Chiang Rai Search Finds Two of Three Lost Hikers
Three Thai hikers went missing in the Doi Jong area of Chiang Rai on October 3, prompting a large‑scale search led by the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry. Rescue teams located two of the missing by the morning of October 4, while efforts continue to find the third person. Authorities have emphasized the safety of search personnel throughout the operation.
According to the minister, the disappearance was reported on October 3 after the three individuals were last seen near Ban Phi Mi. Park rangers immediately deployed teams and used thermal drones, but no trace was found. At 10:40 p.m., Mae Sai district chief Teerasak Phuttharaksa chaired a planning meeting, and by 2:15 a.m. park officers joined the Siam Ruam Jai Mae Sai foundation in flying drones equipped with lights and speakers over the San Pa Sak area, detecting only a signal from a lighter under dense trees, which forced a temporary halt to night‑time searches. At 6:30 a.m. the following morning, volunteers from the Siam Ruam Jai Mae Sai foundation, the Phromvihar rescue foundation, village headmen of Pong Pha, and local security units gathered at a pineapple field near San Pa Sak to establish a command centre and resume a blanket search. By 9:42 a.m., a patrol team reported that two of the missing had been found; rescuers were then preparing to bring them safely back to the Tham Luang‑Khun Nam Nang Non park headquarters while continuing the search for the remaining individual.
