Boat race tragedy: Champion drowns celebrating victory in Thailand

A tragic twist of fate turned joy into sorrow when a 54 year old from Buriram province, drowned after happily jumping into the Chakkarat River to celebrate his team’s victory in a long boat race. The unfortunate boat race tragedy occurred yesterday, at the racing site along Chakkarat River, a tributary of the Mekong River, in the town of Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima province.

The victim’s team had just clinched first place in the 40-paddler category. Overjoyed with the victory, Smithinan Dechachotthanasit leapt into the river, prompting his friends to dive in to rescue him. Despite their best efforts to resuscitate him on the riverbank before transferring him to Phimai Hospital, Smithinan ultimately died.

Friends recounting the boat race tragedy said that the deceased was an avid rower who had participated in the general rounds of the competition before taking a break to cheer on his team. When his team won, he was so elated that he jumped into the river near the racing site, which is approximately 4 metres deep. His friends, who witnessed the incident, jumped in to help and pulled him out to administer CPR, but they were unable to save his life.

Officers from Phimai Police Station in Nakhon Ratchasima will continue to investigate the exact cause of death, reported Sanook.

In related news, a 35 year old retail store manager and a companion met a tragic end when their boat capsized in a reservoir in Nakhon Phanom province, northeast Thailand. The unfortunate incident was caused by a leak, leading to the drowning of the two individuals in the 5 to 6-metre deep reservoir. Read more HERE.

A tragic incident unfolded during a traditional long boat racing event at Thung Thong Chai Temple in Lom Kao, Phetchabun, on October 30. An 18 year old oarsman lost his life after attempting to swim across the river in celebration of his team’s fourth-place finish. Read more HERE.