As the sun rose over the stunning scenery of Thailand’s Surat Thani province on what seemed to be an ordinary Saturday, tranquility shifted to crisis when a tour boat carrying a group of French tourists encountered treacherous waters. In the serene yet sprawling environs of the Rajjaprabha Dam in Ban Ta Khun district, a sudden squall wreaked havoc, turning a pleasant excursion into a race against time.
Among the dozen travelers was Rene Mary Corre, an elder whose age remains undisclosed, embarking on what promised to be a delightful journey across the majestic reservoir. This group of ten French adventurers, accompanied by a dedicated tour guide, a vigilant caregiver, and a seasoned boat operator, set forth from the pier with the anticipation of picturesque landscapes and unforgettable experiences. Yet, as they approached the scenic beauty of Khao Sam Kloe, nature had other plans.
The winds picked up with violent force, and waves rose to challenge the boat’s equilibrium, ultimately causing it to capsize. Panic likely ensued amidst the water’s chaos, yet park officials leaped into action, their determination unwavering. Despite valiant rescue efforts, Rene Mary Corre was reported missing, adding a sobering weight to the otherwise successful rescue of 12 individuals. In parallel, the authorities explored possibilities of the missing tourist having been picked up by another boat in the vicinity that remained untroubled by the storm.
Among the rescued, two individuals experienced chest tightness, requiring a visit to Ban Ta Khun Hospital for a precautionary checkup. Meanwhile, another understandably distressed tourist, having swallowed some water during the ordeal, was transported to Surat Thani for further observation.
While officials endeavored to piece together the chain of events from the boat operator’s account, they ensured the remaining tourists were safely escorted back to the pier, out of harm’s way. As the weather front persisted, these unforeseen challenges echoed across the southern regions. The situation escalated as four districts in Phatthalung were declared disaster areas, the relentless rain and fierce winds further compounding the plight of the residents.
In the widespread chaos, 57 villages across Muang, Sri Banphot, Sri Nakharin, and Khuan Khanun bore the brunt of the severe weather. The epicenter of the crisis appeared to be tambon Prangmoo in Muang district, where floodwaters surged 40–50 centimeters, imperiling communities as they overflowed flood defenses.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation provided somber updates, revealing more than 3,000 households dispersed across Phatthalung, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Chumphon provinces caught amidst the swelling waters. However, as a glimmer of relief, Chumphon residents experienced a respite from nature’s fury, in stark contrast to the ongoing struggles faced by over 1,745 households in Phatthalung and Nakhon Si Thammarat.
The root of these tumultuous trials was attributed to persistent heavy rainfall, fueled by powerful northeastern winds sweeping over the Gulf of Thailand. Such climatic whims remind us of nature’s unpredictable temperament, always demanding respect and readiness from those who navigate its paths, be it on land or water.
It’s sad to hear that someone is missing after what was supposed to be a delightful trip. Is there any update on Rene Mary Corre’s situation?
I read that people believe he might have been picked up by another boat. Why didn’t they alert the authorities right away?
That’s what I’m curious about too. Communication seems key in such emergencies.
Why are older people even taking these risky excursions? It’s like asking for trouble.
Age shouldn’t stop people from enjoying life. It’s unfortunate this happened, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t travel.
I get that, but there should be clear risk management, especially for elders on such trips.
True, everyone should have the right to explore, but maybe more safeguards should be in place.
Anyone who’s been to Surat Thani knows weather can be unpredictable. This is a classic case of the tour operators failing their clients.
Can’t entirely blame them though. Storms sometimes come out of nowhere.
Still, they should’ve been tracking weather closely. Safety first!
Does anyone know if these boat operators have mandatory safety checks? In many places, regulations are just paper exercises.
Glad to hear most were rescued safely; it could have been much worse. A reminder to always wear life jackets.
I agree, life jackets are essential. But isn’t it also about having a solid emergency plan?
Seems like climate change is making storms more frequent and intense. Shouldn’t we be more prepared now?
I can’t believe this is happening in such a tourist-friendly place. They’re usually so good with safety! What went wrong?
I just visited Surat Thani last year! Things were smooth then, but this makes me wary of going back anytime soon.
Everywhere has its risks. We can’t stop living because of fear, right?
As someone who works in the industry, I can say it’s not just on the tour operators; it’s also up to the government to enforce safety laws and updates.
Rescuers did an amazing job. People don’t talk about them enough, but they’re real heroes.
Hear, hear! They risk their lives to save others, and we often take that for granted.
Natural disasters seem more frequent because we’ve disrupted ecosystems. It’s about time we focused on environmental solutions.
Praying for Rene and his family. Does anyone know if the area is still accessible to tourists?
Not sure, but they might close it temporarily for safety checks.
Tourism boards in these high-risk areas need to work on creating awareness about these sudden weather changes. Prevention can save lives.
Awareness is one thing, but you can’t control nature. Still, being informed helps.
I still think there should be an age limit for such activities. More guidance is needed for safe travel.
That sounds ageist. Let people decide for themselves what they can handle.