71-Year-Old Man Found Dead in Deep Forest Pit After 11-Day Search in Chiang Mai

[Georgealbert]

 

 

In a conclusion to an 11-day search, the body of a 71-year-old man, identified as Mr. Preecha Chumjai, was discovered in a deep pit behind Mae Taeng Hospital on November 5. Known locally as “Uncle Tim,” Mr. Preecha had been missing since October 25 after disappearing from Mae Taeng Hospital, where he was being treated for injuries sustained in an accident.

 

The search efforts, which involved relatives, local villagers, volunteers, rescue teams, forestry officials, and the Border Patrol Police, had been extensive, covering the area around Mae Taeng District. Drones were deployed, and a full grid search had been carried out over several days, drawing significant local attention.

 

On November 5, Mr. Preecha’s family, accompanied by local spiritual leaders, performed a ritual in the forest behind the hospital to seek permission from the forest spirits to continue the search. Surveillance footage had previously shown Mr. Preecha walking into the forest behind the hospital, leading searchers to focus on this area.

 

A strong odour finally led the search team approximately 50 metres into the forest behind a traditional massage shop, where they found a pair of slippers believed to belong to Mr. Preecha. Further investigation led them to a 2 metre deep pit, where Mr. Preecha’s body was found. Authorities suspect that Mr. Preecha, walking in the dark, accidentally slipped into the pit and was unable to climb out, ultimately succumbing to the elements.

 

Rescue workers recovered Mr. Preecha’s body from the pit and transported him for an autopsy.

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

-- 2024-11-06