Man Falls from Tree While Harvesting Bee Nest in Roi Et

Picture courtesy of Workpoint News

An incident occurred in Roi Et province on 4 June, when a man fell to his death while attempting to harvest a beehive. The victim, believed to have been stung multiple times, is thought to have lost his grip and fallen from a height of approximately 30 metres.

Emergency services were called to a rice field near Ban Thai Udom, Village No. 17, in Nuea Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang District, following reports of a fatal fall. Medical personnel from Roi Et Hospital and rescue workers arrived promptly at the scene.

The body of Mr Khwanchai, aged 38, was discovered at the base of a tall Yang Na tree in the middle of the field. He was dressed in a long-sleeved shirt and trousers, with visible injuries including a broken neck, multiple fractured limbs and blood from his mouth and nose. A beehive was found above his head in the tree, and a broken portion of the hive lay on the ground nearby.

Mr Banworn, 57, a companion of the deceased, told authorities that the two men regularly harvested wild honey for a living. On this occasion, they had come to collect honey from a beehive located high in the Yang Na tree. While Mr Khwanchai climbed to reach the hive, Mr Banworn remained below to assist by lighting a fire and passing up equipment.

As he was preparing the fire, Mr Banworn heard a sudden thud and turned to find Mr Khwanchai lying motionless on the ground. Despite rushing to seek help, it was too late to save his friend.

Preliminary investigations suggest that Mr Khwanchai may have been swarmed by bees and stung multiple times, possibly causing him to flail in pain and lose balance. The fall proved fatal.

Authorities have reminded members of the public to exercise extreme caution when working at height or around wild bee colonies, particularly during the hot season when bees are most active.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-06-05