PATTAYA, Thailand – Chonburi Governor Naris Niramaiwong joined an urgent search on Thursday for a foreign man who disappeared after falling into a flooded canal in Nongprue, Banglamung, with more than seven hours of searching producing no sign of him.
The incident occurred at about 5 a.m. on September 24 in the Khlong Ta Yai area of Soi Nern Plub Wan, East Pattaya, when three foreign men reportedly attempted to walk through floodwater. One man fell into the canal and was swept away in the strong current, while two others survived. Governor Naris visited the canal at about 3:30 p.m. to receive an update on the search and oversee the ongoing rescue operation.
More than 50 rescuers from the Sawang Boriboon had been searching since early morning. As the water level began to fall during the afternoon, rescue teams conducted a line search along more than 3 kilometers of the canal, including drainage tunnels, while divers searched a deep section of the waterway.
The search continued from about 5 a.m. until 4 p.m. without locating the missing man. Officials subsequently paused the operation while the governor was due to receive a full briefing and discuss plans for a renewed search. Police are also trying to locate two other foreign men who were with the missing man. Witnesses reportedly saw them leave the area after the incident, after asking residents to throw a rope to their friend.
Investigators have since contacted a ride-hailing driver who confirmed that he had picked up three foreign passengers in the Walking Street area of South Pattaya and was taking them to Soi Wat Boonsamphan 9. According to the driver, his navigation system suggested a route change because of flooding. When the vehicle reached the incident area, high water prevented it from continuing and floodwater began entering the car. The driver stopped, but the three passengers reportedly left the vehicle and attempted to continue on foot through the floodwater.
Police are now working to locate the two surviving men to obtain further information about what happened. The search comes as Pattaya and surrounding areas remain under heavy-rain conditions, with officials warning residents to exercise caution around flooded roads, canals and drainage channels.
