Elderly Woman, 73, Dies After Fall From Palm Tree

A 73-year-old woman has died after falling from a sugar palm tree in southern Thailand. The incident occurred on 3 March 2026 in Thong Lamchiak subdistrict, Chian Yai district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province. Police confirmed she sustained a broken neck and died at the scene.

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Pol. Col. Somporn Phrutsawanich, superintendent of Chian Yai Police Station, said officers were notified of a fatal fall from a palm tree and attended the scene with investigators, a doctor and volunteers from Pracharuamjai Foundation. The deceased, identified as Mrs Thob, was found wearing a sarong and a black sleeveless blouse. Evidence indicated she had climbed the palm tree before losing her footing and falling to the ground below.

According to the investigation, Mrs Thob worked producing palm sugar. She would regularly leave home to climb sugar palm trees to collect sap for making sugar. On the morning of the incident, relatives became concerned when she had been away longer than usual and went searching, eventually discovering she had fallen and died.

Pol. Col. Somporn said family members told officers they had previously tried to stop her from climbing the trees. However, she insisted that she remained physically strong and capable of continuing the work. No foul play is suspected and relatives do not question the cause of death.

Khaosod reported that authorities believe she slipped while climbing, causing her to fall. After a post-mortem examination, her body was released to the family for funeral rites in accordance with local traditions. The case highlights the risks associated with traditional palm sugar harvesting, particularly for elderly workers who continue physically demanding tasks. Police have concluded their initial inquiries and confirmed that the death was accidental.

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 4 Mar 2026