Teenager Drowns at Weir While Playing With Friends

Pictures courtesy of Workpoint

A 14-year-old boy drowned while playing at an overflow weir in Ban Ko Kham, Ban Dan district, Buriram, on 19 September 2025. The incident occurred around 13:00, when the student jumped into deep, fast-flowing water despite not knowing how to swim, leading to his death.

The boy, identified as Chaiwat, was a M2 student. He had gone with three friends to the weir, located approximately 500 metres from the village, after riding motorcycles from Buriram town. One friend initially warned him against entering the water, but Chaiwat ignored the warning, removed his shirt and jumped in.

The overflow weir had a water depth of nearly four metres, and the current was strong due to continuous overnight rainfall. Local residents watched anxiously as rescue teams, including divers from Sawang Channyatham Buriram Rescue and medical staff from Ban Dan Hospital, recovered the boy’s body after about 20 minutes.

According to a friend of the victim, who asked to remain anonymous, the group had come to play in the water for fun. The friend said, “I told him not to go in as he couldn’t swim, but he jumped in anyway.” The other three friends immediately sought help from villagers upon seeing him disappear underwater.

Residents expressed sorrow at the death, noting that this was the second drowning incident at the Ban Ko Kham weir. Local villagers highlighted the dangers posed by the deep water and strong current.

Key Takeaways

• A 14-year-old student drowned after jumping into a deep, fast-flowing weir despite not knowing how to swim.

• Rescue teams recovered the body after 20 minutes, with local residents watching the incident unfold.

• The Ban Ko Kham weir has now seen two drowning incidents, highlighting the need for improved safety precautions.

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Workpointnews 2025-09-20