PATTAYA, THAILAND – A 65-year-old Russian tourist suffered a serious head injury at Jomtien Beach after she was struck in a designated swimming zone by a jet ski driven by an intoxicated Indian holidaymaker, prompting criminal investigations for alleged negligence.
Accident in the swimming zone
The incident occurred on 2 March 2026 at around 11 a.m. in the marked swimming area near Soi 5 at Jomtien Beach in Chonburi province. The Pattaya Marine Rescue Center received a report that a foreign woman had been hit and injured by a jet ski inside the buoy-marked zone.
According to the report, the collision happened within an area reserved for bathers, where motorized watercraft are not allowed. Rescuers were dispatched immediately to locate the victim and secure the scene near the busy tourist beach.
Rescue operation on the beach
Rescue personnel, including beach lifeguards from Pattaya City’s coastal security unit and volunteers from the Sawang Boriboon Foundation, found the woman drifting in the water about five meters from the shore. She was identified as Ms. Erina, 65, a Russian national, who had a laceration to her head and was described as being in a state of severe shock and distress.
First responders provided emergency treatment on the sand to stabilize her condition. She was then transported for further medical care to Bangkok-Pattaya Hospital.
Medical treatment and arrest
While medical care was underway, 34-year-old Indian national Jayesh Manvendra reportedly knelt on the beach, apologized and admitted to being the driver of the jet ski that had collided with the swimmer. He remained at the scene as rescuers worked on the injured woman.
Authorities noted his admission of responsibility for operating the watercraft involved in the crash. He was later taken into custody for questioning about the events leading up to the impact.
Statements from lifeguard and police
Coastal lifeguard Wuttichai Denchaiyaphum stated that he had previously observed the Indian tourist ignoring the buoy line marking the limit of the swimming zone with the jet ski. He said he attempted to signal the man out of the restricted area using hand gestures.
According to Wuttichai, the watercraft then accelerated before he could intervene and struck the Russian woman who was swimming in the sea. Rescue teams rushed into the water immediately after the collision to recover the injured tourist and stop the jet-ski rider, who was then handed over to Pattaya City police.
Alcohol, charges and next steps
Initial investigations found that the suspect appeared heavily intoxicated, showing slurred speech and an unsteady gait. Based on these findings, officers initially charged him with negligent bodily harm and transferred him to the responsible investigators for further legal proceedings.
Officials indicated that additional steps would follow as the case progressed through the justice system. No further details on the woman’s long-term condition were released in the available information.
Debate over beach control
The incident raised questions about safety management on Pattaya’s popular beaches and the enforcement of rules for jet-ski operators. The original report posed pointed questions to readers about oversight and responsibility.
“Does something like this happen because rules are ignored? Is the control of jet-ski operators in Pattaya sufficient? Do you really feel safe in the swimming zones?”
said the report, inviting the public to reflect on the incident and share their views on beach safety and regulation.