Tuesday May 5, 2015 - (Phuket, Thailand): While politicians and suppliers continue to wrangle over a budget for lifeguards at Phuket beaches, another tragic drowning took the life of a 19-year-old kid Tuesday (May 5) at Phuket's world class Nai Harn beach.
A video of the rescue attempt can be found here. (Facebook account may be required to view)
Panya "Ing" Tanunchaichomphu from Lampang was visiting Phuket to celebrate the recent birth of his niece.
His unconscious body was found and brought ashore by family within minutes of drowning as onlookers tried to assist with CPR for half an hour while waiting for the ambulance, yet it was too late. No lifeguards present.
Ing loved his friends, family and motorcycles. He had recently completed an associates degree, and was planning to begin an internship before finishing his bachelors degree in Chiang Mai.
An open letter from the victim's family to the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO):
Each year, Phuket's lifeguards save many swimmers in distress. However annually, the lifeguard organization re-negotiates bids with the government and inexcusably during this time, zero guards are protecting the beach.
Surf season is due to begin soon with the return of the Southwesterly monsoon winds, with the surf posing serious risk for many innocent visitors.
Surf season is due to begin soon with the return of the Southwesterly monsoon winds, with the surf posing serious risk for many innocent visitors.
At an otherwise world class tourist-friendly island destination, this is totally inexcusable, avoidable and a crying shame. People should feel safe enjoying the beach, regardless of contacts and budgets. In order to protect Thailand and Phuket's image, guards need to be stationed on beaches all year long.
Therefore, the victim's family respectfully urges General Prayuth and the NCPO to correct this problem by ending the annual pattern. In using its power to expediently consider this urgent matter, we appreciate the government's kind attention and genuine concern.
Therefore, the victim's family respectfully urges General Prayuth and the NCPO to correct this problem by ending the annual pattern. In using its power to expediently consider this urgent matter, we appreciate the government's kind attention and genuine concern.