Free-climbing Tourist facing charges for climbing protected limestone cliff

[webfact]

file photo for reference only

 

KRABI: -- A foreign tourist is currently under investigation for free climbing in southern Thailand. The tourist, whose identity has not been released, was spotted climbing a limestone cliff in the Krabi province without proper safety equipment. The incident was reported to the authorities by local residents, who were concerned for the tourist's safety.

 

The tourist was arrested and is now facing charges for violating the National Park Act. If convicted, the tourist could face a fine of up to 100,000 Thai baht or up to one year in jail. The tourist is also facing charges for climbing in a protected area without permission.

 

Free climbing, also known as solo climbing or traditional climbing, is a form of climbing in which the climber does not use any safety equipment or ropes. It is considered a dangerous activity and is prohibited in many areas, including national parks.

 

The incident has sparked a debate about the safety of tourists in Thailand. Many locals have expressed concern that tourists are not aware of the dangers of free climbing and are not properly educated about the rules and regulations in place to protect them.

 

This is not the first incident of its kind in Thailand, as there have been previous cases of tourists climbing without proper equipment or permission. Some experts argue that the government should do more to educate tourists about the risks of free climbing and the laws in place to protect them.

 

The incident also highlights the need for better enforcement of the laws and regulations in place to protect national parks and other protected areas in Thailand. Many locals have called for stricter penalties for those who violate the rules, arguing that the current fines and jail terms are not enough to deter violators.

 

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[sammieuk1]

Free this free climber from this nonsense its a rock it can take it ????

[Hummin]

Did he free climb or free soloing. Guess most do not know the difference! 

 

One is with rope and harness the other not.

 

Climbing in Krabi, we stayed away from a few sacred walls and trees to not upset the local Buddhists.

[richard_smith237]

Is he going to be locked up and have the key thrown away along with the tourist who caught a few Parrot Fish and another who took a Jar of sand home from the beach ?

[carlyai]

At least the National Parks chief didn't do anything as stupid as this. ????

[hotchilli]

Welcome to Thailand where everything is sacred and will get you fined or banged up.

[spidermike007]

Most people skilled enough to do free climbing, or free solo, know the risks. This is simply about the cowards at the parks department not wanting to deal with the risk of getting their reputations tarnished any further. 

[Aussieroaming]

Much safer to walk up an uneven goat trail equipped with rickety or rusted hand rails, rotten timber steps, uneven concrete sections and random unprotected drop offs and pretend that national safety standards have been met.

 

 

 

 

[gomangosteen]

6 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Welcome to Thailand where everything is sacred and will get you fined or banged up.

No mention that this was a sacred place. Just that climbing is prohibited inside the National Park.

 

There are several climbing business operators in Krabi, who carry out their activities in approved areas. 

 

But (and there's always a but in Thailand) as Thairath news points out, he and his friends were taken there by a licensed tour boat operator who should/must have known the regulations is this climber may not have been aware of restrictions.

 

So, a little huff and puff from the bureaucrats. He hasn't been charged with anything just 'under investigation' (as is the boat operator) so let's not get too carried away.

 

A couple of pictures from Thairath. It's also pointed out that this is a national park bird nesting area and it's breeding season.

I'd be more concerned about snakes.

 

 

 

 

[gomangosteen]

But wait there's more

Pic from Sanook

 

Teekhawut Sriburin, head of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, Krabi Province, said they will be locating the local Hua Thong tour boat operator.

 

And spare a thought for Teekhawut. On Sunday he was involved in a ten hour recovery operation to locate and retrieve the body of a 30 year old German who committed suicide in the park.

 

It's all happening in Krabi. On Wednesday a chartered long tail boat carrying tourists sunk and two of the three tourists died - a woman aged 36, 4mths pregnant and a six year old child.

 

[spidermike007]

6 hours ago, gomangosteen said:

But wait there's more

Pic from Sanook

 

Teekhawut Sriburin, head of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, Krabi Province, said they will be locating the local Hua Thong tour boat operator.

 

And spare a thought for Teekhawut. On Sunday he was involved in a ten hour recovery operation to locate and retrieve the body of a 30 year old German who committed suicide in the park.

 

It's all happening in Krabi. On Wednesday a chartered long tail boat carrying tourists sunk and two of the three tourists died - a woman aged 36, 4mths pregnant and a six year old child.

 

Wow. When it rains, it pours. Is Krabi the new Dark Tao? 

[kidneyw]

21 hours ago, webfact said:

free climbing

And there is the problem.

Nothing is free here. They probably want to start charging money for access to so this or for a permit.

[gomangosteen]

Krabi makes the list, eighth place:

 

12 top climbing spots in the world

20 January 2023

08 Railay, Thailand
Another oceanic dream for many climbers, the pristine Railay beach boasts steep limestone cliffs posted right on the beach. Only 21 feet of elevation, you won’t be huffing and puffing—although hundreds of multi-pitch, sport climbing, bouldering, and even deep water soloing, could leave you breathless.

There’s a climbing school on the beach, so friends of all levels can tag along to this southeast Asia hotspot.

 

http://youtu.be/nBox0dJEFTk

 

 

The Rock Shop: There are many climbs to choose from, here you will find some of the basic rock climbing information for Krabi. Here is a sport’s climbers paradise, there are over 1000 bolted routes, ranging from easy 5’s to 8b+’s. While most climbs are overhanging, you also find balancy and slab climbing, and stalactites.

 

 

 

[Purdey]

I doubt if foreigners who free climb need information about the dangers. I guess that's why they do it.

Officials are probably more concerned about him killing himself and a load of foreigners on some forum blaming them for not putting up "no climbing" signs. Whatever they did they would be wrong. ????