Wife missing after pickup is swept into a Ranong canal

By Kanita Seetong

Storms, high winds and flash flooding have wreaked havoc across the Andaman region over recent days.

Flash floods have swept a pickup into a canal in Ranong’s Suk Samran district last night (Saturday), with one of the victims missing and feared dead.

Ranong’s disaster prevention and mitigation chief Kittipon Wuttipongpat said the accident happened near the Wang Phak Bung Bridge during a tropical storm.

“A couple were inside the pickup when it was swept off into the water and sank. The male survived but his wife has gone missing,” Kittipon said.

Rescuers searched for her throughout the night, but could not find her or locate her body.

Sutas Kaewpradit, the village head of Moo 5 area where the accident occurred, said the missing victim was 39 year old Nokkaew Namsantiah.

“Her husband, Samart Namsantiah, was the driver at that time. He managed to get out of the vehicle after its plunge into the water,” Sutas said.

The village head said it was unclear whether Nokkaew could manage to escape in time too.

“But after a long search, we located the pickup floating in the water at 7am Sunday,” he said.

“We managed to bring it up by 11am but could not find anyone inside”.

Trang Governor Siripat Patkul meanwhile warned locals to brace for natural disasters related to heavy downpours and rough sea over the next few days.

“With a tropical storm hovering over the western South of Thailand, there are risks of heavy rain, flash floods, landslides and mudslides,” he said.

Siripat added that fishermen should be cautious about going to sea as the waves could be a few metres high.

He also advised relevant authorities to nudge tourists and locals to be very careful about venturing into the sea. Relevant agencies in Trang are now preparing rescue and relief operations.

STORY: The Nation