South Korean tourist missing after flood sweeps him away in Pattaya
A man believed to be South Korean vanished when floodwaters dragged him into a drainage channel near Pattaya, and authorities have yet to locate him.
Around 5 a.m. on Thursday, a South Korean man went missing after slipping into a flooded drainage channel in Nong Prue, Chonburi province, while walking with two other men. Security camera video captured one of the companions climbing back onto the road, but the second was swept away by the strong current. Divers and police have inspected the drain and surrounding canals but have found no trace of the missing individual.
Authorities are also searching for the two survivors, who left the scene without notifying officials. A house about a kilometre from the incident, rented by three South Korean men since September 12, was searched, revealing wet clothing and new computer equipment. Police are coordinating with immigration officials to confirm the occupants' identities and continue the investigation.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the dangers of sudden flooding in Thailand and the challenges faced by authorities in locating missing persons during extreme weather.
How this story developed
- Sep 26 Bangkok declares citywide disaster as torrential rains dump nearly 300 mm since Thursday
- Sep 26 Temporary shelters have been opened, now housing roughly 900 people.
- Sep 27 Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul cut short his London trip to oversee the flood response.
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