Unidentified bodies discovered in Sattahip community water treatment pond

The tranquillity of the Sattahip district, Chon Buri, was disrupted on April 5 when two unidentified male bodies were discovered floating in a local water treatment pond. The pond, situated within the precincts of the Sattahip Waterworks Office, is a crucial resource, providing drinking water to the community.

The grim discovery was made on April 5, around 3.30pm, when the police were alerted by a passerby who reported an unpleasant odour emanating from the pond. On arrival, the authorities were confronted with the sight of two decomposing bodies, floating lifelessly in the water. The rescue workers who subsequently arrived on the scene were tasked with the grim job of retrieving the bodies from the pond.

While the victims’ identities remained unknown at the time of reporting, the police speculated that they might have been local fishermen who had surreptitiously ventured into the area to fish in the pond. The lack of any visible signs of foul play on the bodies led the police to surmise a tragic sequence of events.

They conjectured that one of the victims might have accidentally fallen into the pond, which has a sloped embankment and is notoriously difficult to exit. The other fisherman, in a bid to save his companion, may have also fallen in and tragically, both men probably succumbed to exhaustion and drowned.

“Despite the prohibition on fishing in the pond, people often trespass to fish illegally,” revealed officials from the Sattahip Waterworks Office. There is even a sign right next to the pond warning people against engaging in recreational activities or fishing in the pond.

The shocking incident understandably raised alarm among the Sattahip residents over the quality of their tap water, given that the bodies were found in the water supply source. Responding to these concerns, the Sattahip Waterworks Office took immediate action. Shortly after the incident on April 6, they posted a video and photographs on their Facebook page, demonstrating the rigorous cleaning and disinfection process of the pond, reported The Pattaya News.

In addition, the officials also assured residents that they have conducted comprehensive water quality tests. They promised to share the results publicly in due course, to allay any fears regarding the drinking water quality.