RATCHABURI - Two soldiers drowned in a reservoir on Wednesday while riding jet skis in their annual emergency response drill.
The soldiers apparently fell into the water after their jet skis overturned during the drill at Huai Samnak Mai Teng reservoir in Muang district.
Rescuers found only their life vests floating on the surface, according to police quoting their colleagues.
The victims, attached to the 52th Engineer Battalion, were identified as Sgt Chukiat Sapprasoert, 29, and Cpl Prasopchok Thiamsom, 25.
Their commander, Capt Thawichai Chanabawonbut, suspected the safety locks on the vests might have broken due to the severe impact of the jet skis against the water.
Their jet skis probably hit a rock or piece of wood before turning over, he said.
Rescuers were still searching for the victims' bodies on Wednesday.