Picture courtesy of ThaiRath.

 

In a heartbreaking discovery, a woman was found dead outside her home while her elderly, bedridden husband remained inside unaware, having gone without food or water for two days.

 

Police from Rong Kwang Police Station, Phrae, were alerted to the incident at 10:40 on 5 August after local village headman Mr Morakot Kabbua of Thung Si Subdistrict received a report of an unexplained death at a residence along the Phrae–Rong Kwang road.

 

Officers, along with rescue workers from the Phetkasem Foundation and district officials, arrived at the scene in Moo 5, Thung Si. There, they found the body of Mrs Wasana Rueanngam, 68, known affectionately in the village as “Auntie Nim”, lying lifeless near the front doorway of the home. The area was overgrown with weeds and a wooden bed stood nearby. On it was a half-finished bottle of homemade rice whisky. No signs of struggle or foul play were found.

 

Inside the house, police discovered Mr Somboon 70, the deceased woman’s husband, in a frail and emaciated condition. He is severely disabled and unable to move without assistance. Unaware that his wife had died outside, he had been left alone without food or care for more than 48 hours. Shocked neighbours rushed to provide him with food and water.

 

According to Mrs Dao Miwanpia 56, a neighbour, villagers had visited the house that morning intending to donate money to the couple. The funds were surplus from a funeral recently held in the village and locals wanted to offer support to Mr Somboon, who is known to be impoverished and entirely dependent on his wife.

 

When no one responded to calls at the door, villagers entered and were horrified to find Mrs Wasana’s body outside the rear of the property. They immediately alerted community leaders and contacted police.

 

Initial investigations suggest the cause of death may be related to chronic health conditions. Mrs Wasana was known to be a frequent drinker and the whisky bottle found nearby points to possible alcohol-related complications. It is believed she collapsed suddenly while outside and was unable to call for help.

 

The couple’s only son reportedly died some years ago, and villagers had since taken it upon themselves to help in small ways, delivering food after community events and offering support when possible. Mr Somboon has now been taken into care and local officials have pledged to ensure he receives proper assistance going forward.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from ThaiRath 2025-08-06

 

 

 

Desparately sad.  Massive respect to the villagers for helping out.

3 hours ago, Watawattana said:

Desparately sad.  Massive respect to the villagers for helping out.

 

It's desperately sad, and a good cautionary tale.  If your life depends on someone else, or their life depends on you, make sure you (or they) have a plan B to contact someone else if the unthinkable happens.  Maybe that's a cell phone pre-programmed with some emergency contact numbers, or a relative that calls in daily for a wellness check-up. 

 

Back home, it would be one of those thingamabobs that hangs on someone's neck and you just push a button and say "I've fallen and I can't get up".  (Life Alert is the most famous brand).  I guess the best plan depends on actual circumstances in LOS...