SRI RACHA, THAILAND – A 27-year-old man died after excessive drinking and repeated washing at an outdoor tap of a temple in Sri Racha district, prompting a police investigation into the exact cause of death.
Body found behind temple pavilion
The man was discovered lifeless beside a damaged water tap behind the pavilion of Wat Khao Chi Thammanimit in Nong Kham subdistrict. Rescue workers from the Pure Yeang Thai Si Racha unit were alerted at around 2 p.m. by a passerby and could only confirm the man’s death on arrival.
Victim identified and no visible injuries
Investigating officer Police Lieutenant Colonel Kongphon Techakamphu from Nong Kham Police Station reached the scene with volunteers and documented the situation, launching an immediate inquiry. The deceased was identified as 27-year-old Kitthana Khaoyongyangyuen from Moo 7, whose body lay next to the still-running outdoor valve, which appeared to have been damaged.
The man was shirtless and wore blue three-quarter-length jeans; a black wristwatch had been removed and placed nearby, along with a black shoulder bag containing his national ID and official documents. Investigators reported no visible signs of violence or external injuries, estimating the time of death to be about two to three hours before the body was found, likely around midday.
CCTV shows repeated drinking and washing
According to police, temple surveillance footage showed the man from about 12:45 p.m. repeatedly drinking from the tap and pouring water over himself. For roughly half an hour he paced restlessly and returned again and again to the water point.
The recording indicated he consumed large amounts of tap water and appeared increasingly disoriented. Eventually, the mechanism of the tap broke after his actions, and he collapsed beside the water outlet, where he remained motionless.
Monks describe worrying behavior
Monks at the temple told investigators the man had appeared in the morning and asked for drinking water, which one monk provided. They said they had never seen him before and that he seemed like a stranger to them.
Later, he stayed near the ordination hall and waved a stick around, which alarmed the monks. Around noon, concerned about his condition, they carefully handed him food and snacks.
Statements hint at possible intoxication
The monks recounted that the man told them his relatives had sent him into the forest or the mountains, and that he was thirsty and had come down to the temple for water.
“His behavior suggested to us possible drug use or another form of impairment.”
said the monks, according to the investigators.
Shortly afterward, the monks heard water running continuously and unusual noises from behind the pavilion. Initially they assumed monkeys had damaged the tap, until one monk went to check, found the man unresponsive and immediately alerted senior monks and authorities.
Police secure scene and order autopsy
Police cordoned off the area as a crime scene and collected all relevant evidence. The family of Kitthana Khaoyongyangyuen was informed, and standard legal procedures were initiated.
A detailed examination to determine the precise cause of death was commissioned. Investigators stated that, based on current findings, there were no indications of foul play, but emphasized that the circumstances of the death remained under active investigation until a final report was available.
Open questions on cause of death
The case raised numerous questions, as the young man was found without visible injuries next to a running tap and no initial signs of external violence. Police said they were focusing on establishing the exact cause of death and examining possible factors such as drug use, pre-existing health conditions or other influences.
The results of the forensic examination were expected in the coming days, which should clarify whether any underlying medical or toxicological issues contributed to the man’s death.