Importance Score: 55 / 100 🔵
Tragic Loss: Thai Ranger Drowns Retrieving Tourist’s Phone in Cave Stream
A wildlife ranger tragically drowned while attempting to recover a British tourist’s smartphone after it was dropped into an underground stream within a cave in Thailand. This incident highlights the dangers of cave exploration and the importance of safety. The ranger’s sacrifice underscores the risks associated with such rescues. The incident occurred in Tham Sao Hin cave during a trek.
Details of the Incident
Paisan Wanphet, 43, entered the frigid waters to retrieve the device, which slipped from the visitor’s grasp as they explored the Tham Sao Hin cave system. Despite wearing safety equipment, the ranger descended into complete darkness in pursuit of the phone.
Unfortunately, the father of two reportedly experienced leg cramps while swimming and was overpowered by the swift currents.
Mass Evacuation and Rescue Efforts
As the situation intensified, fellow rangers safely escorted approximately 120 tourists out of the cave.
Following Wanphet’s failure to resurface, rescue teams arrived at the Kanchanaburi tourist destination on April 15.
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Recovery of the Body
Rescue personnel spent several hours searching the turbulent waters before locating Paisan’s remains lodged between rocks six meters (20ft) beneath the surface at 10 p.m. local time.
Footage depicted emergency responders in life vests extracting Paisan’s body from the cave amidst the rushing water.
Official Statements
Chutidet Kamanonchanut, Director of the Conservation Area Management, stated:
- ‘At approximately 9 p.m., divers discovered Mr. Paisarn’s body trapped within a rock crevice deep inside the Sao Hin Cave.’
- ‘Due to the darkness, persistent rainfall, and the steep terrain surrounding the cave exit, the rescue operation proved extremely challenging.’
- ‘The body was finally recovered at around 2:30 a.m. on April 16 and transported to Thong Pha Phum Hospital.’
- ‘His family was informed and did not dispute the cause of death.’
Government Condolences and Support
Chalermchai Sri-on, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, offered his condolences to the ranger’s family.
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation will provide approximately £13,000 in financial aid to Paisan’s family following this unfortunate event.
Cave Closure and Safety Concerns
Following the incident, both the Tham Sao Hin cave and the Tham Nok Nang Aen cave, located within the same national park, have been temporarily closed for safety reasons.
Officials stated that anticipated heavy rainfall had likely raised water levels inside the caves, raising concerns about potential flash floods. These caves are now considered unsafe for tourist activities.
About Tham Sao Hin Cave
Tham Sao Hin is a notable limestone cave situated in Lam Khlong Ngu National Park in Kanchanaburi. Cave tourism here presents dangers depending on the time of year.
It is renowned for its imposing 60-meter (200ft) limestone column—believed to be among the world’s tallest—and other unique geological formations found within the cavern.
Cave Conditions and Rainy Season Hazards
The conditions inside the cave can become exceptionally hazardous during the rainy season, spanning from April to October. Heavy rainfall can lead to increased water levels and slippery rock surfaces, making cave exploration a risky endeavor.