Public warned to remain vigilant to drowning risk

Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin has warned the public to take extra care over the Songkran holidays, given the annual surge in drownings around the time of the water festival.

- APINYA WIPATAYOTIN MONGKOL BANGPRAPA,

Alarming statistics show that fatalities from drowning climb steeply in April, especially during Songkran.

According to data from the ministry's permanent secretary office, an average of 327 people drown each April, and during April 13-15, as many as 15 drown on average per day, 1.5 times higher than at other times of year.

Adults aged 45-59 are the most at-risk group, accounting for 84 deaths in April, followed by children under 15, with an average of 70 fatalities that month.