Celebrated artist dies in Phuket surfing accident

[webfact]

Celebrated artist dies in Phuket surfing accident
Prapaporn Jitmaneeyaphan


Pharuephon “Tum” Mukdasanit died in Phuket on Saturday.

PHUKET: -- Celebrated graphic and street artist Pharuephon “Tum” Mukdasanit, 34, better known as “Mamafaka” died this morning after a surfing accident at Kata Beach on Saturday.

Mr Tum was rescued by beach lifeguards after getting into difficulty, and was taken unconscious to Patong Hospital, and then transferred to Bangkok Hospital Phuket.

As doctors tried to bring him round, messages of condolence poured onto his Facebook fan page, which has 30,000 “likes” by admirers. Video clips were posted by well known singers Pongsit “Pu” Kamphee and Toon Bodyslam.

According to the Facebook page, Mr Tum graduated from Rangsit University in 2004 and was immediately hired by international advertising agency Ogilvy & Mather, the start of a career littered with awards for his advertising work.

His art started to appear in large circulation Thai and international design magazines such as Wallpaper, Territory and CG+ and he became involved in a wide variety of artistic events and projects including Tiger Beer’s Tiger Translate art events, the Bangkok Design Festival and the motorbike-related Ride a Life art project.

Most of his fans know him, however, as “Mamafaka B.O.R.E.D”, convener of the country’s most celebrated crew of graphic artists, which he founded in 2002 while still at university.

In 2011 Mr Tum went freelance. He was in huge demand, working on advertising campaigns for brands such as Converse, K-Swiss, Billabong, Preduce Skateboards, M150, Isuzu, Smirnoff and Yamaha.

He still found time to work on his own projects, including street art. Even people who do not know his named would probably recognise his cartoon creation, Mr Hellyeah, who has one large eye and a body covered in mustache hair, and who spawned a whole clan of similar characters which appeared everywhere from the walls of derelict buildings to Champagne bottles. Mr Hellyeah was even turned into a monster toy.

Mr Tum’s funeral will be held in Khon Kaen, in Thailand’s northeast.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/celebrated-artist-dies-in-phuket-surfing-accident-41795.php


-- Phuket News 2013-09-09

[metice]

"Mr Tum was rescued by beach lifeguards after getting into difficulty, and was taken unconscious to Patong Hospital"

Unfortunately, he wasn't rescued otherwise he may well still be alive. How can this happen at the busiest section of the beach where there are more lifeguards than anywhere else? Apparently he was dead when he was pulled from the water. Another needless drowning. RIP

[Jimi007]

According to another source *(Edited out)*, Mr. Tum couldn't swim. He went out on a surfboard, lost the board and couldn't make it back to the beach...

Edited September 9, 2013 by Scott
not permitted reference edited out

[Old Croc]

RIP Mamafaka.

https://www.google.com/search?q=MAMAFAKA&rls=com.microsoft:en-US:IE-ContextMenu&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=vHQtUojONYfWrQe3zICoDw&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1078&bih=459

[MacWalen]

Surfing can be dangerous. I nearly died twice.

[NamKangMan]

According to another source *(Edited out)*, Mr. Tum couldn't swim. He went out on a surfboard, lost the board and couldn't make it back to the beach...

I do not know the "source" you are quoting, but surely that information can not be correct.

I have never heard of surfer that can't swim. The deceased would have come off his board many times whilst a novice, learning the sport.

RIP

[Jimi007]

According to another source *(Edited out)*, Mr. Tum couldn't swim. He went out on a surfboard, lost the board and couldn't make it back to the beach...

I do not know the "source" you are quoting, but surely that information can not be correct.

I have never heard of surfer that can't swim. The deceased would have come off his board many times whilst a novice, learning the sport.

RIP

Maybe you should read the above post? It's not too difficult to figure out. As I said in the first place it was an article in the Phuketwan, which I know I cannot provide a link to, nor quote from...

[andreandre]

According to another source *(Edited out)*, Mr. Tum couldn't swim. He went out on a surfboard, lost the board and couldn't make it back to the beach...

I do not know the "source" you are quoting, but surely that information can not be correct.

I have never heard of surfer that can't swim. The deceased would have come off his board many times whilst a novice, learning the sport.

RIP

AFAIK nobody has said that he was a ''surfer"..anyone at all can rent/borrow a surfboard and go play in the waves...

[LivinginKata]

A number of posts have been removed. If a member has an issue with a moderator's decision then send a PM to that moderator by clicking on name and selecting the PM option.

Open discussion about moderation is strictly not allowed.

[Carl64]

"Mr Tum was rescued by beach lifeguards after getting into difficulty, and was taken unconscious to Patong Hospital"

Unfortunately, he wasn't rescued otherwise he may well still be alive. How can this happen at the busiest section of the beach where there are more lifeguards than anywhere else? Apparently he was dead when he was pulled from the water. Another needless drowning. RIP

It doesn't take long to drown!

[philliphn]

I think one of the responsibilities of being a parent is teaching your children how to swim. We call it water proofing the kids. Of course if you can't swim yourself. You will be unable to teach how to swim. Then you get lessons. From some one who can swim. An actual proper class is better. The schools should teach swimming, wherever possible.

Edited September 9, 2013 by philliphn

[surfinglife]

Happy surfing in the great beyond Brother.....

[Jimi007]

According to another source *(Edited out)*, Mr. Tum couldn't swim. He went out on a surfboard, lost the board and couldn't make it back to the beach...

Due to TV rule: 31) Bangkok Post do not allow quotes from their news articles or other material to appear on Thaivisa.com. Neither do they allow links to their publications. Posts from members containing quotes from or links to Bangkok Post publications will be deleted from the forum. Please note that this is a decision by the Bangkok Post, not by Thaivisa.com and any complaints or other issues concerning this rule should be directed to them. Quotes from and links to Phuketwan are also not allowed and will also be removed. In special cases forum Administrators or the news team may use these sources.

Hope you can figure it out now NKM.

[Jimi007]

I think one of the responsibilities of being a parent is teaching your children how to swim. We call it water proofing the kids. Of course if you can't swim yourself. You will be unable to teach how to swim. Then you get lessons. From some one who can swim. An actual proper class is better. The schools should teach swimming, wherever possible.

Agree! I grew up 3 blocks from the ocean and started swimming lessons at about 5 years old. About 1960. When my daughter was born, I started her in swimming lesson at 3 years old. I guess my parents were more persistent than I. They made me swim on swim teams and junior lifeguards though high school.

[phantomfiddler]

Probably the single most important thing anyone can possibly learn ! In Scotland it is taught at school, between maths and geography, and should be taught at all schools. It has saved my life on more than a few occasions. R.I.P.

[connda]

Love, Peace, and RIP Mr. Tum. You'll be missed, but your work will live on!

[lee b]

RIP young man

[sscsamui]

R.I.P.

[steelepulse]

Crickets from NKM, why is that?

Talked to a good friend that is at Kata every day surfing and the story is that this rip curl event was quite the party and the adult beverages were flowing.

RIP to Mr Tum.

[NamKangMan]

Crickets from NKM, why is that?

Talked to a good friend that is at Kata every day surfing and the story is that this rip curl event was quite the party and the adult beverages were flowing.

RIP to Mr Tum.

"Crickets from NKM, why is that?" HUH?

Given the time he died, 4:30am (allowing for rescue and hospital transfer) - I did give a thought to drugs and/or alcohol being a factor, but did not wish to speak ill of the dead.

[atyclb]

To be fair and balanced people can drown at any beach even well guarded ones in aussie or hawaii. I will say the chances of drowning are much less in places like oz and hawaii cause the lifeguards are well trained and VIGILANT and take it dead seriously. I highly doubt the alleged phuket lifeguards have those qualities to the same extent. Mai pen rai kills people.

A prudent person would wear a life vest if uncertain of swimming ability. I doubt surf rental places care or are even interested in things like the renters swimming ability or lack of. I was offered a big bike to rent despite not having my license with me. Just cash and id.

Phuket is a silly place to die in the surf as the waves are relatively innocuous. Its not the Cortes banks. A sad loss of life and a talented productive one at that.

Edited September 9, 2013 by atyclb

[Jimi007]

Crickets from NKM, why is that?

Talked to a good friend that is at Kata every day surfing and the story is that this rip curl event was quite the party and the adult beverages were flowing.

RIP to Mr Tum.

"Crickets from NKM, why is that?" HUH?

Given the time he died, 4:30am (allowing for rescue and hospital transfer) - I did give a thought to drugs and/or alcohol being a factor, but did not wish to speak ill of the dead.

Did you bother to read the "other news source?"

[Jimi007]

To be fair and balanced people can drown at any beach even well guarded ones in aussie or hawaii. I will say the chances of drowning are much less in places like oz and hawaii cause the lifeguards are well trained and VIGILANT and take it dead seriously. I highly doubt the alleged phuket lifeguards have those qualities to the same extent. Mai pen rai kills people.

A prudent person would wear a life vest if uncertain of swimming ability. I doubt surf rental places care or are even interested in things like the renters swimming ability or lack of. I was offered a big bike to rent despite not having my license with me. Just cash and id.

Phuket is a silly place to die in the surf as the waves are relatively innocuous. Its not the Cortes banks. A sad loss of life and a talented productive one at that.

I have to agree with your comment! The surf here is nothing like where I grew up. But we always had professional lifeguards, unlike here. I remember one guy who is an old world famous surfer, swam out to "rescue me" in 20 plus foot surf in California. He saw it was me and said; what the hell am I doing out here? You're a way better swimmer than me! Splashed water in my face and took off toward the shore! I was just backstroking up to the hugh peak!

[khaowong1]

According to another source *(Edited out)*, Mr. Tum couldn't swim. He went out on a surfboard, lost the board and couldn't make it back to the beach...

Yeah, well, that won't work.

[Sayonarax]

According to another source *(Edited out)*, Mr. Tum couldn't swim. He went out on a surfboard, lost the board and couldn't make it back to the beach...

I do not know the "source" you are quoting, but surely that information can not be correct.

I have never heard of surfer that can't swim. The deceased would have come off his board many times whilst a novice, learning the sport.

RIP

I fail to see Thailand being a hot spot for surfing.. how do you know he could actually surf and swim?

[Jimi007]

According to another source *(Edited out)*, Mr. Tum couldn't swim. He went out on a surfboard, lost the board and couldn't make it back to the beach...

I do not know the "source" you are quoting, but surely that information can not be correct.

I have never heard of surfer that can't swim. The deceased would have come off his board many times whilst a novice, learning the sport.

RIP

I fail to see Thailand being a hot spot for surfing.. how do you know he could actually surf and swim?

Kata Beach where the incident occurred use to host a surf contest every year about this time of year. I was a judge at it. The man who drowned did some graphic work for Rip Curl apparently, who was hosting an event at Kata Beach that day to introduce girls and women to the sport. But you're correct the surf isn't all that great here. But at least the water is nice and warm.

[NamKangMan]

Crickets from NKM, why is that?

Talked to a good friend that is at Kata every day surfing and the story is that this rip curl event was quite the party and the adult beverages were flowing.

RIP to Mr Tum.

"Crickets from NKM, why is that?" HUH?

Given the time he died, 4:30am (allowing for rescue and hospital transfer) - I did give a thought to drugs and/or alcohol being a factor, but did not wish to speak ill of the dead.

Did you bother to read the "other news source?"

Yes, I did. Did you bother to "read between the lines" of the "other news source?"

[NamKangMan]

According to another source *(Edited out)*, Mr. Tum couldn't swim. He went out on a surfboard, lost the board and couldn't make it back to the beach...

I do not know the "source" you are quoting, but surely that information can not be correct.

I have never heard of surfer that can't swim. The deceased would have come off his board many times whilst a novice, learning the sport.

RIP

I fail to see Thailand being a hot spot for surfing.. how do you know he could actually surf and swim?

I am going off a "source" that It was suggested by another member I read. I read it, and have questioned their investigation and reporting of the facts - that's all.

Mainly, a guy who can not swim, gets onto a surf board. Sure, it's possible, and in a previous post I hinted at why, if this is the case.

[NamKangMan]

@ Old Croc

I could personally attack you, but I will not.

Ok, if I'm the only person that thinks it strange a guy that can't swim, gets on a surf board - so be it.

I notice members here have no problem criticising the many tourists who can't ride a motorbike, who rent one, crashing and killing themselves, and then noting the time of the accident being earlier hours of the morning, and concluding the rider was drunk.

Of course. you never make conclusions like that, do you, and the journalism on Phuket is of a high standard, isn't it?

Get over yourself.

Edited September 10, 2013 by NamKangMan

[LivinginKata]

Inflammatory post removed