Thai Minister Praises Rescue of 3 Lost Villagers in Chiang Rai
Natural Resources Minister Suchart Chomklin reported the successful rescue of Mr. Tanong and two others trapped in Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non National Park, Chiang Rai, for 4 days.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Natural Resources Minister Suchart Chomklin praised the successful rescue of three villagers in Chiang Rai.
- Mr. Tanong, 39, was stranded on Doi Nang Non for four days starting October 2, 2026.
- Over 60 officers and volunteers joined forces to conduct the rescue operation despite heavy rain.
On October 5, 2026, Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, announced the successful completion of a search and rescue operation for individuals who went missing within a natural reserve area, confirming that all stranded villagers in the Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non National Park area in Chiang Rai province were safely rescued.
The incident involved 39-year-old Mr. Tanong and two other villagers who became lost and stranded on Doi Nang Non starting from October 2, 2026. The ordeal lasted into its fourth day amid severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and poor visibility that significantly hampered the search efforts conducted by local authorities.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Search and rescue operations in steep forest terrains and complex cave systems like Doi Nang Non and Tham Luang in Chiang Rai often present severe challenges due to rapid weather shifts, particularly during the rainy season. The seamless coordination between national park rangers, border patrol police, military units, and local volunteers remains the critical factor enabling successful operations in expansive forest areas within a short timeframe.
Minister Suchart Chomklin expressed his congratulations to the families of the survivors and extended his gratitude for the strong cooperation among all participating sectors. A joint force of over 60 personnel was mobilized for the mission, comprising key agencies such as:
- Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non National Park officials
- Lam Nam Kok National Park officials
- K9 unit from Border Patrol Police Battalion 32
- Mae Sai District Special Operations Unit
- Military Circle 37, Mengrai Maharaj Camp
The operation also received vital support from the Chiang Rai Forest Management Office No. 2, the Chiang Rai Disaster Warning and Preparation Center volunteer unit, the Siam Chiang Rai Foundation Mae Sai branch, and Mae Sai Hospital, all of which worked tirelessly to ensure the safe recovery of the victims.
"On behalf of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, I would like to congratulate the families of the victims and express my profound gratitude for the strong cooperation of over 60 officials and personnel from all sectors who joined forces."
Suchart Chomklin
Following the conclusion of the mission, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment instructed the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to strictly enhance safety measures across national parks to prevent similar missing person incidents and to better safeguard tourists and local residents in high-risk areas moving forward.
Source: Khaosod Politics
Found something wrong in this article? Report an issue with this article
Comments
Leave a Comment