Hotel owner dies in paramotor accident
NAKHON SRI THAMMARAT (The Nation): Suwit Kitkamchai, owner of the Patong Pearl Resortel on Sawasdirak Rd in Patong, died on Wednesday when his paramotor rig plunged into the sea during a test flight off the coast of Nakhon Sri Thammarat. He was 53.
The death was reported to Nakhon Sri Thammarat police Inspector Lt Col Boonchern Choosuehung by staff at Maharaj Hospital, where K. Suwit was pronounced dead on arrival.
K. Suwit had driven from his home in Kathu to Sichon district, Nakhon Sri Thammarat to compete in the “Paramotor Sport Challenge” that was set to start from Thong Yang Beach in Sichon district yesterday.
Over 100 paramotor enthusiasts were registered to take part in the event, leading up the coastline though neighboring Khanom district and then out over the ocean to finish on Koh Samui in neighboring Surat Thani province.
After arriving in Sichon and checking in to his hotel, K. Suwit decided to give his rig a test flight. He launched from a beachside bluff known as Plaidam Hill and was flying just offshore when his rig suddenly lost altitude and plunged into the sea.
His wife, K. Sasiwimol, told police she suspected her husband may have been too tired for the test flight after the long drive from Phuket and might have fainted while airborne.
However, doctors listed the cause of death as respiratory failure.
K. Suwit’s body has been returned to his home at Kasemsup Village off Nanai Rd in Patong, where friends and relatives are now paying their final respects.
