CCTV captured three Chinese nationals walking through floodwaters before one fell into a canal in Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. One was swept away by the current and is missing; two survived. The missing person has not yet been found.
At 05:00 on 24 Sep 2026, the Pattaya Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Radio Center received a report of foreigners walking through floodwaters before falling into a canal and disappearing underwater. The incident occurred at Klong Taiyai, Soi Noen Plabwan, Village No. 5, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. After the report, the water rescue operation team and volunteers were dispatched with equipment to investigate the scene.
Upon arrival, it was found that the road was flooded with water about 50-70 cm deep. At the Klong Taiyai site, the water completely covered the bridge and the current was strong.
Local residents nearby confirmed that three foreigners tried to walk through the floodwaters unaware that a canal blocked the road ahead. This caused two of them to step into the canal. The first person managed to float and cling to some bushes before swimming safely to shore. The other appeared to be sucked into a large drainage pipe and disappeared underwater.
The rescue team planned a search along the canal, which is at least one kilometer long. Although water levels have returned to normal, the canal still has a strong current, and the missing person has yet to be found.
Mr. Thitikorn Thongkanluang, 17, a local witness who tried to help, said he saw three foreign men—nationality unknown—walking through the floodwaters holding umbrellas and sticking together. Nearing the canal, all three likely realized the canal blocked their path, causing two to fall in. The first (wearing black) floated to some bushes and swam safely ashore. The second (wearing white) drowned in front of him. He shouted for help and alerted locals who called rescue services.
Ms. Charinthip Matrach, 40, a ride-hailing driver, said she picked up three foreigners—uncertain if South Korean or Chinese—from Walking Street, South Pattaya, headed to Soi Wat Boonsampan 9 (Soi Khao Noi). To avoid flooded roads, she turned into Soi Noen Plabwan to detour. Upon reaching the incident site, she encountered floodwaters, which entered her vehicle. She stopped near a village out of concern for further travel. At that moment, the three foreigners exited the car and walked through the floodwaters, then fell into the canal about 100 meters from where she stopped.
Ms. Joy (alias), a nearby resident, told reporters she recorded part of the incident. One of the Chinese men struggled to swim back to shore. After reaching land, two men who were friends of the missing person approached her and communicated via a Chinese translation app, asking, “Please throw a rope to help my friend.” They talked for nearly ten minutes before the two Chinese men walked away.
The latest reports indicate that water levels at the site are receding but rain continues. The canal, known as Klong Taiyai, extends to Klong Naklua, spanning over 2 km. The canal’s current remains strong, and the missing person has not been found. Rescue teams are planning and continuing the search, with updates to follow.