Man Electrocuted on Power Pole in Nakhon Phanom

A 36-year-old man died after being electrocuted while climbing a high-voltage power pole in Si Songkhram district, Nakhon Phanom, in the early hours of 29 April 2026. The incident occurred around 03:00, prompting an emergency response from police, rescue workers and electricity officials. Authorities later recovered the body from the top of the pole after cutting the power supply.

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Police identified the deceased as Thienchai Upathum, a resident of Ban Kha subdistrict. Witnesses reported that he had climbed the pole during the night while appearing agitated and attempts by locals to persuade him to come down were unsuccessful. He was subsequently electrocuted, with flames seen engulfing his body at the top of the structure.

Emergency responders from the Ban Kha Subdistrict Municipality Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Centre coordinated with officers from Si Songkhram Police Station and the Provincial Electricity Authority to shut off the current. A crane truck with a personnel cage was required to safely retrieve the remains from the pole. Upon recovery of the body, officials found the body had been separated from the head, which was later located on the ground below after a search of the surrounding area.

Authorities believe the force of the high-voltage electrical current or a violent discharge at the moment of electrocution caused the decapitation. The remains were transported to Si Songkhram Hospital for a detailed post-mortem examination. Police collected evidence at the scene and interviewed witnesses as part of their investigation.

Relatives told officers that the man had a history of mental illness and had experienced a period of distress prior to the incident. Officials are continuing to examine the circumstances that led him to climb the power pole in the middle of the night.

Matichon reported that the case remains under investigation, with authorities expected to review medical findings and witness statements to determine the precise cause of the incident. Officials have also reiterated warnings about the dangers of approaching high-voltage infrastructure.

Pictures courtesy of Matichon

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 1 May 2026