Son Describes Desperate Search for Mother After Severe Storm Before Finding Her Body

On May 5, 2025, authorities reported that a severe summer storm struck Muang District in Chainat province, toppling 50 high-voltage power lines (22 kilovolts) across a distance of more than 2 kilometers along Phaholyothin Road in Subdistrict Suo Hok. The disaster claimed the life of 74-year-old Ms. Thawon (surname withheld). The family has since held a merit-making ceremony at Noen Than Temple as relatives mourn her passing. Inspectors found her home severely damaged with the roof nearly completely blown away and belongings soaked by rain, making it uninhabitable. Family members have temporarily relocated to relatives' homes.

Her 48-year-old son, Kittiphon (surname withheld), recounted that on the day of the incident, his mother had intended to bring curry to deliver to his sister who lived 12 kilometers away, as she normally did out of concern for her. However, the storm intensified suddenly, damaging the roof of his mother's home. He attempted to call her but received no answer, so he prepared to take his pickup truck to search for her. When his sister came out to help search, they found only dozens of toppled power poles before rescue workers informed them of the tragic news.

Kittiphon revealed that he had previously planned to sell his truck to raise money for home repairs to provide his mother comfort, but now that intention will never be fulfilled. His 32-year-old nephew, Khuanchai (surname withheld), shared his emotional shock upon learning the news, explaining that he was too devastated to read the message himself and had his girlfriend read it to him before rushing back from Chonburi province to say a final goodbye to his beloved grandmother.

Beyond the sudden loss of life, the storm affected over 400 homes and left residents without power for extended periods as authorities work urgently to restore electricity.