Forestry worker dies in Udon Thani forest gun accident
A 53 year old forestry worker and seasoned fireworks maker died from a gunshot wound in a forest in Udon Thani province. The incident occurred yesterday, April 17, with his wife expressing shock as they had spoken just that morning.
Police Colonel Sonthaya Hitayaso from Phen District Police Station was notified of the incident, which took place in the forest near Ban Khok Hong village.
Emergency services, forensic officers, and Phen Hospital medical personnel were dispatched to the scene. Sopar Ocharas’s body was discovered face down beside a pond, with a long musket and a gunpowder kit nearby.
The investigation revealed no signs of struggle, with only a gunshot wound to the left temple. Sopar’s loyal dog, Gaga, a red female, stood guard over his body behind the police cordon.
Sopar’s wife and relatives did not suspect foul play, and the body was taken to Phen Hospital for preservation before traditional funeral rites.
Sopar’s wife, Samruay, also 53, recounted that her husband left home at 6am to feed their dog and hunt a chicken for cooking, carrying his musket. After he failed to return, she called him twice without a response. She drove to the location, only to find him dead and immediately called the police.
She did not believe it was suicide, suggesting that the gun might have accidentally discharged while aiming at a chicken. Sopar was known to have high blood pressure and diabetes, which added to her shock over the incident.
A friend of Sopar described him as a master firework maker and a respected forestry worker in the Phen district. His fireworks consistently won competitions. The friend was puzzled about the cause of death, having spoken with Sopar just that morning.
Another local, 69 year old Ko, who lives opposite the scene, reported hearing a single gunshot followed by a thud while feeding his pigs.
He was surprised to learn of Sopar’s death, knowing he suffered from high blood pressure and diabetes. Sopar had recently mentioned feeling exhausted and unwilling to continue his cattle work, but the exact cause of the incident remains unclear, reported KhaoSod.
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