Tragic house fire claims life of elderly bedridden man in northern Thailand

A tragic house fire in Phichit Province claimed the life of an 83 year old bedridden man. The fire broke out in a wooden house located behind Huadong School, in Huadong Subdistrict, Phichit. The unfortunate incident occurred today.

The initial investigation by the authorities revealed a single fatality, later identified as 83 year old Sompong, who was bedridden. Emergency rescue and forensic teams called in medical personnel from Phichit Hospital for examination.

His son, 32 year old Somporn, revealed that Sompong usually lived with his wife, 70 year old Sahrai, his mother.

The mother was at her son’s house due to stomach pain and was scheduled to visit the doctor the following morning.

On the morning of the incident, Somporn’s daughter had brought snacks to her grandfather, Sompong, and told him that her grandmother would visit him later. A short while later, the house was engulfed in flames.

The sight of smoke alerted Somporn and the neighbours, who discovered the house on fire and Sompong’s lifeless body. Emergency services from Huadong Subdistrict Municipality were alerted for an immediate investigation, reported KhaoSod.

Sompong had been bedridden for four months and suffered from several chronic diseases, including asthma, blood pressure issues, lipid disorders, and tuberculosis. Singharat Wongsangiam, the Deputy Governor of Phichit Province, along with Kanthinee Wongsangiam, the Deputy Red Cross Chapter of Phichit Province, and relevant agencies visited the site to inspect and offer their condolences to the bereaved family.

The Red Cross Chapter of Phichit Province provided immediate financial assistance of 8,000 baht, basic necessities, and moral support. The Office of Basic Education Commission gave 3,000 baht, while the Office of Social Development and Human Security of Phichit Province provided a social assistance fund of 3,000 baht. Further assistance of 3,000 baht for the funeral of the elderly man is underway.

Forensic officers are coordinating with the Evidence Department to inspect the scene and determine the cause of the fire.

As for the deceased, Peerarot Phatraprasit, the Mayor of Huadong Subdistrict, instructed rescue officials to take the body for autopsy to the forensic medicine department at Buddha Chinnaraj Hospital, Phitsanulok Province, before the religious funeral rites were performed.

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