Bangkok: A worker installing electrical wiring for the Ang Thong Likay festival was tragically electrocuted and left suspended from a steel structure. Rescuers employed a cherry picker to carefully lower him. Despite receiving first aid and being rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.
According to Thai News Agency, police from Chaiyo Police Station, together with rescue workers from the Ang Thong Provincial Rescue Association and the EMS team from Chaiyo Hospital, utilized a cherry picker to rescue Mr. Am, 31, who had been electrocuted by high-voltage electricity. The incident occurred on the steel structure of the indoor stage at Wat Chaiyo Worawihan in Chaiyo District, Ang Thong Province, which was being set up for the "Ang Thong Heritage Arts Project: Promoting Historical Tourism," a traditional Thai theatrical performance known as Likay.
The rescue was challenging due to the height of the structure and the necessity to cut off the power supply to ensure safety. Upon retrieval, the victim was discovered with severe burns and in critical condition. Despite the emergency personnel's efforts to administer first aid and transport him to a nearby hospital, he later died.
Initial investigations indicated that the victim was a worker tasked with preparing for the event by installing electrical wiring. While ascending the steel structure to perform his duties, a severe electrical short circuit occurred, leading to his electrocution. Police are conducting a comprehensive investigation at the scene and plan to question involved parties to ascertain the true cause of the accident.
Concerning the traditional Thai folk opera Likay festival scheduled from September 3-6, local residents had previously voiced concerns about the stage's location in the middle of the Chao Phraya River, expressing fears over potential dangers from strong currents and storms.