PHUKET: A young boy who went for a swim after having a motorcycle impounded by police early today drowned in the predawn dark at Phuket's Karon beach.
Kunakorn Saetiaw was among six boys who were pulled over by police at a checkpoint in Patak Road, Karon, about 3am.
Because of the number of stolen motorcycles in the district, police asked the boys to produce the ownership papers for the motorcycles.
When the boys could not produce the documents, the vehicles and the boys were taken to Karon Police Station, on the Phuket west coast beach road.
After being released by the police, three of the boys decided to go for a swim in the predawn darkness before going home to get the motorcycle ownership papers to recover the motorcycles.
It was a tragic error of judgement. One of Khun Kunakorn's friends dragged him back once, but the surf was too strong. His body was washed up about 6am.
It is believed that Khun Kunakorn would have turned 15 in a few days.
Water safety experts continue to warn of the dangers of swimming at Phuket's beaches at this time of the year.
Currents known as rips can drag out even quite strong swimmers.
A record number of more than 30 drownings were reported at Phuket beaches and offshore day-trip destinations in 2013. Most were tourists.
Swimmers are advised to venture into the surf only between the red and yellow lifeguard flags on days when red flags are not flying.
Kunakorn Saetiaw was among six boys who were pulled over by police at a checkpoint in Patak Road, Karon, about 3am.
Because of the number of stolen motorcycles in the district, police asked the boys to produce the ownership papers for the motorcycles.
When the boys could not produce the documents, the vehicles and the boys were taken to Karon Police Station, on the Phuket west coast beach road.
After being released by the police, three of the boys decided to go for a swim in the predawn darkness before going home to get the motorcycle ownership papers to recover the motorcycles.
It was a tragic error of judgement. One of Khun Kunakorn's friends dragged him back once, but the surf was too strong. His body was washed up about 6am.
It is believed that Khun Kunakorn would have turned 15 in a few days.
Water safety experts continue to warn of the dangers of swimming at Phuket's beaches at this time of the year.
Currents known as rips can drag out even quite strong swimmers.
A record number of more than 30 drownings were reported at Phuket beaches and offshore day-trip destinations in 2013. Most were tourists.
Swimmers are advised to venture into the surf only between the red and yellow lifeguard flags on days when red flags are not flying.
As the boys were under 16, and riding after dark, why weren't they charged with illegal operation of a motor vehicle?
Posted by The Night Mare on July 3, 2014 12:55