Condo staff were shocked while inspecting a unit after a burst water pipe flooded the lower floor. Upon opening the tenant father's and son's room, they found it filled with piles of garbage emitting a strong foul odor throughout. The staff noted the tenant had been warned several times before the manager filed a police report, after which the tenant agreed to move out.
A Facebook user posted photos of a room filled with trash along with a warning that if anyone encounters this particular tenant, they should never rent to him. Even after filing a police report, damages could not be recovered. This sparked numerous comments and discussions online.
At noon on 29 April 2026, reporters visited the condominium located in downtown Udonthani. At the scene, Ms. Aoy, 22, a condo staff member, took them to the second-floor unit. Upon opening the door, a strong stench immediately wafted out.
Inside the 4x6 meter room with an attached bathroom, trash covered the floor, piled about 50 cm high, leaving no walkway. Garbage was scattered even on the bed, TV, and dressing table. The bathroom was dirty with black stains, and dirty clothes were piled on the floor. Most trash consisted of empty and rotting food containers, drink bottles, and food bags, filling the bedroom with a foul odor. Spider webs covered the walls.
Ms. Aoy explained that the tenant was a 48-year-old man from Udonthani, working as a daily laborer, renting the room for 300 baht per day. He lived there with his son, about 7 or 8 years old, for around 3 to 4 years. He worked in the market and was generally quiet and considered good-natured, often bringing food to share. Initially, he paid rent regularly, but later started falling behind, paying every other day and refusing anyone to enter the room. Eventually, the room became dirty, and a burst pipe caused water to leak down to the counter on the lower floor, accompanied by a strong bad odor. Staff began knocking on second-floor rooms to find the source.
Ms. Aoy continued that when they reached room 207, no one was home—the tenant probably had not returned from work. Staff used a spare key to open the door and found the room filled with garbage and an overpowering stench, leaving all the staff stunned. She said she had only seen such cases in the news and never expected to encounter it at this condo.
When the tenant returned, staff asked why the room was in such condition, but he remained silent and did not answer. The manager instructed him to move out, but he refused. The manager then filed a police report to claim damages and prevent him from staying, after which he agreed to relocate elsewhere.
"Previously, there had been a bad smell coming from the room, so we called him to discuss it. He promised there would be no more odor, but staff were not allowed inside to check. He promised to improve, so we gave him a chance. Later, he fell behind on rent but paid daily when called. On 28 April 2026, we opened the room and found it full of garbage, so we refused to let him stay. We believe the trash had accumulated for about a year to reach this amount. He never had visitors and stayed only with his son. Most trash was food bags, food boxes, and water bottles, with unwashed clothes everywhere. I was so shocked I did not know what to say."
Mr. Ball, 27, a neighboring tenant, said he had rented there for two years, while the tenant with the trash had been there about 3 to 4 years. The tenant worked as a laborer running a stall at local markets. Mr. Ball passed by that room daily but only noticed the smell starting last year, which gradually got worse. Customers complained about the odor multiple times. The tenant promised to fix it but didn't. Seeing the room like this left him speechless and feeling sorry for the son. He guessed the trash had accumulated over many years. The condo likely forced the tenant to move out. Mr. Ball hoped the tenant would maintain cleanliness if living elsewhere.
Reporters added that the former tenant had a criminal record for selling methamphetamine and had been released from prison about two years ago. Condo staff last saw him on 28 April 2026, when he came by motorcycle to take a picnic mattress and some clothes after being told to move out by the condo manager. After that, he could not be contacted.