Missing Park Ranger Found Dead in Kanchanaburi National Park

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

A park ranger who went missing while leading a group of tourists on a trek through the famous Sao Hin Cave in Lam Khlong Ngu National Park, Kanchanaburi,  has been found dead, authorities confirmed late evening on 15 April.

 

Mr. Chutidet Kamonchanut, Director of the Office of Conservation Area Administration 3, reported the incident at 13:00 on April 15 after receiving an emergency call regarding the disappearance of Mr. Paisan Waenpetch, an external contractor working with the national park.

 

According to initial reports, Mr. Paisan vanished in the water while guiding a group of eco-tourists through the forest near the Sao Hin Cave. Upon being notified, Mr. Arkhonit Klangpraphan, Head of Lam Khlong Ngu National Park, immediately dispatched a search and rescue team to the site.

 

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation promptly ordered a systematic search operation, taking into account the area’s complex terrain and various environmental hazards. Due to the challenging nature of the landscape, the park coordinated efforts with an experienced dive rescue team from the Pitak Karn Foundation to intensify the search.

 

Despite relentless efforts throughout the day, no trace of Mr. Paisan had been found by evening. However, at approximately 22:00, the Department announced that divers had located the body of the missing ranger. The recovery operation was underway to bring his body out of the area. “We extend our deepest condolences,” the department stated in an official post.

Sao Hin Cave is a renowned attraction in Lam Khlong Ngu National Park, located in Kanchanaburi province. The limestone cave stretches more than 500 metres deep and features dramatic stalactites, stalagmites, and towering natural stone pillars that give the cave its name, which translates to “Stone Pillar Cave”. A subterranean stream runs through the cave, and during the rainy season, rising water levels and strong currents make the area particularly hazardous.

 

-- 2025-04-16