Phayao Man Dies After Fall Into Hole

Pictures courtesy of NBT.

A 64-year-old man has died after falling into a hole on a farm road in Phayao province.

The incident occurred shortly after midday on September 6, on the agricultural road leading to Ban San Luang, Moo 10, Thung Ruang Thong sub-district, Jun district.

Police from Jun station were alerted at 12.35, along with medics from Jun Hospital and rescue teams from Guan U Foundation and Krai Thong disaster prevention unit.

On arrival, rescuers discovered the body of the victim, later identified as Mr Sawat Boontham, head first, at the bottom of the hole, partially submerged in water. Family members and rescue workers were able to recover the body, using a rope tied around the victim’s legs..

Officers said the hole was around 2.5 metres deep and just wide enough for a person to fall into. A preliminary examination found the victim had suffered a broken neck in the fall, but no other evidence of foul play on the body.

His body was released to the family for funeral rites in accordance with local tradition.

Residents have since urged officials to inspect the site and install safety measures, warning that the hidden hazard lies on a route regularly used by villagers.

Authorities said an investigation would be carried out to determine who had dug the hole and why it had been left exposed, so close the road.

  Adapted by Asean Now from NBT 2025-09-08