Elderly woman dies in Nakhon Phanom after electricity cut off

The family of a 68 year old bedridden woman who tragically died is laying the blame squarely at the feet of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) after her electricity supply was cut off for failing to pay a bill of 1,500 baht in Nakhon Phanom province. Hospital director Nongluk Chanchana, along with the grieving relatives, is demanding accountability from the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), insisting that their actions contributed to this tragic loss.

Nang Kian, who relied on medical equipment such as an oxygen generator, ventilator, and suction machine, lived alone following her husband’s death a decade ago. She had no children and was cared for by her sister and niece intermittently. The elderly woman’s condition had been deteriorating, necessitating constant use of medical devices which led to higher electricity consumption.

Employees from a private company contracted by the PEA cut off the electricity at Nang Kian’s home on Tuesday, October 1 at 9am, citing two months of unpaid bills. The niece of the deceased pleaded with the workers, explaining that Nang Kian was bedridden and alone and that the household typically did not incur electricity charges due to government assistance for low usage. However, the increased power usage from the medical devices had resulted in a bill of approximately 1,500 baht.

Despite assurances from the family that the overdue amount would be paid promptly, the workers insisted on cutting the power, claiming they were following protocol.

Once the power was cut, all the medical equipment ceased functioning. The oxygen generator stopped working, causing Nang Kian’s condition to worsen rapidly. Despite the family rushing to settle the outstanding bill, and the electricity being restored about an hour later, Nang Kian could not survive without the oxygen support and passed away, reported KhaoSod.

The deceased’s sister expressed her frustration.

“We explained the reason for the overdue bill but they didn’t listen. They overlooked human life. If our relatives hadn’t experienced this themselves, they wouldn’t understand the gravity.

“I want the PEA to give an explanation and take responsibility because I believe cutting the power led to my sister’s death. She shouldn’t have died this way.”