Blessed by Ancestors: Ancient Trees Fall on Naga Statue, Damage Fortunately Occurs During Noon Closure with No Injuries
Two ancient trees collapsed onto a naga statue at a shrine in Udon Thani's Ban Dung district on Saturday, causing damage but no injuries because the incident occurred during the temple's noon closure when visitors were restricted.
On Saturday, April 27, 2025, two chamchuri trees fell and collapsed onto a naga statue near the entrance bridge to the shrine of Grandfather Srisuddho and Grandmother Sripratum in Ban Dung district, Udon Thani province, approximately 50 meters from the tail section. The naga's body sustained roughly 1.30 meters of damage, and the other tree struck a beehive, causing bees to scatter and attack fleeing tourists. The incident occurred during the temple's noon closure when entry is restricted; the temple reopens in the afternoon, which prevented injuries or fatalities, though some visitors did receive bee stings. Notably, there was no storm, wind, or unusual weather conditions at the time of the collapse. Temple management has brought in workers to repair the damage, and the site is now open for worship as usual. Local village headman Tik reported hearing loud sounds and observing the fallen trees and swarming bees. The tree collapse is attributed to advanced age and structural imbalance. Caretaker Chuwakan Khamwansa described the incident as miraculous, crediting the blessings of the ancestors for the trees falling precisely during the noon closure rather than when tourists were present. The temple has also provided lottery numbers for those interested in trying their luck in the May 2 drawing: triple digits 8-7-6-9 and incense divination numbers 861 and 168.