Wife missing after pickup swept into Ranong canal as weather worsens

Ranong’s disaster prevention and mitigation chief Kittipon Wuttipongpat said the accident happened near the Wang Phak Bung Bridge during a tropical storm. 
“A couple were inside the pickup when it was swept off into the water and sank. The male victim survived but his wife has gone missing,” Kittipon said. 
Rescuers searched for her throughout Saturday night, but could not find her or locate her body, he said.
Sutas Kaewpradit, the village head of Moo 5 area where the accident occurred, said the missing victim was Nokkaew Namsantiah, 39.
“Her husband, Samart Namsantiah, was the driver at that time. He managed to get out of the vehicle after its plunge into the water,” Sutas said. 
The village head said it was unclear whether Nokkaew could manage to escape in time too. 
“But after a long search, we located the pickup floating in the water at 7am Sunday,” he said, “We managed to bring it up by 11am but could not find anyone inside”. 
Trang Governor Siripat Patkul meanwhile warned locals to brace for natural disasters related to heavy downpours and rough sea over the next few days. 
“With a tropical storm hovering over the western South of Thailand, there are risks of heavy rain, flash floods, landslides and mudslides,” he said. 
Siripat added that fishermen should be cautious about going to sea as the waves could be a few metres high. 
He also advised relevant authorities to nudge tourists and locals to be very careful about venturing into the sea.
Relevant agencies in Trang are now preparing rescue and relief operations.