Woman Dies After Rice Field Blaze in Udon Thani

Picture courtesy of Khomchadluek.

An incident unfolded in the village of Kut Kha, Thung Fon District, Udon Thani Province, where a 59-year-old woman, known locally as “Pa Joy”, died after being engulfed in flames while attempting to extinguish a fire that broke out in a rice field.

The blaze occurred around midday on 13 April, at the rear of the village near Nong Borm. The victim, Mrs. Saiyon, sustained fatal burns despite efforts from her husband and family to save her. She was rushed to Thung Fon Hospital but succumbed to her injuries before arrival.

A visit to the site of the fire revealed scorched land spanning approximately one rai, along with charred remains of the victim’s clothing, a hat with burnt strands of hair, and a pair of boots left in the ashes. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

Ms. Buanoi, a 49-year-old farmer who discovered the aftermath, explained she had been out feeding her cattle when she heard cries from the field owned by the victim’s husband. Upon arrival, she saw the husband, Mr. Luechai, and relatives desperately lifting the burnt body of his wife into a vehicle.

According to Ms. Buanoi, the fire may have started naturally or from human negligence. She believed Pa Joy was attempting to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby rubber plantations when strong winds caused the flames to overwhelm her.

Mr. Luechai recalled that on the day of the fire, his wife had woken early to boil corn for sale. He had gone to plough the fields and later received a call from her asking for help extinguishing a fire. When he arrived, he and other family members attempted to contain the blaze but found her collapsed amidst the flames.

Choking back tears, he said they had been married for 32 years and shared a deep bond. He emphasised his belief that the fire was a tragic accident.

Mr. Luechai also urged villagers to adhere to provincial regulations banning the burning of rice stubble. “Unauthorised burning can cause serious danger and loss,” he said. “Let my wife’s death be a reminder of the risks.”

Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, with early indications pointing towards accidental causes, though the precise origin of the fire remains unclear.

-- 2025-04-15