Chinese Tourist Dies After Tree Falls During Sudden Storm on Phuket Island
A Chinese tourist was killed and her husband injured on the afternoon of July 20, 2025, when a tree collapsed during a sudden tropical storm on Coral Island, a popular beach destination near Phuket. The fatal accident occurred amid strong winds associated with tropical storm Wipha.
The couple had been seated beneath a large tree along the beach when a powerful gust uprooted it, according to Chalong Police Station officials. The woman, identified as 53-year-old Mrs. Wang, sustained critical injuries to her chest, neck, and torso. Emergency responders transported her and her husband by boat to Chalong Pier before rushing them to Chalong Hospital. Mrs. Wang was pronounced dead at 4:30 p.m. Her husband sustained minor injuries and did not require hospitalization. The body of the deceased was later transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital for an autopsy.
The incident occurred despite advance warnings from the Thai Meteorological Department. The agency had issued alerts forecasting heavy rainfall, strong winds, and high sea waves across several provinces from July 21 to July 24 due to the influence of tropical storm Wipha. The warning highlighted risks of flash floods, runoff from hillsides, and sea waves reaching up to four meters during thunderstorms, particularly in the Andaman Sea.
As a precaution, the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office placed emergency teams on standby beginning July 19. District-level command centers and local response units were ordered to monitor conditions, especially in coastal and low-lying areas, and to respond promptly to any emergencies.
Officials have urged tourists and residents to closely follow weather advisories and avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable locations during the ongoing weather event.
