Miracle in seat 11A: Thai actor’s eerie film scene mirrors Air India crash survivor’s story

In a strange twist of fate, a Thai actor-singer and an Indian man have shared the same life-changing experience 27 years apart. Both of them survived deadly plane crashes—and both were sitting in seat number 11A. This odd coincidence has left many people shocked and curious.

Thai actor-singer Ruangsak Loychusak was in a major plane crash in 1998. Recently, he found out that Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the only survivor of the Air India crash in Ahmedabad in June 2025, was also sitting in seat 11A. This chilling connection between the two men has gone viral and made the world take notice.

Ruangsak shared his thoughts on Facebook, writing in Thai: “The survivor of the plane crash in India sat in the same seat number as me — 11A. #Goosebumps.” His post quickly grabbed attention, especially among those interested in aviation and strange coincidences.

Two crashes, One common thread

On December 11, 1998, Thai Airways Flight TG261 crashed into a swamp in southern Thailand. The crash killed 101 out of 146 passengers. Ruangsak Loychusak was one of the few who survived. At the time, he was only 20 years old and already a popular singer and actor in Thailand.

The crash changed his life. He suffered from trauma and stayed away from flying for nearly 10 years. Even after returning to air travel, he admitted feeling nervous every time he saw dark clouds in the sky.

Fast forward 27 years. On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI 171 took off from Ahmedabad and crashed just minutes later. The plane had 242 people on board. Only one person survived—Vishwash Kumar Ramesh. And he was sitting in seat 11A, just like Ruangsak in 1998.

Vishwash, a British-Indian man, was visiting family in India. He was flying back to the UK with his older brother when the tragedy occurred. Sadly, his brother did not survive. Vishwash himself escaped the burning plane with minor burns and bruises. Experts say his seat, located next to an emergency exit, may have helped save his life.

Aviation experts believe that seats near emergency exits sometimes offer a better chance of survival. This is especially true in the wing area, where the structure is stronger. There is also more space to move quickly in case of an emergency. Vishwash was able to unbuckle his seatbelt, find a way out through a broken door, and walk away from the wreckage.

After the crash, people quickly started noticing the “11A” connection between Vishwash and Ruangsak. This led to what many are now calling the “11A enigma.” Across social media platforms, people began sharing posts about the strange coincidence. Some called it fate, while others called it a miracle.

As a result, there has been a sudden interest in seat 11A on planes, especially those in emergency exit rows. Travel websites have reported more bookings for emergency exit seats, and some passengers now request 11A when checking in for flights. Many are inspired by the survival stories of Ruangsak and Vishwash, believing that this seat might be “luckier” than others.

However, aviation experts warn that this belief is not fully supported by facts. While some emergency exit seats may have advantages, no seat can guarantee survival in a plane crash. It depends on many factors, including the way the crash happens, where the fire breaks out, and how quickly passengers can escape.

Despite this, the story continues to grab headlines and spark debate.

Voices of the Survivors

Vishwash, who is still recovering in a hospital in Ahmedabad, spoke to DD News and other media outlets. He described the terrifying moments right after the plane took off. “For some time I thought I was also going to die,” he said. “But when I opened my eyes, I realized I was alive… I unbuckled myself and tried to get out.”

His voice was calm but filled with emotion as he remembered the chaos around him. Fire, screaming, darkness, and the smell of burning fuel filled the air. Yet he managed to escape.

At the same time, Ruangsak also spoke to the media and his fans. He said he still struggles with the emotional scars from his crash 27 years ago. “I had difficulty flying for 10 years… If I saw dark clouds… I would feel terrible, like I was in hell.”

Both men survived something that kills most people. Their survival stories, linked by the same seat number, have deeply touched many around the world.

Even though they live in different countries and had their accidents decades apart, both survivors seem to share a similar view. They believe they have been given a second chance at life.

Ruangsak, who is now 47 years old, continues to work as a singer and actor in Thailand. His nickname is “Iron Bones Singer” because of how tough he is. After hearing about the crash in India, he shared his sympathy for the victims and their families.

Vishwash, still shaken by the crash, is slowly healing. Doctors say he is doing well physically, and he will soon start therapy to help him deal with the emotional trauma. He has thanked the rescue teams and hospital staff for their quick help. He also said he is thankful just to be alive.

Many who follow their stories believe that both men were “meant to survive.” Some call it luck, others call it destiny. Either way, it’s clear that both are using their second lives to spread messages of hope and strength.

Though the 11A coincidence is fascinating, experts urge travelers to stay realistic. They stress that every crash is different and that survival depends on many details. It’s not wise to assume that any one seat, even 11A, is always safe.

However, the 11A story has started important conversations. People are now more curious about flight safety and seat design. Airlines may even start sharing more information about safety features in different parts of the plane.

It’s also a reminder of how rare plane crashes are—and how incredible it is to survive one.

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The power of human spirit

In the end, the story of Ruangsak Loychusak and Vishwash Kumar Ramesh is not just about seat 11A. It’s about the human spirit, courage, and how people can rise from the worst experiences.

They both carry emotional scars but also carry powerful messages. Their stories remind us to appreciate life, to stay strong in the face of fear, and to support those who go through such tragedies.

Their experiences have brought attention to airline safety, emotional healing after trauma, and the strange ways fate can work. Above all, they show us the will to live—and that sometimes, even in disaster, hope can survive.

Their message to the world is simple but strong: Life is precious. Never take it for granted.