Report Lost 3 Days, 79-Year-Old Woman Rescued from Forest

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Photo via Facebook/คอข่าวเพชรบูรณ์
 

In a dramatic rescue in Phitsanulok, a 79-year-old Thai woman, Pim, was found after being lost for three days in a forest. Pim had ventured into the Khao Nam Dam mountain range on August 1, searching for bamboo shoots, a routine she knew well. However, she became disoriented, leading to a desperate search by local officials and villagers.

 

Pim was discovered exhausted under a tree at 1.30 pm on August 3. Despite her ordeal, she was unharmed, sharing that she had followed old motocross tracks before losing her bearings. Her survival became uncertain after falling from a cliff, yet she managed to avoid serious injury by eventually reaching a stream, where she hoped for rescue.

 

The rescue team quickly mobilised, using a motorcycle to transport her out of the forest and promptly rushing her to a hospital to ensure her safety while navigating the rough terrain. This incident stirred memories of a tragic occurrence in 2021 when Toi, a 68-year-old neighbour, vanished in the same forest. Toi’s body was recovered at the bottom of the same cliff from which Pim had fallen.

 

The news of Pim’s disappearance shook the community, amplified by the haunting memory of the previous incident. The incident echoes a January episode in Kanchanaburi province, when a 30-year-old man survived in a forest for eight days, sustaining himself with food he carried and dew.

 

These stories underscore the perilous nature of venturing into unfamiliar territories, reminding locals of the unpredictable dangers lurking in seemingly familiar environments. While Pim's tale ends in relief, it also serves as a sharp reminder of the tragic fate that befell Toi just two years ago.

 

Survival in the wild often depends on a combination of luck and endurance, as illustrated vividly by Pim's experience. Her successful rescue has brought relief to her family and community, though the shadow of past tragedies lingers.

 

Authorities continue to urge caution, advising those familiar with the forest to heed its dangers. Pim’s narrow escape has sparked conversations on safety measures for those who forage, a practice deeply woven into local culture.

 

Phitsanulok’s landscapes, while picturesque, can turn hazardous quickly. Local officials are considering increased signage and safety patrols to prevent similar incidents. Pim’s resolve and the swift action of rescuers have rekindled discussions on improving forest safety protocols.

 

Such incidents remind us that while nature offers sustenance and beauty, it demands caution and respect. Pim’s experience, while harrowing, is a beacon of resilience against the unpredictability of nature, inspiring renewed efforts to ensure future safety for all foragers.

 

Thailand’s forests, rich in natural resources, remain integral to the lives of many, but stories like Pim's highlight the need for vigilance. Her safe return is a testament to community solidarity and the human spirit but also a cautionary tale about the lurking perils of the wild.

 

Pim’s unexpected journey into survival serves as both a triumph and a warning, urging ongoing attention to safety as villagers continue their age-old traditions amidst the enigmatic allure of Thailand’s natural landscapes.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-05