Picture of the only signs found.

 

Authorities had officially called off the search for a 50-year-old man on the morning of September 14, who had been missing in the forest for six days. Despite extensive efforts, the search team only found a pair of trousers and footprints.

 

The missing man, identified as Mr. Paitoon, disappeared on 8 September after leaving Bunchanuan Village in Sub Yai District, Chaiyaphum Province, and heading into the forest near the foothills, approximately 500 metres from the village. A search team of over 100 individuals, including local officials, soldiers, police, rescue workers, and villagers, along with sniffer dogs from Surathampitak Camp in Nakhon Ratchasima, had been scouring the area in hopes of finding him.

 

 

During the search, officials discovered signs that Mr. Paitoon had stopped near a water source about 4 kilometres from the village. At the scene, they found a pair of trousers, footprints, and a discarded coffee packet. Despite these clues, the search team and sniffer dogs were unable to locate him.

 

Heavy rain and dense forest conditions severely hampered the search efforts, making visibility difficult and leading to the decision to halt the operation.

 

Ms. Jane, Mr. Paitoon’s 52-year-old sister, remained confident that her brother was still alive. She believed he may have been frightened by the search team and ventured deeper into the forest. "We saw signs that he drank water from the stream, and I believe he’s still out there somewhere," she said. She also expressed her heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in the search for their support and efforts in trying to locate her brother.

 

Despite the search being suspended, the family continued to hold out hope and remained optimistic and then in a miraculous turn of events the man was found alive, only three kilometres from his village. Mr. Paitoon was discovered by relatives, lying exhausted on a rock, in an area previously passed by searchers.

 

In the late afternoon of September 14, a group of family members and community leaders continued the search on foot. During this effort, Mr. Wisanu, a 34-year-old relative, noticed footprints that led him to find Mr. Paitoon in a weakened state, lying next to a rock in the forest. Mr. Paitoon was dressed in a blue long-sleeved shirt and blue shorts but was barefoot.

 

The group helped Mr. Paitoon down from the mountain and contacted others to bring a vehicle to transport him to the hospital. Medical staff performed a thorough examination and provided IV fluids and vitamins to aid his recovery.

 

The discovery of Mr. Paitoon left many puzzled, as several searchers had previously passed through the area without noticing him

 

-- 2024-09-15

 

 

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On 9/15/2024 at 4:30 AM, Georgealbert said:

Ms. Jane, Mr. Paitoon’s 52-year-old sister, remained confident that her brother was still alive. She believed he may have been frightened by the search team and ventured deeper into the forest.

What was he up to?

I suppose a compass isn't mandatory when you enter a jungle/forest.

silly old coot ... 

Reminds me of the Spike Milligan ditty

 

I must go down to the seas again

The lonely sea and the sky

I left my shoes and socks there

I wonder if they're dry?

23 hours ago, hotchilli said:

What was he up to?

 

A camping trip, getting away from the wife for awhile?

12 minutes ago, watchcat said:

 

A camping trip, getting away from the wife for awhile?

The fresh air and calm will have done him good.