Adventure trip turns perilous as ATV overturns in fast stream

A group of employees narrowly escaped a life-threatening incident when their ATV overturned in a fast-flowing stream, leading to a rescue operation with no help from staff. The event has raised questions about the safety and licensing of adventure activity providers.

On Tuesday, September 24, at a vehicle rental company in Sai Noi, Nonthaburi, Athiwat Sirikarnwanwong, the founder of the Dare to Step Forward page, met with Premnara Boonrod, the 37 year old company’s director. This meeting followed a complaint regarding an adventure activity provider in Tha Chai, Mueang district, Nakhon Nayok.

The complaint questioned whether the provider had the necessary licenses after two company employees were involved in an ATV accident in a fast-flowing stream. Despite the severity of the incident, the ATV staff did not assist, leaving the two women to fend for themselves, resulting in near drowning and injuries.

Subsequently, the business owner offered 10,000 baht (US$300) in compensation to avoid further scrutiny and potential closure by officials.

The incident occurred at noon on September 22. Premnara, along with her boyfriend 34 year old Wiwat Kaewsripo, took company employees 56 year old Somsak Uephunpol, 30 year old Thitiporn Kaenpromma, and 48 year old Pijitra Morya, to participate in activities in Nakhon Nayok.

The activities included go-karting with three karts, two ATVs, and rafting, costing 3,450 baht (US$100) booked through a local tourism admin. Upon arrival, they found the activity site was an outdoor tent with four staff members who did not guide the activities or equipment usage. They had to follow the staff without knowing the route, leading to the ATV accident in the stream.

ATV accident

A mobile video captured by Premnara showed Somsak helping Pijitra onto the bank and then attempting to assist Thitiporn, who was clinging to a tree branch. An ATV staff member in a blue shirt later helped push Thitiporn onto the bank. Another video showed the group driving back to the ATV tent after the incident.

Premnara explained that she intended to give her employees a break, so she searched for rafting activities online and chose three activities for the trip. Upon arrival on September 22, there was no explanation about the activities, and the staff simply instructed them to follow without providing the route details.

The team had three ATVs followed by three staff ATVs. When they reached the stream, they were puzzled about driving through it but followed the staff anyway. As the employee’s ATV tilted right, Premnara stopped her vehicle.

She saw the employee’s ATV drifting with the current and shouted for help but no staff responded. Eventually, Somsak had to rescue the employee stuck underwater with the ATV. The whole incident concluded without any staff assistance, who claimed they couldn’t swim.

Thitiporn, the ATV driver, said she had no prior experience. She followed the staff into the stream, thinking they had found a safe spot. Her ATV’s right wheel tilted, and as she called for help, the vehicle started floating. The strong current swept her away, and she clung to a tree until Somsak rescued her.

Somsak recounted being the last driver and seeing the accident unfold. He asked the staff for help but they remained silent. Realising the danger, he decided to help Pijitra first, who was trapped underwater as the ATV spun.

Inexperienced staff

He managed to pull her to safety before helping Thitiporn, who was clinging to a tree branch. Somsak urged them to stay calm until they reached the bank.

Pijitra expressed her fear during the incident, believing she would die as the ATV pinned her leg. She criticised the ATV staff for their lack of experience and readiness, stating she would never participate again without ensuring proper safety measures and licenses, reported KhaoSod.

Athiwat, upon reviewing the video, deemed the situation extremely dangerous. He emphasised the need for detailed safety instructions and customer care.

He and the victims plan to visit Nakhon Nayok to urge responsible authorities to investigate the provider’s licenses, stressing that human lives cannot be compensated with money.