Boy, 12, Drowns in Chao Phraya River After Being Pushed

At 5:20 p.m. on August 10, Deputy Investigation Chief Naratip Somyen of Pak Khlong Saan Police Station received a report of a drowning near the Chao Phraya River bank close to Bangkok Bridge. Rescue divers from the Por Teck Tung Foundation were dispatched to the scene, approximately 300 meters from the riverbank. Within a short time, they found the body of an 11-12-year-old boy submerged underwater and brought him to the surface. The boy was shirtless, wearing only black school pants, with no shoes.

The victim's friend described the incident in a shaky voice, explaining that he and two other friends had come to fish along the Chao Phraya River near Bangkok Bridge when another group of friends they knew arrived to fish as well. After his fishing line became caught on rocks underwater, the group went down to retrieve it. The water level was only about knee-deep when they suddenly heard someone shout to go swimming. Someone then pushed the friend from behind, causing him and the others to be swept away. The survivor managed to remain standing on rocks and held his friend's head, alternating to breathe above water. A construction worker brought a long piece of wood for him to grab, but the friend he was holding slipped away. When the worker dove in to help, he was unable to find the boy.

Chin Wattana, a good Samaritan who dove into the water to help, recounted that he had just finished work and was heading home when he drove under Bangkok Bridge. About four or five children ran out and blocked his vehicle, asking him to help their drowning friend. He rushed in and jumped into the water to rescue the heavier boy first, but was unable to locate the other child. Deputy Investigation Chief Naratip Somyen coordinated the handover to the Por Teck Tung Foundation and the Institute of Forensic Medicine, and notified the family to proceed with merit-making ceremonies.