Man Killed After Tree Falls on Shelter During Thunderstorm in Bangkok

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

A 51-year-old man was killed in the early hours of 11 may, when a large tree was brought down by strong winds and rain, crushing the makeshift shelter where he was staying in western Bangkok.

Police and forensic investigators from Siriraj Hospital were called to the scene in Soi Phutthamonthon Sai 3 Soi 18, in Salathammasop subdistrict, Thawi Watthana district, after receiving reports of a fatal incident involving a fallen tree.

Upon arrival, authorities discovered a large sakae tree had collapsed over a small shack on a 2-rai plot of land. Inside, the body of Mr. Buala, 51, was found shirtless and wearing only shorts. He had sustained severe head injuries, and rescuers had to cut through the branches to retrieve his body.

A local resident, Mr. Duean Phongchaliao, 62, reported that a violent storm struck the area the previous evening. Heavy rain and powerful winds caused the tree to topple onto the shelter. Initially, he approached the site to check on the occupant but saw no one. Concerned when the man did not appear an hour later, he returned to investigate and discovered the victim’s lifeless body beneath the tree.

Mr. Buala was employed as a caretaker of the land where the incident occurred. His body has been sent to the Forensic Institute at Siriraj Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

The incident comes amid a wave of severe weather affecting several parts of Thailand.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-12.