Woman Injured by Barbed Wire in Phuket Town Incident: Details and Response

A 45-year-old woman, Wilailak Tiabsingh, is recovering after a barbed wire was flung into her eye by a grass cutter while she was riding her motorbike in Phuket Town. The distressing incident occurred on Saturday morning, August 10, at approximately 8:20 am at the Mister Com intersection on Pattana Road Soi 3.

Incident Overview

According to Pol Lt Surachai Watitsuphaphol of the Phuket City Police, the barbed wire was propelled into the air by a Myanmar worker employed by Phuket City Municipality. The worker, identified as Nay Naing Lin, was cutting grass along the roadside when the unfortunate accident happened.

Ms. Wilailak, a resident of Ranong, was en route to work and had made a brief stop to buy breakfast. While resuming her journey, she felt a sudden, sharp pain in her eye, realizing that a piece of barbed wire had become embedded in it. The wire, approximately two inches in length, was found dangling from her eye.

Medical Response and Ongoing Investigation

Immediately following the incident, Ms. Wilailak sought medical help by calling rescue services and notifying the police. She was swiftly transported to Phuket Provincial Hospital, where doctors confirmed the removal of the barbed wire from her eye. However, the full extent of the damage to her eye has not yet been disclosed.

The grass-cutting worker, Nay Naing Lin, is employed by Somphong and Relatives Mining Limited Partnership, which had been contracted by Phuket City Municipality for street maintenance. The company has reached out to Ms. Wilailak and is prepared to discuss compensation and responsibility. A formal meeting to address these concerns is scheduled for the next business day, following the public holiday.

Safety Measures and Public Response

Phuket City Municipality has previously highlighted their safety measures online, showcasing workers equipped with large protective materials to prevent accidents during grass cutting. Despite these precautions, the incident has raised concerns about the effectiveness of these measures and the need for stricter safety protocols.

Witnesses to the incident have already been interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities are working to determine the factors that led to this unfortunate event and to ensure such incidents are prevented in the future.

Conclusion

The accident involving Wilailak Tiabsingh has drawn significant attention, underscoring the importance of stringent safety measures for public works. As Ms. Wilailak continues her recovery, the focus remains on addressing the incident's ramifications and improving safety standards for roadside maintenance in Phuket Town.