Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

Two foreign tourists were rescued after losing their way in the jungle on Koh Phangan during a storm, local police confirmed. Boris Andres Ponton from Ecuador and Zach Izhak Berlinski from Israel became stranded between Haad Yuan and Haad Rin amid heavy rain and challenging terrain. Their situation was reported to Koh Phangan Tourist Police around 10pm on Tuesday, after the men shared their location with a friend before their phones ran out of battery.

The rescue operation coordinated efforts from police, national park rangers, and volunteers. Rescuers navigated the difficult conditions with lighting equipment on foot. The team successfully located the tourists at 11:43pm, finding them tired but unharmed, and safely guided them back to their accommodation after administering first aid.

The tourists had embarked on an evening hike to enjoy views over Haad Rin but got disoriented due to the storm and heavy rain. They expressed gratitude for the prompt response of the rescuers and the ensuing safe return to their lodging.

Experts suggest that visitors should be monitored through weather advisories and advised on safe timings for nature activities. This incident underscores the importance of preparedness and the need for adequate emergency response measures in tourist-heavy regions.

Looking forward, authorities may consider enhancing trail safety and visitor advisory systems to prevent similar occurrences. Continuous collaboration between local authorities and national park officials is crucial in ensuring tourist safety amidst unpredictable weather conditions on the island, reported Bangkok Post.

Key Takeaways

• Two tourists were rescued after being lost in a Koh Phangan jungle.

• The quick response involved multiple rescue teams amid bad weather.

• Future plans may focus on improving tourist safety and advisories.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2026-02-04

 

 

Idiots . It's an island and not a big one either . Pretty much walk downhill and you will come to a road or the beach 🙄🙈

I wonder if Beavis and Butthead here were on the KP wacky tobacky..............

Send them a bill for that rescue....

9 hours ago, ronster said:

Idiots . It's an island and not a big one either . Pretty much walk downhill and you will come to a road or the beach 🙄🙈

I agree- it is not rocket science really is it?

In my younger days I did a lot of climbing and hill-walking in Scotland. Low cloud and mist could suddenly come down reducing visibility. The technique was to find a watercourse and follow it downstream, This would eventually lead to lower ground and a road.

1. Don't go hiking in the dark

2. Don't use your phone as a flashlight- hence it runs out of battery.

3. As said previously- stop going up hill.

4. Check weather conditions before you leave.

5. Grow some balls.