In the sleepy early hours of June 3, the serene Chao Phraya River witnessed a drama that would shake anyone out of their morning stupor. In the quiet Suan Yai subdistrict of Nonthaburi province, a wooden house decided it had enough of standing tall and instead, gracefully collapsed into the river, leaving 68-year-old Somsong Praphaimani clinging to a lone wooden post like a seasoned sailor navigating high seas.
The morning sun had barely risen when Rescue volunteers from the valiant Ruamkatanyu Foundation sprang into action, rescuing Somsong from her watery predicament. Our heroine, though rattled, survived with a torn ligament in her left shoulder and a respectable bruise on her left hip—a testament to her bravery and resilience. After her dramatic morning adventure, she was whisked away to the nearest hospital for some tender care.
Reporters arriving at the picturesque locale at 127 Moo 9, Soi Phibulsongkhram 1, were greeted by the chaotic yet somewhat artistic sight of municipal disaster prevention officers overseeing the dismantling of the house’s remains. A 6 by 3-meter room, once standing proud, now lay in ruins with beams scattered like a child’s abandoned building blocks in the river. Fortunately, Somsong’s brother, 70-year-old Rangsarn Praphaimani, was there in his trusty work gloves, dismantling connected structures before they too decided to go for a swim.
As the plot unfolds, it seems the collapse had a beef with the express boats—notorious for their waves—whose rhythmic dance upon the river’s surface had caused the house’s supports to give in. Of course, in recent times, the river transitioned from these express boats to electric ones, much to the dismay of the wooden abodes along the river—oh, the irony!
37-year-old nephew Methie Praphaimani, having heard the news from neighbors, found himself in the throes of a real-life thriller at 7 am, complete with a cliffhanger rescue involving a trusty boat and a brave aunt. Now, Somsong recovers at a relative’s home, perhaps weaving tales of her daring escape to anyone who’s willing to listen.
The ever-dependable Nonthaburi Municipality, not to be outdone by nature’s capriciousness or electric boats, is on the scene as well, helping dismantle what remains and evaluating how to assist the affected family. There is talk of potential aid options and vigorous safety inspections to ensure the remaining structure would not follow suit in embracing the river.
Rangsarn, showing the resilience only a brother could muster, recounted how neighbors heard a significant crash and, upon inspection, found Som Song partly submerged under a stubborn piece of roof. It was a community effort of epic proportions to ensure her safety and, to everyone’s relief, the hospital reported no fractures or brain trauma—just that pesky shoulder ligament.
But, as the dust and splinters settle, Somsong, now ensconced safely in a family member’s home, recounts with a hint of disbelief how at around 5 am, she was simply folding clothes, minding her own business, when the ground beneath her fell—literally. The river claimed some household items in its watery grasp, but Seusong, undeterred, had clung onto that faithful post. It’s a saga of endurance, community spirit, and a gentle reminder to address the harmonic interplay of culture and nature, lest more homes decide to take a swim.
KhaoSod reports that the diligent municipality is in scrutiny mode, ensuring repairs and aid are not just buzzwords but concrete actions, at least that’s the hope. For Somsong and her family, it’s an unexpected twist in life’s unending drama, with a river as both backdrop and antagonist. As the water calms, so too do the souls, each plotting for a future where homes aren’t so eager to embrace the elements with open beams.
It’s incredible how something like this can happen and thanks to the rescue team for doing a great job. I’m just glad Somsong is okay!
Absolutely! It’s a miracle she sustained only minor injuries. But we should also think about how to prevent similar incidents in the future.
I agree, EagerBeaver. Maybe more inspections on riverside houses can prevent another accident.
Why are people still living in these unstable wooden houses along the river? It’s just asking for trouble.
Well, it’s not so straightforward, Frank. Many families have lived there for generations, and sometimes it’s about preserving a way of life.
I get that Liam, but safety should be a priority. How can it be preserved with constant danger?
Could it be that urbanization is pushing these natural accidents? Rivers used to be more gentle before all these boats!
I think you hit the nail on the head, AztecEagle99. We have to consider the environment impact on natural features like rivers.
Precisely! Balance between progress and preserving nature is crucial, yet often overlooked.
It’s so dangerous with these electric boats now. You’d think they’d be safer without waves but who knows what comes next.
Actually Sue, electric boats are supposed to be more eco-friendly. The issue might be with the old structure.
I think Somsong’s story is both terrifying and inspiring. It’s a reminder that anything can happen at any time.
True, Theo. Life has its unpredictable moments, but the resilience and community support are what matter.
Exactly Martha. Her story reflects a tight-knit community we should all learn from.
This town hall should be ashamed. Where’s the maintenance on river structures? It’s a disaster waiting to happen!
RiverRat72, the town might need more resources or funding. Often it’s not negligence but rather limitations they’re facing.
Somsong’s experience sounds like a scene from a movie! I’m glad she’s safe, but that could have gone differently.
Right? Just imagine capturing that moment on film. Glad it was real life though and not just drama!
What people might not realize is the importance of local government stepping up here. Housing is at risk!
Another reason to improve infrastructure. Let’s see if they actually follow through with ‘concrete actions’.
Skeptic rightly so. Talk is cheap without real, visible progress.
I’ve lived by the river for decades; sometimes things just happen. Gotta be prepared for anything.
Has there been any announcement about new safety protocols after this incident?
Simultaneous admiration and fear for Somsong. So, what now for other riverside residents? We’ll see.
Another example of human life impacted by changing natural environments. Doesn’t need to be a tragedy this time.
I hope Somsong gets back on her feet soon! And maybe government support will actually help her rebuild.
We need to learn and adapt. Nature won’t halt progress, so we must balance and innovate.