A 50-year-old air-conditioning repairman died after falling from the seventh floor of a hotel in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai, on the evening of 24 March 2026. Police were alerted to the incident and arrived at the scene with rescue workers, where they found the man’s body with severe head injuries. The impact caused fatal trauma, with the victim pronounced dead at the scene. Get today's headlines by email Investigators identified the deceased as Mr Preecha, who had been working alone while repairing an air-conditioning unit outside the window of room 701. Initial inspection found the room’s doors and windows open, with tools by the window. Authorities believe he had fallen while carrying out the repair without any personal safety equipment. A motorcycle taxi rider, Mr Narit Nuntapaliyong, 39, who heard the fall, said he had just dropped off a passenger and was riding through Soi 7 behind the hotel when he heard a shout followed by a loud thud. He turned to see a man lying motionless on the ground with severe head injuries and said blood had splashed everywhere. Shocked by the incident, he immediately contacted the police. Another worker at the hotel, Mr Lerkpisit Wannasin, 56, who was repairing a water heater on the fifth floor, said he knew the victim as a fellow technician. He noted that Mr Preecha had gone alone to repair the air-conditioning unit on the seventh floor. Following the incident, he said it reinforced the need for stricter personal safety measures when working at height. Police Colonel Jirapas Saksung, superintendent of Mae Sai Police Station, said instructions had been issued to warn operators of high-rise buildings, including hotels, about safety precautions. With the onset of the hot season increasing demand for air-conditioning repairs, he stressed that technicians must use proper safety equipment. He also emphasised the need for a buddy system during high-risk maintenance work to prevent similar incidents. Authorities are continuing their investigation, including examining workplace safety compliance and the circumstances leading to the fall. Further measures may be introduced to improve safety awareness among technicians and building operators. The body has been taken for further examination as part of standard procedure. Pictures courtesy of NBT Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now NBT 26 Mar 2026
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