Kathu Police were called to the pond in Soi Por Pla Tak Daed, in Moo 1, Kathu, at about 6pm. Officers soon arrived, joined by rescue workers from the Kusoldharm Foundation.
The victims, identified as Kyaw Soe Lin and Sein Mae Chit, were visiting relatives at an elephant camp in the area along with a third friend, Mu Sa Phay, Kathu Police reported.
The trio borrowed a rubber boat for a leisurely row in the pond when it overturned. Mr Mu Sa Phay swam to shore, but his two companions went missing in the water.
A coworker of the victims, Ms Na, expressed her sorrow, saying, “They were very close friends and wonderful colleagues. Today was their day off, and they were simply enjoying themselves. I beg the officers to do everything they can to help.”
The search team faced challenges due to the diminishing daylight and the size of the pond. After more than two hours, the rescue workers, including divers, recovered the bodies of the two men from the middle of the pond.
The men’s bodies were taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital for post-mortem examination to confirm the cause of death.
Police are still investigating the circumstances of the men’s deaths.