PATTAYA, THAILAND – A 28-year-old fishing influencer died while testing a newly purchased boat on Mapprachan Reservoir near Pattaya, after rescue divers recovered his body following a search lasting more than two hours.
Night search at key Pattaya reservoir
The accident occurred on the evening of 14 January 2026 at Mapprachan Reservoir, an important water source in the hinterland of Pattaya. Residents reported a driverless fiberglass boat drifting in the middle of the lake and a pickup truck left unusually long on the shore, prompting an alert to authorities. Rescue teams and divers then launched an intensive search and found the man’s lifeless body underwater at around 10:36 p.m., in an area where they noted no significant currents or obstacles.
Well-known fishing creator identified as victim
The deceased was identified as Chaiyathana Butrphasi (28), a social media influencer known for fishing and outdoor content. Investigators conclusively linked the drifting boat to him; he had bought it only shortly before and intended to test it on his own. Police secured the scene, documented the positions of the boat and vehicle, and questioned witnesses, finding no external injuries or initial signs of a crime before transferring the body to Banglamung Hospital for further examination.
Partner cites history of seizures
The victim’s partner, Ms. Panadda Phromphisen (28), watched the recovery efforts from the shore and broke down in tears when she saw his body. She said she had been unable to reach him repeatedly during the day and only knew he planned to buy a new boat. She had tried to dissuade him from going out alone, explaining that he had a known medical history:
“He had already had several attacks in the past.”
said Panadda, adding that he had nevertheless insisted on testing the boat by himself.
Seller confirms solo test run on the lake
The boat’s seller, Mr. Panyaphong (29), told authorities he had known the buyer for just two days. According to his account, Chaiyathana had contacted him to purchase the fiberglass boat for 4,000 baht, with the handover taking place in Pattaya. They then drove together to Mapprachan Reservoir so the buyer could try out the boat, and Panyaphong said he expressly reminded the influencer to wear a life jacket before leaving the site, later learning of the accident only via a live broadcast of the rescue and immediately returning to the reservoir.
Ongoing investigation and family rites
The responsible police station continued to investigate the exact course of events, stating that there were still no indications of third-party involvement. The family was expected to take custody of the body from Banglamung Hospital to conduct further religious rites. For the regional online angling community around Pattaya, the incident meant the loss of one of its most prominent young content creators, leaving a notable gap in the local scene.