Park Patrol Sorrow: Officer Dies During Thap Lan Patrol

[snoop1130]

 

Thap Lan National Park faced tragedy as Officer Warawan Anchuen, 40, collapsed and died while patrolling the remote and rugged forest areas near the Lam Plai Mat dam yesterday. The emergency services received distress signals at 3.30pm, but despite exhaustive CPR efforts by his fellow officers, Warawan could not be revived.

 

The mission to reach Warawan was fraught with challenges due to the park’s challenging terrain. Rescue teams required over three hours, using boats and hiking through thick forest, to reach his location. Even with expedient efforts, Warawan had succumbed before help could arrive.

 

Head of Thap Lan National Park, Prawat Chanthatep, has deployed over 40 personnel, collaborating with the Hook 31 Rescue Team from Nakhon Ratchasima, to retrieve Warawan’s body. The complex operation includes navigating steep hills and dense jungle, further complicated by Warawan's imposing stature, being over 180cm and weighing more than 90kg. By late evening, the team had only managed to transport his body halfway to safety.

 

Warawan, lovingly known as Nokthai, embarked on his career in forest protection a decade ago, climbing from contract roles at Thap Lan to a government position at the Prachinburi Fire Control Station, before returning to Thap Lan’s patrol unit in 2022. He was respected for his dedication and service, patrolling the park’s crucial 4th management zone.

 

On the fateful day, Warawan had set out with colleagues and researchers from Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Research Station at 10am to observe wildlife. His sudden collapse came as a shock, especially given his history of good health, noted by family. His niece recounted a poignant goodbye as he left for work, not knowing it was their last farewell.

 

The incident casts a shadow over the park community, highlighting both the dangers faced by those dedicated to protecting Thailand's natural reserves and the enduring commitment of individuals like Warawan Anchuen.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-11-06

 

 

[Watawattana]

Sad.

[topt]

8 minutes ago, Watawattana said:

Sad.

Agreed.

 

it may not have made any difference but due to the remoteness was wondering if they could have used a helicopter. 

 

[hotchilli]

40 is whey too young to go.

[billd766]

13 minutes ago, topt said:

Agreed.

 

it may not have made any difference but due to the remoteness was wondering if they could have used a helicopter. 

 

IMHO a helicopter could have been quicker, assuming that a helicopter was available  and a landing area could be cleared in time. I suspect that you would need an area about 20 or 30 metres wider than the span of the rotor blades to be on the safe side.

 

A Bell 212 has a rotor span of 14.63 metres so you would need to clear an area of perhaps 35 to 45 metres in diameter and that will take some time. Alternatively the helicopter could hover above the tree line and winch the casualty up, which would require less clearance but it would still take time and a well trained rescue helicopter crew.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Thai_Army_Aviation_Center

 

Helicopters in the Thai military.

 

 

 

Thailand does not seem to have a helicopter Air/Sea rescue service. The army do have helicopters, but I am not sure if they have dedicated and trained rescue crews available.