Phuket

Suicide pact with eerie echoes

Published

17 years ago

May 11, 2002

Suicide pact with eerie echoes | The Thaiger

THALANG: In a double suicide attempt with spooky echoes of a past tragedy, two deaf-mute women jumped from the Tao Thepkrasattri Tao Sri Soonthorn Bridge yesterday afternoon. One drowned, but the other was rescued by fishermen. Pol Capt Apidej Chuaykeau, of Khok Kloi Police Station, said that, despite driving wind and rain, the fishermen managed to rescue Sumalee “Roong” Pratheep Na Thalang, 24, a Phang Nga native. She was rushed unconscious to Takuatung Hospital and has since recovered. The body of the other woman, Chaluay “Taew” Chotchuang, 26, was found an hour later among the pilings of the nearby Sarasin Bridge. Her body was taken to Wat Ba Tanoon in Khok Kloy for cremation. Relatives told the police that the two women had been close for many years and lived together. Recently, however, Sumalee had started going out with a man, causing friction between the women. “Witnesses told us that the women tied their hands together with a piece of cloth before jumping from the middle of the bridge,” Capt Apidej added. The case echoes a famous double suicide nearly 50 years ago. Then, a student of Rajabhat Phuket Institute and her lover, a song taew driver, jumped from the Sarasin Bridge – with their hands tied together – after their families tried to stop them seeing one another. Both died. That suicide pact became the basis for a hit song and later for a highly successful movie. As a result, the Sarasin Bridge has become a tourist spot for Thais. Many Thais, when crossing the bridge, hold their breath and make a wish. Yesterday’s incident also has links to events 250 years ago. The family name of the survivor – Pratheep na Thalang – indicates that she is a descendant of the Two Heroines, after whom the bridge from which the women jumped is named.

Phuket

Phuket tourist decides hotel awning more comfortable than his room

Published

1 day ago

February 22, 2019

Kritsada Mueanhawong

Phuket tourist decides hotel awning more comfortable than his room | The Thaiger

PHOTOS: Rawai Rescue workers / Phuket Tourist Police

The Phuket Tourist Police have been notified that a tourist had jumped from a building in Rawai and ended up on a steel awning covering the bottom floor today. But that wasn’t, in fact, what had happened.

The local Tourist Police say the owner of the building told staff at the Tourist Assistance Centre that the tourist had checked into the room on February 13.

The tourist didn’t actually jump down from the building but had moved a mattress from his room on to the awning and slept on it (mosquitos!!) He was also drunk and damaged some property inside the room.

The man is a 37 year old Estonian tourist. He was staying at the room with a 25 year old male friend.

Chalong Police have charged them both with being drunk and damaging property. They have said that they will pay for all damages to the owner of the property. They are heading back home on February 26.

Phuket

Patong motorbike racer arrested and fined – VIDEO

Published

2 days ago

February 22, 2019

The Thaiger

PHOTO: Patong Police

Patong Police yesterday arrested a motorbike racer after identifying him and his motorbike from video clips that were popular in social media this week.

Patong Police are investigating alleged foreign motorbike racing gangs in Patong after video clips went viral in local social media.

Read more about the racing around Patong’s streets HERE.

Patong Police report that they have now arrested one motorbike racer and charged him with the maximum fine.

Patong Police are also asking motorbike rental operators to explain basic traffic rules for motorbike drivers who want to rent a motorbike.

(The Thaiger is assuming this would be covered when they get their motorbike license, which they are required to have before a motorbike is rented to them.)

PHUKETForeigners racing around Patong. Who would have thought?! https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/police-investigate-motorbike-hoons-in-patongVIDEO: เป็นปากเป็นเสียง

Posted by The Thaiger on Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Phuket

500 free helmets handed out to motorbike drivers in Patong

Published

2 days ago

February 22, 2019

Kritsada Mueanhawong

500 free helmets handed out to motorbike drivers in Patong | The Thaiger

Patong Development Foundation together with Patong Police and Patong Municipality have given 500 helmets to motorbike drivers in Patong today under the campaign ‘Wear your helmet’.

Handing out the 500 helmets to motorbike user in Patong was led by Patong Police Chief Col Anothai Jindamanee, Patong Municipality Chalermluck Kebsup and President of Patong Development Foundation Preechawut ‘Prap’ Keesin.

Col Anothai says, “Many motorbike drivers have been injured and died in road accident. We want 100 percent of motorbike drivers and passengers wearing helmets. ”

“More motorbike riders are now wearing helmets as the number of not wearing helmet charges has been dropping in Patong with better enforcement.”