A 21 year old man survived a serious facial injury after doctors at Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital worked with rescue workers to remove a metal spear more than one metre long embedded in his face. The incident occurred on 30 April 2026 after the victim, Chaiwat Nachari from Chakkarat district, was hit with the projectile, with it entering above his upper lip.

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He was initially taken to Chakkarat Hospital but was later transferred due to the severity of his injuries and the lack of specialised equipment. Upon arrival at the emergency department in Nakhon Ratchasima, doctors assessed his condition and requested assistance from the Hook 31 rescue foundation, which brought a plasma cutting tool to remove the exposed section of the metal spear.

Pictures courtesy of Komchadluek

Rescue workers spent more than one hour carefully cutting the protruding section to avoid damaging vital structures in the patient face and head. Once the external portion was removed, medical staff proceeded with surgery to extract the remaining section of the spear, successfully completing the operation and stabilising the patient.

According to initial reports, the victim had been returning from a temple fair in Chakkarat district when he was attacked by a rival who used a spear gun. Friends rushed him to hospital immediately after the incident, which likely contributed to his survival given the severity of the wound.

The case highlights the importance of coordination between medical teams and rescue units in emergency situations involving unusual or complex injuries. The use of specialised tools such as plasma cutters proved critical in enabling surgeons to proceed safely with treatment.

Komchadluek reported that authorities are expected to continue investigating the attack, including identifying and apprehending the suspect responsible. Medical teams will continue to monitor the patient recovery following surgery.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Komchadluek 1 May 2026

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I must admit, I didn't have "man shot in the face with speargun in Korat" on my 2026 bingo card.

Seriously, though, this attack - for whatever reason - was undertaken with obvious lethal intent. I mean one doesn't fire a spear at someone's head expecting to inflict just a flesh wound, does one?

I hope justice prevails and the young victim doesn't have any permanent scars; either physical or psychological.

Just now, The Oracle said:

I must admit, I didn't have "man shot in the face with speargun in Korat" on my 2026 bingo card.

It's common in Phuket at the vegetarian festival.

Edited May 1May 1 by Old Croc

I would not want to be the guy undergoing that procedure. I hope to gawd they completely knocked him out for the duration.

“The case highlights the importance of coordination between medical teams and rescue units in emergency situations involving unusual or complex injuries.”

Personally I think it highlights the need to avoid speargun wielding maniacs. But if that fails then I guess medical and rescue team co ordination is up

Sounds like there's something fishy about this

On 5/1/2026 at 11:58 PM, wensiensheng said:

Personally I think it highlights the need to avoid speargun wielding maniacs. But if that fails then I guess medical and rescue team co ordination is up

I would think they would struggle to catch their victims while wearing flippers!