Two Missing Villagers Found Safe in Chiang Rai Forest
Two of three villagers who went missing while collecting bamboo worms in Chiang Rai’s Doi Nang Non forest have been found safe. The men, identified as Boonsub and Saranyu, were located in a forest coffee grove and are receiving aid. Search teams continue to look for the third villager, Thanong, as authorities coordinate a ground and drone-based operation.
On the morning of October 4, officials from Tham Luang-Khun Nang Non National Park, the Pong Pha subdistrict chief, and volunteers from the Siam Ruamjai and Phra Kru Pitak Phromwihr rescue foundations divided into three teams to comb the area identified by drone heat signatures. Around 09:15, Chiang Rai Governor Chuacheep Phongchai arrived at the park's tourist service center to oversee the operation and urged all agencies to expedite the search. Shortly after, ground teams reported that they had located Boonsub, 57, and Saranyu, 32, safe inside a coffee grove deep in the forest between Ban Pah Mi and Ban Pah Hi. The two men received water and food and were questioned about their route to help narrow the search for the still-missing Thanong, 39. Authorities said finding the two missing villagers was a major breakthrough, as their accounts could pinpoint where to look next. Search efforts continue around the clock to bring the last missing person out of the forest safely.
