Young Boxer Falls While Climbing Phatthalung’s Khao Ok Thalu

Pictures from responders.

A 19-year-old boxer fell while climbing the steep cliffs of Khao Ok Thalu, a well-known landmark in Phatthalung. Rescue teams faced significant challenges in bringing him to safety due to the mountain’s treacherous terrain.

At around 09:00 on 15 February, emergency services received a report from a bystander that a young man had fallen while attempting to scale the peak of Khao Ok Thalu, located within Phatthalung Municipality. Rescuers, along with police officers and border patrol unit 434, were dispatched to the scene, carrying ropes and climbing equipment. They ascended the 1,225-step stairway leading up the mountain to reach the incident site.

The fall occurred beyond the staircase, near the mountain’s famous natural rock hole. The victim plunged approximately 50 metres down a steep cliff, a section often considered dangerous and challenging for climbers attempting to reach the summit.

Eyewitnesses, who were descending the mountain at the time, reported hearing a loud thud before rushing back up to investigate. They discovered the injured climber suffering from wounds to his face, arms, and legs, as well as severe neck pain. Unable to assist, they alerted nearby climbers, who hurried to his aid.

At 10:00 rescue volunteers reached the victim and provided first aid. He was identified as Nattawut, a 19-year-old resident of Chai Buri subdistrict in Mueang Phatthalung district and a boxer from a well-known local school.

Due to the steep terrain, the process of bringing him down was slow and difficult. Finally, at 10:55 rescue teams successfully carried him to the base of the mountain before transferring him to hospital for further medical treatment.

Khao Ok Thalu is one of Phatthalung’s most recognisable landmarks. It is a popular destination, particularly in the early morning and on weekends, when visitors climb to enjoy a panoramic 360-degree view of the city.

-- 2025-02-16