Picture via Facebook/ ฮักแม่สาย

Thai rescue teams have successfully located Gordon Dewar, a British cyclist who lost his way while cycling towards Chiang Mai city centre. Authorities found Dewar, aged 63, in the Huay Pang Por Forest after he contacted them for assistance. The rescue operation involved motocross riders, off-road vehicles, and drones.

Dewar set off on an off-road trail to enjoy scenic views but found the steep terrain too demanding. Exhausted and out of supplies, he decided to stay put overnight and called for help the next day. Rescue teams found him around 12:30 pm and safely transported him out of the forest.

Rescuers noted Dewar was conscious but visibly drained after up to 15 hours without sustenance. He suffered no serious injuries but experienced muscle fatigue. Dewar was given water and mineral supplements before being taken to hospital for a check-up.

Dewar, an experienced cyclist familiar with Chiang Mai's routes, embarked on the ride, aiming for the city centre. The unexpected challenge of the route led to him losing his way, prompting him to contact authorities when possible.

After resting and receiving medical treatment, Dewar continued his journey towards Chiang Mai city centre, determined to complete his ride. Similar incidents have occurred in the region, including a rescue last September involving a South Korean family lost in Lampang province, reported The Thaiger.

Key Takeaways:

• British cyclist Gordon Dewar was rescued after getting lost in a Chiang Mai forest.

• He was found exhausted but uninjured and received medical attention.

• The incident is reminiscent of previous rescues in the region.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2026-01-12

 

 

Personally have extensively covered the trails here in the North and have yet found a way to get lost.

I'm glad it worked out for the guy.

And I freely admit to often going off alone, but this is a cautionary tale for why it's always best to pedal, hike and kayak with a buddy or in a group.

^ Or take a GPS with you.

He had a phone with him so he had access to a compass app and GPS

31 minutes ago, wombat said:

He had a phone with him so he had access to a compass app and GPS

GPS and compass not all that useful in the mountains and jungle around CM.

You can see where you are, and where you want to get, but often there is no clear trail and lots of impassable ground/ravine/undergrowth.

23 hours ago, novacova said:

Personally have extensively covered the trails here in the North and have yet found a way to get lost.

"Dewar set off on an off-road trail to enjoy scenic views but found the steep terrain too demanding".

The news declared he was lost, he was just out of shape, and out of touch………I can see why, his age, but from Belgium, avid bike riders, that country is mostly flat, with long rolling hills and some of the fastest bike riding roads I have been on. Spent 3 years there in the Army and rode Bicycle almost daily to work. So he wasn’t prepared. Glad he made it out okay. Peace

34 minutes ago, Explorator en Actione said:

"Dewar set off on an off-road trail to enjoy scenic views but found the steep terrain too demanding".

The news declared he was lost, he was just out of shape, and out of touch………I can see why, his age, but from Belgium, avid bike riders, that country is mostly flat, with long rolling hills and some of the fastest bike riding roads I have been on. Spent 3 years there in the Army and rode Bicycle almost daily to work. So he wasn’t prepared. Glad he made it out okay. Peace

Britain, not Belgium, my bad, brain stuck on auto-pilot after reading about the Belgian falling from hotel balcomy.

Mea Culpa Peace

He forgets that is no young anymore and the climate and pollution.

Sounds like the Brit may be baked beans short of a full English breakfast. Shouldn't you call for help before your exhausted, out of supplies, and night approaching, instead of after?

The chap took a road bike onto jungle trails that are predominately made up of roots,rocks and ruts. Off-road trails in CM can make for a challenging and tough ride. He was out of his riding element.

He’s an experienced cyclist making a common mistake, committing to a route beyond the point of no return.

He’s lucky to have been found in time.