Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

A rare natural phenomenon at Khao Laem peak in Thong Pha Phum district, Kanchanaburi, left many awestruck after the mountain turned a brilliant shade of gold for several minutes. The event, which took place on 6 November 2025, drew widespread attention online after photos and videos were shared by the Facebook page “Farm On Sangkhlaburi.” Witnesses said the entire mountain glowed with a vivid golden hue for more than six minutes before gradually returning to its normal colour.

 

According to reports, the spectacle was visible to the naked eye and required no special equipment to observe. Tourists at the scene captured the event on their mobile phones, and many confirmed that the images shared online were not digitally altered. The phenomenon occurred in the Thakhanun subdistrict of Thong Pha Phum, an area known for its natural beauty and mountainous landscapes.

 

The unusual sight quickly spread on social media, generating thousands of reactions and shares. Commenters expressed amazement at the transformation, describing it as “astonishing” and “fitting” for Thong Pha Phum, a name which literally means “mountain of gold.” Local businesses, including the well-known restaurant Krua Ngo Pa, helped circulate the images after receiving them from visiting tourists.

 

Khao Laem has long been considered a key landmark of Thong Pha Phum. Historically, travellers approaching the area by boat would recognise their arrival at Ban Thakhanun by the sight of the distinctive pointed peak. The recent golden appearance has now added another layer of fascination to this symbolic mountain, potentially drawing more visitors eager to witness or photograph similar occurrences in future.

 

While no scientific explanation has yet been provided, local residents and officials are expected to monitor the area for any repeat phenomena. Tourism authorities may also look into how to safely accommodate increased interest in the site without disturbing its natural environment.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Khao Laem peak in Kanchanaburi turned golden for about six minutes, visible to the naked eye.

• Photos and videos shared online were verified by witnesses as unedited.

• The event sparked widespread attention and renewed tourist interest in Thong Pha Phum.

 

  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Dailynews 2025-11-07

 

 

 

looks like a good place to start gold mining. 

Even wife says Thai news has found no explanation about why this happened. Even the trees are golden on the mountain. 

 

I'm guessing a hole in the cloud focussed the sunlight on the peak and I expect there is a scientific name for it.  Anyway, it sure was spectacular for those observing it.

Possibly some related form of 'alpenglow'?

34 minutes ago, parallelman said:

Possibly some related form of 'alpenglow'?

 

The after glow.....amazing.

 

First saw that in Grindlewald 1966......quite a sight.

Troll post removed @SunsetT

On 11/8/2025 at 5:33 PM, Will B Good said:

 

The after glow.....amazing.

 

First saw that in Grindlewald 1966......quite a sight.

 

You've got to love the Bernese Oberland area in Switzerland with the likes of Wengen & Murren etc I think it's my favourite place on Earth if only I could afford to live there and it's rumoured it gets cold there certain times of the year so I'll stick to Thailand I think.

9 hours ago, trevoromgh said:

 

You've got to love the Bernese Oberland area in Switzerland with the likes of Wengen & Murren etc I think it's my favourite place on Earth if only I could afford to live there and it's rumoured it gets cold there certain times of the year so I'll stick to Thailand I think.

 

OMG...yes...Lauterbrunnen, Trummelback Falls......the whole area is amazing.

 

It was a real shock last time I went to see how the summer snows and glaciers have receded from my first visit in '66.