SI RACHA, THAILAND – A 42-year-old massage therapist was found dead in her rented room after being bitten by a centipede, with police finding no initial signs of foul play, though the exact cause of death remains unclear.
Body discovered in rented accommodation
Rettungsfreiwillige der Pure Yiang Tai Stiftung (Pure Yiang Tai Foundation rescue volunteers) were called to the rented room in Soi Alliance-Mab Hin Soi 6 in Bo Win during the night of June 4th. Police officers from Bo Win Station discovered the woman lying on her back, with stiff legs and dark lips. Investigators reported no indications of an attack or theft.
Last hours: Homecoming instead of clinic stay
The woman’s 27-year-old partner had picked her up from a massage salon following a centipede bite and taken her to a private hospital. After leaving the hospital, the couple purchased antihistamines and pain relievers from a convenience store before heading home. The partner returned to work and last spoke with her shortly before 5 a.m.
Hospital confirms admission and consultation
The private hospital stated that the patient was admitted between 1 and 2 a.m., complaining of foot pain and swelling. She was conscious and responsive upon arrival. Hospital staff checked the woman’s social security status and found that her insurance coverage had expired. They then directed the couple to two nearby public hospitals before the patient and her partner departed.
Previous history: High blood pressure and allergies
According to her partner, the woman suffered from high blood pressure and had experienced allergic reactions to venomous animals in the past. The family indicated that she had required hospital treatment for a similar incident previously.
Social security expired – financial reasons cited
The partner stated that the private hospital explained that treatment would be costly due to the expired social security coverage, and he could not afford the fees. He expressed doubt as to whether the hospital had provided sufficient consultation. The man indicated he had intended to utilize Thailand’s 30-baht system at a public hospital instead.
Unclear cause of death and repatriation of body
Authorities sent the body for further examination as the preliminary cause of death was listed as “unknown.” Police are working to determine the exact cause. The family stated they would not pursue legal action and planned to transport the body to their home village, Ban Wang Ta Thao, in the province of Chaiyaphum for funeral rites.