French Expat Saves Two Men from Drowning in Lopburi; Search Continues for Missing

[misskit]

At 3:10 PM, on June 1st, 2024, Khok Tum police officers received a report of three individuals drowning while camping in Mueang, Lopburi. Two of the individuals were rescued by a brave bystander, but one person remains missing as of press time.


The Khok Tum police, along with rescue divers and other relevant agencies, swiftly arrived at the Bott Camping Ground in Lopburi. Mr. Anon, 32, and Mr. Sumethi, 32, who had been pulled from a pond by a good Samaritan, were immediately transported to a local hospital. Both men were exhausted and had choked water.


According to police reports, Sumethi and four friends had visited the camping ground for leisure. After consuming alcohol, they decided to go boating in a nearby pond, despite warnings from the camp owner about the strong winds and the absence of lifejackets.

Against the camp owner’s advice, Anon, Sumethi, and Mr. Rungwit, 32, ventured out onto the water. An hour later, their friend Ms. Phattharapon alerted the camp owner, Anchalee, of a problem as the trio was struggling in the water.


Mr. Brand, a 64-year-old French expat vacationing with his Thai wife, responded immediately. He grabbed lifejackets and paddled out to rescue the men. He managed to save Anon and Sumethi but was unaware that Rungwit was also in the water.


Sumethi later recounted to rescue teams that as they were returning to shore, the strong wind and turbulent currents caused their boat to capsize. Despite their efforts, they were unable to stay afloat.


As of press time, Rungwit’s body has not been found, with the pond depth estimated to be between 6 and 7 meters.

French Expat Saves Two Men from Drowning in Lopburi; Search Continues for Missing Third - The Pattaya News

[Stumpy]

It has always amazed me how many Thai people can't swim or at least tread water. I have had guests come over and they won't even walk near the pool as they can't swim and it scares them.

Sounds like these guys drank. Common sense left ( if they had any to begin with) and went out on the water knowing they can't swim.

Hats off to the French fella who saved 2. I would have done the same.

[cyrille]

Learning to swim takes money if you're 'a townie'.

I don't find it at all surprising that many Thais can't swim.

[Reg Dingle]

^ I thought Smethick had more canals than Venice

[cyrille]

And the differences don't end there.

[david44]

Out of greens but top marks,Brilliant rejoinder "Peak Cyrille'