A 91-year-old man was rescued after falling into a 10-metre-deep cement well shaft, outside his home in Chiang Mai, where he remained trapped for around three hours before neighbours heard his cries for help. The elderly man, identified as Kaew, suffered minor injuries but survived the incident. Emergency responders were able to safely pull him out after a carefully coordinated rescue.
Get today's headlines by email 
The incident was reported at approximately 11.00am on March 14, 2026, in Ban Nam Long, Moo 10, San Pong subdistrict, Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai province. Village headman Sombat Boonmek received a report from residents that an elderly man had fallen into a cement well shaft outside his property and was unable to climb out. He immediately coordinated with the Erawan emergency service (1669) to request rescue assistance.
Rescue teams from the Chumphon emergency medical unit, the San Pong Subdistrict Municipality’s disaster prevention and mitigation office and volunteers from the Mae Jo rescue association responded to the scene with specialised equipment. On arrival, officials confirmed the well was approximately 10 metres deep and required a rope rescue operation.
Before descending, rescuers used aa blower to pump fresh air into the well to ensure safe breathing conditions. A rescue worker then abseiled down to reach the elderly man and secure him for extraction. After around 30 minutes of work, the team successfully lifted Kaew out of the well.
Officials reported that he suffered minor abrasions and appeared slightly fatigued but remained conscious. Medics provided first aid at the scene before transferring him to Nakhonping Hospital for further medical examination and treatment.
According to initial accounts, the incident occurred around 8.30am, while Kaew was sweeping the area around his house. He reportedly sat on the edge of the well to rest after feeling tired, unaware that the wooden planks covering the opening had deteriorated.
The planks collapsed beneath him, causing him to fall into the empty well. Fortunately, his head did not strike the sides during the fall and there was no water inside the well, factors that likely prevented more serious injury.
After falling, Kaew repeatedly called for help but remained unheard for hours until a neighbour noticed faint cries and alerted others. Residents then searched the area and discovered him trapped, before contacting local authorities.
Khaosod reported that following the rescue, the village headman advised relatives to securely cover the well with stronger materials to prevent further accidents. The warning was issued particularly because several young children live nearby and often play in the area. Authorities say reinforcing the well’s cover will help reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future.
Pictures courtesy of Khaosod
Join the discussion? 
Already a member? 
Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 16 Mar 2026