The search for Pramet Nonthabutr, a Mathayom 3 student at Thalang Pranangsang School in Tambon Thepkrasattri, was launched late yesterday after he failed to return to shore while swimming at the beach with friends.
The group was swept out to sea by powerful waves. Lifeguards managed to rescue three of the students, two of whom suffered serious injuries.
One of the rescued students later died despite CPR efforts and emergency transport to Thalang Hospital. Unfortunately, the fourth student, Pramet ‘Nong Mix’ Nonthabutr, remains missing.
Rescue operations, including efforts by the marine rescue team and the Kusoldharm Foundation, started yesterday evening, but were soon suspended due to the dangerous conditions and failing light.
The search resumed today, but strong winds and worsening weather conditions again forced authorities to halt the search.
Anusorn Nonthabutr, the 49-year-old father of Pramet, today held a ceremony at the beach, lighting 36 incense sticks and praying for his son’s body to be returned.
Mr Anusorn expressed his deep gratitude to all those involved in the rescue efforts and asked for their safety to be prioritised over the search if conditions remained dangerous.
An eyewitness recounted seeing three students in the water, calling for help as two of their friends were swept away.
The lifeguard on duty confirmed that poor weather conditions had severely hampered visibility and made the search more challenging.
The water had become cloudy and difficult to navigate, with waves growing increasingly dangerous.
Lifeguards confirmed they would resume the search as soon as it was safe to do so.