Yesterday, we had a tragic event in the family.

Kem died.

Who was Kem?

He was my brother in law, my wife’s sister’s husband.

A 52 year old Issan guy, full of life that he enjoyed his Leo beer a lot, his karaoke, his night life entertainment.

But during the day, he was a hard working guy.

He was employed by a builder’s yard on 300Baht a day as a driver, manual worker, supervisor and all other odd jobs.

But Kem was also multitalented.

He was a plumber an electrician, a builder, a garden designer, a welder and many other things, I can’t recall now.

I employed him in the past to do some odd jobs in my house, like a patio and to increase the height of my garden wall, so I can’t see the neighbours.

He did an excellent job, although I realized that I paid for double the amount of the materials used.

The other half went to his house.

But, can’t complain…….This is what relatives are for……to help each other.

Now how did Kem died?

While he wanted to get into a building site and unload his truck, he realized that a mains electricity cable was hanging low.

So, what he did was get a 3 meter iron pole and tried to lift the naked cable up.

Kem, was put at the back of a truck and brought to the local hospital, where the doctor and my wife that happened to be on the ER shift at the time, did their outmost to resuscitate him.

But in vail…….he died half an hour later, living 3 grown up children and 3 grandchildren behind.

Rest in Peace, Kem, we will always remember you.

PS. We are going to burn him tomorrow at the local Wat.

Sorry for you loss, Costas. What was he thinking, using a metal pole to raise a power line?

Sad story Costas, at least his children are grown up already. I have 3 excellent brothers in law, can repair, build most things, had to since they were young, and always cheerful despite occasional setbacks, ie failure of a water melon crop.

Condolences to his family and yours,

Sorry for you loss, Costas. What was he thinking, using a metal pole to raise a power line?

Thank you.

That's what the whole family is querying about.

May be he thought he would be eligible for the Darwin award.

When my wife rang me from the hospital and told me the reason, I didn't know if I should laugh or cry.

sorry for your loss- but this is the way of a Thai "electrician "...certainly he used the metal pole because no copper around.

That is sad mate my condolences. I doubt he "Choose" a metal pole probably nothing else laying around. To be fair , you wouldn't expect a cable to not be insulated even in Thailand

Sorry for you loss, Costas. What was he thinking, using a metal pole to raise a power line?

Thank you.

That's what the whole family is querying about.

May be he thought he would be eligible for the Darwin award.

When my wife rang me from the hospital and told me the reason, I didn't know if I should laugh or cry.

Condolences Costas. He may well be in the running for a Darwin.

sorry for your loss- but this is the way of a Thai "electrician "...certainly he used the metal pole because no copper around.

Copper would have the same result.

He should have used wood.

That was an unnecessary death, caused by sheer stupidity.

I feel more sorry for his wife and kids than anything else.

sorry for your loss- but this is the way of a Thai "electrician "...certainly he used the metal pole because no copper around.

Copper would have the same result.

He should have used wood.

That was an unnecessary death, caused by sheer stupidity.

I feel more sorry for his wife and kids than anything else.

sorry my Greek friend i just couldn't resist.i know copper would even worst.condolences to the family...

Sorry for the loss, Costas. I'm sure you and your wife will help the family get through this.