The damaged Bangkok Samui 2 after the collision with a speedboat returning from Rin Beach on Koh Phangan, off Koh Samui in Surat Thani on Monday night. (Photo: Wat Plai Laem Koh Samui Rescue Unit)
On a tranquil Monday night near the picturesque island of Koh Samui, two speedboats met with an unfortunate fate. A tragic collision claimed one life and left two individuals injured, casting a shadow over the serene waters. This surprising incident happened around 8:30 pm and was subsequently reported to the local police.
The collision involved two speedboats traveling in opposite directions: the Chor Chokchanita 22, operated by Funnyday Co., and the Bangkok Samui 2, owned by Bangkok Samui Hospital. Pol Lt Sirachat Kamunee, an officer on duty at the Bo Phut police station, shared this bewildering news on the following day, leaving the community in disbelief.
Onboard the Bangkok Samui 2 were two dedicated hospital employees, Kriengkai Somboonying and Waruwa Artwichai, both of whom sustained injuries from the collision. Kriengkai, a committed member of the Phangan International Hospital (a branch of Bangkok Samui Hospital), was later transported to the very facility he served, where, heart-wrenchingly, he succumbed to his injuries. Ms. Waruna, a nurse at the hospital, also faced the ordeal of injury.
In parallel, the driver of the Chor Chokchanita 22, Sutthikiat Samthong, was also hurt in the incident. All three victims were promptly taken to Bangkok Samui Hospital for treatment, but despite the swift response, Kriengkai’s life could not be saved.
The evening began typically for the crew of the Chor Chokchanita 22, who had been ferrying enthusiastic tourists to Rin Beach on Koh Phangan for the famous full-moon party. Meanwhile, the hospital speedboat Bangkok Samui 2 was making its way back to its base on Koh Phangan after successfully delivering a patient to Bangkok Samui Hospital. Little did they know that their routine voyages would take such a devastating turn.
At the time of the collision, the Chor Chokchanita 22 had four crew members onboard, while the Bangkok Samui 2 carried five individuals. The details surrounding the cause of the accident remain murky, as local police continue their investigation to unravel the sequence of events that led to this tragic mishap.
The incident has left the peaceful community of Koh Samui in shock. Locals and visitors alike are awaiting the conclusive findings of the investigation, hoping for clarity and perhaps measures that could prevent such tragedies in the future. In the meantime, the memory of Kriengkai Somboonying stands as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the unexpected turns it can take.
As authorities work tirelessly to piece together the circumstances and causes of this collision, the community comes together in mourning, reflecting on the paradoxical nature of life amidst the serene beauty of Koh Samui’s waters.
This is more than just an unfortunate accident. The local authorities have ignored safety protocols for far too long in Koh Samui!
I completely agree! The way tourism is handled in that area is reckless. It’s high time they revamped their regulations.
We don’t know the complete details yet. Maybe it was human error or a freak accident. Let’s not jump to conclusions.
You can’t just blame the local authorities; accidents happen. Everyone involved was probably doing their best.
If that were true, we wouldn’t be seeing fatalities like this. They need a complete overhaul of safety measures.
I’ve been to Koh Samui many times and never felt unsafe. This sounds like an isolated incident.
The government needs to step in immediately. How many lives must be lost before action is taken?
Government involvement isn’t always the answer. More regulations could complicate an already fragile tourism economy.
It’s precisely because of lax regulations that incidents like this occur. Something must change!
Exactly. Without strict guidelines, more tragedies are bound to happen. This isn’t just about economics.
This is heartbreaking. Kriengkai Somboonying sounds like a dedicated professional who didn’t deserve this fate.
My heart goes out to the victims and their families. I hope the investigation brings some answers soon.
Answers won’t bring back Kriengkai. They need to ensure this doesn’t happen again.
True, but knowing the real cause can help prevent future mishaps. Safety improvements stem from learning what went wrong.
I was there the week before this happened. The water traffic can be chaotic at times.
Maybe that’s something that needs to be addressed? Better management of boat traffic to avoid such accidents.
Absolutely. There should be stricter rules and perhaps more designated pathways for boats.
How tragic. We often forget how dangerous the sea can be, even in places we consider paradise.
Could this be related to overworking the staff? Both boats were conducting routine services that may stretch their limits.
That’s a good point. Overworked staff are more likely to make errors. It’s something that should be looked into.
I’ve heard locals say the demand for full-moon parties and hospital services has soared. More resources should be dedicated to better management.
This is just awful. Safety is everyone’s responsibility – from boat operators to enforcement agencies.
We shouldn’t forget the driver of the Chor Chokchanita 22 also got injured. Hope they recover soon.
Absolutely. The focus often goes on immediate victims, but all those affected should be considered.
Speedboats are notorious for being reckless. Ban them altogether! Use safer, slower boats instead.
That’s impractical. People use speedboats for a reason – they’re fast and efficient. Better regulation is the key, not banning.
Kriengkai’s story is heart-wrenching. Anyone who dedicates their life to helping others deserves better protection.