Village Reels From Five Consecutive Deaths in One Week
A village in Nakhon Ratchasima province reeled from five consecutive deaths between August 28 and September 2, with residents attributing the tragic cluster to illness and disease despite some reporting strange premonitions beforehand.
On September 3, 2025, Ban Chaleang Khok village in Chaleang subdistrict, Khorat district, Nakhon Ratchasima province witnessed an unprecedented crisis when five residents died on consecutive days, leaving the village temple's cremation grounds operating almost without pause. The deaths sparked widespread concern among residents about the tragic coincidence befalling their small community.
Village headman Suriya Ruangkrathotok, who was assisting with funeral arrangements for 78-year-old Sunant (surname withheld), who died from an infected wound, said another resident was also waiting for cremation services at the temple. He explained that around Songkran time earlier this year, several villagers fell ill with various diseases, prompting residents to hold a major merit-making ceremony hoping to alleviate suffering and illness in the community. However, the deaths followed in quick succession.
The first death was 68-year-old Sakorn (surname withheld) on August 28 from acute kidney failure, with a three-day merit ceremony planned ending with cremation on August 31. On August 29, 63-year-old Saile (surname withheld) died of cancer while the first funeral was still underway. On August 30, 63-year-old Charin (surname withheld) died of cancer, becoming the third death. On August 31, during Sakorn's cremation ceremony, Sunant died from an infected wound. On September 2, 72-year-old Sangiem (surname withheld) died of cancer, the fifth consecutive death.
Before their deaths, some residents reported hearing strange dreams—accounts of a bus driver arriving with a vehicle full of passengers to collect them, only to decide against it after recognizing their children. Though most understand the deaths resulted from chronic and pre-existing diseases, the consecutive daily pattern has shaken the community. After all five funerals conclude, community leaders plan to organize a major merit-making ceremony for the entire village and subdistrict to bring residents peace of mind.
