An uncle of “Golf,” one of the two Thai students whose car fell off a California cliff two weeks ago, traveled to the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok this morning to file a “symbolic” visa application to send Thai rescuers to the U.S. to search for his nephew as California authorities have postponed their recovery effort indefinitely.
The fate of Thiwadee “Min” Saengsuriyarit and Pakkaphol “Golf” Chairattanasongporn, Thai students at the University of Florida, remains unknown after they went missing and their car was found in a river on the way to Kings’ Canyon National Park on July 26.
Fast moving waters and geographical challenges have prevented California rescuers from being able to recover the students’ car. It remains submerged under the river, off the 150-meter-deep cliff.
The story has caused controversy among Thais — many are angered by the delayed process, while the others accept it would be dangerous for the American rescue team to attempt the recovery effort.
“I’m filing visa applications for Thai rescuers today to do the job [rescue the students] in the U.S. Honestly, they [the embassy] are not gonna give us a visa — this is a symbolic move. But if they do, I will pay for the rescuers to go to the U.S.” Ekkachai Taichaeda, Golf’s uncle, told reporters outside the U.S. Embassy.
Asked if he has recruited a team of Thai rescuers who are willing to go, Ekkachai said it “wouldn’t be hard to find them,” Manager reported.
“If they were American, would it take this long? This is what I want to ask the ambassador,” he said.
Ekkachai mentioned the car accident in Thailand’s Uttaradit province, where Thai rescuers were able to retrieve a tour bus that fell off a 100-meter cliff within six hours in November of last year.
The rescuers saved 20 lives and recovered 18 bodies.
But Uttaradit’s cliff does not have melting ice and fast moving currents underneath it. In a close-up shot by AP, the Thai students’ car was stuck on a rock, meters from the bottom of the cliff.
“The car is on a rock. Just go down. The current is fast? Then tie up your boat,” the uncle said.
Peter Haymond, deputy chief of mission at the embassy, accepted Ekkachai’s application on behalf of the U.S.
UPDATE: The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok has sent Coconuts the following statement.
“We are closely following the situation and express our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the two Thai students involved in this tragic accident in California. The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok issued visas for family members of the students, who have traveled to California.”
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