Korean Missing in Thailand Boat Accident Found Dead After Two Days

All Passengers Rescued Except One Korean
Passengers Did Not Wear Life Jackets Despite High Waves

A South Korean tourist who went missing after a boat capsizing accident on the famous Thai tourist destination Ko Pha Ngan was found dead two days later. On the 2nd, local media such as the Bangkok Post and Khaosod reported that the Thai government recovered the body of a South Korean male tourist two days after the accident on December 29 last year off the coast of Ko Pha Ngan in Surat Thani Province, southern Thailand.

The body was found near Hat Rin Pier on Ko Pha Ngan, about 5 km from the boat accident site. The police stated that the Korean body, dressed in the same clothes as worn at the time of the accident, was sent to the hospital for an autopsy. The accident boat, carrying 13 people including tourists and crew members, capsized while traveling from the southern beach of Ko Pha Ngan to a beach resort. Bangkok Post

The body was found near Haad Rin Pier on Ko Pha Ngan, about 5 km away from the boat accident site. The police stated that the South Korean body, dressed in the same clothes as worn at the time of the accident, was sent to a hospital for an autopsy. The accident boat, carrying 13 people including tourists and crew members, capsized while traveling from the southern beach of Ko Pha Ngan to a beach resort. Tourists from Japan, Turkey, the Netherlands, Germany, and other countries were on board, and all passengers except one South Korean were rescued.

At the time, strong waves of 2 to 3 meters were hitting, but the passengers were not wearing life jackets. Authorities revealed that the boat was operating without a license and ignored safety warnings that all vessels under 12 meters in length must dock at the coast. Additionally, the crew member who operated the boat tested positive for the drug Philopon (methamphetamine). Surat Thani authorities plan to prosecute the boat owner and others on charges including negligent homicide.

In Thailand, marine accidents frequently occur around popular resorts during peak seasons when foreign tourist visits increase. In June last year, four South Korean tourists were involved in an accident at a famous floating market in Thailand, where a boat driven by a local operator lost balance due to strong waves caused by another boat and collided with the canal wall, sinking. The panicked operator tried to reverse the engine to bring the boat back to the surface, but water rapidly filled the rear of the boat instead.

At that time, one of the tourists on the boat shouted, "Get off the boat," then jumped into the water to help rescue the other tourists. Encouraged by this man's shout, the tourists regained their composure and attempted to escape from the boat. By the time all had climbed onto the canal wall, the boat had completely sunk. Had they been even slightly delayed, casualties could have occurred. The South Korean man continued to check the health status of the tourists and explained the circumstances of the incident, assisting with the aftermath. He was later revealed to be a member of the Korean Coast Guard, which attracted attention. Meanwhile, concerns about the safety of vessels operating on popular tourist islands have increased due to this recent accident.