Pictures courtesy of Khoasod - Similan Islands park rangers rush an unconscious South Korean snorkeler onto a boat...

 

Three foreign tourists, a South Korean snorkeler, a British man and a Russian man, died in separate water-related incidents in southern Thailand. Authorities reported that all incidents occurred in popular tourist areas, highlighting ongoing safety concerns for visitors in coastal regions.

 

In Phang Nga’s Similan Islands, 65-year-old South Korean tourist Mr. Lee lost consciousness while snorkeling near Island No. 9 on the morning of 28 November. Park rangers found him floating face down despite wearing a life jacket, they performed CPR and transferred him to a boat with medical support for transfer to Ko Miang. He arrived at Khuk Khak Medical Center at 14:51 and was pronounced dead five minutes later. Doctors sent his body for a full autopsy at Vachira Phuket Hospital. Police noted that Lee had a history of heart disease and contacted the South Korean Embassy to notify his family.

 

In a separate incident on 29 November, 37-year-old British tourist Jason Mark Lambert, from Ipswich, drowned off Freedom Beach in Phuket’s Patong area. Jason and his wife had gone swimming around 10:00, when he disappeared under the water. Lifeguards pulled him ashore and attempted CPR, but he was pronounced dead at Patong Hospital. Police reported no suspicion of foul play. The family have been visiting Phuket since November 19 and was staying at a Hotel in Patong throughout the trip.

Tourists and lifeguards carry a 37-year-old British man who drowned at Freedom Beach in Phuket

 

On 30 November, 69-year-old Russian tourist Sergey also drowned off Patong Beach. His companion, 47-year-old Natalia, said Sergey swam every morning during their vacation and suggested that strong currents or a sudden health issue may have caused the drowning. Rescuers performed first and CPR, transferring him to hospital. Sergey was pronounced dead upon arrival at Patong Hospital.

Rescue workers perform first aid on a 69-year-old Russian tourist who drowned at Patong Beach

 

Khoasod reported that authorities have urged tourists to exercise caution in the water, follow local safety guidelines and heed lifeguard warnings. Ongoing investigations are reviewing the circumstances of each incident to determine any contributing factors.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Three tourists from South Korea, Britain and Russia died in separate water incidents in southern Thailand.

• All victims were found unresponsive despite safety measures and two had pre-existing health concerns.

• Authorities continue to monitor popular tourist beaches and emphasise adherence to water safety guidelines.

 

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-12-01

 

Video courtesy of Phuketinsta.

 

Caution video shows CPR attempt to save Russian casualty

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

highlighting ongoing safety concerns for visitors in coastal regions.

Just maybe it´s not a concern for Thailand, but a concern over that visitors must know what they can do and calculate with the risks.

10 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

Just maybe it´s not a concern for Thailand, but a concern over that visitors must know what they can do and calculate with the risks.

Best stick to hotel swimming pools.

3 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Best stick to hotel swimming pools.

Yep, that´s about what they can manage. 

 

The Cruel Sea

13 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Park rangers found him floating face down despite wearing a life jacket,

 

A major problem with so many of the cheap 'life jackets' that tourists get dealt ...

 

A life jacket is supposed to float you face UP if unconscious. That's why even strong swimmers like myself wear one on boats - in case I get knocked out. So many of the ones I've been handed tip me  face down into the water. It's like noone knows or even cares.

12 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

Just maybe it´s not a concern for Thailand, but a concern over that visitors must know what they can do and calculate with the risks.

 

How is any of these 3 deaths fault of Thailand? And how would these deaths were prevented, if these people were swimming in Spain/Australia/Florida?

42 minutes ago, AndyAndyAndy said:

 

How is any of these 3 deaths fault of Thailand? And how would these deaths were prevented, if these people were swimming in Spain/Australia/Florida?

Why are you asking me that? Didn't I post it was no concern of Thailand, and that they have to understand themselves? Or did you miss something?

1 minute ago, Gottfrid said:

Why are you asking me that? Didn't I post it was no concern of Thailand, and that they have to understand themselves? Or did you miss something?

 

I don't know. I didn't read your post fully.

13 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Best stick to hotel swimming pools.

Not everybody lives in a hotel

4 hours ago, BusyB said:

 

A major problem with so many of the cheap 'life jackets' that tourists get dealt ...

 

A life jacket is supposed to float you face UP if unconscious. That's why even strong swimmers like myself wear one on boats - in case I get knocked out. So many of the ones I've been handed tip me  face down into the water. It's like noone knows or even cares.

It's the only option. The boats that I use have both varieties. But to go snorkeling only the older style can be used.

2 likely heart attacks and one person who misjudged the current. Hardly the fault of the sea or of Thailand.

Is it just me or does hauling a stiff on vacation seem like a buzz kill ?

 

10 hours ago, AndyAndyAndy said:

 

I don't know. I didn't read your post fully.

So, you mean you quoted my post, but didn´t read what you quoted??? Really? Good job!

Korean didn't clear his snorkel, inhaled water, passed out (hypoxia).

 

Brit not a good swimmer gets caught in a current.

 

Chips are on a heart attack for the Russian.

 

RIP

 

Kato !!

I can’t imagine the pain these families are going through.  One minute they are  boarding a plane to  a paradise vacation and before you know it they are dead in the sea.  RIP gentleman….

On 12/1/2025 at 2:36 AM, hotchilli said:

Best stick to hotel swimming pools.

 

Yes as long as you do not get electrocuted , it happens from time to time