Family mourns paralysed brother found dead near Udon Thani kiln

A family in Udon Thani is mourning the loss of their paralysed brother, who was found dead next to a charcoal kiln. One of the deceased’s sisters had a premonition last week while his wife described their final moments together before he left home early in the morning.

At 6.30am today, August 26, an inspector from Udon Thani City Police Station, Police Lieutenant Colonel Jesada Wongwai, received a report of a man found deceased next to a charcoal kiln in a public area near Ban Chan Reservoir, Ban Chan subdistrict, Mueang district, Udon Thani province. The police, including a doctor from Udon Thani Central Hospital and volunteers from Udonthani Promotion of Virtue, promptly arrived at the scene.

The deceased, identified as 50 year old Boonrod, was found shirtless, wearing only grey shorts, lying on his back. His wife and relatives had gathered at the scene, their wails of grief filling the air, deeply moving both officials and onlookers. The family had rushed to the location upon hearing the tragic news.

One of Boonrod’s sisters revealed that she had a premonition about his death last week. His wife recounted their final moments together before he left home at dawn. They had placed a rolled-up plastic mat under his head for comfort. Upon examination, the doctor found no injuries or signs of foul play on Boonrod’s body, nor any evidence of a struggle in the surrounding area.

It is believed that Boonrod died from sudden cardiac failure or a pre-existing condition. At the time of the incident, he was alone and unable to call for help, leading to his eventual death. He had likely been dead for approximately two hours before being discovered.

The first person to find the body was 85 year old Tee recounted arriving at the kiln area around 5am and seeing Boonrod lying motionless. Upon calling out and receiving no response, Tee approached and noticed saliva dripping from Boonrod’s mouth, indicating he was already dead. He immediately informed the village and Boonrod’s relatives.

Tee mentioned that he had been making charcoal in the area for many years, along with others who had their own kilns. On the previous day, he had seen and briefly spoken with Boonrod.

Partial paralysis

Boonrod’s wife, 58 year old Charawan, stated that he had been making charcoal for a long time and would leave home early every day to tend to the kilns. Despite his partial paralysis from a car accident 20 years ago, Boonrod was diligent and hardworking. On the morning of his death, he had left home around 4am after having his coffee. Shortly after, she was informed of his death.

Charawan said there were no signs of impending doom before the incident. Despite his paralysis, Boonrod had been physically strong and able to work normally. Boonrod’s sixth sister, 65 year old Lamun, mentioned that their family comprises 11 siblings, with Boonrod being the youngest. She had experienced a twitching right eye a week prior, which she considered a bad omen, though she hadn’t expected it to foretell Boonrod’s death.

Lamun added that she saw Boonrod regularly as their houses were close. She had seen him just that morning when he shone a flashlight into her home, to which she remarked on his early rising. Upon hearing the news, she and the family rushed to try and resuscitate him, but it was too late.

Boonrod’s tenth sister, 55 year old Somjit, led the family in lighting incense to honour Boonrod’s spirit, praying for him to return home and find peace. She expressed her sorrow, noting that Boonrod had been in good health the previous day, even helping with a sick relative. She believed his death might have been due to overwork and lack of rest.

The family now grieves deeply, but they take solace in knowing Boonrod is at peace, free from suffering, reported Khaosod.