NAKHON PHANOM — What was meant to be a season of celebration has turned into an unimaginable nightmare for a local family. On April 16, 2026, an 11-year-old boy lost his life after being electrocuted near a concert stage during a Songkran festival event.
The tragedy is compounded by a chilling coincidence: the parents had lost their eldest daughter just over a year ago. She was also 11 years old at the time of her death.
The incident occurred at the popular “Kalamae Road” Songkran celebrations in the That Phanom district. According to eyewitnesses and local news reports from Ch7HD News, the young boy was enjoying the festivities near a Mor Lam (traditional Thai folk music) stage.
Tragedy struck when the boy reportedly came into contact with a metal pole supporting a large speaker array. A singer performing on stage noticed the child slumped against the equipment and immediately used the microphone to alert the crowd that there was a live electrical leak.
Despite the quick intervention of bystanders who performed CPR and rushed him to the hospital, the boy was later pronounced dead. A 9-year-old girl was also reportedly affected by the current in the same area, but fortunately survived.
The grief at the funeral, held at the Don Klang Community Pavilion near the famous Wat Phra That Phanom, was palpable. The parents, Mr. Yongyuth, 58, and Mrs. Oradee, 42, were seen weeping as they dressed their son in new clothes for his final journey.
In a heartbreaking interview, the father shared the heavy burden his family now carries. “It feels like heaven is playing a cruel joke on us,” he said. “In just over a year, we have lost both of our children. Both died when they were 11. Now, we have no one left to carry on our family name.”
Safety Concerns Loom Over Songkran Festivals
This tragedy has sparked urgent conversations regarding safety standards at public events. Temporary stages, heavy sound equipment, and the presence of water during Songkran create a high-risk environment for electrical accidents.
Investigators are now looking into the following safety lapses:
- Improper Grounding: Whether the stage equipment was correctly grounded to prevent leaks.
- Exposed Wiring: The proximity of high-voltage cables to public walkways.
- Wet Conditions: How the traditional water-splashing contributed to the conductivity of the metal structures.
Local authorities have been urged to enforce stricter inspections for temporary structures at festivals to ensure that no other family has to endure such a loss.
The 11-year-old boy was described by neighbors as a cheerful child who was well-loved in his community. His passing has left a void not only in his home but in the hearts of those in the That Phanom district.
As the community gathers to support Mr. Yongyuth and Mrs. Oradee, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the vital importance of electrical safety in public spaces. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation often issues warnings during festival seasons, yet accidents like these continue to highlight the need for better enforcement and public awareness.
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