Accident Off-Road Biker Found Dead After Hornet Attack in Forest

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath.

 

A 38-year-old off-road motorcyclist was found dead after falling into a ravine while attempting to escape a swarm of hornets during a trail ride on a remote mountain.

 

Noppadol Nakayot, a resident of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, was reported missing after he and a group of dirt bike riders ventured into the forested area of Khao Huai Phi Lok in Saraburi province on the afternoon of 1 May.

 

According to local authorities and rescue volunteers, the group of around 20–30 bikers had entered the mountainous terrain in Moo 10, Cham Phak Phaeo subdistrict, Kaeng Khoi district, a restricted area where off-road riding is prohibited. While riding deep into the forest, they were reportedly attacked by a swarm of hornets, prompting the group to flee in different directions.

 

Noppadol became separated from the group during the chaos. His friends initially attempted to locate him without success and contacted rescue teams the following morning. A joint search effort involving the Department of National Parks, volunteer rescuers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, and local authorities was launched early on 2 May.

 

Due to muddy, rough terrain and obstructed paths, only off-road motorcycles and four-wheel-drive vehicles could access the area. The search team found Noppadol’s white dirt bike abandoned around 13:00, approximately five kilometres from the foot of the mountain. His body was discovered 30 minutes later, having fallen roughly 10 metres into a ravine. He was found lying on his back, with his body already stiffened, indicating he had been dead for several hours.

 

It took until 23:30 for rescuers to safely retrieve his body due to the challenging terrain.

 

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Prayoon Lawakul, the village headman of Moo 10, confirmed that despite an annual presence of dirt bikers in the area, the mountain is a designated no-entry zone for such vehicles. He acknowledged the difficulty of transporting the body due to the inaccessible landscape.

 

A fellow rider, who had joined the outing with Noppadol, said that the group had been riding through the forest around 13:00 on 1 May when they were suddenly attacked by a swarm of hornets. The riders dispersed in panic. Noppadol, who was known to have a severe allergy to stings, was last seen riding off alone.

 

Authorities are continuing to urge off-road enthusiasts to respect restricted zones and be mindful of wildlife risks in forested areas. The deceased’s family has been informed, and an autopsy will be carried out to confirm the exact cause of death.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from ThaiRath 2025-05-04.