. If you care about your citizens you do what it takes to protect them. 

No ... the don't even has 'smartphones' as the govt found out, when giving money away, people couldn't register, and showed of govt offices by the 100s even 1000s, to register in person.

 

https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/crimecourtscalamity/2021/02/15/who-wins-people-without-smartphone-forced-to-queue-up-for-wewin-subsidy/

2 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

No ... the don't even has 'smartphones' as the govt found out, when giving money away, people couldn't register, and showed of govt offices by the 100s even 1000s, to register in person.

 

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2886748/handout-scheme-to-reach-non-smartphone-users

That doesn't have anything to do with what we're talking about here. Most everyone I see here, including many kids, have cell phones. That they have them and don't use things to protect them and their children is what I'm talking about. That children drown every day here, along with adults, is also what I meant about teaching the basics. They're far enough advanced here to know what laws exist, and word of mouth, gossiping here, is a national sport, so most if not everyone of age hears what goes on. Looking at the evacuations that happened 2 weeks ago shows just how aware they can be if they want to. 

2 hours ago, marin said:

That is on them. They check about mosquitoes and ants and sunburn, check about the sea, especially during monsoon. 

 

What a bunch of crap, never heard that and have been here living and enjoying the last 37 years. 

Well you have now . 37 years in Thailand is a bit vague  ? Which area ?