Minister Commends Rescue of Boy Lost 9 Hours at Tad Yai Waterfall

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin praised Department of National Parks and rescue officials, along with all agencies involved, after a coordinated search found a 7-year-old boy safe following a nine-hour ordeal lost in the forest near Tad Yai Waterfall. He urged parents to keep close watch on their children during the tourism season.

On November 2, 2026, Mr. Suchat Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, revealed that he had received a report about a 7-year-old boy who became separated from his family near the trail to Tad Yai Waterfall. He expressed concern and offered encouragement to the boy's family while closely monitoring the situation until receiving confirmation that the child had been rescued safely.

"I would like to commend the cooperation and unity of Department of National Parks officials, local administration, police, local administrative organizations, and area rescue teams who mobilized immediately and ultimately brought the boy to safety," the minister said.

Mr. Yanyong Nakviroj, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, disclosed that he received a report from Mr. Natthawat Nuisriram, Director of Conservation Area Administration Office 8 (Khon Kaen), and Mr. Kosit Chankchai, Chief of Phu Pha Man National Park, detailing the incident.

The incident occurred on November 1, 2026, at approximately 12:00 PM. A 7-year-old boy from Khon Kaen Province, visiting with his family, had walked ahead on the trail and became lost near the descent to Tad Yai Waterfall in Na Haeo District, Phetchabun Province (within the Na Haeo National Park buffer zone, outside Phu Pha Man National Park).

Upon receiving coordination from the Chum Phae Provincial Police at around 3:00 PM, Phu Pha Man National Park immediately dispatched officers from the Phu Phuey checkpoint to investigate and established a joint command center for the search. They conducted a grid search alongside Na Haeo National Park staff, local administration, community leaders, and the Tham Rescue Foundation, despite the obstacles of darkness and steep terrain.

At 8:30 PM, the search team heard the boy responding from about 150 meters from where he went missing. Because the location was a steep cliff face, they planned a careful rescue with a specialized rope rescue team, successfully reaching the boy at 9:40 PM — a total of more than nine hours after he went missing.

A preliminary physical examination found the boy had mild hypothermia but was conscious and had no serious injuries. Officials provided first aid and transported him to a hospital by 10:40 PM, where doctors confirmed he was safe and released him into his family's care.

The Director-General added that Minister Suchat has instructed the Department of National Parks to elevate tourist safety measures strictly during this tourism season, and urged the public and parents to closely supervise children and family members while hiking or visiting waterfalls, strictly following warning signs and staff instructions.

In case of emergencies or becoming lost in protected forest areas, the public can call the Department of National Parks hotline 1362, available 24 hours.