Man survives fall from 20-metre high sugar palm tree in Udon Thani

[snoop1130]

 

A 38-year-old man from Udon Thani astonishingly survived a fall from a 20-meter-high sugar palm tree with just minor scratches. The incident, which shocked the local community, happened in Dong Mafai village, Na Phue sub-district, Phen district, Udon Thani.

 

Reporters visited the village on May 23 to interview the survivor, Watchara Chusena, also known as Manee Daeng. Watchara earns a living by climbing and selling sugar palms. Despite falling such a height, he only incurred a few scrapes on his back from the tree’s splinters. Many villagers think that his tattoos protected him, but Watchara denies wearing any sacred objects.

 

He recalled the fall, which happened last Sunday. After landing, he checked himself for injuries, and to his surprise, found no broken bones. His nearby relatives quickly called the emergency services. Watchara places more importance on his good actions and respect for his parents than any talismans. He explained that his back tattoo was a work of a revered monk in Na Phue which he got while he was drunk. On the accident day, he used a bamboo ladder to climb the tree.

 

He hinted that the accident might not have occurred if he had used a metal ladder. He advised his peers to avoid shortcuts and use the appropriate tools for their jobs. Watchara believes he is fortunate to have escaped severe injuries unlike others in his profession.

 

A religious ritual was observed before Watchara climbed another sugar palm tree with safety gear. This ritual involves praying and placing soil on one’s head in reverence.

 

A relative, who happens to be a nun, pointed out that they always pay tributes to the guardian spirits of the palm groves. Such a ritual is enacted on their first workday to grant them safety. A 60-year-old local and fellow palm tree climber, Kruawan Chiyangkhobut, mentioned a similar practice in their community.

 

Despite the spiritual rituals, the importance of safety vigilance is emphasized. An incident was shared where Kruawan’s son injured his leg while climbing a palm tree. Even though he was dizzy, she managed to get him down and rushed him to the hospital.

 

The story of Watchara’s survival has stirred local interest, with many people attributing different factors, including spiritual practices and personal vigilance, to his minimal injuries. His experience serves as a warning for those in the same profession to use proper equipment and maintain focus while performing their hazardous tasks.

 

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google

 

-- 2024-05-23

 

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[Gandtee]

Nuts!😆

[SAFETY FIRST]

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

man from Udon Thani astonishingly survived a fall from a 20-meter-high sugar palm tree with just minor scratches

I reckon there's a slight exaggeration on this news article. 

 

Should read 2-meter-high sugar palm tree. 

 

Edited May 24 by SAFETY FIRST

[2baht]

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

This ritual involves praying and placing soil on one’s head in reverence.

I'm wondering how they got the rocks in his head!

[soalbundy]

That cleared up his sinuses.

[hotchilli]

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Many villagers think that his tattoos protected him

The villagers need to get out of the village a bit more...

[hotchilli]

6 minutes ago, 2baht said:

I'm wondering how they got the rocks in his head!

Plenty of space between the rears?