Phuket jet ski tragedy casts shadow over British man’s holiday

A British man’s paradise holiday in Phuket tragically turned to gloom for his family when he lost his life in a jet ski crash earlier this month.

Jonathan Greene, from Stoke-on-Trent, met a tragic end during his holiday in the sun-soaked paradise of Phuket earlier this month.

The 37 year old, of Church Avenue in Baddeley Green, was soaking up the sun and sand and enjoying his vacation on the renowned beach resort island when disaster struck.

Despite a valiant fight for survival, Greene succumbed to his injuries in a Bangkok hospital on May 6.

Heartbreaking details of the incident surfaced this week as North Staffordshire assistant coroner Duncan Ritchie launched an inquiry into the demise of the electrician.

The coroner addressed the inquest opening with details of the deceased.

“Jonathan William Greene was born on March 10, 1987 and died on May 6, 2024 in a Bangkok hospital. His occupation was an electrician.

“He was on holiday and his family were informed that he’d had a jet ski accident. His post-mortem examination was carried out in Thailand and is suspected of drowning, therefore it is an unnatural cause of death. This hearing has been adjourned until a date to be fixed pending the preparation of further reports.”

In related news, Phuket police launched a cracked down on illegal jet-ski operations in Yamu Bay and the neighbouring areas of Ao Por, Koh Rang, Koh Rang Noi, and Naka Island, all situated off the east coast of the island.

Natchapong Pranit, Director of the Marine Department Region 5 office ( Phuket Marine Office), revealed that the operation was initiated following numerous complaints from locals. They expressed concerns about the safety risks posed to tourists by the illegal jet ski activities.

Meanwhile, three Thai people lost their lives after a jet ski crashed into their longtail boat in the Nong Ngu Hao Canal in the Samut Prakarn province near Bangkok.

Officers from Bang Sao Thong Police Station and rescuers rushed to the accident scene in the canal. They met with the tragic deaths of three victims, including a 31 year old man named Sarawut Auamwongprem, a 30 year old man named Kritsada Worrasookkang, and a 29 year old woman named Waritsara Saengchan.