Four men die from toxic gas in palm plantation well in Phang Nga

Four men died after collapsing inside a well in a palm plantation in Khura district, Phang Nga, on Sunday, April 26, 2026, in an incident north of Phuket. Officials said the men were digging a new water well about 6 meters, or 20 feet, deep when toxic gas built up inside the shaft and caused sudden asphyxiation.

All four victims were residents of Moo 11 in Khura subdistrict. Preliminary findings indicated oxygen depletion linked to gases such as methane or carbon dioxide from decaying organic matter in the confined space.

Sequence of the fatal well collapse

Suthon, 41, was the first to go down into the shaft to dig and soon lost consciousness, according to accounts from the scene. Suthat, 35, then climbed down to help and also collapsed.

Theeradon, 30, was called in to assist but lost consciousness after entering the well. Wahab, 59, went down after seeing the others in trouble and became the fourth victim.

The men were later found piled together at the bottom of the narrow shaft. Investigators said they had apparently tried to climb out before succumbing.

Rescue operation and initial findings

Recovery crews used breathing apparatus and specialized equipment to enter the well safely and retrieve the bodies. The conditions inside the shaft made the operation difficult, officials said.

Police said no foul play was suspected. Autopsies were pending to confirm the exact cause of death.

Authorities also renewed warnings about entering unventilated wells and other confined spaces without proper safety gear. They advised the use of gas detectors and breathing apparatus where possible.

Source: https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/04/27/tragic-incident-in-phang-nga-four-men-die-after-succumbing-to-toxic-gas-in-palm-plantation-well/