Search Operation Rescues Two Lost Italian Tourists on Koh Phangan

Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

A major search operation was launched on Koh Phangan after two Italian tourists went missing in a forested area near Haad Khom on the island. The pair were safely located after more than three hours of coordinated efforts by local authorities.

The incident occurred during the night of 11 April, when Pol. Lt. Winij Boonchit, from Tourist Police Sub-Division 5, Division 2, Region 3, received an urgent alert from the Italian Embassy via the Tourist Police hotline 1155. The report stated that two female tourists had lost their way in the jungle in Moo 7, Koh Phangan Sub-district.

In response, local officials led by Mr. Paisit Thongjoem, Acting District Chief of Koh Phangan, in cooperation with Pol. Col. Apichat Chansamret, Superintendent of Koh Phangan Police Station, and Mr. Akkaraphon Phunphon, Assistant District Chief for Security, established an emergency command centre to coordinate the search.

Around 50 officers from various agencies, including the Tourist Police, National Park staff, Koh Phangan Rescue, and local police, joined the mission to locate the tourists, identified as Ms. Maria Florencia Abaca and Ms. Linda Raterro, both of Italian nationality.

The women, who had managed to contact authorities and share their GPS coordinates, reported they were not injured but were unable to find their way back from the forest trail. The rescue operation was hampered by heavy rain, but the search teams were able to locate and assist the pair to safety.

Tourist Police officers later escorted the women back to their accommodation, including retrieving their motorbike. Both tourists expressed their gratitude to the authorities for the swift and professional assistance.

Mr. Paisit emphasised the district’s strong commitment to ensuring the safety of all visitors. He noted that Koh Phangan remains dedicated to building confidence in travel safety through collaborative efforts among all local agencies.

-- 2025-04-12