BURIRAM — A 22-year-old man who went missing while foraging in a forest in Buriram province has been found alive after surviving seven days in the wilderness by drinking water collected in elephant footprints and from forest vines.
Kitamet “Palm” Koisamran disappeared on 11 July 2026 after becoming separated from a friend while searching for wild produce in Dong Yai Forest in Non Din Daeng district.
Nearly 100 people, including rescue workers, wildlife officials, local leaders, volunteers and villagers, spent days searching the dense forest on foot and by motorcycle, but were unable to locate him.
The search was complicated by thick vegetation and the presence of wild animals, including elephants.
Palm’s parents also joined the search. As hopes faded, they turned to spiritual beliefs, praying to forest spirits and consulting a traditional fortune teller, who told them their son was still alive and would eventually emerge from the forest.
Their hopes were realised on the evening of 17 July, when a married couple in Sra Takhian subdistrict, Soeng Sang district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, found a man matching Palm’s description.
The couple said he appeared exhausted and had scratches on his arms and legs. They took him to their home, gave him shelter and notified Thap Lan National Park officials, who coordinated with his family.
The location where Palm was found is about 60 kilometres from where he went missing.
Palm told rescuers he had separated from his friend after leaving to relieve himself. When he returned, he could no longer see his companion’s lights.
He said he shouted for help and set off firecrackers to attract attention but received no response. He then tried to find his way out of the forest, only to become increasingly lost.
During the ordeal, he encountered several herds of wild elephants but said they did not attack him.
Palm said he survived the week without food, relying only on water collected in elephant footprints and water from forest vines until he finally came across local residents and asked for help.
“I’m happy to be alive and to see my parents again,” he said, adding that he would never enter the forest to forage again.
His mother described her son’s survival as a miracle and thanked rescue workers, officials and villagers who joined the search.
She said the family plans to have Palm ordained as a Buddhist monk to fulfil a vow made during the search and added that they would not allow him to venture into the forest again.