BURIRAM, THAILAND – A ten-year-old girl died after using a faulty, low-cost hairdryer purchased online, her family and local authorities said.
Incident
The tragedy occurred on 11 October at the family home in Krasang district. According to relatives, the girl—still in fourth grade—was found unconscious on her back with the hairdryer still plugged in and clutched in her right hand.
Discovery and emergency response
The child’s grandmother discovered the scene after a relative alerted her that the girl was playing with an electrical socket. She immediately unplugged the device and summoned help, but emergency responders were unable to revive the girl. She showed no signs of life at the scene.
Product details and preliminary findings
The family said they purchased the hairdryer online in January for just 89 baht (about €2.20). The unused device had been stored in a cupboard. Initial examinations by officials found burn marks on the girl’s right hand, consistent with an electrical accident. The hairdryer reportedly bore only a sticker with Chinese characters, suggesting it may be an unregulated or substandard import.
Investigation and regulatory concerns
Authorities will continue to examine the appliance to determine precise safety failures and whether the product violated consumer-protection standards. Consumer advocates have long warned about the risks posed by inexpensive, uncertified electrical goods sold through social media and e-commerce platforms.
Wider implications
The case has reignited debate over imports of cheap electronics and the adequacy of safety checks. For the grieving family in Buriram, the warning comes too late; for the community, the incident is a stark reminder that low price can carry lethal risks when safety standards are ignored.