Three Missing National Park Rangers Found Safe in Kanchanaburi
Three national park rangers missing for days in Kanchanaburi's mountainous Phlok Kee forest have been found safe after a large-scale search operation involving nearly 50 personnel.
On August 12, 2569, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin closely monitored the situation of three missing Thong Pha Phum National Park rangers and expressed his concern. The rangers had lost contact while conducting a patrol mission to prevent and suppress illegal logging activities in the Phlok Kee forest area, Thong Pha Phum District, Kanchanaburi Province. Chomklin ordered an immediate and full-scale search and rescue operation, prioritizing the safety of the officers.
Chomklin received a report from Artthapol Jaraenchantara, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, who informed him that the three rangers—Somchai Suntad, 44; Pornpawit Chimplee, 31; and Pajoh Sangkhalawikul, 29—had separated from the main patrol unit on August 8 to inspect and patrol the Huay Geringkaela stream area, a zone targeted for preventing illegal sand and gold mining operations. They lost contact after August 9.
The terrain is mountainous and complex, with numerous streams and ravines. Recent heavy rainfall and storm conditions made travel and aerial support difficult. The Conservation Area Office 3 coordinated 45 personnel from Border Patrol Police Unit 135, the Lad Haad Special Task Unit, Sri Sathorn Forces, Khao Lam National Park, and Thong Pha Phum National Park. A command center was established to coordinate and accelerate the search operation.
All three rangers were eventually found safe and have reestablished contact with their unit, bringing relief to their commanding officers and families. Minister Chomklin instructed the agencies to closely monitor the health and safety of the three officers and thanked all personnel involved in the successful search and rescue operation.
