PATTAYA, Thailand – A swarm of giant honey bees attacked vendors, a police officer, local residents and students near the Banglamung District Office in Naklua, injuring 17 people on Thursday morning, August 20. The incident occurred at about 10:20 a.m. when a large swarm emerged from a giant rain tree and began attacking people passing through the area.
More than five rescue ambulances from Sawang Boriboon rushed to the scene. Several victims suffered swelling and allergic reactions to the bee venom and were given first aid before being taken to Pattaya Batthamakhun Hospital.
Among the seriously injured was 71-year-old Orn-anong Ventris, known locally as “Aunt Auan,” a vendor selling Isaan and made-to-order food. She was reportedly stung by more than 100 bees.
Police Captain Ratchaphon Seneewong Na Ayutthaya, an investigating officer at Banglamung Police Station, attempted to help her but was also attacked. He reportedly grabbed a fire extinguisher in an effort to drive the bees away from the injured woman.
Authorities said four adults were injured, including two vendors, one police officer and one local resident. The remaining 13 victims were students from Banglamung School. Another vendor, 58-year-old Jirapha, said Aunt Auan had been lighting a fire to grill chicken when bees began flying down from a large rain tree. Initially, only a few bees appeared, but within less than two minutes, a large swarm attacked Aunt Auan, causing her to fall to the ground.
Officials later found a large honey bee nest, measuring about 1 by 1 meter, high in the tree. A bucket truck was brought in to remove the nest and prevent further attacks. Residents said bee attacks had occurred in the area before, but described Thursday’s incident as significantly more serious. Further details remain under investigation.
