Crime
Two Elderly South Korean Golfers Still Missing in Northern Thailand after Falling into Nan River
PHITSANULOK – Two elderly South Korean golfers went missing and believed drowned after their golf cart was rammed by another cart and fell from a platform into the Nan river in Thailand’s Phitsanulok province on Christmas Day.
The two Koreans were later identified as Jaseoong Ha, 76, and Jun Yong Sung, 68.
Police said the two victims and their wives stayed at a resort with a golf course in Tambon Sri Phirom and all four of them crossed the river from their resort to the golf course on the opposite side via a floating platform which was pulled across the river with slings and pulley.
Jun Yong Sung, 68 and Jaseoong Ha, 76, have drowned in the river after completing their round and returning to clubhouse.
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After finishing the golf game, the four tourists were to return to their resort with the two men riding a golf cart onto the floating platform. Riding in another golf cart, the two women headed for the platform but the cart failed to stop and slammed into the rear of the first cart sending it with their husbands into the river.
A caddie who was standing on the platform was also thrown into the river, but she was plucked from the river by a boatman who was nearby and rushed to her rescue.
Rescuers started search operation right after the incident until suspended Tuesday night. They resumed the search Wednesday morning but have found no signs of the two golfers.
More divers joined the operation in the 14-meter-deep river with fast-moving and murky water, police said.
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South Korean consular officials have been informed and observed the search and rescue operation as the two men are presumed dead after missing for over 24 hours.
Phitsanulok Governor Piphat Ekphaphan instructed coordinated operation and assessment of the tragic incident to improve safety in the golf resort.
He hinted that golfers should not be allowed to operate golf cart because lacking skills.
Source: TNA, Thai PBS
