Bangkok: Nakhon Ratchasima: An octopus-shaped ride malfunctioned, injuring two students at the Ya Mo Kraburi festival in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The district chief has ordered the suspension of all its use.
According to Thai News Agency, social media is abuzz with posts about an accident involving a giant octopus-shaped ride that crashed to the ground during the annual celebration of Thao Suranari's victory in 2026. The incident occurred on the night of March 4th, 2026, at approximately 8:00 PM, at the field in front of the Khon Buri District Office in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Two young girls were injured.
Officials inspected the scene. Mr. Pariwat Chailert, the district chief of Khon Buri, revealed that initial findings showed one bolt on the amusement ride seat had loosened and detached from its mounting base, causing the seat to tilt and hit the ground. This resulted in injuries to two girls, approximately 14 years old, who were using the ride. Officials took the injured girls to Khon Buri Hospital for treatment. No fractures were found; they only had bruises and abrasions on their arms and legs. Doctors allowed them to return home to monitor their condition.
However, the families of the two children believed that the impact was caused by the centrifugal force of the ride and were concerned about possible internal injuries. They wanted the children to be sent for a more thorough examination at the provincial hospital. The district chief stated that the ride owner and the event organizers agreed that both children should be sent for a detailed medical examination at Maharaj Nakorn Ratchasima Hospital, and that all expenses would be covered by the ride owner and the event organizers.
In addition, all rides have been ordered to be suspended from use. An inspection of the Octopus ride revealed some damaged equipment that needs replacing. After repairs are complete, a team of technicians will conduct another inspection before deciding whether to reopen the ride. Other rides, such as the carousel and Ferris wheel, were found to be free of problems.