Regional News
Hotel Collapses in Koh Chang, Thailand Killing One Tourist and Trapping Seven Others
KOH CHANG – At least one foreign tourist has died and seven remained trapped after a two-story hotel at a beach resort on Thailand’s Koh Chang island partly collapsed on Saturday morning, burying several families, including a two-year-old child, local police said.
Koh Chang police commander Pol Col Arwat Pibulsawat said the Siam Beach Hotel near the Siam Beach in Kaibae village of Tambon Koh Chang in Trat’s Koh Chang district tumbled down at 6 am.
He said Ms. Kotchakorn Thammachak, 37, died on the spot while she was sleeping inside the building and a two-year-old child was among the trapped tourists.
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The trapped guest were identified as Mr Pairoj Wiriyarak, 54,  Mr Watthanat Wiriyabut, 39, Ms Walee Sunthornsarn, 37, Ms Joranee Pandokmai, 35, and Ree-ong Wiriyabut, 3.
Koh Chang District Chief Kamthon Wehon said the hotel has four rooms and it was built next to a mountain.
District Chief Kamthon said the torrential rains caused the land to subside, leading to the collapse. The real cause has yet to be found out, he added.
The hotel said it would cover all medical costs for the injured victims.
Trat governor Channa Iemsaeng ordered an investigation into the safety of the hotel’s buildings after inspecting the site with Koh Chang municipality mayor Sanya Kerdmanee.