In this case, a healthy 20-year-old man was seeking escape from a confrontation in a dry ice factory by hiding in a plastic container that measured 1.5 x 1 x 1 m. This type of container was normally used to store ice and food in Thailand. Within approximately 5 minutes, the factory security guard and a worker opened the container after they observed the container move. The deceased was observed convulsing for approximately 1 minute before he stopped moving. Emergency medical technicians were called; however, he was pronounced dead when they arrived. An investigation at the scene revealed that the man lay on the mattress over the dry ice inside the container. The container could be opened from the inside, and there was a warning sign that it contained dry ice. At autopsy, the deceased had no gross or microscopic evidence of disease or injury. External examination of the body did not produce any significant findings. The lungs showed moderate congestion. The brain showed mild edema and congestion. The results of all toxicological tests - including alcohol, commonly abused drugs, and psychiatric prescription medications - were negative. Asphyxia, particularly carbon dioxide intoxication, is a diagnosis that must be based on the scene investigation and circumstances surrounding a death, with the exclusion of other causes of death. Carbon dioxide is a colorless, odorless, nonirritating gas that may cause asphyxia by replacing oxygen. There are reported cases that in nonventilated places, consciousness is lost in seconds, and death follows rapidly. 3 figures and 15 references