Myanmar Worker Rescued Unconscious 15 Metres Up Tree in Chai Nat

Picture courtesy of kaoded.

A dramatic rescue operation took place in Chai Nat province after a Myanmar migrant worker was knocked unconscious, atop a 15-metre-high tree while carrying out cutting work. Emergency services were alerted to the scene in Village 14, Dong Khon subdistrict, Sankhaburi district, where the man was suspended in the tree canopy, attached by a safety rope.

The worker was later identified as Mr. So Min Tan, 35, who had suffered multiple injuries including facial lacerations, a torn ear, a split eyebrow and a ripped lip.

Rescue teams from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation were the first to respond after being contacted by local police. Initial efforts to reach the unconscious man using a standard cherry picker from Dong Khon Municipality failed due to the height involved. A larger hydraulic platform with cage, was subsequently requested from the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) of Sankhaburi, which was able to extend high enough to facilitate the rescue.

Volunteer rescuer Mr. Phasakorn Muengkla described the rescue as “extremely challenging,” noting the difficulties of operating at such a height. A second rescuer ascended the tree to stabilise Mr. So Min Tan and supported his weight, before helping position him safely into the cherry picker basket.

The injured worker was successfully lowered and received immediate first aid before being transported to Sankhaburi Hospital. Medical staff later reported stitching a 15-centimetre wound on his head. As of the latest update, his condition is stable and he is no longer in danger.

Mr. So Min Tan’s employer stated that the incident occurred on his day off, when he had volunteered for extra work trimming trees. He reportedly lost consciousness after being struck in the head, by part of the tree he had cut, which caused the injuries.

Authorities are reviewing the circumstances of the incident and have reminded employers to ensure proper safety measures when assigning workers to hazardous tasks, especially at height.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-06-05