Udon Thani Governor Visits Village After 15 Deaths
Fifteen villagers in Udon Thani’s Ban Naaeng community died over two months, prompting fears of a supernatural cause. Governor Chaiwat Chuenkoson led a medical and psychological team to the village to conduct health checks and provide reassurance. Officials confirmed the deaths were linked to pre‑existing health conditions, not any 'phi pop' spirit.
Udon Thani Province Governor Chaiwat Chuenkoson, together with Dr. Surapong Saenpoch of Udon Thani Provincial Hospital, District Officer Chavit Pongkan, mental health psychologists, and medical staff, traveled to the village to check residents' health and offer encouragement. This followed the deaths of 15 villagers from Ban Naaeng, Nikom Sangkharam subdistrict, Mueang Udon Thani district, over the past two months. Earlier, villagers had invited a woman named Nang Dong to perform a divination ritual, claiming the deaths were caused by an aggressive 'phi pop' ghost, which had frightened the community. Governor Chaiwat explained that the trip aimed to uplift villagers' spirits, directing the hospital director to bring doctors and mental health counselors to talk with residents and restore morale. He emphasized that local beliefs were not disrespected, saying villagers could continue their practices, such as re‑erecting a fallen bodhi tree, using supports, and holding merit‑making ceremonies and Buddhist chanting, which he viewed positively. In addition, doctors examined everyone’s health. A particular case involved a woman in her early twenties whose husband and father had died consecutively; health checks revealed she suffered from high blood pressure, and she received medical advice. Village headman of Ban Naaeng said he was grateful the governor came in person, noting that 15 consecutive deaths were abnormal, though most victims had pre‑existing illnesses. He affirmed that villagers respected their beliefs and followed community wishes, and that there was certainly no 'phi pop' spirit. He added that residents felt reassured after the governor brought doctors for health checks, and no further deaths have occurred to date.
