Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

 

A Myanmar technician was killed in an incident inside a steel tank at a factory in Nakhon Ratchasima after colleagues unknowingly switched on the machine he was repairing. The incident occurred at around 11:00 on 15 October 2025 at a factory in Ban Nong Somong, Nong Bua Sala subdistrict, Mueang district. Police, rescue workers from Sawang Metta Foundation and forensic doctors from Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital attended the scene.

 

The victim, identified as Mr. Tan Lai, aged 35, was found dead inside a large industrial steel tank used for paper processing. His body was severely mutilated by a rotating metal blade more than two metres high. His clothes were mostly torn off, leaving only his underwear. A deep wound extended from his left chest across to the right side of his torso, and his spine was broken. Blood stains were visible on the machine blades, while the victim’s tools, shirt, and mobile phone were found neatly placed nearby.

 

Investigations revealed that Mr. Tan, a legal Myanmar migrant worker, was employed as a welding and machinery repair technician. He had entered the machine to fix a mechanical fault but did not inform any colleagues outside that he was inside. Although the power had initially been turned off, another worker, unaware of his presence, later switched on the main power supply, causing the machine’s internal blades to start spinning and fatally injuring him.

 

Mr. Tan regularly travelled between factories in Nakhon Ratchasima and Bang Phli, Samut Prakan, where his wife also worked, as part of his duties maintaining industrial machinery. His death has prompted concerns about safety procedures, lock out procedures and communication protocols at industrial sites, particularly when workers enter enclosed or hazardous spaces.

 

Police led by Pol. Col. Sutthinan Kongchaemdee, Superintendent of Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima Police Station, confirmed that all evidence from the site has been collected. Authorities are now examining whether worker’s negligence or safety violations contributed to the incident. A full forensic report and testimony from factory staff will form part of the investigation into the incident.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A Myanmar technician died after colleagues accidentally powered up a machine he was repairing inside.

• The victim, 35, suffered fatal injuries from a two-metre-high rotating blade inside a steel tank.

• Police are investigating possible safety failures and lapses in procedures at the factory.

 

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  Adapted by Asean Now From Khaosod 2025-10-16

 

 

 

 

 

Lock out...tag out! Never heard of it....probably never will.

7 hours ago, ChrisY1 said:

Lock out...tag out! Never heard of it....probably never will.

correct !!!  Thai safety may have in procedures but as everything in Thailand its NOT implemented,  this is Safety 101  LOCK out TAG out which means LOCK out the main switch Padlock