Thai Rice farmer’s tragic death highlights health risks in agriculture
A 57 year old man tragically passed away while harvesting rice in a field alone, suspected to have died from a pre-existing condition following complaints of chest pain. His body was discovered yesterday, November 7, in a paddy field in Baan Don Po Daeng, Khok Sa-at subdistrict, Mueang district, Udon Thani province.
The incident was reported to Suk-In Rachankaew, a police officer at the Huay Luang sub-police station, who promptly arrived at the scene with medical personnel and rescue workers from Sawang Metha Tham Foundation.
Upon arrival, the police discovered the lifeless body of Suwan, a local of Baan Don Po Daeng, Moo 3, lying amidst the golden rice stalks, with a sickle still clutched in his right hand. The medical examination estimated that the man had been dead for at least seven to eight hours. Suwan’s relatives expressed no suspicion regarding the death, confirming he had a history of health issues and frequently complained of chest pain.
The field owner, Prayad, shared that Suwan had agreed to harvest two rai of rice for 500 baht (US$15). Suwan was known to be hardworking and had been working in the field since the previous day. Despite knowing about Suwan’s chest pain and a previous fainting incident near a charcoal stove, Prayad never expected such a tragedy. Suwan had insisted on being paid not in cash but in rice to support his mother, with whom he lived.
“I didn’t expect anything bad to happen. He was a diligent person, only wanting rice to give to his mother,” Prayad said, reflecting on the unfortunate event.
Paw, the first person to find the body, recounted the shock of discovering Suwan. She had brought her grandchild to collect vegetables nearby and was alarmed upon seeing the man lying lifeless in the field. In a state of panic, she initially ran away in fear but quickly gathered herself to notify the police, reported KhaoSod.
“I was so frightened when I saw the body. I ran without thinking, scared of ghosts. Once I calmed down, I immediately reported it,” Paw mentioned, recalling the unsettling discovery.
