Lampang Man Dies After Falling from Tree While Harvesting Honey, Attacked by Swarm of Bees

Picture from responders.

A 47-year-old man from Lampang has died after being attacked by a swarm of bees while attempting to collect honey from a tree, causing him to fall to his death.

At approximately 13:30 on 16 April, officers from Mueang Lampang Police Station and an on-call doctor from Lampang Hospital were called to the scene near the Department of Health and Environment area beside the Rong Sam Duang cemetery in Bo Haeo Subdistrict, Lampang Municipality.

Upon arrival, they discovered the body of Mr. Prayuwong Kamlue, a resident of Huai Sai village in Ton Thong Chai Subdistrict. His body was found beneath a tree approximately five metres tall. Although no external injuries of broken bones were visible, investigators noted numerous bee stingers embedded in his face, neck, and both arms, an estimated 200 stings in total.

Near the body, authorities found tools typically used for harvesting wild honey, including a knife and incense used to smoke out bees. Several broken honeycombs were scattered on the ground.

A friend of the deceased told police that Mr. Prayuwong often foraged for wild honey and was experienced in locating and harvesting bee hives. On this occasion, he had decided to climb the tree in search of honey but was viciously attacked by a swarm of bees as he approached the hive. The stings appeared to overwhelm him, causing him to fall from the tree.

Emergency services were called immediately, but Mr. Prayuwong had already succumbed to his injuries by the time help arrived. It is suspected that the large number of stings and the potency of the venom contributed to his sudden death.

The Lampang Rescue Association transported the body to Lampang Hospital, where a post-mortem examination will be carried out to determine the exact cause of death.

-- 2025-04-17