32-Year-Old Man Dies While Searching for Shellfish in Chonburi

Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

An incident occurred this morning in Chonburi province when a 32-year-old man lost his life while foraging for blood cockles in the sea during hot weather conditions. Authorities believe the extreme heat may have triggered a pre-existing medical condition, leading to his sudden collapse and subsequent death.

At approximately 10:30 on 20 April, Pol. Capt. Kawin Juirat, an investigative officer at Mueang Chonburi Police Station, received a report of a deceased individual found in the sea near the new pier in the Mueang district. Police officers, accompanied by a rescue team from the Tri Khunatham Foundation, responded promptly to the scene.

Rescue personnel discovered the body of Mr. Sumanas Khayankan, 32, lying face down in the mud along the shoreline. His body was retrieved using improvised cage, raised and lowered via a folklift truck. A large crowd of local residents and the deceased’s grieving relatives had gathered at the scene.

According to Mr. Yo, the victim’s uncle, Mr. Sumanas suffered from epilepsy. On this occasion, he had gone to collect shellfish to support his family. It is believed that the combination of intense heat and his underlying condition caused him to faint and fall into the water unnoticed, leading to his death. His uncle only learned of the death after being informed by a local who discovered the body.

Police have sent the body for a post-mortem examination to confirm the cause of death. The remains will then be released to the family for religious rites and funeral arrangements.