Thai monk, 37, electrocuted to death trying to free dog trapped in barbed wire fence

A Buddhist monk in Thailand died on Jul. 1 after he was electrocuted while trying to free a dog caught in a barbed wire fence.

He was unaware the fence had become live after an electrical fault from a nearby power pole.

According to Naewna, the incident occurred in Pathum Ratchawongsa District, Amnat Charoen Province.

The monk, identified as Phra Tom, 37, was from Wat Nong Nam Khun temple in the area.

What happened

Phra Tom was on his usual early morning alms round in the local community when he heard a dog barking in distress and found it tangled in a roadside barbed wire fence.

He approached and reached out with his hands to pull the wire apart so the animal could escape.

However, he was unaware that the high-voltage electricity was passing through the fence from a nearby power pole.

The moment his palms made contact with the wire, he was electrocuted and collapsed on the spot.

Bystanders rushed to help and called emergency services, who transported him to Pathum Ratchawongsa Hospital.

He died while receiving emergency treatment.

Post-mortem findings

According to Naewna, a post-mortem examination was carried out by police investigators and hospital doctors.

The examination found severe electrical burns on his hands, with no other injuries or signs of foul play.

Doctors concluded that the victim had died from acute heart failure caused by a high-voltage electric current passing through his body.

Police warning

Following the incident, police in Amnat Charoen Province issued a public safety warning, noting that wet ground and high humidity during the rainy season raised the risk of electrocution.

Residents were advised to stay away from damaged or exposed power equipment, avoid touching metal fences or barbed wire near power poles especially during or after rain, and report any suspected electrical faults to the relevant authorities immediately.