Woman Dies After Lightning Strike While Herding Cattle
A 68-year-old woman in Buriram province died after being struck by lightning while herding cattle in a rice field on July 22, with her husband saying she ignored repeated warnings about the danger.
On July 23, 2025, Sommai (surname withheld), 68, a resident of Ro Thong subdistrict, Satuek district, Buriram province, was struck by lightning while herding cattle back home on the evening of July 22 in a rice field near Sok Khlong village, Ro Thong subdistrict. Doctors at Satuek Hospital transferred her to Buriram Central Hospital due to the severity of her injuries. She died at the hospital.
This morning, rescue workers from Wang Krood brought her body home for traditional funeral rites. Many villagers expressed their grief, and residents have become increasingly cautious and fearful about venturing into the fields, as lightning strikes have occurred frequently over the past one to two years.
Sitthichai (surname withheld), 62, the deceased's husband, recounted that he heard a loud thunderclap at the time of the incident but did not pay attention until someone alerted him. He ran outside and found his wife lying face-down with burn marks on her hat and shirt, unconscious. He immediately called emergency responders to transport her to the hospital, but she died shortly after.
Regarding reports that she was watching YouTube, he denied this, explaining that his wife did not use a smartphone to watch videos—she only used one for calls. He believed the actual cause was that she had left her phone on at all times and happened to be standing in an open field when lightning struck.
Sitthichai also noted that his wife was hardworking, taking care of cattle and farm work despite his repeated warnings to stop. He had cautioned her about lightning risks, but she would respond, "When it's time to die, you die."
