IN 1998, Thai singer Ruangsak James Loychusak survived a devastating plane crash, an experience that stayed with him forever.
But he never thought the seat he was in that day, 11A, would come back into conversation decades later.
27 years later - 11A - a seat that travel bloggers suggest not to select, claimed an eerie spotlight.
The sole survivor of the Air India crash in Ahmedabad, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, escaped serious harm while seated in 11A, reviving a haunting parallel between two crashes and two lives spared.
“The lone survivor of the plane crash in India was sitting in the same seat number as me, 11A. Goosebumps”, James, now 47, wrote on Facebook.
Speaking from hospital, Vishwash told Indian media: “For some time, I thought I was also going to die. But when I opened my eyes, I realised I was alive, and I tried to unbuckle myself from the seat and escape from where I could.”
Back in December 1998, James was just 20 when Thai Airways Flight TG261 crashed while trying to land in Surat Thani Airport in southern Thailand.
The impact sheared the aircraft apart and ignited a fire that claimed 101 of the 146 souls aboard; some victims were trapped and drowned in waist-deep, freezing water.
James survived with fractured ribs, spinal trauma, even brain haemorrhaging, and spent over a year in recovery.
Now, with two survivors linked by the same seat number, interest in seat 11A has exploded online.
Some say it’s cursed. Others call it protected.
James laughs at the suggestion. “If I answer as a man of science, it’s just chance. But spiritually... maybe it’s a blessing. I don’t know. I wouldn’t want to say too much though — people might rush to book that seat!”
Aviation safety experts remind passengers that survival often depends less on luck and more on preparedness.
Listening to the safety briefing, identifying your nearest exit and following crew instructions without delay can significantly improve your chances. – June 15, 2025
