A dramatic incident occurred beside Wat Phra Si Sanphet in Ayutthaya Province when a large "Peacock Tree" toppled, crushing Spanish tourists and injuring four. Authorities quickly transported the injured to the hospital. The governor visited the victims and ordered a thorough examination of ancient trees throughout the historic city to enhance safety measures.
At 12:30 p.m. on 16 Aug 2026, Police Lieutenant Colonel Manoch Ritthipoon, an investigator at Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Police Station, received reports of a large tree falling onto tourists, resulting in multiple injuries. The incident took place at the viharn of Wat Mongkol Bophit, beside the wall of Wat Phra Si Sanphet in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Ayutthaya Province.
Upon notification, authorities coordinated with Ruamkatanyu Foundation, Phutthaisawan Foundation, and the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital ambulance to promptly inspect the scene and provide emergency aid to the injured.
At the site, four injured individuals were found—one man and three women—lying beneath the large fallen tree. Rescue teams from both foundations provided initial first aid before transporting the three women, who sustained moderate injuries, to the hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, the hospital's emergency medical team attended to the male victim, who suffered a broken right rib and fractures in two parts of his left leg, before urgently transporting him to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital.
The incident caused significant alarm among nearby tourists and locals. Preliminary inspection revealed the fallen tree was a large Peacock Tree with a hollow base and clear signs of breakage near the roots.
Authorities used tools and saws to cut branches and swiftly remove the fallen tree from the area to clear pathways and ensure safety for visitors and locals touring the historic site.
Initial inquiries found the injured were part of a 20-person Spanish tourist group visiting the site. While walking near the tree, it suddenly collapsed, resulting in four injuries who were then rushed to the hospital.
Kittisak Mathong of Ruamkatanyu Foundation stated they received reports of a large tree falling on foreign tourists with injuries, prompting a rapid response. Upon arrival, they found Spanish tourists lying on the ground beneath the fallen tree and branches. Rescuers cleared the debris from the victims and transported them to the hospital for treatment.
Later, investigators and tourism police arrived at the scene to facilitate assistance and care for the injured tourists and their accompanying family members, ensuring they received proper support.
Officials initially believe the tree was very old, with a hollow and decayed base that could no longer support its weight, causing it to fall. However, the exact cause awaits detailed examination by relevant agencies.
Authorities consider the incident an unforeseeable accident, as there was no rain or strong wind at the time. Related agencies will thoroughly inspect the condition of trees and surrounding areas to prevent similar incidents, while fully supporting and caring for affected tourists.
This was an isolated and sudden event, not indicative of the overall safety of tourist sites. Officials continue to manage and facilitate visitor access to maintain confidence among locals and tourists visiting Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province.
Subsequently, Chawanin Wongsatitjirakan, governor of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, visited the injured at the hospital after learning of the accident and inspected the fallen tree at the scene.
He disclosed that preliminary reports indicate the injured were part of a Spanish tourist group of about 20 people, with three sustaining minor injuries and some more seriously hurt. All are now under medical care.
For assistance, the governor assigned the provincial Tourism and Sports Office to coordinate closely with tourism police for care and coordination, and instructed the hospital director to ensure full support and the best possible treatment for all injured.
Additionally, to prevent recurrence, coordination has been ordered between the Ayutthaya Historical Park and the Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office to deploy "arborists"—experts in large tree care—to inspect the strength of large trees across all ancient sites in Ayutthaya Province, ensuring the safety and confidence of both Thai and foreign tourists.