Intoxicated noodle vendor drowns in Samut Prakan shellfish pond
A noodle vendor tragically lost her life, discovered headfirst in a shellfish pond in Samut Prakan province, a fate believed to be the result of intoxication. Her sister revealed her fondness for alcohol, suspecting she lost her footing and slipped into the pond while heading home.
The incident was reported today, November 21, with officers from the Ban Khlong Suan Police Station in Phra Samut Chedi district, Samut Prakan, responding to a grim discovery.
The lifeless body of 52 year old Malee was found among the grass at the edge of a shellfish pond near the second lane of the district office-Wat Sakhla road, Village 3, Na Kluea subdistrict, Phra Samut Chedi district, Samut Prakan.
Officers, accompanied by medical staff from Phra Samut Chedi Hospital and the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, arrived promptly for a thorough investigation.
The scene was a footpath by a shellfish pond, sprawling over more than 10 rai (approximately 16,000 square metres). The victim, a local of Na Kluea, was discovered lying supine in the water, her head submerged in the pond with her feet resting on the earthen bank.
She was clad in a black round-neck T-shirt and black capri trousers, with no shoes. A noticeable abrasion on her right elbow suggested a possible scrape, with skin missing from the area. Foundation staff carefully retrieved her body from the water for further examination on the bank.
The investigation included an interview with 60 year old Jaruek, the victim’s sister. According to Jaruek, Malee was a noodle vendor working near the Phra Samut Chedi District Office and had a strong penchant for drinking alcohol.
On the evening before the discovery, Malee had cycled about 1 kilometre from her home to a local grocery store to buy alcohol, a routine repeated daily.
Jaruek stated that having completed her errands and gone to bed, she woke to the devastating news that her sister had drowned near their home. The usual route home required walking along the embankment of the cockle pond for about 50 metres before reaching the house.
Jaruek speculated that Malee, heavily intoxicated the previous night, might have lost her footing due to wet grass and dew-laden paths, leading to her tragic fall into the water. Intoxicated and unable to call for help, Malee succumbed to drowning unnoticed.
The family expressed no suspicion regarding the circumstances of Malee’s death, being aware of her habitual drinking.
Police documented the scene and recorded the incident in the daily log before entrusting the body to the foundation staff for transport to the forensic institute for an autopsy. Relatives were informed to arrange for the body to be collected for funeral rites following local customs, reported KhaoSod.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news.
Why might alcohol consumption increase the risk of accidental drowning?
Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, and coordination, making accidental falls into water bodies more likely and reducing the ability to react effectively.
How do environmental conditions contribute to falls near water bodies?
Wet grass and dew-laden paths can be slippery, increasing the risk of losing balance, particularly for individuals who are impaired.
What preventive measures can communities take to reduce alcohol-related accidents?
Communities can promote awareness programmes, provide safe transport options, and increase surveillance in risky areas to reduce alcohol-related incidents.
What role does routine play in the perception of risk in everyday activities?
Routine can desensitize individuals to potential hazards, leading them to underestimate risks associated with familiar routes or activities.
What if communities implemented more support systems for individuals with alcohol dependency?
Enhanced support systems could reduce alcohol-related incidents by providing alternative coping mechanisms and reducing alcohol dependence.
