Pictures courtesy of Daily News

A foreign paraglider became stranded on an electricity line and pole on Koh Larn, Chon Buri, on 12 January 2026, triggering a full island-wide power outage during the rescue operation. Emergency services were forced to cut the electricity supply to safely retrieve the man, leaving residents and tourists without power for nearly an hour.

The incident occurred at about 2.30pm near Ta Waen Beach, Moo 7, Na Kluea subdistrict, Bang Lamung district. The Pattaya Sawang Boriboon Rescue Foundation radio centre received reports that a foreign tourist had misjudged a landing while paragliding and become caught on the top of a high-voltage power pole.

Rescue volunteers were dispatched along with police officers from Pattaya City Police Station assigned to Koh Larn. A large crowd of Thai and foreign tourists gathered at the scene, watching as the man was left hanging more than 10 metres above the ground.

The paraglider was identified as Mr Michael Travis Langhart, 55, a United States national. He was wearing full paragliding gear, with his parachute lines and canopy entangled around the electricity pole, leaving his body dangling head-down while he called out for help.

Initial rescue efforts were difficult due to the risk posed by the live high-voltage cables. Rescue teams coordinated with the Provincial Electricity Authority to cut the power supply, a decision that caused a complete blackout across Koh Larn.

After approximately one hour, rescue workers and electrical authority staff were able to safely bring Mr Langhart down from the pole. He was found to have abrasions on both legs and burn wounds caused by an electric shock. He was immediately taken to Ban Koh Larn Hospital for urgent treatment. Authorities later prepared to transfer him to a hospital in Pattaya city for further medical care.

Investigators said Mr Langhart is an experienced paraglider and skydiver and holds a valid licence from the Royal Aeronautic Sports Association of Thailand under royal patronage. Prior to the incident, he had launched from a hilltop on Koh Larn and attempted to glide down towards Ta Waen Beach.

During the descent, he lost control and struck the high-voltage line, leading to the dangerous entanglement and subsequent injuries. Officials have not reported any further injuries or damage related to the island-wide power cut. Daily News reported that authorities are expected to review safety measures for paragliding activities on Koh Larn, particularly around launch and landing zones near electrical infrastructure.

Key Takeaways

• A US paraglider became trapped on a high-voltage pole on Koh Larn on 12 January 2026, causing an island-wide blackout.

• Power was cut for nearly one hour to allow rescue teams to safely retrieve the man.

• The injured paraglider was treated locally before being prepared for transfer to a Pattaya hospital.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Dailynews 2026-01-12

 

 

American playing delta Force cosplay in Thailand after watching Venezuela invasion.

That 'rescue ladder' looks more dangerous than the wires!

Although he received an electric shock, its lucky he wasn't electrocuted?

Maybe it was Trump practicing for his next conquest after Venezuela, Colombia, Cuba and Greenland?

52 minutes ago, mikeymike100 said:

Although he received an electric shock, its lucky he wasn't electrocuted?

Indeed he can celebrate his second birth.

Obviously not touched two lines simultaneously or any grounded object like a lightning rod.

About 11000 Volt would have burned him to ashes.

You can hang with one arm on the line and no shock like the birds resting.

Local PEA does many jobs on live wires.

Electrifying decent to earth.

5 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

and holds a valid licence from the Royal Aeronautic Sports Association of Thailand

Wonder how much he paid for that.

Plonker....

32 minutes ago, Upnotover said:

Wonder how much he paid for that.

2000baht, lifetime membership.

Please send this more run a bill for all the damage he caused to businesses on that island. Then deport and black list for 20 years.

I have flown from that site, and most likely a poor wind judgment when he took off, avoiding traffic, or even bad equipment control before take off. Just a few variables that can lead to landing at the powerlines below the take off.

43 minutes ago, KhunBENQ said:

Indeed he can celebrate his second birth.

Obviously not touched two lines simultaneously or any grounded object like a lightning rod.

About 11000 Volt would have burned him to ashes.

You can hang with one arm on the line and no shock like the birds resting.

Local PEA does many jobs on live wires.

The power lines look like they have recently been replaced with insulated HT cables. They did our road a couple of years ago. Think it is an anti-snake measure as they removed the metal wrap that used to be around the poles to try and prevent snakes getting up to the old un-insulated cables.

2 hours ago, BKKBike09 said:

That 'rescue ladder' looks more dangerous than the wires!

better than the aluminum ones, I often see them using.

ijit

2 hours ago, Divorce Lifeline said:

Maybe it was Trump practicing for his next conquest after Venezuela, Colombia, Cuba and Greenland?

"Trump Captures Koh Larn, deports monkeys to Russia for service in Ukraine"

These selfish idiots always seem to ignore the risks and just assume they can go do their attention seeking activities where they wish. At 55 this clown should know better and learn from the experience, even understand he could have lost his life, but inevitably it won’t happen.

At a very minimum all paragliders should avoid hitting power lines, so as not to disturb the local population and shut down many small businesses. That was incredibly inconsiderate thing for him to do.

6 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

At a very minimum all paragliders should avoid hitting power lines, so as not to disturb the local population and shut down many small businesses. That was incredibly inconsiderate thing for him to do.

Im sure it was not intentional, but for sure the wind conditions was not optimal, or he did some miscalculation when he hit back draft of a termal bubble

5 hours ago, petermik said:

Plonker....

Paraglading is marvellous activity, just as SCUBA diving, skiing, mountaineering, etc.. Back in. France 10-15 fatalities a year for 35000 regular pilots.

9 hours ago, mikeymike100 said:

Although he received an electric shock, its lucky he wasn't electrocuted?

The next shock he receives will be when he gets the bill. 🙂

Another bright spark. 😀

But seriously, it just sounds like an unfortunate accident, but he was extremely lucky.

4 hours ago, Hummin said:

Im sure it was not intentional, but for sure the wind conditions was not optimal, or he did some miscalculation when he hit back draft of a termal bubble

Of course. Who crashes into power lines intentionally? It was satire. Though you are likely right, why was he flying so low?

5 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

Of course. Who crashes into power lines intentionally? It was satire. Though you are likely right, why was he flying so low?

They sore the ridge there for thermals and flying as long they can or want, and sometimes there is thermals going up, and if wind goes up one place, wind goes down another place, pluss high season I guess there could be some traffic issues to, but it is just speculation.

People do mistakes, it is just a matter of time. Mostly it ends well, and only gives you a reminder of the game you playing, sometimes not.

Bill and fine him ! Typical DA of USA.

Anyway, seems like an ok report here with strong wind and guts as it used to be this time of the year. Cold wind from north hitting the warmer beaches and hills at the island

https://fb.watch/EBYAjRXLDW/?fs=e

Paragliding is not on my bucket list, at his age he should have known better. 🤕

9 hours ago, balo said:

Paragliding is not on my bucket list, at his age he should have known better. 🤕

Lucky to still be alive hitting power cables.......