Photo courtesy of The Phuket News

 

A French tourist, Laurent Simon, drowned at Patong Beach early on September 18 after being pulled out to sea by strong currents during a late-night swim. Simon, along with family members, entered the water despite red flags warning of dangerous conditions. His sister was quickly swept away, prompting Simon and his brother-in-law, Jose Cubellier, to attempt a rescue.

 

Simon and Cubellier managed to push his sister back to safety, but both men were caught by the rip tide. Rescue personnel arrived swiftly, retrieving all three from the water, but Simon was pronounced dead upon arrival at Patong Hospital. The family, having just arrived on the island a day prior, is now arranging for necessary documents for Simon's death certificate.

 

Red warning flags had been prominently displayed to indicate the perilous surf conditions due to monsoon-season currents. These warnings were meant to alert beachgoers to avoid the water. Officials emphasized the importance of adhering to these safety measures, considering the rapidly changing conditions that even strong swimmers can underestimate.

 

Similar incidents have occurred recently, including a foreign tourist at Karon Beach on September 10 who nearly drowned after ignoring similar warnings. Lifeguards and officials continue to stress the importance of heeding these signs. Lifeguards patrol the beaches daily, ensuring that safety information is visible and accessible to prevent tragedies.

 

Looking ahead, authorities are focusing on enhancing awareness campaigns and increasing vigilance on beaches. They aim to prevent future accidents by ensuring tourists and residents understand the risks associated with ignoring safety warnings. Continued cooperation between local authorities and tourists is essential to enhance beach safety.

 

Key Takeaways

• French tourist drowns despite red flag warnings at Patong Beach.
• Similar incidents have occurred due to ignored safety signals.
• Authorities emphasize awareness and adherence to beach warnings.

 

Related stories:

Indian Tourist Rescued After Nearly Drowning at a Pattaya Beach

Drowning Deaths in Thailand Average 10 Per Day — Working-Age Adults Most at Risk

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-09-18

 

 

very sad, but don't let your guard down and under-estimate nature just because you're on holiday, red warning flags are there for a reason.

Yet again people thinking they know better and ignore red flags .

Just put massive signs on the beach explaining what they mean with graphics than even an idiot could understand and let the fools continue to enter the water at their own risk.

 

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

. Simon, along with family members, entered the water despite red flags warning of dangerous conditions. His sister was quickly swept away, prompting Simon and his brother-in-law, Jose Cubellier, to attempt a rescue.

 

Simon and Cubellier managed to push his sister back to safety, but both men were caught by the rip tide. Rescue personnel arrived swiftly, retrieving all three from the water, but Simon was pronounced dead upon arrival at Patong Hospital. The family, having just arrived on the island a day prior, is now arranging for necessary documents for Simon's death certificate.

Happy holidays... 

Sorry to hear the death of one man.

But looks pretty much like self-inflicted.

 

Swimming late night at sea is dangerous enough.

Especially during the rainy season here, rip current is common.

As well as the high risk of venomous jellyfish.

 

If he happened to have met 2 of them at the same time, his life at the mercy of force of the nature.

 

Movie classics also warned against that...

 

 

Idiots ! Red Flags and after midnight...au revoir !

In Australia (at least in coastal regions) we spend a lot of time at the beach and in the sea(s).

 

Kids are taught at a young age how to swim, rescue, self survival in the sea (being mercilessly dumped by surf etc)...

 

AND, if caught in a "rip", DON'T fight it, just relax, go with the flow, float and wait until there's an opportunity to slowly swim out of it, or be picked up by surf rescue.

Panicking and thrashing about  or trying to rescue someone can just get you drowned from exhaustion. 

 

Of course, sea swimming late at night is just plain stupid, given little chance of rescue and possible presence of unseen shark attack. 

 

Sad that this man died trying to save someone else, but totally avoidable. 

That is not a picture of Patpong beach. 

5 minutes ago, thecyclist said:

That is not a picture of Patpong beach. 

Patpong has no beach.

Terrible way to end your holiday.  I can’t imagine what the plane ride home would be like for the family.  RIP.

Another Darwin Awards type that thinks the red flags on the beach don't apply to him because he's somehow special. Can't fix stupid and you reap what you sow... it's called natural selection.

^^^  Harsh but true.

 

 

RIP

In another paper it was 2am so they were drunk or happy so lots of factors plus at 2am you cant see flags unless your right beside them 

Sad days 

1 hour ago, Harrisfan said:

Patpong has no beach.

Don't they have a beach show upstairs? 

A post with an insensitive comment and the replies have been removed.