Nakhon phanom: A 45-year-old female runner and hospital employee at Tao Ngoi Hospital tragically collapsed and died during the Mekong River Run, a mini-marathon event in Nakhon Phanom Province.
According to Thai News Agency, the event, known as "Sa-on Run 2025," was held along the scenic banks of the Mekong River. The vibrant event saw participants in fancy dress, drawing visitors from early morning. However, the excitement turned to shock when Watchara, a hospital worker from Tao Ngoi District, Sakon Nakhon Province, collapsed just two kilometers from the finish line in front of the Nakhon Phanom Red Cross office. Despite immediate CPR efforts and her rapid transport to Nakhon Phanom Hospital, she was pronounced dead. Early medical assessments suggest acute heart failure as the possible cause.
The hospital atmosphere was somber as the family of the deceased and fellow runners gathered, visibly distraught. Eyewitness accounts revealed that Watchara had complained of dizziness and chest tightness before collapsing. Friends running with her attempted first aid until emergency responders arrived. Her brother expressed no doubts about the cause of death, attributing it to exhaustion, noting her previous thyroid condition. He reflected on her passion for running, stating, "She loved running, and she ended up passing away on the path she loved."
Police Sergeant Major Anek, Watchara's husband, arrived at the hospital, devastated by the unexpected loss. He recounted that his wife had left their home in Sakon Nakhon Province the day before to participate in the event. Plans for funeral rites are now underway in Tao Ngoi District.
The Deputy Governor of Nakhon Phanom Province attended the hospital to extend condolences and support to the grieving family. As measures for future events, the province and organizers plan to enhance safety protocols, including stricter medical history checks for participants, in addition to existing safety measures like identification numbers and background checks.