Young Girl & Uncle Drown in Rough Seas off Phuket

Pictures courtesy of Matichon

A 13-year-old girl and her uncle have drowned after being swept out to sea by powerful waves while swimming off Bang Tao Beach in Phuket’s Cherng Talay subdistrict. Their bodies were discovered on the morning of November 3 following an intensive two-day search operation by local rescue teams. The victims were identified as Natwipha, aged 13 and Phumisak, aged 42, both residents of Thepkrasattri in Thalang District.

The pair had reportedly gone for a swim during rough sea conditions. Witnesses said they were caught in strong surf and vanished beneath the waves before emergency services were alerted. Thalang District officials, together with lifeguards and rescue volunteers, immediately launched a coordinated search effort using jet skis, drones and boats to scan the coastline and open waters.

Rough sea conditions made the search difficult, but continued efforts, both bodies were located and brought ashore. The bodies were later identified and handed over to their family for funeral rites. Authorities confirmed that the victims had been visiting the beach for recreation before the tragedy struck.

Officials from Thalang District have since issued public warnings urging residents and tourists to remain cautious when swimming or engaging in water activities, especially along Phuket’s west coast, where high waves and strong undercurrents are common during the rainy season. The Bang Tao area, in particular, is known for unpredictable surf, which can turn dangerous even for experienced swimmers.

In response to the incident, local authorities are reviewing beach safety measures, including warning flag systems and signage, to better inform beachgoers of current conditions. Rescue teams will also continue to monitor weather patterns and wave activity to help prevent similar accidents in the future.

Key Takeaways

• A 13-year-old girl and her 42-year-old uncle drowned after being swept away by strong waves at Bang Tao Beach.

• Their bodies were recovered on November 3 following a large-scale search using jet skis and drones.

• Officials have warned the public to avoid swimming during periods of high surf and are reviewing beach safety systems.

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  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Matichon 2025-11-04