Phetchabun School Experiment Mishap: Four Students Suffer Severe Burns

In a surprising turn of events in the peaceful province of Phetchabun, a classroom science experiment spiraled out of control, leaving four schoolboys with severe burns. The incident unfolded at Na Chaliang Pittayakom School on January 23, causing quite a ruckus in the usually tranquil setting.

It all started with an otherwise ordinary science experiment. The local news outlet, Phet Variety, was quick to report the mishap, sharing startling images of the 14-year-old students, their youthful faces and hands swathed in gauze. As the story goes, the student president, along with four friends, had been keenly observing their teacher’s demonstration with a stove.

The science teacher, named Lerkchai Limrangslit, was conducting an experiment that involved pouring engine oil into the stove. Little did he know, the plastic container that stored the oil had a more explosive past—it once held petrol. This unsuspecting oversight led to a flashy burst of sparks, igniting a brief but concerning fire.

Interestingly, the student president managed to dodge the flames, remaining unscathed. His friends, however, were not as fortunate, sustaining burns in their eagerness to watch the demonstration up close. Despite the chaotic scene, none of the boys pointed fingers at their teacher. They candidly admitted to getting closer of their own accord, driven by a fervent curiosity rather than any miscalculations from their teacher.

Lerkchai, in a subsequent interview with Channel 7, emphasized that engine oil is generally safe and does not ignite easily. However, the lingering petrol fumes in the container were an unnoticed variable in this scientific equation gone awry. As a dedicated mentor, he wasted no time in rushing the injured boys to Nong Phai Hospital, ensuring they received the necessary care. While the burns were addressed with care and caution, Lerkchai reassured everyone that the injuries were not serious, although thoroughly dressed to ward off infections.

The incident resonated with the parents as well, who were nothing but understanding, recognizing an unfortunate accident rather than negligence. In an interview with Channel 3, they revealed that their son’s condition had considerably improved, showing remarkable resilience and recovery.

This incident is a harrowing reminder of the unpredictability of experiments, even under the most controlled environments. But it also highlights the importance of curiosity and learning from experience—sometimes, with a little bit of risk involved.

In an unrelated but tragic event in Phuket, a 10-year-old boy’s life was cut short in a heart-wrenching accident involving an old, rusted football crossbar. The boy’s playfulness led him to swing on it, only for the beam to give way, resulting in a fatal blow. These stories, with their somber tones, underscore the importance of safety and vigilance, not just in classrooms but in everyday life.

Meanwhile, in other parts of Thailand, a slew of news stories continues to unfold. From the apprehension of a Thai transwoman in Nonthaburi for explicit content to a Lamborghini driver fleeing an accident scene in dramatic fashion; from efforts to combat fraud by the Anti-Money Laundering Office closing mule accounts to the exhilarating tale of a Thai man surviving eight days in the forest with a broken hip, Thailand remains lively and robust, with narratives as varied as its vibrant culture.