Drowning Deaths in Thailand Average 10 Per Day — Working-Age Adults Most at Risk
Contrary to popular belief that drowning is a hazard primarily for young children, new data from The Department of Disease Control under the Ministry of Public Health reveals that the highest number of drowning deaths occur among adults, particularly those aged 45 and above.
Alarming National Statistics
Over the past decade, more than 36,870 people in Thailand have lost their lives to drowning, averaging over 3,600 deaths annually, or approximately almost 10 people every single day. These figures raise serious concerns about water safety awareness and prevention across the country.
While the number of child drownings has significantly decreased, from around 1,500 per year to approximately 560, it remains well above the national target of 290 deaths per year set in the 20-Year National Strategic Plan (ending in 2037). Most child victims are under the age of 15, with an average of nearly two children drowning daily.
A Rising Threat Among Adults
Since 2014, the 45–59 age group has overtaken children as the demographic with the highest rate of drowning deaths, followed by the elderly aged 60 and above. The steady rise in fatalities among adults highlights an often-overlooked public health risk.
Common Causes and Locations
In children, drownings frequently occur due to unsupervised play near water, accidental falls, or slipping into bodies of water. For adults, especially in rural areas, drownings are often linked to occupational activities such as fishing, foraging or gathering aquatic plants. Incidents also occur due to slips and falls, particularly near agricultural water sources.
The most common sites of drowning include irrigation ponds, canals, swamps, reservoirs and weirs. Both children and adults face heightened risks in these environments, with a worrying trend that most victims were not wearing life jackets.
Preventive Measures
Authorities recommend several key safety practices to reduce drowning incidents:
• Avoid walking or standing close to pond or canal edges to prevent accidental falls.
• Install clear warning signs, barriers or markers to indicate water boundaries.
• Children should never be allowed to enter water without adult supervision.
• Avoid swimming in unfamiliar waters where currents, depth, or underwater conditions may change.
• If water entry is necessary, always wear a life jacket or strap an empty plastic container to the body with rope for emergency flotation.
Drowning is a silent killer that claims thousands of lives in Thailand each year, not only children but a growing number of adults as well. Public awareness, stronger safety measures and community education are essential to reversing this troubling trend.
Source: Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-08-01
