CHIANG MAI– On Thursday morning, April 30, 2026, rescue workers in Chiang Mai, Thailand, found the body of an unidentified 60-year-old homeless man under the Khua Sari Wiang Phing bridge. This deeply saddening discovery marks the third death of a homeless person in the northern city within just two weeks.
According to local authorities, the man likely died from an underlying medical condition during the early hours of the morning. Officers found no signs of a struggle or foul play. However, this sudden cluster of tragedies has left the local community deeply concerned about the health and safety of people living on the streets.
At approximately 11:00 AM, residents walking near the Ping River in the Fa Ham sub-district spotted the lifeless body. They quickly called emergency services for help. Teams from the Ruamjai Chiang Mai Rescue Foundation , along with local police and medical experts, arrived at the scene shortly after receiving the call.
When they arrived, officials found the man lying on his back. Next to him, there was a fertilizer sack filled with collected recycled goods and neatly folded clothes. The initial medical examination showed that the man had blood coming from his mouth. Furthermore, the immediate area smelled strongly of alcohol.
Medical experts at the scene estimate that the man passed away between midnight and 3:00 AM. Because there were no visible wounds or signs of a physical fight, doctors believe a sudden illness or internal injury caused his death. Rescue teams have since safely moved the body to the forensic department at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital. Doctors there will perform a full autopsy to find the exact cause of death.
Three Tragic Incidents in 14 Days
This latest event is part of a worrying timeline in the city. In just 14 days, Chiang Mai has seen three separate deaths within its homeless community. Despite happening so close together in time and location, police experts confirm that the cases are completely unconnected.
Here is a clear look at the recent timeline of events:
- April 17:A homeless man died in a fire inside an abandoned building near the Arcade Bus Terminal. Police officially ruled this a tragic accident. The victim was sleeping on a bed made of old car tires. He left a candle burning, which accidentally caught fire and spread quickly.
- April 29:Authorities found another homeless man dead under the Rattanakosin bridge. This location is only two kilometers away from the newest scene. Police suspect this specific death might involve foul play, and an active murder investigation is currently ongoing.
- April 30:The 60-year-old man was discovered under the Khua Sari Wiang Phing bridge. As noted, authorities currently believe he died from a personal health issue.
Police Search for Answers and Family
Police Colonel Yanaphon Pattanachai, the chief of the Mae Ping Police Station, personally visited the bridge to lead the investigation. He explained to reporters that the police do not yet know the true identity of the newest victim.
During the investigation, officers spoke with other homeless people who also sleep under the bridge. These witnesses told the police that the man was a stranger to them. He had just arrived the day before, and they did not get a chance to speak with him before they found him dead the next morning.
Colonel Yanaphon stated that the man most likely traveled to Chiang Mai from another town very recently. The police investigation team is now working hard to check regional records. They hope to identify him quickly so they can inform his family.
The Daily Challenge of Helping the Vulnerable
These sad events highlight a much bigger social issue in Chiang Mai. The Mae Ping Police regularly work with the provincial Social Development and Human Security Office. Together, they try to help people living on the streets by moving them into safe, government-run shelters.
Unfortunately, many homeless individuals choose to leave these shelters. They often return to the familiar streets, choosing to sleep under bridges, on overpasses, or in empty, dangerous buildings. Local police try to protect them by keeping records and taking photos of the local homeless population. However, when newcomers arrive from out of town, it becomes much harder for authorities to track their well-being and offer help.
As the city waits for the official medical reports, these three deaths serve as a harsh reminder of the difficult and dangerous lives faced by those living without a home.
