Accident Lightning Strike Kills Former Village Headman in Nakhon Phanom Rice Field

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Naewna.

 

A former village headman known for his hard work and dedication has died after being struck by lightning while working in a rice field in Nakhon Phanom province. The victim, Mr Samanuk Wangkratat, 69, was preparing to mount his motorcycle to return home when he was fatally hit, with authorities suspecting that a sickle slung across his back may have acted as a conductor.

 

The incident occurred on the afternoon of 12 June in the rice fields of Ban Nong Lat Khwai, Moo 7, Phon Thong subdistrict, Renunakhon district. The deceased had gone out to cut grass to feed his seven cattle, a daily chore in his retirement. His body was discovered beside his motorcycle.

 

Mr Samanuk, who had served as village headman of Ban Renu, was well respected in the community for his commitment to public service and continued to work diligently even after retirement.

 

Mr Rangsarn Buasai, 64, a local councillor and long-time friend, said that Mr Samanuk had remained active in community affairs after stepping down from his post, including serving as an adviser to the former mayor of Renu subdistrict. “He was always dedicated to his duties,” Mr Rangsarn said. “Even after leaving office, he continued to farm and care for his livestock with unwavering energy.”

 

Mr Ratchawanlop Yuwaratkaenprachan, 53, Mr Samanuk’s younger brother, confirmed that his brother had left home with his usual tools, a hoe, a grass cutter and a sickle, to tend to his field located approximately seven kilometres away in a neighbouring village. During his return, heavy thunderstorms swept across the district.

 

Mr Veerasak Sopha, 38, son of the Phon Thong village headman, was among the first to discover the body. He and his younger brother had been spraying herbicide in a nearby field when they heard a loud thunderclap. “Lightning is common in this area,” he said, “so we thought nothing of it. But when the rain eased, we spotted Mr Samanuk lying motionless in the path and rushed over. We realised he had likely been struck and immediately notified rescue services.”

 

Mr Chaiya Misong-on, 23, a rescue volunteer with Renunakhon Emergency Services, responded to the call. “We found Mr Samanuk lying next to his motorcycle,” he said. “He was wearing a long-sleeved white shirt and black shorts. His pulse was faint, and we began CPR, but sadly his vital signs gradually faded. A medical examination revealed a small abrasion on his upper right back, and a sickle was still strapped to his back”

 

His 71-year-old sister, Mrs Homphit Sripatumwong, described her brother as industrious and beloved in the community. “He was deeply committed to his work, whether in office or in the fields,” she said. “The lightning likely struck the sickle on his back. On that day, his wife was away visiting their children in Bangkok.”

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-06-14