In Buriram province, a heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded when an eight-year-old girl lost her life after a boat overturned in the Mun River. Her 45-year-old mother, Ladda, was left inconsolable as she awaited any sign of hope amid the harrowing incident. Yesterday’s date of consequence, April 25, saw Phasakorn Phokham, a Police Lieutenant Colonel at Phutthaisong Police Station, alerted to the unfortunate event that occurred between Pla Khao village and the Mueang subdistrict.
The whole community banded together in an urgent search for the young girl’s body, a search that included both emergency services and locals alike. This second-grade student’s family, keeping vigil, included her bedridden grandfather who anxiously clung to hope for their cherished little one. Alas, their fears were confirmed when the river finally released the girl from its icy grip.
This sombre tale began when Ladda headed to the fields with her daughter and other relatives, drawn by the promise of collecting ant eggs. Trusting in the guardianship of an aunt, she left her daughter resting under the safe shade of a tree. However, this seemingly ordinary day took a devastating turn when Ladda received the chilling news: her daughter had fallen into the river.
Ladda’s suspicion fell on the boat itself, which she believed was far from seaworthy, tagged as an abandoned vessel by the village. The ordeal was set into motion by the boat rower – the lone swimmer among the four passengers. At the ripe young age of 18, he had stumbled upon the boat and whimsically decided a river jaunt was in order. Joining him for this ill-fated adventure were two young children, aged seven and eight, and their aunt.
On their return trip, tragedy struck. In the river’s heart, the boat gave up its fight against the water, casting its passengers into chaos. With determination and bravery, the teenage rower ferried the seven-year-old boy to safety on his back, then dashed to the village to seek help.
Among the survivors was Phian, 58 years old, who experienced the peak of the drama firsthand. Having sensed something was amiss, as she saw the young rower scooping water out of the vessel, she joined the children in the boat. When the boat foundered, it was every person for themselves. Phian saw her grandson valiantly clinging to the teenage rower as they ploughed through the waters. But she lost track of the eight-year-old girl, who had been perched at the boat’s rear.
Although unable to swim herself, Phian described the terrifying sensation of slipping beneath the surface, swallowing water, and envisioning the end. Her grandson’s cries for aid echoed in her ears, yet she couldn’t respond. Summoning every ounce of her strength, she swam as if her life depended on it towards the shore. A lifeline came in the form of a branch, extended from land. It was her heroic young grandson providing this beacon of hope, dragging her to safety and delivering her from the river’s clutches. In her eyes, this valiant little boy saved her life.
This story is absolutely heart-wrenching! My thoughts are with the family during this terrible time.
I agree, it’s such a tragedy. But I can’t help but wonder what the safety measures were on that boat.
Good point, John. It’s shocking they let kids go out on an abandoned, unfit boat without life vests.
It’s so sad, but accidents like this highlight the lack of safety education in rural areas.
Exactly, Rebecca. Those who live near water should be taught basic swimming and safety skills.
Yes, it’s crucial. Perhaps the community needs to invest in swimming lessons or support services?
This is a tragic story, but relying on an 18-year-old to be the sole swimmer is risky! Where were the adults?
Truthfully, many might not have the skills or confidence. It’s a neglected education area.
Yeah, but communities do need to prioritize safety, especially in areas with so many water bodies.
This is why I advocate for more comprehensive safety and swimming programs. Accidents are preventable.
I can’t imagine the guilt Ladda must be feeling, leaving her daughter like that. So sad.
It’s a nightmare for any parent, but she wasn’t to know.
Boating accidents are not uncommon. Communities really need to assess the condition of boats regularly.
Agreed, Joanna. And these boats should have a label or something indicating their seaworthiness.
I think we should be praising the young rower. It was brave to save the boy and get help.
Exactly, Ben. Despite the tragedy, his quick thinking surely prevented further loss.
Yes, even in tragedy, there’s acts of heroism worth acknowledging.
This story breaks my heart. Children are so innocent and trusting. It’s unbearable.
This tragedy could have been avoided with proper safety checks. It’s the community’s responsibility.
Yeah, CaptainBob, people often ignore the basics until something terrible happens.
Such loss of young life is devastating. It highlights the importance of community vigilance.
Stories like this remind me why I never trust old boats. It’s not worth the risk!
Sam, many share your sentiment. It takes one incident to change a life forever.
The mother’s suspicion about the boat being unfit for use is crucial.
It’s frustrating to know some tragedies can be prevented with just a bit more attention and care.
True, Gwen. Sometimes common sense and community responsibility can go a long way.
I’m so moved by the boy who saved his grandmother. His courage is inspirational.