Bees Attack Traders in Phitsanulok, Forcing Escape into River

Pictures courtesy of NBT.

Panic broke out in Phitsanulok on the evening of 18 August, when a giant honey bee colony swarmed from its hive in Chom Nan Park, Phitsanulok, stinging local food vendors and sending terrified traders diving into the Nan River to escape.

The incident occurred around 17.30 opposite Chalermkwansatree School in Mueang district. The hive, located about 10 metres up a tree, suddenly split, releasing a large swarm that attacked nearby vendors selling spicy salads and desserts.

Worst affected was a middle-aged man who suffered around 20 stings, while his partner, a young woman, was also injured. Both fled into the river, about 20 metres from their stall, before being rescued by volunteers from the Prasart Boonyasathan Foundation and rushed to hospital for treatment.

Municipal emergency crews quickly cordoned off the popular riverside park, where dozens of people had been exercising, warning the public to avoid the area. Firefighters then used a turntable ladder with a operator’s cage, to reach the hive and successfully smoked out the bees. The operation took just under an hour. Authorities reported that the hive was newly built and contained no larvae.

This is not the first such incident in the city. Just two months ago, a similar swarm near Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Woramahawihan, about 700 metres from the latest site, injured several tourists and residents before municipal staff destroyed the hive.

Local officials have urged residents to remain cautious, noting that bee colonies often migrate and establish new hives along the Nan River during the rainy season.

  Adapted by Asean Now from NBT 2025-08-20