Accident Monk & Novice Electrocuted While Lifting Water Pump in Tak

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of SiamNews.

 

An incident claimed the lives of a young monk and a novice in Tak province on 2 August, when both were electrocuted while attempting to reposition a water pump at a remote forest monastery.

 

Police from Phop Phra Police Station were alerted to the incident by the village head of Moo 5, Phop Phra subdistrict, following the discovery of two deceased individuals at the Ban Muen Ruechai forest monastery. Rescue personnel from Paiyap Emergency Response Unit were dispatched to the scene.

 

The monastery is situated near the Moei River, behind which the terrain slopes steeply for about 100 metres from the riverbank. Recent heavy rainfall had caused the river to overflow and flood the area, leaving behind thick mud after the waters receded. This caused the water pump, used by the monastery, to tip over and partially submerge in the sludge.

 

Upon arrival, rescue teams found the bodies of the two victims, later identified as Phra Lerttha, aged 22 and Samanera Jor Eka, aged 17. Both were of Myanmar nationality.

 

Both were discovered clutching the frame and components of the electric water pump, indicating they were in the act of lifting or repositioning it when the fatal shock occurred. Their postures suggested they had both bent down to lift the device when the electricity surged through the metal frame.

 

Initial investigations found no other signs of physical trauma or foul play. Authorities believe the monk and novice had failed to switch off the power supply at the circuit breaker before attempting to move the pump, which led to them being fatally electrocuted.

 

Their bodies were transported to Phop Phra Hospital for further forensic examination.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from SiamNews 2025-08-04