Picture courtesy of SiamNews

 

A 23-year-old man, riding near Pattaya was forced to abandon his motorcycle and walk more than 2 kilometres after GPS directions led him into a forest, resulting in a crash on a steep hillside. The incident occurred at 19:00 on the 15 September 2025, when the Sawang Boriboon Pattaya Rescue Foundation received a call about a stranded motorcyclist in Pong subdistrict, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri. Rescue teams used off-road vehicles to reach the scene on Khao Phai, with assistance from Huay Yai police.

 

The motorcyclist, physiotherapist Punnyawat Buddachun, had attempted to visit Krok Ma Tai Waterfall for photography. Following GPS directions from Highway 331, he was guided onto a hazardous track with steep slopes, flowing water and dense forest. As daylight faded, his black Honda CL 300 toppled on a steep incline and he could not lift it due to its weight, forcing him to continue on foot to seek help.

 

Rescue workers reached the motorcycle after a 20-minute journey through challenging terrain using high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles. The bike sustained only minor damage and was safely recovered. Punnyawat expressed deep gratitude to the police and rescue team, bowing and embracing them for their assistance.

 

The incident highlights the dangers of relying solely on GPS navigation in rural or rugged areas around Pattaya. Locals and officials caution that mapping systems can fail to distinguish between roads and unsafe tracks, potentially putting travellers at risk of accidents in dense forest or on steep slopes. Authorities emphasise the importance of seeking local guidance and exercising caution when exploring natural attractions.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A GPS error led a tourist into a forest near Pattaya, causing a motorcycle crash and a 2km walk for help.

• The black Honda CL 300 sustained minor damage and was successfully recovered by rescue teams.

• Authorities warn that GPS navigation may not identify hazardous tracks in rural areas, advising caution.

 

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Siamnews 2025-09-18

 

 

 

 

58 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

The incident highlights the dangers of relying solely on GPS navigation

The incident highlights the fact that some people should not ride motorcycles. 

 

I recall walking the short hike to that waterfall many years ago. Of course, that was way before smartphones and Google maps had enhanced people's lives while deadening their common sense.

I recall when GPS was first introduced literally driving in circles trying to find an address. Of course it's improved immensely but do I trust it? Aw HELL no.

Considering the wet weather we have been having, a trip to a remote waterfall was folly. 

Now a daily GPS news report.

Just read in another one which ended fatally.

 

Google tends to send you to.some hazardous routes without a warning.

1 hour ago, NanLaew said:

I recall walking the short hike to that waterfall many years ago. Of course, that was way before smartphones and Google maps had enhanced people's lives while deadening their common sense.

Strange to want to visit so late at night ?

 

19 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

Considering the wet weather we have been having, a trip to a remote waterfall was folly. 

Yes and no.

Plenty of rain guarantees a lush waterfall.

So temptation is high to try a trip.

In the picture the guy is pointing like it's a crime scene. Or maybe he's making sure the newsreader can see this is HIS bike, and not another one they some other idiot has dropped. Or, like Blue Peter and their, "here's one I made earlier..."

 

The CL 300 is variously described as a scrambler but it looks a bit big for hill climbing. Maybe the guy needs to workout so he can pick it up the next time?

1 hour ago, KhunBENQ said:

Yes and no.

Plenty of rain guarantees a lush waterfall.

So temptation is high to try a trip.

I have been to a few, difficult climbing, slipper rocks etc, and I believe a recent tourist death at one. 

Perhaps he should not use the "walking" mode when in a vehicle?

 

(GPS can be adjusted for car, bike, etc.)

On 9/18/2025 at 4:53 AM, SAFETY FIRST said:

The incident highlights the fact that some people should not ride motorcycles. 

 

or go outdoors without supervision  😎

On 9/18/2025 at 6:10 AM, KhunBENQ said:

Now a daily GPS news report.

Just read in another one which ended fatally.

 

Google tends to send you to.some hazardous routes without a warning.

If the Google Camera car hasn't been there, don't trust it!