Contractor, 61, Dies on Train Tracks in Udon Thani Suicide
A 61-year-old contractor from Nong Khai died after deliberately lying on train tracks at a railway crossing in Udon Thani's Ban Khao district. The crossing guard shouted warnings but the man refused to move, stating he wanted the train to run him over. Police suspect the suicide was driven by mounting debts of around 200,000 baht and chronic health problems.
On October 21, 2026, Pol. Lt. Niwat Jaengthok, Deputy Inspector of Investigation at Mueang Udon Thani Police Station, received a report of a fatal train strike at the Ban Khao railway crossing in Moo 11, Ban Khao Subdistrict, Mueang District, Udon Thani Province. He coordinated with rescue workers from the Udon Sawang Metta Tham Foundation and an on-duty doctor to inspect the scene.
Officers found the body of Mr. Suriyan, 61, a resident of Pha Rai District, Nong Khai Province. His body had been severely struck by the train, with body parts scattered across the area. Police documented the scene as evidence before notifying relatives to claim the body for religious rites.
Mr. Kamphon Isakhong, 63, a railway crossing guard, stated that while on duty he noticed Mr. Suriyan walk over and sit near his post. He approached to question him, but the man said nothing. When the train approached, Mr. Kamphon shouted for him to clear the tracks. Mr. Suriyan replied, "I'll lie down and let the train run over me," and then lay down on the rails. Moments later the train passed, striking and killing him instantly. Mr. Kamphon said he was shocked witnessing the event and prayed for the deceased's soul to find peace.
Phra Wiradet Thirapanyo, 68, abbot of Chai Sri Chai Trai Rat Temple in Ban Khao, revealed that Mr. Suriyan had ordained as a monk during the previous Buddhist Lent before leaving the monkhood. He later disappeared, then returned to seek shelter at the temple. The abbot allowed him to stay and help with temple work. During his stay, Mr. Suriyan was soft-spoken, kind, and hardworking, especially skilled in construction.
However, Mr. Suriyan often complained about life problems, including debts to the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) totaling about 200,000 baht, as well as health issues. He suffered from a jaw infection with abscesses, chronic ailments, and general frailty. The temple tried to encourage him and looked after his health.
Mrs. Lamphun Sarios, 69, a vendor near the crossing, said Mr. Suriyan was a skilled tile contractor. About two days before the incident, he gave her his ID card and ATM card, asking her to call his mother — a nun in Nong Khai — if anything happened to him. He also mentioned insurance money he would receive upon death, which made her uneasy, though she never expected he would actually kill himself.
Mrs. Lamphun added that Mr. Suriyan often confided his sorrows, citing multiple illnesses, inability to eat for about two weeks, and saying he no longer wanted to live. On the morning of the incident, he still spoke about insurance he had with the Government Savings Bank. She expressed deep sorrow and shock that such a good person would take his own life.
