Drowning deaths surge 1.5x during Songkran: Public Health Ministry

Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin attributed the sharp rise in drowning cases to extreme heat. He noted that families and groups of friends often flock to water-based attractions to cool off, increasing their exposure to water-related hazards.

Data from the ministry’s Office of the Permanent Secretary, spanning 2015 to 2024, shows an average of 327 drowning deaths each April. The most affected age group is adults aged 45–59, accounting for 84 deaths, followed by children under 15, with 70 deaths.

During the Songkran holiday (April 13–15), the daily average of drownings rises to nearly 15—1.5 times higher than usual. The highest number of fatalities typically occurs on April 13, with an average of 18 deaths.

The Department of Disease Control’s Drowning Report further reveals that over half (58.6%) of Songkran drowning incidents occur during water play, with 79.3% taking place in agricultural or natural water sources. Alarmingly, 12% of victims had consumed alcohol, and none were wearing life jackets.

Key risk factors for both adults and children include a lack of water safety awareness, inability to swim, failure to wear life jackets or use buoyancy aids, and inadequate knowledge of how to administer first aid in drowning situations.

Somsak urged the public to adopt the "Life Jacket – Rules – No Alcohol" safety principle:

• Wear a life jacket during all water activities or use buoyancy aids such as empty plastic jugs or bottles.
• Follow water safety rules, such as avoiding areas marked with red flags, strong currents, or rip tides, and always observe warning signs.
• Avoid alcohol before or during water activities, or when near water sources.

“Parents and guardians are strongly advised to supervise children closely and never allow them to play in the water unsupervised,” he added.

He also stressed that water-based tourist destinations—such as reservoirs, dams, waterfalls and beaches—must provide clearly marked swimming zones, separate from navigation routes, and ensure lifeguards are on duty during operational hours.

For those witnessing someone drowning, Somsak advised following the “Shout – Throw – Reach” principle:

• Shout: Call out for help to alert others.
• Throw: Toss nearby floatation devices, such as ropes or buoyant objects.
• Reach: Extend an object, such as a stick or item of clothing, for the victim to grab.

Once the person is rescued, do not lift them over your shoulder or apply pressure to the abdomen in an attempt to remove water. Instead, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and chest compressions, and immediately call emergency services on 1669.