Pattaya, Thailand – March 8, 2025 – A tragic incident occurred near Pattaya Beach on Saturday morning when a 40-year-old Thai woman drowned after going swimming under the influence of alcohol. The incident has prompted warnings from rescue teams about the dangers of combining alcohol consumption with swimming.

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Details of the Incident

The Pattaya City Police were notified of the drowning at 10:06 A.M. near Pattaya Walking Street. Rescue divers were dispatched to the scene and spent approximately 30 minutes searching for the woman, identified as Ms. Natthakan, 40, from Nakhon Ratchasima. Her body was eventually recovered, and no signs of foul play were found.

According to her friends, who were with her at the time, the group had been drinking alcohol after finishing their shift at a local bar. Ms. Natthakan decided to go swimming in the sea, despite the area not being designated as a safe swimming zone and lacking lifeguards. She soon disappeared beneath the waves, prompting her friends to alert rescue teams. Unfortunately, their efforts to save her were unsuccessful.

Warnings from Rescue Teams

The Sawang Boriboon Rescue Teams, who responded to the incident, issued a stern warning to the public about the dangers of swimming after consuming alcohol. They emphasized that alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and the ability to swim, creating a potentially deadly combination.

Additionally, they highlighted the risks of swimming in unguarded areas, particularly those not designated as safe swimming zones. Pattaya Beach’s central areas, which are monitored by lifeguards, can still be hazardous, but swimming in unsupervised areas significantly increases the risk of accidents.

The incident has sparked concern among locals and tourists in Pattaya, a popular destination known for its vibrant nightlife and beaches. Many have expressed sadness over the preventable tragedy and called for increased safety measures, including clearer signage about swimming hazards and stricter enforcement of alcohol-related safety guidelines.

A Call for Caution

Authorities and rescue teams are urging the public to exercise caution when engaging in water activities, especially after consuming alcohol. They recommend:

• Avoiding swimming while under the influence of alcohol.
• Swimming only in designated areas monitored by lifeguards.
• Being aware of one’s physical limitations and the risks associated with open water.

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As Pattaya continues to attract visitors from around the world, efforts to promote water safety and prevent similar tragedies must remain a priority.

-Thailand News (TN)