Pornchai Saosri (pictured with his family), who measured 8ft 8ins, died aged 26 at his family home in the village of Ban Takaeo in the Prasat district of Thailand. Pornchai, who was nicknamed 'Oaf' by his family, had recently been hospitalised and was bedridden as he battled a number of illnesses. He was said to be the world's tallest man but was never given the official title because health problems meant he was unable to stand straight and had to be measured sitting down. 'World's tallest man' measuring 8ft 8ins and named 'Oaf' by his family dies at his home in Thailand after battling illness linked to his fast growth rate