Tragic Incident at Ban Ko Kham Weir
A 14-year-old boy tragically drowned while playing at an overflow weir in Ban Ko Kham, Ban Dan district, Buriram, on 19 September 2025. The incident unfolded around 13:00, when the student jumped into deep, fast-flowing water despite being unable to swim, leading to his death. The boy, identified as Chaiwat, was a M2 student. He had travelled with three friends to the weir, located roughly 500 metres from the village, after riding motorcycles from Buriram town. One friend initially warned him not to enter the water, but Chaiwat ignored the caution, removed his shirt, and leapt in. Local residents watched in alarm as the current, made stronger by continuous overnight rainfall, swept the boy away. The overflow weir had a water depth of nearly four metres, making rescue especially challenging.
Rescue Efforts and Community Response
Rescue teams, including divers from Sawang Channyatham Buriram Rescue and medical staff from Ban Dan Hospital, recovered Chaiwat’s body after approximately 20 minutes. Villagers had gathered along the banks, anxiously observing every moment of the rescue operation. A friend of the victim, who asked to remain anonymous, said the group had come to play in the water for fun. “I told him not to go in as he couldn’t swim, but he jumped in anyway,” the friend recounted. The other three friends immediately sought help from nearby villagers when Chaiwat disappeared beneath the water. The harrowing incident left the community in mourning. Residents highlighted that this was the second drowning at Ban Ko Kham weir, stressing the ongoing dangers posed by the deep water and strong currents.
Warnings and Safety Concerns
The tragedy underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures at the Ban Ko Kham weir. Locals are calling for warning signs and barriers to prevent further accidents. Authorities have yet to announce any new precautions, leaving the community anxious for enhanced protection. This heartbreaking event is a stark reminder of how quickly fun can turn fatal when swimming in unsafe waters, especially for children and teenagers unable to swim.