Empty Udon Thani home gets nearly 50,000 baht power bill

A homeowner in Udon Thani, Thailand, was shocked to receive a nearly 50,000 baht electricity bill for his vacant home. The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) confirmed that electricity had been leaking from the property for nearly a month, despite the home standing empty for several years. The 57-year-old Bangkok resident discovered the unusual bill after noticing the high charge, even though he lived over 500 kilometers away.

Upon visiting Udon Thani, the homeowner found that the house had been broken into, with valuables stolen including electrical wiring, an air-conditioning unit, a water pump, a lawnmower, a fan, and other property. The homeowner, whose mother previously owned the property, first became concerned after receiving the bill on September 3, after paying just 26 baht a month previously.

PEA officials suspect the high electricity consumption may be due to damage from the burglary, which included cut and removed wiring. Despite receiving complaints, PEA staff initially had difficulty inspecting the property due to heavy vegetation and the homeowner's absence. The PEA will investigate the findings and work with the homeowner to resolve the issue once the cause of the leak is established. Police are also continuing their investigation into the burglary and theft.