Picture courtesy of Phuketinsta

Rescue teams in Phuket carried out a prolonged and demanding operation to evacuate a Dutch tourist who was injured while hiking near Bang Pae Waterfall, a popular natural attraction on the island. The woman was unable to leave the area without assistance, prompting emergency services to launch a coordinated response in difficult conditions.

The incident occurred when the tourist slipped on uneven ground in a mountainous, forested area close to the waterfall. She sustained a broken arm and bruising to her leg, injuries that prevented her from continuing the hike or reaching safety on her own. Her male companion, who had been hiking with her at the time, was not injured.

Bang Pae Waterfall is a well-known site frequented by both tourists and local residents, particularly those seeking forest walks and nature trails. While the area is generally regarded as accessible, sections of the terrain are steep, narrow and can become slippery, especially in shaded or damp areas. Authorities said the location of the fall made access by vehicle impossible.

Emergency responders were required to travel on foot for more than four kilometres through dense forest to reach the injured woman. After locating her, rescuers provided first aid at the scene, stabilising her injuries before beginning the evacuation. The woman was then carefully placed on a stretcher and carried along narrow and slippery paths.

The entire operation took more than five hours to complete due to the challenging terrain and the need to move slowly to ensure the woman’s safety. Rescue personnel coordinated closely throughout the evacuation, maintaining communication as they navigated the forested route back to an accessible point.

Once the evacuation was completed, the tourist was transported to Thalang Hospital for further medical treatment. Hospital officials confirmed that she was receiving care for her injuries and was in a satisfactory condition. No further details about the duration of her treatment were provided.

Local authorities used the incident to remind visitors to exercise caution when exploring Phuket’s natural attractions. They advised hikers to wear appropriate footwear, carry sufficient supplies and inform others of their plans, particularly when visiting waterfalls and forest trails that may present hidden hazards.

Key Takeaways

• A Dutch tourist was rescued after being injured near Bang Pae Waterfall in Phuket.

• Rescuers walked more than four kilometres and spent over five hours completing the evacuation.

• Authorities urged visitors to take safety precautions when hiking in forested areas.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Phuketinsta 2026-01-18

 

 

Those thrill seekers....

Water...fall !

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