Tragedy strikes the Chao Phraya River: Two dead in jet ski collision

A devastating jet ski accident on the Chao Phraya River in Samut Prakan’s Phra Pradaeng district on Saturday night claimed the lives of two people. The jet ski, operated by 21 year old Shindanai Sae Lim, smashed into a small boat, raising serious concerns about his qualifications to handle the watercraft.

The Provincial Marine Office’s Samut Prakan Branch acted promptly, issuing an immediate ban on the use of the jet ski, which was legally registered. Both Shindanai and the jet ski’s owner were called in to account for the incident, with a demand for all pertinent documents, including registration papers and a helmsman certificate.

It has emerged that Shindanai did not possess a helmsman certificate, putting him at risk of hefty penalties for operating a boat without the required certification. Offenders face fines of up to 10,000 baht, a jail term of up to six months, or both. Shindanai, accompanied by his father, arrived at the Provincial Marine Office’s Samut Prakan Branch at around 11.45am yesterday to meet with officials and provide their statements.

Shindanai recounted that he was part of a group of 11 individuals travelling on five jet skis towards a pier in Bangkok’s Chom Thong district when the accident occurred. His girlfriend, 17 year old Nanyaree Minhongdee and her mother, 41 year old Onlada Silanong, were passengers on his jet ski.

“I couldn’t see the boat crossing the river because it had no lights, and the area was very dark,” Shindanai stated regarding the accident.

However, a social media user familiar with the small boat’s driver, 64 year old Prayoon Uampathum, disputed Shindanai’s version of events. The user claimed that Prayoon always used a headlamp, casting doubt on the assertion that the boat was unlit.

The collision led to the drowning of Prayoon and his 44 year old passenger, Parichat Hoiman.

Original story: Jet ski crash on Chao Phraya River leaves two injured, two missing

A jet ski collided with a long-tail boat on the Chao Phraya River, leaving two injured and two missing near Bang Krachao pier. The incident occurred around 9pm yesterday, August 17, prompting immediate rescue efforts.

Two individuals, a 17 year old girl and her 41 year old mother, sustained injuries from the collision. They were transported to Paolo Phra Pradaeng Hospital with bruises and body pain.

Two people are still missing: a 44 year old woman who was a passenger on the long-tail boat and the 64 year old boat driver. Divers and underwater specialists were mobilised for the search, with the Marine Department advising cargo ships to exercise heightened caution in the area.

Shindanai, an actor who was driving the jet ski, explained the situation. He was riding the jet ski with his girlfriend and her mother, heading from Rama II to Phra Pradaeng for dinner. After dining, he and a friend proceeded to ride back home. Due to the darkness at the time of the accident, he did not see the long-tail boat crossing the river as it had no lights or signals, resulting in an unexpected collision.

As of 11pm, search efforts for the two missing individuals continued. The strong currents and extensive search area required meticulous planning. Investigators from Phra Pradaeng Police Station have invited Shindanai and his friend for initial questioning at the station, with a detailed investigation and legal proceedings to follow.