Two injured in Phuket parasailing accident

PHUKET: A Chinese girl and a Thai man were injured in a parasailing accident at Kata Beach yesterday afternoon when the pair became caught up in a tree and then fell to the ground.

The 9-year-old girl was flying tandem with Prasert Boonkert, 30, an employee of Sea Sport Speed Boat, at around 1pm when the pair became entangled in the tree as they descended to land on the beach.

“Both then fell to the ground. The girl landed on top of Mr Prasert, sustaining minor injuries to her neck, chest and lower body. She was rushed to Patong Hospital but later released,” Lt Weerayuth Thansirisukhaworakul of the Karon Police told the Gazette.

Mr Prasert, however, sustained a serious chest injury. He was also taken to Patong Hospital where he was to undergo emergency surgery on his lungs.

Police questioned the boat driver, Wanchai Chalermsab, but have so far not pressed any charges against him or Mr Prasert.

“Mr Prasert’s medical expenses are covered by his employer’s insurance. Meanwhile, we are mediating in talks with the injured girl’s family, who are here on holiday, to establish whether they will require any compensation,” said Lt Weerayuth.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong