Diver Drowns While Collecting Shells to Pay for His Own Medical Treatment Off Samaesarn Coast
PATTAYA, Thailand – April 14, 2025 — A 36-year-old man tragically drowned off the coast of Samaesarn, Sattahip, while diving for shells to help fund his medical expenses.
Khwan Huaykham was pulled from the water unconscious by a friend and brought ashore, where rescue personnel and Sattahip police officers immediately performed CPR. He was then rushed to Queen Sirikit Navy Hospital, but was sadly pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
According to Ms. Rungrach Patkaew, the victim’s 57-year-old mother, Khwan had been collecting and selling shells to raise money for his own medical treatment. She described him as determined to support himself despite his health struggles.
A friend who accompanied him during the dive recounted that Khwan went underwater to search for shells but failed to resurface. Alarmed, the friend dove down and found Khwan submerged. Though they were able to bring him to shore, it was too late to save his life.
The incident has cast a somber tone over the area, highlighting the lengths to which some individuals go to secure healthcare amid financial hardship.
