Thai woman electrocuted on flooded road in Surat Thani
Officials under pressure as storm season threatens more casualties
A Thai woman died from electrocution while walking along a flooded road in the southern province of Surat Thani on Tuesday, May 6. A rescue team rushed to the Bypass Road near Bang Yai Intersection in Mueang Surat Thani district after receiving a report of a fatal electrocution at around 4.50pm.
The victim, 26 year old Mantana “Mint” Phewpong, who was travelling home after work, was electrocuted at the scene.
Mint was found lying face down on the flooded road, with her motorcycle overturned nearby. For safety reasons, rescuers used a rope to wrap around parts of her body and carefully pull her away from the source of the electric shock.
The operation took over 30 minutes because the rescuers did not know the exact source of the leak. The electrocution was believed to have been caused by a street light.
Mint was reportedly riding her motorcycle home when the floodwaters caused the engine to stall. She dismounted and pushed the motorcycle along the road, where she was electrocuted.
The rescue team administered CPR and transported her to Surat Thani Hospital. Sadly, Mint passed away yesterday morning, May 8, at around 7.30am.
The incident raised serious concerns about the safety of motorists and pedestrians, prompting public calls for action from local authorities to prevent similar occurrences in future.
The Provincial Governor, Teerut Suppawiboonphon, attended Mint’s funeral at Thammabucha Temple yesterday and spoke to the media regarding the local government’s response.
Teerut stated that the issue required cooperation between several departments, and a meeting would be held to discuss the responsibilities and actions required of each.
He emphasised the need for an immediate short-term solution, as further rainfall and flooding were forecast. For a long-term solution, the province would seek funding for canal dredging to allow for faster drainage and to reduce the risk of future road flooding.
A similar incident occurred in December last year in the southern province of Songkhla, where a university lecturer was electrocuted while attempting to close a metal gate during a flood in Hat Yai District. The gate was reportedly in contact with an exposed copper wire, resulting in a fatal accident.
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