Nakhon Ratchasima Leads Nation In Drowning Deaths

Nakhon Ratchasima province has the highest drowning death rate in Thailand, with 79 fatalities reported. The primary causes include inability to swim, lack of life-saving skills, and children entering water without informing their guardians.

On June 30, Deputy Governor Wijit Kitwirat of Nakhon Ratchasima presided over the opening of a water safety training and drowning prevention program at Starwell Bali Resort in Muang district. Representatives from relevant agencies, local government organizations, rescue units, and network partners from all 32 districts participated in activities to raise awareness, enhance understanding, and exchange knowledge about drowning prevention models for children, along with workshops on designing prevention processes.

Anant Thamthong, a local official in Nakhon Ratchasima, revealed that drowning deaths represent a critical public health and safety issue. According to the Department of Disease Control, between January and June 2568, Thailand recorded 1,768 drowning incidents nationwide, with Nakhon Ratchasima accounting for the highest death toll at 79 cases.

The main contributing factors include inability to swim, lack of survival skills, children entering water without close parental supervision, absence of warning signs or safety barriers—particularly during school holidays and breaks. In many cases, older siblings or elderly relatives supervise children, and statistics show children are the most vulnerable. Common drowning locations include canals, rivers, agricultural water sources, and swimming pools.

Recognizing the severity and necessity of intervention, Nakhon Ratchasima has launched a program to establish prevention measures at community and family levels before tragedies occur, aiming to reduce drowning mortality rates through serious prevention strategies.