Bahraini Tourist Drowns in Tubing Incident 

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

A family holiday in southern Thailand ended in tragedy when a Bahraini man drowned after falling from an inner tube during a river rafting trip at Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani Province.

Phanom District Chief Suchaow Tumosik confirmed that rescue volunteers reported a missing tourist at around midday on 17 August. The man, identified as 55-year-old Mr Farouki from Bahrain, had been enjoying tubing activities with his family of five along the Khlong Sok canal when the incident occurred.

According to witnesses, Mr Farouki was not wearing a life jacket when he attempted to grab hold of a rope during the ride. He lost his balance, slipped from the tube and was carried away by the strong current.

Local authorities, including officers from Phanom Police Station, search teams from Khao Sok National Park and rescue units from Surat Thani Kusonsraddha, launched an urgent search operation.

At 14:58, the victim’s body was discovered approximately two kilometres downstream from the site of the incident. Police investigators and doctors from Phanom Hospital were called to the scene before the body was transferred for an autopsy.

Khao Sok National Park, known for its lush rainforest, limestone cliffs and adventure activities such as tubing, attracts thousands of international visitors each year. Authorities are to review safety measures at the site in light of the death.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-08-18