Phatthalung Police officer who loved fishing found dead in Phatthalung canal

2026-03-09 - 03:33

PHATTHALUNG — 8 March 2026 A police officer assigned to the 191 emergency call centre was found dead in a canal near a kindergarten in Phatthalung on Saturday afternoon, with authorities believing he may have drowned while fishing. Rescue workers in Phatthalung were notified at 16:46 on Saturday of a missing person at Khlong Na Chod in the Nang Lat Nuea community, within the Phatthalung Municipality area, near Ban Dek Kindergarten. Rescue officials coordinated with local authorities and a diving team to search the canal, while villagers assisted in the effort. At the scene, residents found a Honda motorcycle parked near a car wash by the canal. Clothing believed to belong to the missing person was discovered nearby, soaked with water. The missing man was identified as Pol. Sgt. Maj. Thachanat Choonu, 45, a police officer assigned to the 191 emergency response centre in Phatthalung. Residents told officials that Pol. Sgt. Maj. Thachanat frequently came to fish in the canal. Authorities initially believe he may have entered the water to catch a fish before drowning. Rescuers search the canal for the missing officer Rescue divers searched the canal while villagers walked along the banks to help locate him. About one hour later, divers discovered his body submerged in the canal, about 200 m from where the motorcycle had been parked. The body was pale, and a sack used to hold fish was found wrapped around his neck. However, officials reported no visible wounds or signs of assault. Relatives who arrived at the scene broke down in tears upon discovering his body. One family member collapsed while embracing the deceased and said the family had often warned him about the dangers of fishing in the canal, but he loved fishing and rarely listened to their concerns. The body was sent for a detailed autopsy to determine the exact cause of death before legal procedures continue. Family members grieve at the scene after identifying the body of the missing officer