Ayutthaya tree fall injures Spanish tourists

Who's paying for the medical costs ?

A fast-growing short-lived tree with soft wood that is structurally prone to centre‑rot, especially in Thailand’s climate.

Officials are giving the practical explanation of an old tree in deteriorating condition finally gave way.

But it’s worth noting that many Thais still hold animist views, where trees and inanimate objects are believed to have spirits.

That cultural backdrop often shapes how accidents like this are interpreted, with some attributing intention or warning to the event rather than simple structural failure.

In this case, though, the facts point to age, decay, and gravity rather than anything supernatural.

Does Karma works in mysterious ways ?

Edited August 17Aug 17 by wombat

Dang, bad timing, if only Thailand had already introduced the 450 Baht tourist tax to pay for unexpected medical bills incurred by tourists! After all, they're bound to ring-fence the money for that, aren't they? lol

2 hours ago, Jim Waldron said:

A fast-growing short-lived tree with soft wood that is structurally prone to centre‑rot, especially in Thailand’s climate.

Officials are giving the practical explanation of an old tree in deteriorating condition finally gave way.

But it’s worth noting that many Thais still hold animist views, where trees and inanimate objects are believed to have spirits.

That cultural backdrop often shapes how accidents like this are interpreted, with some attributing intention or warning to the event rather than simple structural failure.

In this case, though, the facts point to age, decay, and gravity rather than anything supernatural.

Looks like termites have been very busy in that tree.

46 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

What had those visitors done that you seem to be suggesting deserved karma?

That's the mysterious part

Just now, wombat said:

47 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

What had those visitors done that you seem to be suggesting deserved karma?

That's the mysterious part

No, the mysterious part is why you would make such a comment in the first place.

8 hours ago, Nemises said:

Five tourists injured by a tree at one of Thailand’s most famous historic sites — including one poor bloke with a fractured leg and broken ribs.

And somewhere, an ASEANOW expert is already preparing the comment:

“Thailand dangerous country. Tree should have visa and insurance before falling on tourist. 😂”

Seriously though, a decades-old tree with a hollow, rotten trunk collapsing onto visitors is bloody unlucky. Hopefully the injured tourists make a full recovery. 🙏

Indeed- I am surprised it has also not already been established that the tree was British, drunk and had a lot of tattoos

On 8/17/2026 at 8:57 AM, FlorC said:

Who's paying for the medical costs ?

A branch of the government.