Community Phayao Authorities Recover Body of Missing Man After 25 Days in Jungle

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Kaoded.

 

After more than three weeks of intense searching, authorities in Phayao province have recovered the body of a 68-year-old man who went missing in the jungle late last month. The remains of Mr Chalat Phonyiam, a resident of Ban Cham Kai, were found deep in a remote forest area after he had been missing for 25 days.

 

Mr Chalat, who had ventured into the mountains to forage on 24 April, was last seen near Doi Mon Tu Chao Chai Phrathat Noi in Moo 11, San Khong sub-district, Dok Khamtai district. Following his disappearance, local officials, police, forest rangers, rescue teams, and volunteers launched a large-scale search operation, navigating treacherous terrain in hopes of finding him alive.

 

On the morning of 19 May, officials confirmed the discovery of his body in dense jungle near the border between Ban Cham Kai and Ban Cham Muang in Pong district. The body was found lying on its back, wearing camouflage clothing, with the left arm resting on a tree branch. A firearm was also found nearby. Authorities estimate that Mr Chalat had been dead for several days.

 

Leading the recovery operation was Acting Sub-Lieutenant Bamrung Khamwai, district chief of Dok Khamtai, alongside Police Colonel Bowon Chaiyakam, superintendent of Dok Khamtai Police Station. A coordination meeting was held earlier in the day at the district office to plan the retrieval of the body, which involved a physically demanding trek through the jungle.

 

The body was transported back for forensic examination to determine the exact cause of death. Initial examination does not suggest foul play, though an autopsy will be conducted by forensic medical specialists.

 

This case comes after an earlier five-day search for another elderly man in the area, highlighting the dangers faced by villagers who rely on forest resources and frequently venture into remote terrain.

 

Local officials have urged caution for those entering forested areas, stressing the importance of informing authorities or neighbours before heading into the jungle alone.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-05-20.