Young Man Survives Week Lost in Forest, Drinking Elephant Footprints

Rescue teams, wildlife officials, village leaders, and nearly 100 residents launched an intensive search after Kittamet, 22, known as Pal, went missing in Dong Yai Forest on July 11, 2026, while foraging with friends. The search proved difficult due to dense jungle and dangerous wildlife, but teams continued for days without locating him. His parents Somkiat, 48, and Duangmanee, 49, joined the search efforts and eventually consulted a local fortune teller who reassured them their son was still alive, giving them hope despite the extensive unsuccessful search efforts. Late in the evening, a couple from Sarakham subdistrict in Sisaket province discovered a young man matching Pal's description in poor condition with scratches across his body, and provided shelter before alerting national park officials to contact his family.

Pal had traveled approximately 60 kilometers from Dong Yai Forest to the location where he was found, which his family regarded as miraculous. When questioned, Pal explained that he had separated from his friend to relieve himself, became disoriented, and spent seven days trying to find his way out of the forest. During those days, he survived on water collected in elephant footprints and plant vine sap without any solid food, despite encountering wild elephants multiple times. He eventually encountered villagers who helped him, and expressed overwhelming gratitude to his parents and everyone involved in the search, vowing never to venture into the forest again.

Pal's mother expressed her joy and relief, stating that although many people had searched extensively without success, consulting the fortune teller who confirmed her son was alive kept hope alive until his miraculous return.