How quickly things can spiral—one moment you’re scrolling through slot games, hopeful, the next you’re battling waves in a canal. That’s exactly what happened in Buriram on July 4, 2025, when a 21-year-old student, weighed down by gambling losses, jumped into a canal and drowned.
What Really Went Down by the Canal
The student—identified as “Choo,” a resident of Buriram’s Mueang district—returned home visibly distressed after losing over 7,000 baht to online slots. Later that evening, as he and his girlfriend walked along a canal bank, Choo walked off, slipped into the water, and never resurfaced.
Witnesses, including a nearby security guard, reacted quickly to cries for help. The girlfriend, trying to pull him out, came up empty. A T-shirt left behind on the bank was the only clue before rescue divers began their search.
The Rescue Mission and Shocking Outcome
Approximately 45 tense minutes after Choo plunged into murky waters, divers found his body submerged about 5 meters deep. The rescue team, led by police and Buriram diving crews, recovered him from the canal—it was too late.
No evidence of foul play was found. Choo was wearing just jeans and sneakers, with no signs of assault.
What Sparked This Tragedy? A Breakdown of Events
Let’s break it down:
| Moment | What Happened |
|---|---|
| Night out ends | Choo returns home, visibly anxious after betting losses |
| Lost 7,000 baht | Confides in girlfriend about his gambling losses |
| Walk along canal | Anxiety peaks—he stops conversations with a blank stare |
| Jump into canal | Suddenly leaps into water, vanishes under currents |
| Desperate attempts | Girlfriend and guard try to rescue but can’t reach him |
| Search and recovery | Divers find him submerged about 5 m deep, 45 minutes later |
Why This Story Strikes a Chord
You might wonder, “Why gambled again after a loss?” That sinking feeling when hope crashes down—it can push you to chase the win. Online gambling offers that instant thrill, but easily becomes a deep hole, especially for students with limited money and no safety net.
Thailand continues efforts to curb gambling addiction, but single events like this highlight how real the risk is — especially without immediate support and awareness.
Lessons We Can Learn
This tragedy isn’t just about loss—it’s a warning. Seeing an anxious loved one? Don’t dismiss it as stress. Ask questions. Offer help. Reinforce that no amount lost is worth more than a human life. And if you suspect gambling is taking over, professional help is essential—don’t wait.
Conclusion
What started as a fun gamble turned into a lifelong regret for Choo. A night lost to slot games ended in a canal—his panic pulled him deeper than he could swim. Let this tragedy remind us: gambling isn’t just money lost—it can cost lives. Keep an eye on one another, and never let desperation win.