Phuket surf leaves Russian tourist in coma

PHUKET: A Russian tourist in Phuket lies comatose in intensive care today after being pulled from the dangerous surf at Karon Beach yesterday afternoon.

The tourist, named by Patong Hospital as Kho Khay Gym, 31, was pulled from the water by beach vendors at about 4:30pm.

“He was rushed to Patong Hospital, and later transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town,” said Karon Police Sub Lt Niphon Temsang.

According to witnesses, Mr Gym went to swim with three friends, Sub Lt Niphon explained.

“Big waves hit him and dragged him out to sea. His friends called for help from the beach vendors, and it took about five minutes to rescue him,” Sub Lt Niphon said.

Four other tourists were rescued from dangerous rip currents at Kata and Karon beaches, all marked by red “no swimming” flags yesterday.

Kata-Karon beach lifeguard Uten Singsom urged tourists not to swim in areas marked by red flags.

“We have red flags and warning signs in Thai, English, Russian, Chinese, German and Korean posted along the beach to warn tourists, and still they do not listen to us,” said Mr Uten.

“It would be much safer if they obeyed the warnings,” he added.

The frantic efforts by lifeguards – and beach vendors – to rescue tourists from rip currents at Kata and Karon followed Indian tourist Ramesh Chand Singhal, 49, drowning at Kata Beach (map here) on Saturday.

His death was the third drowning in Phuket since Thursday (story here).

— Kritsada Mueanhawong