Man dies inside charcoal kiln after inhaling toxic smoke

On 12 August 2026, a 68-year-old man named Veera Dana was found dead inside a charcoal kiln in Nong Bua Lamphu, Thailand. The cause of death was believed to be inhaling toxic smoke while crawling inside to collect charcoal still smouldering. Veera's body was largely burned, leaving only a few bone fragments for identification. Police and rescue workers discovered the bones in a rice field approximately 3 kilometres from a village.

The charcoal kiln measured about 3 meters in diameter, with an opening large enough for a person to crawl through. The kiln had been disturbed, with parts broken open, but the entrance remained intact. The man who found the remains was identified as Thawatchai Hueangsri, 27, the grandson of Veera. He recounted that Veera had last been seen by him earlier that morning, asking for help with painkillers due to leg pain.

Thawatchai searched the area and discovered the kiln, noticing the entrance had been opened and flames still burning inside. Upon entering, he found what he believed were bone fragments and alerted relatives and authorities. The remains were later identified as Veera's due to his belongings found near the kiln. Police questioned the family and villagers about any conflicts, but none were found.

Veera had no known medical conditions, and his family expressed no objections to the cause of death determination.