Bangkok: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya A 23-year-old man experienced a night of terror while fishing late in the Chao Phraya River. What he initially thought was a large fish biting his bait turned out to be a human skull, believed to belong to a child.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident occurred around 10 PM when police at Bang Bal Police Station received a report about the discovery of a human skull near the pier of Wat Boon Kannawas in Sai Noi area, Bang Bal district. Upon inspection, authorities found a skull approximately palm-sized and dark in color. Initial evaluations suggest that the individual had been deceased for at least a year. The skull has been sent to the Institute of Forensic Science for further analysis.
The fisherman, identified as Mr. Nantawat Naibut, recounted his experience while fishing about 500 meters from the temple's pier. Shortly after casting his line, he felt a strong pull, thinking he had snagged a sizable fish. However, to his horror, he discovered that he had caught a child's skull. After overcoming his shock, he promptly contacted the police and rescue services. Mr. Naibut, who has been fishing for many years, confessed that he had never encountered anything like this before.
The local headman mentioned that villagers believe it is unusual to fish on Buddhist holy nights. Some hold the belief that those who drowned long ago may wish to be found to achieve rebirth. However, these remain personal beliefs without any concrete evidence.
There are no records of child drownings or boat accidents in the area over the past year. It remains uncertain whether the skull belongs to someone from the vicinity or was brought to the area by flooding, a common occurrence in this region.