Bags and suitcases belonging to passengers are seen at the site of the Jeju Air plane crash and explosion at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province, Monday. (Yonhap)
Bags and suitcases belonging to passengers are seen at the site of the Jeju Air plane crash and explosion at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province, Monday. (Yonhap)

The Thai ambassador to South Korea, Tanee Sangrat, confirmed the death of two Thai nationals in South Korea’s deadliest aviation disaster, according to Thai news reports Monday.

The two victims, identified as Jongluk Doungmanee, 45, and Sirithon Chaue, 22, were among the 179 fatalities from the Jeju Air-operated Boeing 737-800 that crashed Sunday. Only two of the 181 people on the plane survived.

In a statement shared by the Bangkok Post, Tanee expressed his condolences.

"I wish to extend my heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives or were injured in this unfortunate incident,” he said. "The Royal Thai Embassy in Seoul has been informed that two Thai nationals were on board the flight. We are verifying their status and stand ready to provide necessary assistance."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted by this disaster. We hope for strength and resilience for everyone during this challenging time," he added.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra also conveyed her condolences to the bereaved families in a message on social media platform X. She stated that she had instructed the Foreign Affairs Ministry to promptly assist the families of the Thai victims and provide her with regular updates on the situation.

According to the Thai newspaper Matichon, Jongluk Doungmanee had moved to Korea seven years ago after marrying a Korean man. She frequently visited her hometown and had recently traveled to Chiang Mai with her husband. After her husband returned to Korea on Dec. 14, she boarded the ill-fated flight early Sunday following her trip to northern Thailand. Sirithon Chaue, a senior in college, had boarded the plane to reunite with her mother, who lives in South Korea after marrying a Korean man.

The crash occurred at approximately 9:03 a.m. on Sunday when flight 7C 2216, which had departed from Bangkok, attempted to land at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province.

The aircraft, attempting a belly landing due to a landing gear failure, struck the outer wall of the runway and burst into flames. The accident claimed the lives of 173 Korean passengers, two Thai passengers and four crew members. Two crew members survived.


shinjh@heraldcorp.com