A 22-year-old man who vanished while foraging in Buriram has been found alive after seven days lost in the forest. Kitamet "Palm" Koisamran survived without food, drinking water gathered from elephant footprints and forest vines. Palm went missing on 11 July after becoming separated from a friend in Dong Yai Forest, Non Din Daeng district, where they had been looking for wild produce. Nearly 100 people - including rescue workers, wildlife officials, local leaders, volunteers and villagers - joined the search, travelling through the dense forest on foot and by motorcycle. Thick vegetation and the presence of wild animals, including elephants, made the operation difficult. Found 60 kilometres from where he disappeared Palm's parents took part in the search but, as the days passed, also prayed to forest spirits and consulted a traditional fortune teller. They were told their son was alive and would eventually leave the forest. On the evening of 17 July, a married couple in Sra Takhian subdistrict, Soeng Sang district, Nakhon Ratchasima, found a man matching Palm's description. The spot was about 60 kilometres from the point where he had gone missing. The couple said Palm was exhausted and had scratches on his arms and legs. They gave him shelter at their home and alerted Thap Lan National Park officials, who then coordinated with his family. Palm told rescuers that he had walked away to relieve himself and, on returning, could no longer see his friend's lights. He shouted and set off firecrackers in an effort to attract attention, but received no reply. Trying to find a route out only led him deeper into the forest, he said. During the week, he came across several herds of wild elephants, although none attacked him. A warning for visitors in forest areas Palm said he had no food during his ordeal and survived solely on water found in elephant tracks and from vines. He eventually encountered local residents and asked them for help. "I’m happy to be alive and to see my parents again," Palm said. He added that he would never enter the forest to forage again. His mother called his survival a miracle and thanked the officials, rescuers and villagers involved in the search. The family plans for Palm to be ordained as a Buddhist monk to fulfil a vow made while he was missing, and says he will not be allowed to go into the forest again. For foreigners hiking, camping or visiting forested parts of Thailand, the case is a reminder that conditions can quickly become disorientating away from marked routes. Thick jungle, limited visibility and wildlife can make a short separation from companions especially dangerous. Picture courtesy of Khaosod Join the discussion? 20 July 2026
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